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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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