Tender Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

Creamy Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe To Savor

Tender chicken breasts swimming in a luscious, creamy slow cooker cheesy mozzarella sauce promise a dinner that’ll make taste buds dance.

Comfort food reaches new heights with this effortless one-pot wonder.

Melted cheese blankets succulent chicken in a symphony of rich, Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Every bite delivers pure, mouthwatering satisfaction that turns an ordinary meal into a celebration.

The magic happens with minimal prep and maximum deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners just got a delectable upgrade that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and transform your dinner table into a haven of cheesy, chicken-filled bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything That Goes In Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

For Chicken Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Select plump, uniform pieces for even cooking and tender results.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic warmth without raw garlic chunks.
  • Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweetness and background flavor complexity.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings traditional Mediterranean herb profile to the dish.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances other seasonings.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and aromatic undertones.
For Sauce Elements:
  • Marinara Sauce: Choose high-quality, robust tomato sauce with rich flavor profiles.
  • Fresh Parsley or Basil: Delivers bright, fresh finishing touch and vibrant color.
For Cheese Topping:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creates creamy, stretchy melted layer with mild, milky taste.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Contributes sharp, nutty undertones and additional tangy depth.
Optional Serving Companions:
  • Pasta: Provides hearty base for absorbing delicious sauce.
  • Rice: Offers neutral backdrop for showcasing chicken's flavors.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Delivers comforting, creamy texture.
  • Garlic Bread: Adds crunchy, garlicky complement to main dish.

Slow Cooker Tools For Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

  • Slow cooker: Essential for creating tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort.
  • Measuring cups: Perfect for accurate marinara sauce portions.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps balance seasonings precisely.
  • Cheese grater: Optional for fresh mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Kitchen tongs: Great for placing and removing chicken.
  • Cutting board: Useful for seasoning chicken.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for preparing ingredients and garnish.
  • Cheese shredder or cheese knife: Optional for topping.

Instructions To Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

  • Seasoning Magic

Grab your chicken and sprinkle a delightful blend of garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper across both sides. Let those flavors dance and mingle.

  • Sauce Foundation

Pour a generous layer of rich marinara sauce into your slow cooker. Nestle the seasoned chicken right on top, then blanket it completely with more sauce. The chicken will be swimming in deliciousness.

  • Slow Cooking Comfort

Cover and let your slow cooker work its magic. On low heat, this will take about 5-6 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, 2-3 hours on high. Wait until the chicken becomes super tender and reaches a safe internal temperature.

  • Cheesy Transformation

Just before serving, shower the chicken with a gorgeous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan. Watch the cheese melt into a gooey, irresistible blanket that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

  • Delightful Presentation

Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a pop of color. Serve alongside your favorite pasta, fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a slice of warm garlic bread. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Ways To Switch Up Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

  • Perfect Slow Cooker Texture Tricks: Use thick-cut chicken breasts to prevent drying out, ensuring they remain juicy and tender during the slow cooking process.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze individual portions for quick weeknight dinners that reheat beautifully.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Replace marinara sauce with low-carb tomato sauce and serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that's equally delicious.
  • Protein Swap Solution: Easily substitute chicken with turkey breasts or lean pork chops while maintaining the same cooking time and flavor profile for variety.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: For lactose-intolerant friends, replace mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a similar creamy, savory experience.

Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Melted And Hot

  • Game Night Dinner Delight: Transform this cheesy chicken into a fun, shareable meal perfect for casual gatherings with friends and family.
  • Pasta Lover's Paradise: Toss the tender chicken and melted cheese over your favorite pasta like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti for a comforting classic Italian-inspired dish.
  • Low-Carb Twist: Skip the pasta and serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, protein-packed meal that's still incredibly satisfying and flavorful.
  • Sandwich Sensation: Shred the cheesy chicken and pile it onto toasted crusty bread or create a mouthwatering panini with extra marinara sauce for a delicious lunch option.

Save Leftovers Of Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken The Right Way

Keep leftover chicken in airtight containers, refrigerated up to 3-4 days. The cheese-coated chicken maintains its delicious flavor and texture best when sealed tightly.

  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap or containers. Frozen chicken stays delectable for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm slowly in microwave at 50% power to prevent cheese from separating. Alternatively, use oven at 325°F, covering with foil to retain moisture. Add splash of extra marinara sauce to refresh texture.
  • Portion Planning: Meal prep champions can divide chicken into single-serve containers for quick weekday lunches. Pair with fresh salad or steamed vegetables for balanced nutrition. Label containers with date to track freshness.
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Tender Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

Tender Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Succulent slow cooker cheesy mozzarella chicken delivers Italian-inspired comfort on a plate. Creamy cheese and tender chicken combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz / 680 g)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsps fresh parsley or basil (chopped)
  • Cooked pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine)
  • Rice
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Garlic bread

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Liberally coat chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, ensuring thorough coverage for maximum flavor penetration.
  2. Slow Cooker Setup: Spread marinara sauce across the bottom of the slow cooker, carefully place seasoned chicken breasts within the sauce, and completely submerge them to guarantee uniform cooking and moisture retention.
  3. Cooking Process: Activate the slow cooker, selecting either low temperature for 5-6 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours, monitoring until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F/74C, ensuring tender and perfectly cooked meat.
  4. Cheese Transformation: Generously layer mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the cooked chicken, allowing them to melt into a luxurious, golden blanket that enhances the dish’s richness and visual appeal.
  5. Serving Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, creating a vibrant herbal accent, and plate alongside complementary sides like pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or garlic bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Adjust Seasoning Wisely: Balance the spices carefully to prevent overpowering the delicate chicken flavor, using a light hand with salt and garlic powder.
  • Monitor Moisture Levels: Avoid dry chicken by ensuring enough marinara sauce covers the meat completely and checking liquid periodically during slow cooking.
  • Select Cheese Strategically: Use high-quality, freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan for optimal melting and rich flavor development during the final cooking stage.
  • Temperature Precision Matters: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches exactly 165F/74C, ensuring food safety without overcooking the protein.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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