I absolutely adore Chicken Parmesan, and when you throw it in a Crockpot, it’s game-changing! Imagine coming home after a long day and being greeted by the warm, mouth-watering aroma of seasoned chicken, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese. It takes me straight back to my first Valentine’s dinner with my partner, where we attempted a fancy restaurant meal but ended up home cooking. Let me tell you, this dish stole the show – and the heart!
What I love about this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan recipe is its simplicity and the fact that it’s hassle-free. You can spend your time enjoying a cozy evening with your loved one instead of standing in the kitchen slaving away. Plus, it’s an impressive meal that tastes like you’ve put in hours of work. All you need is a little prep and patience while the magic happens in the slow cooker!
What’s in Crockpot Chicken Parmesan?
Chicken Breasts: I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’re lean, cook evenly, and soak up all that delicious sauce and flavor.
Marinara Sauce: A good jar of marinara sauce can save you tons of time. I prefer a brand with no added sugar, like Rao’s Homemade, for the freshest taste. This sauce will be the flavor base for your chicken.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary brings that classic Italian flavor to life.
Parmesan Cheese: It wouldn’t be Chicken Parmesan without it! Freshly grated is always best, but pre-grated works too if that’s what you have on hand.
Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, melty top – because who doesn’t love extra cheese?
Salt and Pepper: The simplest of seasonings, but don’t forget to season your chicken well!
Is Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Good for You?
Most definitely! When prepared with healthy ingredients, this dish can be quite nutritious.
Chicken Breasts: Lean protein source that aids in muscle repair and keeps you feeling full longer. Plus, they have plenty of essential nutrients.
Marinara Sauce: Packed with tomatoes, it’s full of antioxidants like lycopene, great for heart health. Just keep an eye on added sugars and sodium in the store-bought versions.
Cheese: While cheese can be high in saturated fat and calories, using it in moderation can provide calcium and protein. Just a sprinkle of cheese on top will suffice!
That said, if you’re watching calories or fat intake, consider using less cheese or substituting part of it with a low-fat option.
Ingredients List
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (serves about 4)
– 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Parmesan?
1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crockpot and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, making sure they are all covered.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the chicken, then add the mozzarella on top of that.
5. Cover and let it cook until the cheese is melted.
6. Once done, serve the chicken over your favorite pasta, on a hoagie roll for a chicken Parmesan sandwich, or with a side of veggies.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
– Pair this dish with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
– Want to kick up the romance? Light some candles and set the table nicely. It’s all about the little touches!
– Leftovers? No problem! You can easily reheat this in the microwave or oven for lunch the next day, or even turn it into a chicken Parmesan pizza!
I hope you are as excited to try this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan recipe as I was when I first made it. It’s a deliciously effortless way to impress your Valentine (or yourself!) with a simple yet elegant meal. Let me know how it turns out for you – I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!