Description
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy nights. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a rich, cheesy sauce with mozzarella, cream cheese, and Italian seasonings. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing chicken)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Optional: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you prefer a simpler recipe.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Add to Slow Cooker:
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, chicken broth, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese together until smooth. You can also add more Italian seasoning if you like extra flavor.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce.
3. Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
4. Shred the Chicken (Optional):
- Once cooked, you can shred the chicken using two forks or leave it whole. If shredded, stir the chicken back into the creamy sauce for extra flavor.
5. Serve:
- Serve the cheesy chicken with your favorite side dishes like pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
Notes
- Pasta Option: Serve the cheesy chicken over cooked pasta for a more filling meal. The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Dairy-Free Option: You can substitute the cream cheese and mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) towards the end of cooking and let it cook for another 15-30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (on low) or 2-3 hours (on high)
- Category: Main Dish, Slow Cooker
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 120mg