Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s easy, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor, Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is here to steal the show. Picture this: juicy, tender chicken breasts slow-cooked to perfection, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with melty mozzarella cheese. It’s a delicious, hands-off meal that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). Trust me, this one’s a winner!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and let the magic happen. You can go about your day while the slow cooker does all the work, and when it’s time to eat, dinner’s basically ready. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you’re in the mood for a cozy, cheesy comfort meal.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

• Effortless Cooking: Pop everything into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. No constant stirring or monitoring necessary.
• Cheesy Goodness: The mozzarella adds the perfect amount of creaminess and melt-in-your-mouth goodness that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish holds up well for leftovers and can be easily stored for a few days, making it perfect for meal prepping for the week ahead.
• Comfort Food at its Best: If you’re a fan of cheesy, saucy chicken dishes, this is your dream dinner come true.

Ingredients

For this deliciously cheesy chicken, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients to create a meal that’s both comforting and flavorful:

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish! Tender and juicy chicken breasts cook beautifully in the slow cooker and soak up all the flavors.
• Marinara Sauce: A rich, flavorful marinara sauce brings a tangy, zesty base to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: A pinch of garlic powder for that extra depth of flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to make the chicken taste like it came straight from an Italian kitchen.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the chicken perfectly.

For the Cheesy Topping:

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, melty cheese that brings this dish to life. It’s what takes this recipe from simple to spectacular.
• Parmesan Cheese: A little extra Parmesan on top adds richness and a lovely savory kick.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s dive into making this cheesy, saucy masterpiece:

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Make sure each piece is evenly coated to ensure flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Add to the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully covered. This sauce is going to keep the chicken juicy and add a ton of flavor as it cooks.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can go ahead and relax while your kitchen fills with amazing smells!

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each piece of chicken. Add a little Parmesan cheese for extra flavor, then cover and let the cheese melt for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese has melted and become all gooey and delicious, it’s time to serve! Enjoy this cheesy chicken with a side of pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate comfort meal.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information per serving (based on 1 chicken breast and 4 servings):

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: 350 calories
• Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 40g
• Vitamin A: 10%
• Vitamin C: 4%
• Calcium: 15%
• Iron: 8%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
• Total Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

• With Pasta: Serve this cheesy chicken over a bed of pasta for a complete, hearty meal. Spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine all work wonderfully.
• With Rice: Pair it with fluffy rice for a simple and satisfying option.
• With Veggies: Roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a crisp salad would complement the richness of the chicken beautifully.
• In a Sandwich: Turn it into a sandwich by placing the cheesy chicken on a toasted bun for a quick lunch or dinner!

Additional Tips

• Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer thighs over breasts, they work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Add Veggies: If you want to sneak in some veggies, consider adding chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully!
• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the cooked chicken in marinara sauce for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

A1: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Just make sure to extend the cooking time by about 30 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Q2: Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?

A2: Absolutely! Chicken thighs work just as well in this recipe and will turn out juicy and tender.

Q3: Can I use a different cheese?

A3: While mozzarella is the classic choice for its meltiness, you could use other cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even a mix of cheese for a different flavor profile.

Q4: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A4: Yes, feel free to add in vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce. It’ll add more flavor and nutrition to the dish!

Q5: Can I make this ahead of time?

A5: Yes! You can prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Then, just toss it in the slow cooker the next day for an easy dinner.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?

A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.

Q7: Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the slow cooker?

A7: Yes! You can bake the chicken breasts in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, then top with marinara sauce and cheese and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Q8: Can I use a different type of sauce?

A8: Yes! If you prefer a different sauce, try using a creamy Alfredo sauce or a pesto sauce for a twist on the classic recipe.

Q9: How do I know when the chicken is done?

A9: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this using a meat thermometer.

Q10: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A10: Yes! You can freeze the cooked chicken with sauce for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is the ultimate easy, cheesy comfort food that’s sure to please the whole family. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, a weekend meal prep, or anytime you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying. So, grab your slow cooker and let it work its magic—you’re going to love every melty, saucy bite!

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