Tender chicken breasts smothered in marinara and melty mozzarella make this SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN an irresistible dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to enjoy the delicious aroma as it fills your kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Simply season the chicken and let the slow cooker do its magic.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of marinara sauce and melted mozzarella creates an explosion of taste.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cheesy dishes, making this a hit with both kids and adults.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN, you’ll need some essential tools to help streamline your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is the heart of the recipe, allowing for low-and-slow cooking that makes the chicken tender and flavorful.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining sauces and seasonings, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements keep your flavors balanced in this cheesy dish.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy, cheesy delight:
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 Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Extra garlic cloves
- Fresh oregano
- Sun-dried tomatoes
How to Make SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will enhance the flavor as they cook.
Step 2: Place in Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken into your slow cooker. Ensure they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
Step 3: Mix Sauce Ingredients
In a bowl, combine chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are mixed.
Step 4: Pour Sauce Over Chicken
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. This will keep them moist while adding flavor.
Step 5: Cook on Low or High
Cover your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours. The longer cooking time allows for more tenderness.
Step 6: Add Cheese Toppings
In the final 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top of the chicken.
Step 7: Finish Cooking
Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step adds that deliciously gooey texture everyone loves.
Step 8: Garnish Before Serving
Garnish your dish with freshly chopped basil before serving. This adds a touch of color and enhances freshness. Enjoy your meal!
How to Serve SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN
SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a hearty meal or a light bite, there are plenty of serving options to suit your taste.
Over Pasta
- Serve the cheesy chicken over a bed of spaghetti or fettuccine for a classic Italian meal.
In a Sandwich
- Shred the chicken and place it on a crusty bun, adding extra marinara for a delicious sandwich.
With Rice
- Pair the dish with fluffy white rice or brown rice, allowing the sauce to soak in for added flavor.
On a Salad
- Use sliced chicken over mixed greens with your favorite dressing for a lighter option packed with flavor.
As Tacos
- Shred the chicken and fill corn tortillas, topping with avocado and fresh salsa for a fun twist.
With Garlic Bread
- Serve alongside warm garlic bread to soak up all that delicious marinara sauce.
How to Perfect SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN
Perfecting your SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN is easy with these simple tips. Each step ensures tender, flavorful chicken every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and quality marinara elevate the dish’s flavor significantly.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your slow cooker model, check for doneness at halfway through cooking to avoid overcooking.
- Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to increase the mozzarella and Parmesan for an extra cheesy experience.
- Incorporate Veggies: Adding bell peppers or spinach can enhance both nutrition and flavor while making it more colorful.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps retain juiciness.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Customize with your favorite spices or herbs for a personalized touch.
Best Side Dishes for SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN
Pairing side dishes with your SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN can enhance your meal. Here are some great suggestions:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes seasoned with garlic complement the cheesy flavors beautifully.
- Steamed Broccoli: A healthy green side that balances out the richness of the cheese.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing adds crunch and freshness to your plate.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini serves as a light alternative to pasta.
- Risotto: Creamy risotto pairs well with the saucy chicken while providing comforting texture.
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus offers a great contrast in flavor and texture with this main dish.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds seasonal flair and is perfect when slathered in butter alongside cheesy goodness.
- Baked Polenta: A creamy baked polenta can soak up all that wonderful sauce from the chicken, making each bite satisfying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a slow cooker for the first time can lead to some common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for and tips on how to avoid them.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can result in bland flavor. Always season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before cooking.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Adding too much chicken or other ingredients can prevent even cooking. Make sure not to exceed the recommended capacity of your slow cooker for best results.
- Not using enough liquid: A lack of broth or sauce can lead to dry chicken. Ensure you have enough liquid in your slow cooker to keep the chicken moist throughout the cooking process.
- Removing the lid frequently: Lifting the lid during cooking releases heat and prolongs cooking time. Try to avoid opening it unless absolutely necessary.
- Cooking at high temperature too long: Cooking on HIGH for too long can dry out your chicken. Stick to the recommended cooking times for optimal tenderness and flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- It’s best consumed within 3-4 days.
- Let it cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN
- Portion into freezer-safe containers.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with date for easy tracking.
Reheating SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish; heat in 1-minute intervals until warm throughout.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN?
SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN is a delicious dish made with tender chicken breasts, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese cooked slowly for maximum flavor.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure they cook longer—at least an hour more than usual. Ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.
How can I customize SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, or use different cheeses such as cheddar or provolone to change up the flavors!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN is perfect for meal prep. Cook a larger batch and store portions for quick meals during the week.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Serve it with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. Garlic bread also complements this cheesy dish perfectly!
Final Thoughts
SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a comforting meal your whole family will love. Feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins!
SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
SLOW COOKER CHEESY MOZZARELLA CHICKEN is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken breasts with rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. This effortless recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, allowing you to enjoy the savory aroma as it fills your kitchen while your slow cooker does all the work. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish promises to delight both kids and adults alike. Serve it over pasta, rice, or in a sandwich for a meal that everyone will love. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet flavorful cheesy chicken dish!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place seasoned chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning; stir well.
- Pour sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan on top of the chicken.
- Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (LOW) or 3 hours (HIGH)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
- Calories: 328
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 812mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
