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Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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3.9 from 80 reviews

This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan recipe is a comforting and easy meal that combines tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and finished with crispy toasted Italian breadcrumbs. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner, this recipe allows the slow cooker to infuse the chicken with savory tomato flavors while ensuring a juicy texture.

Ingredients

Tomato Sauce Base

  • 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 8 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 4 ounces tomato paste
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Chicken and Cheese

  • 4 large chicken breasts
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Breadcrumb Topping

  • ¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In the slow cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried sweet basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
  2. Add Chicken to Sauce: Place the chicken breasts directly into the sauce in the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged or well coated with the sauce for even cooking and flavor absorption.
  3. Cook Chicken: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4 to 6 hours depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  4. Remove Chicken and Stir Sauce: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker onto a plate. Stir the tomato sauce in the slow cooker to blend the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
  5. Top Chicken with Sauce and Cheese: Spoon the tomato sauce over the chicken breasts and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheeses.
  6. Toast Breadcrumbs: In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat for about a minute. Add the Italian breadcrumbs and cook, stirring regularly, for approximately 5 minutes or until golden brown and toasted.
  7. Serve: Plate each chicken breast topped with the cheesy tomato sauce and finish by sprinkling the toasted Italian breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy texture contrast.

Notes

  • Use larger chicken breasts for juicier, less dry results. Avoid thin cutlets or tenderloins which can dry out.
  • Cooking time will vary based on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts; adjust accordingly.
  • Tomato sauce here refers to pureed tomatoes providing a smooth, rich base.
  • Nutrition facts are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.