Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan
Try this Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan recipe.
Try this Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan recipe.
- salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 up grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko crumbs
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/8 easpoon red pepper flakes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes drained (i like to use fire-roasted)
- Carbohydrate 13.4628295840689 g
- Cholesterol 154.586666681635 mg
- Fat 9.01908667084496 g
- Fiber 1.36756668391014 g
- Protein 63.172012088977 g
- Saturated Fat 3.86853829409166 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (328g)
- Sodium 405.813512297543 mg
- Sugar 12.0952629001588 g
- Trans Fat 1.15100491686788 g
- Calories 402 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
- Cook until onions are softened and tomato paste is rust in color, about 4 minutes.
- Transfer onion-tomato paste mixture to a lightly greased crock pot and stir in drained diced tomatoes.
- Dissolve the cornstarch in the 1 tablespoon of water and stir into the tomato sauce.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper and lay them on top of tomato mixture so that they are shingled and the tapered ends face the side of the crock pot with the control panel.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
- Mix together mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle cheese mixture over chicken, place the lid back on and let sit in turned-off crock pot for 15 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Combine Panko crumbs and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.
- Cook until nicely browned, stirring frequently.
- Transfer Panko crumbs to a bowl to cool and then add in remaining Parmesan cheese, the basil, ⅓ teaspoon salt, and ⅓ teaspoon pepper.
- Sprinkle on top of cheese and serve.
Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and delicious – a trifecta that often feels impossible to achieve. That’s why I’ve become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes. They allow me to prep dinner in the morning, or even the night before, and come home to a perfectly cooked meal waiting for me. This Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan is a perfect example. It’s a classic comfort food, elevated to new heights with minimal effort.
Forget spending hours in the kitchen slaving over a hot stove. This recipe lets the slow cooker do all the hard work. The chicken emerges tender and juicy, smothered in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. The melted mozzarella and crispy panko topping adds the perfect textural contrast, creating a truly satisfying and unforgettable dish. I often double the recipe on Sundays so we have leftovers for lunch throughout the week, saving me even more time and energy.
Beyond the Convenience
What I love most about this recipe, beyond its convenience, is its adaptability. You can easily customize it to your liking. Spice it up with extra red pepper flakes for a little kick, add different vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrients, or even swap out the panko for breadcrumbs if you prefer a different texture. The possibilities are truly endless! I’ve experimented with adding sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper, more intense flavor profile, and my family absolutely adored it.
The Perfect Weeknight Meal
This isn't just a weeknight dinner; it's a lifesaver. The slow cooker handles everything, letting you focus on other things – homework help, catching up with a friend, or simply enjoying some much-needed downtime. Imagine this: you wake up, toss the ingredients in the slow cooker, and then go about your day. When you return home, the aroma of delicious chicken parmesan fills your house, instantly transforming your mood. This is more than just a meal; it's a feeling of comfort and satisfaction.
Serving Suggestions
I usually serve this with a simple side salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken parmesan. A crusty bread is also a must for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Sometimes, I'll even add a side of roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, for a more balanced meal. The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a more elegant get-together.
Making it Your Own
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A blend of provolone and mozzarella would be delicious, as would a creamy fontina. You could also add some fresh herbs to the sauce, such as basil or oregano. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; feel free to make it your own.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan recipe is a true game-changer for busy individuals who want a healthy, delicious, and convenient dinner option. It’s a testament to the fact that amazing food doesn't require hours of work in the kitchen. So, ditch the takeout menus and embrace the simplicity of this slow cooker marvel. I guarantee it will quickly become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
