Chicken Parmesan, a beloved Italian-American dish, is typically a labor of love, requiring breading, frying, and baking. But what if you could achieve the same delicious results with significantly less effort? Enter the slow cooker, your new best friend for a simplified, yet incredibly flavorful, Chicken Parmesan. This recipe will guide you through creating a tender, juicy chicken breast smothered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese – all without the fuss of deep frying.
What Makes Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan So Great?
The beauty of this slow cooker version lies in its simplicity and hands-off approach. The slow cooking process yields incredibly tender chicken, infused with the flavors of the sauce. No more dry, overcooked chicken breasts! Plus, you eliminate the need for breading and frying, resulting in a healthier and less messy meal. The time spent prepping is minimal, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen.
How Long Does it Take to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan?
The total time for this recipe is approximately 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, plus a short amount of time for prep. The exact timing will depend on your slow cooker and the thickness of your chicken breasts. We’ll delve into precise timing and temperature details later in the recipe.
What Temperature Should I Cook Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan?
Most slow cookers have a low and high setting. For best results, use the low setting (around 200°F) for a longer, more gentle cooking time, ensuring the chicken remains incredibly moist and tender. The high setting (around 300°F) is suitable if you’re short on time, but monitor the chicken closely to prevent overcooking.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan?
While it's generally not recommended to cook frozen chicken directly in a slow cooker, you can prepare this recipe with frozen chicken. Simply increase the cooking time by at least an hour or two, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. It’s advisable to thaw the chicken partially in the refrigerator beforehand.
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. This step adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Combine sauce ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Slow cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring they're mostly submerged.
- Cook: Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred chicken (optional): Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Alternatively, you can leave it whole for a more classic presentation.
- Add cheese: Return the chicken (shredded or whole) to the slow cooker. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Melt cheese: Cover and cook on low for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also broil the dish for a few minutes for a crispier cheese topping (be careful not to burn it!).
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves (optional) and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the chicken to cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Use a good quality tomato sauce: The quality of your sauce will significantly impact the final flavor.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to suit your preferences.
- Add vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrients, consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce.
This slow cooker Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this classic comfort food. Enjoy!
