There’s something about cheesy, saucy meals that just feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day—and when you can prep it in minutes and let it cook itself, even better. This Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken brings together tender chicken breasts, flavorful marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese for a dish that tastes indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something cozy but uncomplicated.
The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting here, allowing the chicken to slowly soak up the bold Italian flavors. The end result? Juicy, fall-apart chicken blanketed in gooey mozzarella and topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil for that final touch of brightness. It’s rich, savory, and crowd-pleasing—just the kind of recipe to keep in your rotation year-round. You can serve it with pasta, crusty bread, or a pile of steamed veggies to balance the richness.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup marinara sauce
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Directions
Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place them in the base of your slow cooker. In a bowl, combine the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning, then pour the mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken. Re-cover and allow to cook until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil just before serving.
Variations & Tips
To add a bit of heat, include red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce in the marinara. For a leaner meal, opt for reduced-fat mozzarella and skip the Parmesan. If you’re avoiding gluten, double-check that both your broth and marinara sauce are certified gluten-free. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano also work well as alternatives to Italian seasoning.
Nutritional and Dietary Notes
This meal is high in protein thanks to the chicken, while the cheeses add calcium and flavor. However, the dish can be rich in sodium and saturated fats due to the cheese and broth, so consider adjusting seasonings or choosing low-sodium and low-fat options if dietary concerns exist. It’s gluten-free if proper ingredients are selected, and pairs well with veggies for balance.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring
Tried this cheesy slow cooker creation? We’d love to hear your take! Share how it turned out, or let us know what sides you served it with. Your feedback helps others in the kitchen—and might just inspire someone else to try this dish tonight!