Chicken Parmesan Slow Cooker

Featured in Chicken dishes that always work.

Turns the classic Italian dinner into an easy, hands-off dish. Sear chicken first to keep the crispy crust, slow cook in marinara sauce for tenderness, and top with cheese for a delicious finish.

Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Mon, 26 May 2025 12:21:23 GMT
Melted mozzarella on chicken in marinara sauce inside a slow cooker, topped with fresh basil. Pin it
Melted mozzarella on chicken in marinara sauce inside a slow cooker, topped with fresh basil. | tastyhush.com

If you want cheesy Italian goodness without much work, you’ll love this easy slow cooker Chicken Parmesan. Juicy chicken breasts get a crispy breadcrumb outside, cook in rich tomato sauce, then are finished under stretchy melted mozzarella. Eat it over noodles or by itself, and you’ll feel cozy and satisfied.

Irresistible Chicken Parmesan Secret

Your crew will go crazy for this easy Chicken Parmesan—it’s simple but tastes like you spent hours. Slow cooking locks in juicy chicken and amped-up Italian flavor, all finished with that dreamy breaded crunch and bubbling cheese.

Everyday Ingredients You Need

  • For Shredding: Creamy mozzarella, the perfect topper for flavor and texture.
  • Savory Sauce: High-quality marinara for deep tomato taste.
  • Main Ingredient: Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts ready to soak up flavor.
  • Breaded Outside: Italian bread crumbs for crunchy bites.
  • Mild Tang: Grated Parmesan cheese brings that savory kick.
  • Wet Dip: Mix egg and milk for a quick sticky coating.
  • Savory Boosters: Olive oil, salt, and pepper for taste and cooking.

Success Steps Made Simple

Cheesy Finish
Blanket everything with mozzarella right before it's done so it gets ooey-gooey.
Crock Pot Time
Cover chicken with marinara in your slow cooker and let things get super tender.
Golden Outside
Pan fry those crumb-coated chicken pieces so they get that addictive crispy bite.
Chicken Prep
Give chicken a dip in your egg-milk mixture, then roll it around in breadcrumbs.
Breading Station
Pour out breadcrumbs and beat eggs with a splash of milk in two separate bowls.
Spaghetti on a plate covered in tomato sauce, melty cheese, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of pepper. Pin it
Spaghetti on a plate covered in tomato sauce, melty cheese, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of pepper. | tastyhush.com

Winning Tricks

Don't miss the quick pan-fry—it’s where the crunch happens. Splurge on great marinara and toss on some fresh herbs for an upgrade. This tastes amazing tossed with pasta or even stacked in a sandwich roll.

How To Store It

Stick leftovers in the fridge in a covered dish. They'll keep for three days easy. Heat them up in an air fryer or oven to stay crunchy. Next day sandwiches or bowls are just as tasty!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the point of searing the chicken?

This keeps the coating crisp and adds flavor before it cooks slowly.

→ Can I leave out the breading?

You can skip it, but you’ll lose the signature texture and taste of chicken parmesan.

→ Do I need to turn the chicken over during cooking?

Not at all. Once it’s in, the slow cooker takes care of everything.

→ Which pasta pairs well with this?

Spaghetti’s classic, but penne or fettuccine work just as nicely.

→ Can I switch cutlets for chicken breasts?

You can, but make sure to pound them thin first so they cook consistently and soak up the flavors.

Chicken Parmesan Slow Cooker

An easy slow cooker twist on a classic Italian dish featuring tender chicken, marinara, crispy coating, and gooey cheese.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
240 Minutes
Total Time
260 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American-Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 pieces of chicken)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 4 thin chicken pieces.
02 1 large egg.
03 1/4 cup whole-fat milk.
04 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs.
05 1/4 cup grated parmesan.
06 1 tsp salt.
07 1/2 tsp ground pepper.
08 1/4 cup olive oil for cooking.
09 1 jar (22 oz) tomato sauce for pasta.
10 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Stir together milk and egg in one dish. Combine parmesan, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in another plate.

Step 02

Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, then press into breadcrumb mix until fully covered.

Step 03

Put oil in a pan and heat it up. Cook each chicken piece for about 3-4 minutes per side, just enough to lightly brown.

Step 04

Spread marinara over the bottom of your slow cooker. Lay the browned chicken on top. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Sprinkle mozzarella during the last half hour.

Step 05

Enjoy over your favorite kind of pasta.

Notes

  1. Browning first makes a crispy crust.
  2. You can swap in whole chicken breasts if you flatten them.
  3. Works with any pasta shape.
  4. No flipping is needed in the slow cooker.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooking pot.
  • Frying pan.
  • Bowls for mixing.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk and cheese.
  • Includes wheat from the breadcrumbs.
  • Eggs are used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 524
  • Total Fat: 27 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 21 g
  • Protein: 49 g