Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Recipe with Crispy Golden Crust Perfect for Dinner
A comforting and easy slow cooker chicken parmesan recipe featuring a crispy golden crust without frying or broiling, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (medium-sized)
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Dip each breast in beaten eggs, letting excess drip off, then press into breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the coated chicken breasts 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Pour about 1 cup marinara sauce into the slow cooker to create a base layer. Place browned chicken breasts on top and spoon remaining marinara sauce over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours until chicken is cooked through and tender (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
- About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken. Cover and let cheese melt completely. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crust.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving.
Notes
Browning the chicken before slow cooking is essential for a crispy crust and locking in juices. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, use vegan mozzarella and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. A quick broil after slow cooking can add extra crispiness but is optional.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: slow cooker chicken parmesan, easy chicken parmesan, crispy chicken parmesan, slow cooker recipes, Italian chicken recipe, comfort food, family dinner