One of my strongest food memories of growing up is my mom’s homemade chicken Parmesan. Saucy, cheesy chicken served on top of a bed of angel hair pasta—it’s the coziest possible dinner in the dark of a cold Wisconsin winter. As much as I love the classic version, this slow-cooker chicken Parmesan is an easy variation that simplifies meal prep without sacrificing flavor. Easy chicken dinners like these are perfect any night of the week.
When it comes to comfort food recipes, this is definitely one to keep handy. The prep is quick to pull everything together, and the cook time is totally hands-off. You’ll coat the chicken in bread crumbs, top it all off with sauce and cheese, and let the magic happen inside the slow cooker. You’ll be rewarded a cheesy, sauce slow-cooked chicken Parmesan that’s ready to serve with pasta or crusty rolls.
Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan
- Chicken breasts: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are an easy, quick-cooking cut of chicken. The hearty tomato sauce and slow cook time ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy.
- Bread crumbs: A coating of seasoned bread crumbs adds texture and flavor to the chicken. Use store-bought or homemade bread crumbs, or substitute with a bread crumb alternative, such as crushed crackers, panko or gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Marinara sauce: A single jar of high-quality store-bought marinara is one reason this slow-cooker chicken Parmesan comes together quickly. Use a homemade marinara sauce, or try a Test Kitchen-selected jarred pasta sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Savory Parmesan cheese gives this dish its signature rich, umami flavor. Use freshly grated Parmesan—the stuff from a shaker doesn’t have enough flavor. A higher-quality pre-shredded Parmesan from the cheese counter also works.
- Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and adds a mild, rich flavor. This recipe calls for pre-sliced mozzarella for quick prep. You can also slice your own.
Directions
Step 1: Bread the chicken
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, pepper and salt. In another bowl, combine the egg and water. Dip the chicken in the egg mixture, then in crumb mixture to coat both sides, patting to help the coating adhere.
Editor’s Tip: If you want the seasoning to pack a punch, use your own homemade Italian seasoning, which allows you to adjust the flavor according to your own taste.
Step 2: Layer up the slow cooker
Transfer the chicken to a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cook, covered, on low for four to six hours, until a thermometer inserted in the chicken reads 165°F.
Step 3: Add the cheese
Top the chicken and sauce with cheese, put the cover back on the slow cooker, and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
Editor’s Tip: This is also a good time to make a pot of your favorite pasta shapes, such as spaghetti or angel hair.
Step 4: Serve
If desired, serve chicken Parm over a bed of hot noodles.
Recipe Variations
- Make chicken Parm sandwiches: Pop the slow-cooker chicken Parmesan on crusty rolls for hearty hot sandwiches.
- Add bacon: Boost the savory flavor of the sauce by adding cooked bacon bits to the slow cooker in Step 2.
- Scatter with herbs: In addition to basil, fresh or dried oregano, parsley, rosemary or thyme are tasty toppings.
How to Store Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan
Keep leftover slow-cooker chicken Parmesan in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. If you also made pasta, store it in a separate container from the sauce, or it will absorb excess sauce and get soggy. The chicken will keep for up to three days in the fridge.
How to Freeze Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan
This slow-cooker Parmesan chicken recipe freezes well. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then seal in an airtight container, and freeze for up to three months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven or microwave.
You can also freeze spaghetti noodles or other cooked pasta, if you made it. Allow the pasta to cool completely, then seal in a separate airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge, then reheat in a pot of boiling water or in the microwave.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan Tips
What can you serve with slow-cooker chicken Parmesan?
We like to serve vegetable side dishes, such as a fresh green salad, sauteed greens, or peas, with chicken Parmesan. Garlic bread is always welcome for sopping up the sauce.
Can I use frozen chicken for slow-cooker chicken Parmesan?
It’s not safe to cook frozen meat in a slow cooker. The chicken will stay at a dangerous temperature zone for too long. To play it safe, defrost the chicken before placing in the slow cooker.
