It doesn’t get much easier than this Chicken Parmesan Crockpot recipe! Juicy, seasoned chicken smothered in flavorful marinara and melty mozzarella, all cooked in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy nights when you want a classic Italian dinner without the fuss.
Why you'll love this crockpot recipe
This recipe is a shortcut-friendly take on traditional chicken parmesan—no breading, no frying, but all the flavor you love.
Serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or mashed potatoes for a family favorite dinner.
If you love bold Italian flavors, you’ll also enjoy this creamy Tuscan salmon recipe.
Ingredients
- mushrooms - Adds earthy flavor and moisture. Use fresh or canned mushrooms, or swap with zucchini or bell peppers.
- onion – Provides sweetness and depth of flavor. Shallots or leeks can be used as a substitute.
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The main protein. Chicken thighs can be used for juicier meat.
- marinara or spaghetti sauce – Provides the classic tomato base. Swap with crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, or homemade sauce.
- dried Italian seasoning – Adds classic Italian flavor. You can substitute with ½ teaspoon dried basil + ½ teaspoon dried oregano.
- 2 bay leaves – Infuses subtle herbal flavor. These are optional if unavailable.
- shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy topping. Can swap with provolone or dairy-free cheese.
- shredded parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, salty flavor. Pecorino Romano works too!
At serving time you'll want cooked spaghetti, penne, gluten-free pasta, or zucchini noodles. Choose your favorite pasta or low-carb alternative.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan in the Crockpot
Before you get started, be sure to spray your crockpot with no-stick cooking spray.
- Layer veggies: Place sliced onions and mushrooms in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Step 2: Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown 3 minutes per side.
Once browned, add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
- Step 3: Add sauce & seasonings: Pour marinara over the chicken. Add bay leaves and sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly.
- Step 4: Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours, until internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with an instant read meat thermometer.
Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan on top and let melt in the crockpot, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
- Serve: Remove bay leaves and serve over pasta or your favorite sides. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Step 6: Assemble and serve over your choice of pasta!
Save This Recipe For Later
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later!
Top Tips
Quick version: Check out my 30-minute stovetop Chicken Parmesan if you’re short on time.
Make it gluten-free: Serve over gluten-free pasta or mashed potatoes.
Low-carb option: Try zucchini noodles (zoodles) instead of pasta.
Meal prep & freezing: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze in a resealable bag or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months—add extra sauce to prevent dryness.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 3 months, add extra sauce
- Reheat: Microwave or oven-safe container for a quick lunch or dinner
What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
- Garlic bread for a family-style Italian dinner
- Cooked pasta (spaghetti, penne)
- Zucchini noodles or mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans, broccoli, or a Caesar salad
FAQs
Yes! Cook on low 7–8 hours or high 4–5 hours, making sure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
A 6-quart slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe.
Use your favorite brand. Rao’s is a favorite of mine, but any marinara or spaghetti sauce will work.
Nothing at all! Same dish, just a fancy Italian name if you want to impress your dinner guests.
More Slow Cooker recipes you’ll love:
Slow Cooker Buffalo Shredded Chicken
Crockpot Mexican Shredded Chicken
Did you make this??
Tried this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan? Leave a comment or rating below—I love hearing how your family enjoyed it!
Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Send me this recipe!
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later!
Ingredients
- 6 ounces sliced mushrooms pre-sliced for convenience
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil for searing chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce your favorite brand
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or ½ teaspoon each dried basil + oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil optional, for garnish
For serving
- Cooked spaghetti, penne, gluten-free pasta, or zucchini noodles
Instructions
- Prep the slow cooker: Spray the inside with cooking spray.
- Layer the veggies: Place onions and mushrooms in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear 3 minutes per side.
- Add chicken to crockpot: Place seared chicken on top of the vegetables.
- Add sauce & seasonings: Pour marinara over the chicken. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and add bay leaves.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan over the chicken. Let melt uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Serve: Remove bay leaves and serve over pasta or preferred sides. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Nutrition
This Farm Girl Cooks is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. Calories and other nutritional values vary depending on which brands were used.
