Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

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Description

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is a rich, comforting, and family-friendly dish where tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a savory tomato and herb sauce, then topped with gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty garlic bread.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme)

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

 Instructions

  1. Lightly spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.

  2. Place the chicken breasts inside and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

  3. Add onion, garlic, and pour marinara sauce over the chicken. Stir gently to coat.

  4. Cover and cook:

    • Low: 5–6 hours

    • High: 2.5–3 hours

  5. About 15–20 minutes before serving, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken. Cover until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  6. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

  • If you prefer, you can shred the chicken after cooking and stir it back into the cheesy sauce for a more casserole-like texture.

  • Use a good-quality marinara sauce for best flavor.

  • This dish can also be made with chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Tips

  • Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini in the last hour for extra nutrition.

  • For a creamier version, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream before adding the cheese.

  • If you like extra golden cheese, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking dish, sprinkle cheese on top, and broil for 3–4 minutes until bubbly.

Servings

Serves 4 people

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 380

  • Protein: 42g

  • Fat: 15g

  • Carbohydrates: 13g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugars: 6g

  • Sodium: 720mg

 Benefits

  • High in protein, keeping you full and energized.

  • A comforting, family-friendly dish that’s easy to prepare.

  • Versatile – serve with pasta, rice, or a low-carb veggie option.

  • Slow cooker method makes it stress-free and hands-off.

 Q & A

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw before cooking for even texture and safety.

Q2: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and sauce the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, place it in the slow cooker.

Q3: What’s the best pasta to serve with this?
Spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine work great, but rice or mashed potatoes also pair beautifully.

Q4: Can I make it low-carb?
Yes, serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

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