The Creamiest Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

My kitchen comes alive with this slow cooker cheesy mozzarella chicken that promises comfort in every single bite.

Tender meat swimming in rich, gooey cheese that melts perfectly throughout the dish.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions like this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor with ingredients that blend seamlessly in the slow cooker.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of juicy chicken and creamy mozzarella.

Families will eagerly gather around the table, anticipating this irresistible meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this incredible chicken creation.

What Makes Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Irresistible

• Create Effortless Comfort: Savor a delightful chicken dish that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor with just a few simple ingredients.
• Unlock Slow Cooker Magic: Transform ordinary chicken breasts into a mouthwatering meal that practically cooks itself, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Enjoy Cheesy Goodness: Experience the irresistible combination of tender, seasoned chicken smothered in rich marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella that will make everyone at the table smile.
• Customize Your Meal: Easily adapt this versatile recipe by serving over pasta, rice, or potatoes, making it a flexible dinner option that suits every family member's taste.

What Goes Into Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender protein base for the dish, best when boneless and skinless.

• Marinara Sauce: Rich tomato-based sauce providing moisture and classic Italian flavor, choose a high-quality brand.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: Blend of aromatic spices creating depth of flavor for the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste and balancing flavors.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy, melty cheeses that add rich texture and tangy notes, preferably freshly grated.
• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Basil: Optional herbs for bright, fresh garnish and additional flavor complexity.

• Pasta, Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Bread: Accompaniments to complement the cheesy chicken dish.

How To Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage these spices into both sides of the chicken, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 2: Create a Saucy Foundation

• Pour marinara sauce into the slow cooker, creating a vibrant red base
• Gently lay the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the sauce
• Cascade the remaining marinara over the chicken, completely blanketing them

Step 3: Slow and Steady Cooking

• Cover and let it simmer on low for 5-6 hours
• Or if you're short on time, cook on high for 2-3 hours
• Chicken is ready when it's super tender and reaches 165°F/74°C internally

Step 4: Cheese Transformation

• Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously over the chicken
• Cover and cook for about 20 minutes
• Watch the cheese melt into a dreamy, bubbly blanket

Step 5: Plate and Celebrate

• Optional: Scatter fresh parsley or basil on top
• Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
• Bonus: Slide some garlic bread on the side for the ultimate comfort meal

Helpful Cooking Tips For Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Use fresh garlic and herbs instead of dried seasonings for a more vibrant and intense taste profile.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Check internal temperature early to avoid overcooking, which can result in tough meat. Remove chicken as soon as it reaches 165F.
• Customize Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella with provolone or add a sprinkle of romano cheese for a different flavor dimension.
• Make It Low-Carb: Replace marinara with low-carb tomato sauce and serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain chicken's moisture and prevent cheese from separating.

How To Store Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the dish moist and flavorful.
• Freeze: Seal the chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cheesy chicken maintains quality for 2-3 months.
• Reheat Oven: Warm the chicken at 350°F in a covered baking dish for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying out.
• Microwave Option: Reheat individual portions on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain the chicken's tenderness.

Great Sides For Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complement the rich, cheesy chicken perfectly, cutting through the heavy marinara sauce with bright, refreshing notes.
• Create Rustic Italian Side Plate: Serve alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts to balance the dish's creamy texture and add a zesty crunch.
• Match with Hearty Red Blend: A medium-bodied red wine like chianti or sangiovese offers robust flavors that stand up to the cheesy, tomato-based chicken, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Elevate with Garlic Herb Bread: Homemade or store-bought garlic bread provides a delicious vehicle for soaking up extra marinara sauce and adds a complementary herbal dimension to the meal.

Creative Twists On Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

• Spicy Pepper Jack Fusion: Replace mozzarella with pepper jack cheese and add diced green chilies for a zesty, fiery kick that transforms the classic recipe into a bold southwestern-style dish.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap marinara for tomato sauce with oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Top with crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives to bring Mediterranean flavors to the forefront.
• Creamy Alfredo Rendition: Substitute marinara with homemade or store-bought alfredo sauce. Sprinkle a blend of provolone and parmesan for a rich, velvety texture that elevates the chicken's comfort factor.
• Roasted Vegetable Companion: Incorporate sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and onions directly into the slow cooker alongside the chicken. This adds nutritional depth and creates a complete one-pot meal with vibrant vegetable undertones.

Questions About Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165F/74C.

• What if I don't have marinara sauce?

No problem! You can substitute with tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, or even pizza sauce for a similar flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

The slow cooker method naturally keeps chicken moist. Ensuring you don’t overcook and covering the chicken completely with sauce helps maintain tenderness.

• Can I make this recipe with other types of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan work perfectly, you can experiment with provolone, cheddar, or fontina for different flavor variations.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker cheesy mozzarella chicken delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens to dinner tables. Creamy, melted cheese and tender chicken create a simple yet irresistible meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Cheese:

• 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Serving Suggestions:

• Cooked pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine)
• Rice
• Mashed potatoes
• Garlic bread

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Instructions

1. Infuse the chicken breasts with a robust blend of aromatic seasonings, coating both sides generously with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a flavor-packed foundation.
2. Create a luscious base in the slow cooker by spreading a vibrant layer of marinara sauce, then carefully nestling the seasoned chicken breasts into the crimson pool, completely enveloping them with the remaining sauce to ensure maximum moisture and flavor infusion.
3. Allow the slow cooker to work its magic, transforming the chicken into a tender, succulent masterpiece by cooking on low temperature for 5-6 hours or accelerating the process on high for 2-3 hours until the meat reaches perfect doneness and internal temperature hits 165F/74C.
4. As the finale approaches, generously crown the chicken with a lavish blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, letting them melt into a golden, bubbling cascade that promises irresistible richness and depth.
5. Elevate the presentation by scattering fresh herbs like parsley or basil across the dish, creating a vibrant contrast of colors and aromas, and serve alongside your preferred accompaniment – whether it’s silky pasta, fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty garlic bread.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting Italian seasoning or adding red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Swap marinara with homemade tomato sauce or low-sodium alternatives for lighter versions.
• Ensure chicken remains juicy by avoiding overcooking and checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
• Transform into a gluten-free meal by serving over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 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