Effortless Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

Slow cookers bring magic to our classic cheesy mozzarella chicken, turning ordinary ingredients into something extraordinarily delicious.

Kitchen adventures start with simple, smart techniques that surprise even seasoned home cooks.

Tender chicken breasts absorb rich, creamy flavors while simmering gently in their own juices.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious blanket that wraps each morsel in comfort and warmth.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this foolproof recipe that practically cooks itself.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Come see how easy it is to create restaurant-quality magic right in your kitchen.

Cheesy Slow Cooker Delight: Mozzarella Chicken

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, making dinner a breeze without constant monitoring.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Melted cheese and tender chicken create a universally loved dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its rich, familiar flavors.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires basic pantry staples and just a few simple steps, perfect for home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair with pasta, rice, or salad for a complete meal that adapts easily to different dietary preferences and side dish choices.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts of meat that serve as the main protein in this comforting slow cooker dish.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Blend of classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor and add depth to the dish.

• Chicken Broth, Marinara Sauce: Combination of savory broth and rich tomato sauce that creates a flavorful cooking liquid for the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds authentic Italian flavor and aroma to the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty, creamy cheeses that provide a rich and indulgent topping for the cooked chicken.

• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb that adds a fresh finish and pop of color to the completed dish.

Step-by-Step Mozzarella Chicken Crockpot Recipe

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper on both sides, ensuring every inch gets a delicious flavor boost.

Step 2: Nestle Chicken in Slow Cooker

Gently place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Marinara sauce
• Italian seasoning

Pour the vibrant sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure it covers the meat completely.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until the chicken becomes incredibly tender and fully cooked through.

Step 5: Cheese Blanket Time

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Shredded Parmesan cheese

over the chicken, creating a melty, gooey topping.

Step 6: Melt and Bubble

Cover the slow cooker and continue cooking until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly blanket of deliciousness.

Step 7: Serve with Fresh Flair

Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves, adding a pop of color and bright flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy the mouthwatering combination of tender chicken and melted cheese!

Tips for Creamy and Melty Mozzarella Chicken

• Taste and add extra garlic powder or Italian seasoning for a more robust flavor profile.
• Ensure chicken breasts are not too thin to avoid overcooking and maintain moisture during slow cooking.
• Let cheese sit directly on hot chicken for faster, more even melting without stirring.
• Swap regular mozzarella for low-fat cheese and use reduced-sodium marinara sauce to cut calories.
• Chop fresh basil right before serving to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor and add vibrant color to the dish.

Variations to Spice Up Mozzarella Chicken

• Mediterranean Flair: Replace marinara with sun-dried tomato sauce, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, top with pepper jack cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
• Creamy Herb Infusion: Mix cream cheese with chicken broth, incorporate fresh dill and thyme, use gruyère cheese, and finish with a light sprinkle of chives.
• Rustic Tomato Basil Blend: Combine roasted tomato sauce with fresh basil leaves, add a touch of red pepper flakes, use buffalo mozzarella, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving.

Pairing Ideas for Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken

• Chardonnay's buttery notes complement the creamy mozzarella and rich marinara sauce, creating a balanced wine experience that enhances the chicken's tender texture.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness, adding brightness and a peppery contrast that refreshes the palate between bites.
• Toast crusty Italian bread with garlic and herbs, perfect for soaking up the savory sauce and providing a crunchy textural element that matches the melted cheese's smoothness.

Storage Tips for Mozzarella Chicken Leftovers

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.

Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• What if I don't have marinara sauce?

You can substitute marinara with tomato sauce, adding some Italian herbs to maintain the flavor profile. Canned crushed tomatoes work well too.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth and marinara sauce. Always check ingredient labels to confirm.

• Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this to an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, then do a quick release and add cheese for the final few minutes on sauté mode.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent slow cooker cheesy mozzarella chicken brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Melted cheese and tender chicken combine in a simple one-pot meal that satisfies hungry families with pure deliciousness.

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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

Liquid 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. Coat chicken breasts thoroughly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper on all surfaces to ensure deep flavor penetration.
2. Carefully position seasoned chicken in the slow cooker, arranging pieces to maximize even cooking.
3. Create a flavorful sauce by blending chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning in a separate mixing bowl.
4. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over chicken, ensuring each piece is generously covered with the liquid mixture.
5. Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow chicken to simmer for approximately 6 hours, or alternatively use high temperature for 3 hours until meat becomes fork-tender.
6. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the chicken surface.
7. Continue cooking with lid closed until cheese melts completely, creating a golden and bubbling topping.
8. Remove chicken from slow cooker and transfer to serving platter, ensuring each portion has a rich cheese coating.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves to add a vibrant, aromatic finish to the dish.
10. Serve immediately while cheese remains warm and stretchy, allowing diners to enjoy the full sensory experience.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for uniform cooking and easier shredding.
• Customize flavor by adding dried oregano or red pepper flakes for extra zest.
• Swap mozzarella with provolone or mild cheddar for different taste profiles.
• Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg