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
- Seasoning Preparation: Liberally coat chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, ensuring thorough coverage for maximum flavor penetration.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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