Transform simple chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy meal with this easy slow cooker recipe! The combination of tender chicken, rich marinara, and melty mozzarella creates an irresistible Italian-inspired dish.
THE PERFECT WEEKNIGHT COMFORT MEAL
Looking for a dinner that practically makes itself? This cheesy chicken dish delivers all the comfort of a home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy families who want something special without the fuss!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Chicken thighs work beautifully and often stay even more tender during slow cooking.
Why add cheese at the end?
Adding cheese too early can make it tough or stringy. Adding it near the end ensures perfectly melted, gooey cheese.
Can I prep this ahead?
Absolutely! Season chicken and mix sauce ingredients the night before. Store separately in refrigerator until ready to cook.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS:
- Use thick chicken breasts or pound to even thickness
- Don’t lift lid during cooking
- Let chicken rest 10 minutes after cooking
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melting
- Check temperature – should reach 165°F
- Garnish just before serving
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE BELOW)
- Chicken breasts
- Marinara sauce
- Fresh mozzarella
- Seasonings
- Chicken broth
- Fresh herbs
SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
Optional Add-ins:
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Extra garlic cloves
- Fresh oregano
- Sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place seasoned chicken in slow cooker.
- In a bowl, combine chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning.
- Pour sauce mixture over chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
- In final 30 minutes, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Continue cooking until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prep ingredients night before
- Storage: Keeps 3-4 days refrigerated
- Freezing: Freeze without cheese for up to 3 months
- Serving: Let rest 10 minutes before serving
- Variation: Try with chicken thighs
- Time Tip: Don’t open lid during cooking
Nutrition
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Perfect over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread and a green salad. For a low-carb option, serve with roasted vegetables or zucchini noodles.
