The Best Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Tender chicken nestled in a creamy slow cooker mozzarella sauce promises a weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug.

Comfort meets convenience with this effortless recipe that turns simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

The blend of melted cheese and succulent chicken creates a harmony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Every forkful delivers a rich, satisfying experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment, making this dish a go-to for busy home cooks.

The aroma will fill your kitchen, drawing hungry family members to the table with anticipation.

Prepare to savor a delicious dinner that proves great meals don’t always require complicated techniques.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken That Melts in Your Mouth

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Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts of white meat that serve as the primary protein for this slow cooker dish.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: A classic seasoning combination that enhances the chicken's natural flavor and adds depth to the overall taste.

• Chicken Broth, Marinara Sauce: A flavorful liquid base that keeps the chicken moist and infuses it with rich tomato and herb notes.
• Italian Seasoning: A dried herb blend that provides authentic Italian-style flavor to the dish.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, creamy finish and add a luxurious texture to the chicken.

• Fresh Basil: A bright, aromatic herb that adds a fresh pop of color and flavor to the finished dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Slow Cooking

Grab your chicken breasts and give them a flavor boost by sprinkling garlic powder, salt, and pepper all over. Make sure each piece gets an even coating of these delicious seasonings.

Step 2: Set Up the Slow Cooker

Gently place the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer so they cook evenly and absorb all the amazing flavors.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Liquid Base

• Chicken broth
• Marinara sauce
• Italian seasoning

Pour this vibrant mixture directly over the chicken, making sure to cover the meat completely.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting for 6 hours
• High setting for 3 hours

Cook until the chicken becomes incredibly tender and starts to fall apart easily.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Cover and continue cooking until the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible blanket.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your mouthwatering cheesy chicken creation!

Pro Tips for Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for extra moisture and richer flavor during slow cooking.
• Add a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce mixture for more complex, robust taste.
• Ensure cheese melts evenly by shredding it freshly and spreading it uniformly over the chicken surface.
• Resist lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and preserve moisture.
• Pair the cheesy chicken with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, healthier meal option.

Variations on Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

• Spicy Salsa Chicken: Replace marinara sauce with spicy salsa, add jalapeños, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap cheese with nutritional yeast, use coconut milk instead of broth, and add dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Use Greek yogurt, swap marinara for diced tomatoes, add oregano, and top with feta cheese crumbles.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Reduce marinara, increase heavy cream, use full-fat cheeses, and add extra herbs for flavor enhancement.

What Goes Well with Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

• Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, cheesy chicken flavors and cut through the marinara's acidity.
• Create Garlic Bread Sidekick: Prepare crispy garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture that contrasts with the tender chicken.
• Match with Fresh Caprese Salad: Toss together ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil with a light olive oil and balsamic drizzle to balance the hearty main dish and add a bright, refreshing element.

Storage Advice for Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

• Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase cooking time by 1-2 hours and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• What if I don't have marinara sauce?

Substitute with tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, or tomato puree mixed with Italian herbs for similar flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Use chicken breasts with some fat content, avoid overcooking, and ensure enough liquid in the slow cooker to keep meat moist.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check marinara sauce ingredients to confirm no gluten-containing additives are present.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting slow cooker cheesy mozzarella chicken brings Italian-inspired magic to dinner tables with minimal effort. Creamy, cheesy goodness combines tender chicken and rich marinara, creating an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquids and Cheese:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with a blend of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even seasoning on all surfaces.
2. Transfer seasoned chicken into the slow cooker, arranging pieces in a single layer for uniform cooking.
3. Whisk together chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning in a separate mixing bowl, creating a robust cooking liquid.
4. Gently pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is partially submerged.
5. Set slow cooker to low temperature and cook for 6 hours, or alternatively use high setting for 3 hours, until chicken becomes fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
6. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, generously distribute shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the chicken’s surface.
7. Return lid to slow cooker and continue cooking until cheese completely melts and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
8. Remove chicken from slow cooker and delicately garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
9. Serve immediately while cheese remains warm and gooey, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs to keep meat juicier and more flavorful during slow cooking.
• Consider reducing broth amount if you prefer thicker sauce consistency.
• Use low-sodium broth and marinara to control salt levels for health-conscious individuals.
• Replace mozzarella and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant diners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg