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Crockpot Chicken Parmesan is an easy slow cooker dinner made with tender chicken breasts cooked in flavorful marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, then finished with crispy Parmesan breadcrumbs. Serve it over spaghetti for a delicious chicken dinner.
This easy Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan gives you the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan without having to bread and fry the chicken.
The buttery Parmesan-panko topping is added just before serving, so it stays crisp.
It’s delicious, and I think we can always use another good slow cooker chicken recipe!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
- Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Ingredients
- How to Make Chicken Parmesan in the Crockpot
- Why Add the Breadcrumbs at the End?
- Variations & Substitutions
- What to Serve With Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
- Storage & Reheating
- More Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipes
- Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
- The slow cooker does most of the cooking while you prepare the pasta and crispy topping at the end.
- Garlic, Italian seasoning, and a little crushed red pepper add plenty of savory flavor.
- The crispy breadcrumb topping adds great texture without getting soggy.
- It pairs perfectly with spaghetti for a hearty family meal.
Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Ingredients
You only need simple ingredients to make this easy crockpot chicken breast recipe.
My secret to making this crockpot chicken dinner so delicious is the simplicity of the flavorful ingredients.
Here’s what you’ll need: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Marinara Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Panko Breadcrumbs, Butter, Spaghetti, Fresh Parsley or Basil.
What Kind of Marinara Sauce Should I Use?
Use a marinara sauce that you already enjoy since it makes up a big part of the flavor of this recipe.
A 24-ounce jar gives you enough sauce for the chicken with some extra to spoon over the spaghetti.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan in the Crockpot
Making Chicken Parmesan in the slow cooker simplifies the cooking process because there’s no need to bread or fry the chicken.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Spread about ½ cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker, then arrange the chicken breasts over the sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara over the chicken. Cover and cook on Low until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan over the chicken. Cover again briefly, just until the cheese melts.
- While the cheese is melting, cook the pasta in boiling water.
- While the pasta is cooking, toast the panko breadcrumbs in butter until golden and crisp. Remove from the heat and stir in Parmesan.
- When the pasta is al dente, drain and serve the chicken over cooked spaghetti with some of the marinara sauce, then sprinkle the crispy Parmesan breadcrumbs over the top.
Tip: Chicken breasts can dry out when cooked too long in a slow cooker. Start checking them around the 3-hour mark and remove them once the thickest part reaches 165°F.
Why Add the Breadcrumbs at the End?
Traditional Chicken Parmesan has a crispy breaded coating, but breadcrumbs cooked for several hours in marinara sauce will become soft.
Instead, this recipe uses buttery panko breadcrumbs toasted separately and sprinkled over the finished chicken.
You still get that delicious crispy breadcrumb texture, but the crumbs stay crunchy.
Variations & Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. They may need a little additional cooking time.
- More Heat: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes if you like a spicier Chicken Parmesan.
- Different Pasta: Serve with angel hair, linguine, fettuccine, or another favorite pasta.
- No Pasta: The chicken is also delicious served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad.
- Cheese: Shredded Italian blend cheese can be used along with or in place of some of the mozzarella.
What to Serve With Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
Spaghetti is the classic choice and makes this an easy complete dinner.
You can also serve Chicken Parmesan with garlic bread, a Blueberry Spinach Salad, Air Fryer Asparagus, Instant Pot Broccoli, or another simple vegetable.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Keep the crispy breadcrumb topping in a separate container so it stays crunchy.
- Reheat the chicken and sauce gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add the breadcrumb topping after reheating.
More Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipes
Crockpot Swedish Meatballs
Crockpot Mississippi Chicken
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes with Kielbasa
Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites
If you make this delicious crock pot Chicken Parmesan recipe, let me know by leaving a comment with a star rating below! 😊
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
Equipment
- Slow Cooker 5-7 quart
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (or more for spicy)
- 24 ounces Marinara Sauce
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- ¼ cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese (or grated)
To Serve
- 12 ounces Spaghetti
- Chopped Fresh Parsley or Basil optional
Crispy Parmesan Topping
- ¾ cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- ¼ cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese (or grated)
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Spread about ½ cup of the marinara sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer as much as possible.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on Low for about 2 ½-3 ½ hours, checking the chicken on the earlier side. Cook until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese over the chicken. Cover and cook for another 10–15 minutes, or just until the cheese has melted.
Cook Spaghetti
- While the cheese is melting, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain.
Crispy Panko Topping
- Make the crispy topping, while the pasta is boiling. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden and crisp.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
Serve
- Serve the chicken over the spaghetti with marinara sauce spooned over the top.
- Sprinkle the crispy Parmesan-panko topping over each serving just before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil, if desired.
Notes
- Chicken breasts vary quite a bit in size and thickness. Begin checking them around the 3-hour mark so they don’t overcook.
- Keep the toasted breadcrumb topping separate from the chicken until serving so it stays crisp.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
