Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
Tender chicken breasts smothered in marinara and melty mozzarella make Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken a perfect dish for any occasion. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a burst of flavor that will impress your family and friends. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering, this dish stands out with its rich Italian flavors and comforting texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just season the chicken, toss it in the slow cooker, and let it do all the work.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of marinara sauce and melted mozzarella creates a delightful taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over pasta, rice, or even on its own with some crusty bread.
- Quick Cleanup: Using a slow cooker means fewer dishes to wash after your meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Great for family dinners or entertaining guests; everyone loves cheesy chicken!
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken, you will need some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking, resulting in tender chicken every time.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining sauces and seasonings before adding to the chicken.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent flavor.
Ingredients
Tender chicken breasts smothered in marinara and melty mozzarella, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker!
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
For Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
Extras for Flavor
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Extra garlic cloves
- Fresh oregano
- Sun-dried tomatoes
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance their flavor.
Step 2: Place in Slow Cooker
- Place the seasoned chicken into your slow cooker evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning thoroughly.
Step 4: Add Sauce to Chicken
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
Step 6: Add Cheese
- In the final 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan over the chicken.
Step 7: Finish Cooking
- Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish
- Before serving, garnish with fresh basil for added flavor and presentation.
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken! This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is not just a delicious main course; it offers versatile serving options that can elevate your meal. Here are some creative ways to serve this mouthwatering dish.
Over Pasta
- Serve the chicken over your favorite pasta for a hearty meal. The marinara sauce blends perfectly with spaghetti or fettuccine.
With Rice
- Pair the cheesy chicken with fluffy white rice or brown rice. The rice absorbs the flavors and makes for a satisfying side.
In a Sandwich
- Shred the chicken and place it in a crusty hoagie roll. Top with additional mozzarella and fresh basil for an Italian-style sandwich.
As a Salad Topping
- Dice the chicken and add it to a fresh salad. The warm, cheesy chicken complements crisp greens beautifully, creating a delightful texture contrast.
On Pizza
- Use the Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken as a topping for homemade pizza. It adds richness and flavor that will impress your guests.
With Garlic Bread
- Serve alongside garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. It’s the perfect addition for those who love extra flavor on their plate.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
To ensure your Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil, garlic, and quality cheese can elevate the flavor significantly.
- Don’t overcook: Cooking on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours is ideal; overcooking may lead to dry chicken.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Add veggies: For more nutrition, toss in some diced bell peppers or spinach during cooking.
- Experiment with marinara: Different brands of marinara have varying flavors; choose one you love or make your own.
- Garnish generously: Fresh herbs add brightness; don’t skip on garnishing with chopped basil before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic provide comfort and balance to the dish.
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition, complementing the richness of the chicken.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad pairs well with cheesy flavors, offering crunch and zest.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring sweetness and texture, making them an excellent contrast.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with tomatoes and cucumbers offers freshness that balances the richness of the chicken.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers make for an easy appetizer that matches well with Italian flavors.
- Baked Zucchini Fries: Crispy zucchini fries provide a healthier alternative to traditional fries while adding flavor.
- Couscous Pilaf: Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs and spices creates an aromatic side that pairs nicely with the saucy chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is a delightful dish, but some common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are a few to watch out for:
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Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper before cooking.
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Not using enough liquid: If you don’t add enough chicken broth or marinara sauce, your chicken may dry out. Ensure to follow the recipe for optimal moisture.
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Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it tough. Stick to the recommended cooking times for juicy results.
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Not layering ingredients properly: Placing cheese on top too soon can cause it to burn. Wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking for perfectly melted cheese.
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Ignoring the optional ingredients: Ingredients like fresh oregano and sun-dried tomatoes can enhance flavor. Don’t skip them if you have them on hand!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store your Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken in an airtight container.
- item It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
- item Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
- item Store in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will keep for about 2-3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
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Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
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Microwave: Transfer a portion into a microwave-safe container. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
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Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you with your Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken:
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Cook on HIGH for approximately 4 hours instead of LOW.
What sides go well with Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken?
Serve it with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. Garlic bread also complements this dish beautifully.
Can I customize the cheese?
Absolutely! You can mix different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for varied flavors while keeping mozzarella as the base cheese.
How do I make this dish healthier?
To make it healthier, consider using low-sodium marinara sauce and reducing cheese quantities without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or even diced jalapeños into the sauce mixture before cooking.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Feel free to customize by adding vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste!
Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is a deliciously simple dish that brings rich Italian flavors right to your dinner table. Tender chicken breasts are slowly cooked in a savory marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, creating a comforting meal that will impress your family and friends. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, as it requires minimal prep time and offers maximum flavor. Serve it over pasta, rice, or even in sandwiches for a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then place them in the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning; pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken. Continue cooking until melted.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
