Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
Tender chicken breasts smothered in marinara and melty mozzarella, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker! This Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights or when hosting friends and family. Its creamy sauce and cheesy topping will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of marinara and mozzarella creates a deliciously creamy dish that’s sure to please.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings, this recipe fits any occasion.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein from chicken and enriched with vitamins from herbs, it’s a nutritious choice.
- Easy Cleanup: With just one pot to clean, you can enjoy your meal without the hassle of extensive cleanup.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is the heart of the recipe, allowing for low-and-slow cooking that keeps chicken tender and juicy.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining sauces easily without making a mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure balanced flavors in your dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
For Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
Optional Extras
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Extra garlic cloves
- Fresh oregano
- Sun-dried tomatoes
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to cover all sides evenly to enhance flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. This ensures that it cooks evenly throughout.
Step 3: Create the Sauce Mixture
In a bowl, combine chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s well covered.
Step 5: Cook It Low or High
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. Choose based on how much time you have available!
Step 6: Add Cheese Toward the End
In the final 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan over the top of the chicken.
Step 7: Melt That Cheese!
Continue cooking until cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma will be irresistible!
Step 8: Garnish Before Serving
Garnish with fresh basil before serving. This adds a lovely touch of color and flavor to your dish.
Enjoy this easy yet delicious Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken with your favorite sides or on its own!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is a delicious and hearty meal that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family night, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dish.
On a Bed of Pasta
- Serve the cheesy chicken over cooked spaghetti or fettuccine for a classic Italian touch.
With Garlic Bread
- Pair your chicken with warm garlic bread to soak up the flavorful marinara sauce.
In Tacos
- Shred the chicken and serve it in taco shells, topped with fresh veggies and extra cheese for a fun twist.
With a Side Salad
- A light side salad can balance the richness of the dish. Consider arugula or spinach with a simple vinaigrette.
As Sandwiches
- Use crusty bread to make sandwiches filled with the cheesy chicken, adding fresh basil for extra flavor.
Over Rice
- Serve the chicken on a bed of steamed rice or risotto, allowing the sauce to infuse into the grains.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
To ensure your Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
-
Choose quality ingredients: Using fresh chicken and high-quality marinara enhances the overall flavor.
-
Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce before cooking; feel free to add more garlic powder or Italian seasoning as desired.
-
Avoid overcooking: Keep an eye on cooking times, as overcooking can lead to dry chicken.
-
Melt cheese at the right time: Add mozzarella and Parmesan in the last 30 minutes for that perfect melty texture.
-
Garnish generously: Fresh basil adds color and freshness to your dish—don’t skip it!
-
Store leftovers properly: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
Complementing your Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken with delicious side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
-
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes provide a comforting side that pairs well with saucy dishes.
-
Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds nutrition and color, plus it’s quick to prepare.
-
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized enhances both flavor and presentation.
-
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
-
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes makes for a healthy, protein-packed side.
-
Polenta Fries: Crispy polenta fries are fun finger food that goes wonderfully with marinara sauce.
-
Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve zucchini noodles lightly sautéed in olive oil as an alternative base.
-
Herb Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs provides a light grain option that absorbs flavors beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.
- Over-seasoning the chicken: Too much salt or seasoning can overpower the dish. Stick to recommended amounts and adjust according to taste after cooking.
- Not using enough liquid: A lack of broth can lead to dry chicken. Ensure you follow the recipe’s liquid measurements for moist, tender results.
- Cooking on high when low is better: While it may seem quicker, cooking on low allows flavors to meld beautifully. Opt for the slow setting for optimal taste.
- Skipping the cheese at the right time: Adding cheese too early can lead to a burnt texture. Wait until the last 30 minutes to ensure melty perfection.
- Neglecting to garnish: Garnishing with fresh basil adds flavor and visual appeal. Don’t skip this step for a restaurant-quality finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3–4 days for best quality.
Freezing Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm. Use a microwave-safe dish with a lid.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken?
You can pair this dish with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure they are fully cooked before serving, which may extend cooking time slightly.
How do I customize my Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Experimenting with different cheeses can also provide unique twists!
Is Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken healthy?
This recipe offers lean protein from chicken and can be made healthier by using low-sodium marinara sauce and reduced-fat cheese options.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. This dish combines tender chicken with rich flavors and gooey cheese, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients for an even more delightful meal!
Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken, a dish that combines tender chicken breasts with rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella, all prepared effortlessly in your slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when hosting family and friends. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this meal will have everyone asking for seconds. The creamy sauce, melty cheese, and fragrant herbs create a delightful dish that pairs well with various sides, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place seasoned chicken in the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning; pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
