If you’re craving a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth dinner that practically makes itself, this Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender chicken breasts bathed in a rich marinara sauce, infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, and topped with gooey shredded mozzarella and Parm—cooked low and slow for hours until everything melds into pure, cheesy perfection. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate and comes together with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want to wow with simple ingredients and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but pack a punch in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a role, from the juicy chicken breasts acting as the star protein to the creamy, melted cheeses that bring indulgence and that irresistible stretch with every bite.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The foundation of the dish, providing tender, juicy meat that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Adds a vibrant, tangy tomato base full of herbs and sweetness that brightens the recipe.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and infuses extra depth while cooking.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Brings cozy aromatic warmth that complements the cheese and tomato beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty highlight of the dish that guarantees the perfect cheesy experience.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor to deepen the cheesy profile and create complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other ingredients.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This simple step ensures every bite is flavorful from the very first taste. The garlic powder will meld beautifully during cooking, infusing the chicken with savory warmth.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken breasts neatly in your slow cooker. Laying them in a single layer helps them cook evenly and soak up the surrounding juices for maximum tenderness.
Step 3: Combine and Pour the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning if you like extra herbaceous notes. Pour this vibrant mixture over the chicken, covering it fully so every piece becomes succulent and infused with rich tomato goodness during cooking.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. This gentle cooking melts the flavors together, tenderizes the chicken beautifully, and lets the sauce develop that classic Italian-inspired taste without any fuss.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the chicken. Close the lid and let the cheese melt into a bubbly, golden topping that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe is out of the cooker, add a handful of fresh chopped basil for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that elevates every forkful.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley are perfect for adding vibrant color and a fresh edge that balances the richness of the cheese. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat if you like a little zing.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed or roasted vegetables to keep things light, or creamy mashed potatoes for a cozy meal. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette also work wonders to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cheesy chicken on a bed of cooked pasta or zoodles for a hearty, fuss-free dinner. For a low-carb twist, pile it over cauliflower rice. Layer it in a casserole dish with layers of sautéed spinach for a visually impressive, comforting feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen, making it even better the next day!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its tender texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or covered in a skillet over low heat. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps keep the chicken moist rather than drying out the cheese sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be even juicier and offer a richer flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed, but the slow cooker is pretty forgiving.
Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
There’s no need with this recipe! The slow cooker will make the chicken tender and flavorful without any extra steps, keeping it simple and hands-off.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can assemble everything in the slow cooker the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just add extra cooking time if cooking from cold.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can use a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary or simply skip it and rely on the garlic powder, marinara, and cheese for flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as your marinara sauce and chicken broth are gluten-free, this Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe is safe for anyone avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas while you go about your day and then delivers a delicious, homemade dinner with zero stress. This Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe is one of those gems—easy to make, endlessly comforting, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your rotation.
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Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (LOW) or 3 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (LOW) or 3 hours 10 minutes (HIGH)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is a comforting and effortless meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and cooked slowly in a flavorful mix of marinara sauce and chicken broth, then topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a creamy, cheesy finish. Garnished with fresh basil, it’s a delicious family-friendly dish that pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Sauce Mixture
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- Place in Slow Cooker: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer inside the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, combine marinara sauce, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning (if desired) to create a tasty cooking liquid, then pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook: Cook the chicken on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Add Cheese: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped basil for a burst of herbal freshness and serve hot.
Notes
- You can serve this dish with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- For added flavor, sprinkle Italian seasoning or fresh herbs into the sauce mixture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop to reduce.
- Make sure not to overfill your slow cooker to allow even cooking and melting of cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
