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I’ve always loved the idea of Chicken Parmesan, but the process—dredging, frying, baking—can feel like a lot, especially on a busy day.
The first time I tried making it in the crockpot, I wasn’t expecting the crispy texture I usually associate with the dish, but what I got instead was juicy, tender chicken simmered in rich tomato sauce, blanketed in melted cheese.
It was comforting and satisfying in its own right, and honestly, I didn’t miss the mess or the frying.
This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan gives you all the flavors of the classic Italian dish with a fraction of the work.
It’s cozy, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with pasta, bread, or even on a hoagie roll.
Once you try it, it’ll quickly become a go-to for easy weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something saucy and cheesy without turning on the oven.
If you love this crockpot recipe, be sure to check out some of my other favorite cozy recipes like my crockpot pulled pork sandwiches, comforting chicken cacciatore, or these quick and veggie side dish ideas.
Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty, light, or crowd-pleasing, there’s something here for everyone!
Ingredients:
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for topping)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Add to Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken in the crockpot. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2½–3½ hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add Cheese: About 15–20 minutes before serving, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the chicken. Cover again and let the cheese melt.
- Optional Crunchy Topping: If you’d like a toasted breadcrumb topping, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and lightly toast them in a skillet. Sprinkle over the chicken just before serving to mimic the crispiness of classic Chicken Parm.
- Serve: Serve over spaghetti, alongside garlic bread, or as a sandwich on a toasted roll. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes:
- This recipe serves 4–6 people, depending on portion size.
- For a more traditional feel, you can prep the breadcrumb topping in advance and store it until ready to serve. It adds a nice contrast to the soft, saucy chicken.
- Don’t skip seasoning the chicken first—it really builds flavor as it cooks.
- I once added the cheese too early, and it melted into the sauce instead of staying on top. For best results, wait until the end!
- Leftovers reheat beautifully and can even be turned into next-day Chicken Parm sandwiches.
Chicken
I’ve always loved the idea of Chicken Parmesan, but the process—dredging, frying, baking—can feel like a lot, especially on a busy day.
The first time I tried making it in the crockpot, I wasn’t expecting the crispy texture I usually associate with the dish, but what I got instead was juicy, tender chicken simmered in rich tomato sauce, blanketed in melted cheese.
It was comforting and satisfying in its own right, and honestly, I didn’t miss the mess or the frying.
This crockpot chicken parm give you all the flavors of the classic italian dish with a fraction of the work. It's cozy, flavorful, and pairs perectly with pasta, bread, or even on a hoagie roll. Once you try it, it'll quickly become a go-to for easy weeknight dinners or when you're craving something saucy and cheesy without turning the oven on.
Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for topping)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Add to Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken in the crockpot. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2½–3½ hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add Cheese: About 15–20 minutes before serving, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the chicken. Cover again and let the cheese melt.
- Optional Crunchy Topping: If you’d like a toasted breadcrumb topping, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and lightly toast them in a skillet. Sprinkle over the chicken just before serving to mimic the crispiness of classic Chicken Parm.
- Serve: Serve over spaghetti, alongside garlic bread, or as a sandwich on a toasted roll. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- This recipe serves 4–6 people, depending on portion size.
- For a more traditional feel, you can prep the breadcrumb topping in advance and store it until ready to serve. It adds a nice contrast to the soft, saucy chicken.
- Don’t skip seasoning the chicken first—it really builds flavor as it cooks.
- I once added the cheese too early, and it melted into the sauce instead of staying on top. For best results, wait until the end!
- Leftovers reheat beautifully and can even be turned into next-day Chicken Parm sandwiches.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1385Total Fat: 37gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 609mgSodium: 1521mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 3gSugar: 8gProtein: 225g
Wrapping Up Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan is a low-effort, high-reward take on a comfort food classic.
With tender chicken simmered in flavorful marinara and finished with melted cheese and an optional crispy topping, it delivers everything you love about the traditional dish—without the frying or baking.
Perfect for busy evenings, meal prepping, or satisfying a craving, this version simplifies the process without sacrificing the heart of what makes Chicken Parmesan so comforting and delicious.
Pair it with your favorite pasta or crusty bread, and dinner is done.
