This Slow Cooker Mozzarella Chicken Is My Set-It-and-Forget-It Comfort Fix
There’s nothing better than coming home to dinner that’s already done—and this Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is proof. With just a few simple ingredients and virtually no prep, it delivers melty cheese, tender chicken, and a savory tomato-garlic sauce that screams comfort.
This is the kind of dish that makes the whole house smell like Sunday dinner, without you ever lifting a pot after lunch. It’s rich enough for company, easy enough for a Tuesday, and 100% family-approved.
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
- Hands-off slow cooking: Just dump, cook, and enjoy.
- Melty mozzarella and parmesan = cheesy bliss.
- Flavor-packed Italian seasoning and marinara.
- Perfect with pasta, rice, or low-carb zoodles.
- Freezer-friendly and easy to scale up.
📝 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)
🔁 Notes & Swaps
- Use thighs: Boneless chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy.
- Marinara swap: Use spicy arrabbiata or roasted garlic sauce for variation.
- Cheese options: Mix in provolone, fontina, or even a little ricotta for richness.
- Low-sodium version: Opt for low-sodium broth and unsalted marinara.
- No fresh basil? Dried basil works too—just sprinkle a pinch over the top at the end.
👨🍳 Instructions
- Season the Chicken
Rub the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. - Set Up the Slow Cooker
Place seasoned chicken into the bottom of your slow cooker. - Mix and Pour the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Pour evenly over the chicken. - Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook:- Low for 6 hours
- High for 3 hours
The chicken should be fork-tender and cooked to 165°F internally.
- Add the Cheese
About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the chicken. Cover again and cook until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. - Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped fresh basil and serve warm over your favorite base.
🔥 Pro Tips for Slow Cooker Success
- Use a thermometer to check doneness if unsure—especially if you’re doubling the batch.
- Don’t lift the lid too often—it drops the temperature and slows cooking.
- Add a splash of cream with the cheese for a richer sauce.
- Want a thicker sauce? Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to let it reduce slightly.
🍽 Serving Ideas & Pairings
This cheesy chicken is perfect served with:
- Buttered pasta, like fettuccine or penne
- Garlic bread for dipping into that luscious sauce
- Steamed zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist
- Creamy mashed potatoes or even risotto for full indulgence
And for ultimate comfort food vibes, pair with these:
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders—double the cheese, double the fun
- Crockpot Nacho Dip—serve this before or alongside for a cheesy party spread
- Chicken Enchiladas—great if you’re planning a full meal prep rotation
- Dorito Casserole—for another cheesy, crowd-pleasing option
- Instant Pot Lasagna—the Italian comfort food power duo
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooled portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Gently warm in microwave or on stovetop, adding a splash of broth or marinara if needed.
📚 More Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara & Garlic Butter
- These Chicken Enchiladas
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip
- This Dorito Casserole
- This Instant Pot Lasagna
📝 Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is everything I want in a weeknight dinner—easy, indulgent, and packed with flavor. It’s low-effort, high-reward, and endlessly adaptable depending on what’s in your fridge or pantry.
Give it a try this week and let me know how you make it your own. Want to swap in sausage? Add mushrooms? I’m here for all the twists. And don’t forget to follow for more cozy slow cooker classics and easy dinner wins.
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