Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Parmesan is a delightful twist on the classic dish. With tender chicken simmered in marinara and topped with melty cheese, it's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for busy weeknights!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender chicken that soaks up delicious marinara sauce
- Cheesy, gooey topping that everyone adores
- Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup
- Perfect for busy families and meal prep
A Comforting Family Meal
Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Parmesan is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting dish that brings everyone together. This recipe captures the essence of home-cooked goodness, perfect for those busy weeknights when time is short but you still want to serve something hearty. The combination of tender chicken, savory marinara, and melted cheese is sure to delight both kids and adults alike, making it a go-to option for family dinners.
One of the best aspects of this dish is its versatility. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, on a bed of rice, or alongside a fresh salad, Chicken Parmesan adapts beautifully to your meal preferences. It’s a dish that encourages creativity in the kitchen while delivering consistent results that will make your family ask for seconds.
Effortless Cooking with the Crockpot
The beauty of using a crockpot for this Chicken Parmesan recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few minutes of preparation, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld and develop over time. This hands-off cooking method means you can focus on other tasks or spend time with your family while your dinner cooks itself. Just toss the ingredients in, and let your crockpot do the heavy lifting.
Not only does this method save you time, but it also minimizes cleanup. There’s no need to dirty multiple pans or worry about monitoring the stove. Everything cooks in one pot, leaving you with more time to enjoy your meal and less time worrying about the mess afterward.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan is an ideal choice for meal prep enthusiasts. Preparing a large batch means you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week, making it easier to stick to your healthy eating goals or simply save time on busy days. Portion out the chicken with some pasta or vegetables, and you have a ready-to-eat meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Additionally, this dish freezes well, making it perfect for those times when you want to have a homemade meal on hand without the effort of cooking from scratch. Just make sure to store it in airtight containers, and you’ll have a quick meal option available whenever you need it.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make a comforting meal your family will love:
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Make sure to have all ingredients ready before starting!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious crockpot chicken parmesan:
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place them in the bottom of the crockpot.
Add Marinara Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Cook in the Crockpot
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Add Cheese
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover and let the cheese melt.
Serve
Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot over pasta or with crusty bread.
Enjoy your delicious crockpot chicken parmesan!
Storage Tips
To store leftover Chicken Parmesan, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best results, add a splash of marinara sauce to keep the chicken moist during reheating.
If you plan to freeze the Chicken Parmesan, it’s best to do so before adding the cheese. This way, the chicken maintains its texture and flavor. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then add cheese before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Parmesan pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a classic combination, serve it over spaghetti or your favorite pasta. The marinara sauce and chicken create a deliciously rich coating that complements the noodles perfectly. Alternatively, serve it with a side of garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce and add a crunchy texture.
For a healthier option, consider serving the Chicken Parmesan with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. The crispness of the veggies will balance the richness of the chicken, creating a well-rounded meal. You can even add some roasted vegetables for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time.
→ Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
Created by: Georgia Lane
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
How-To Steps
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place them in the bottom of the crockpot.
Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover and let the cheese melt.
Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot over pasta or with crusty bread.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 6g