If there’s one recipe that never fails to make my family smile, it’s Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken. Picture this: juicy chicken breasts simmering away in a slow cooker, soaking up a garlicky marinara bath, then crowned with a blanket of bubbly mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like an Italian grandma’s house—minus the need to spend all day stirring sauce on the stove.
As a mom of three who juggles school pickups, soccer practice, and market runs in New York, this meal is my weeknight lifesaver. It feels indulgent but comes together with hardly any effort. And best of all? Even picky eaters can’t resist melted cheese.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
- It’s hands-off—your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
- Family-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flexible—you can swap in chicken thighs or add fun extras like sun-dried tomatoes.
- Makes your home smell amazing.
What Does Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Taste Like?
Think of it as cozy comfort food with an Italian twist. The chicken turns tender and juicy, the sauce soaks up garlic and herbs, and the gooey cheese gives you that irresistible pull when you cut into it. It’s saucy enough to spoon over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes (my personal favorite pairing on chilly nights).
Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
One of the reasons I love this Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a cozy Italian-inspired dinner that feels restaurant-worthy. The best part? You probably already have most of these pantry staples at home. Let’s walk through each ingredient so you know exactly why it belongs in the pot:
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – These are the stars of the dish. I like using chicken breasts because they cook up tender and juicy in the slow cooker. If you prefer darker meat, chicken thighs work beautifully too.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder – This gives the chicken a warm, savory base flavor. You can swap in fresh minced garlic if you’re a garlic lover like me.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – Don’t skip this step—seasoning at the start helps every bite taste delicious.
- 1 cup chicken broth – Adds moisture and depth, keeping the chicken from drying out.
- 1 cup marinara sauce – Use your favorite jarred brand or a homemade version if you’ve got extra time. I like a chunky marinara for a little texture.
If marinara is your love language, you’ll also enjoy my Crockpot Baked Ziti—it’s another cheesy Italian-inspired slow cooker classic.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – A quick way to bring together all the herby notes (basil, oregano, thyme) without opening multiple jars.
For the Cheesy Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – The gooey, melty topping that makes this dish irresistible.
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty layer of flavor that balances the mozzarella.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped – A fresh pop of color and brightness right before serving.
Optional Add-ins (For a Personal Touch)
- Red pepper flakes – If your family likes a little heat, sprinkle in a pinch.
- Extra garlic cloves – Because there’s no such thing as too much garlic, right?
- Fresh oregano – Boosts that herby Italian flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – Add a tangy, slightly sweet bite that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
By keeping the ingredients simple but flavorful, you’ll end up with a dish that tastes like it took hours of effort—when really, your slow cooker did all the heavy lifting.
If you love cheesy comfort food, you’ll probably also adore my Crockpot Baked Ziti.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is that it feels like a special occasion dinner but requires almost no effort on your part. Your slow cooker does the magic—turning simple ingredients into a cheesy, saucy masterpiece. Here’s exactly how to do it, step by step:
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start with 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel—this helps the seasonings stick better. Sprinkle both sides generously with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This first layer of seasoning ensures your chicken is flavorful from the inside out.
Tip from my kitchen: If you love extra garlic (like I do), feel free to rub in some freshly minced garlic as well.
Step 2: Place the Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Lay the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of your slow cooker. Don’t stack them if you can help it—this allows for even cooking and tender results
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup marinara sauce, and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken. It should cover the chicken about halfway, giving it plenty of moisture to stay juicy while it cooks.
This step is where all the flavor builds—your chicken is basically about to take a luxurious spa bath in garlicky marinara goodness.
Step 4: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to:
- LOW for 6 hours (best for tender, fall-apart chicken), or
- HIGH for 3 hours (when you need dinner a little faster).
Whatever you do, resist the temptation to open the lid while it cooks! Every peek lets heat escape and adds more cooking time.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan evenly over the chicken. Put the lid back on and let the cheese melt into a gooey, golden topping.
When you lift the lid again, you’ll be greeted with bubbly, stringy mozzarella that makes every bite irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Rest Before Serving
Once the cheese is melted, turn off the slow cooker and let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices settle, keeping the meat tender. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil right before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Step 7: Serve It Up!
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is incredibly versatile. Spoon it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner. It also pairs perfectly with a simple veggie side or a green salad.
If you love hearty chicken meals like this one, you might also enjoy my Crock Pot No Peek Chicken with Rice—another easy, comforting family favorite that practically cooks itself.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
- Don’t peek: Resist lifting the lid—every time you do, heat escapes and slows cooking.
- Try thighs: Chicken thighs give you extra tenderness if you prefer dark meat.
- Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a surprising kick.
- Double it up: This recipe reheats beautifully, so go ahead and make extra for easy lunches.
- Pair it smartly: Serve over pasta, rice, or crusty bread for dipping.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (without cheese topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw, reheat, then add cheese before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thawing first is best for even cooking.
Can I prep this ahead?
Absolutely. Season the chicken, mix the sauce, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just dump everything into the slow cooker.
What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
Any you love—store-bought or homemade. I sometimes use a chunky garden marinara for extra veggies.
Conclusion
There’s a reason this Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken has become a repeat request in my house—it’s simple, flavorful, and makes dinnertime stress-free. Whether you’re cooking for kids, guests, or just yourself after a long day, this is the recipe that brings everyone to the table with smiles (and full bellies).
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meals.
Print
Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken – Quick & Easy Comfort
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender chicken breasts smothered in marinara and melty mozzarella, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker for a comforting Italian-inspired dinner.
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
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Optional: Red pepper flakes
Optional: Extra garlic cloves
Optional: Fresh oregano
Optional: Sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
1. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Place seasoned chicken in slow cooker.
3. In a bowl, combine chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning.
4. Pour sauce mixture over chicken.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
6. In final 30 minutes, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Continue cooking until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Make Ahead: Prep ingredients the night before for easy cooking.
Storage: Keeps 3–4 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken without cheese for up to 3 months.
Serving: Let rest 10 minutes before serving for best texture.
Variation: Try with boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
Time Tip: Don’t open the lid during cooking to retain heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: slow cooker, mozzarella chicken, marinara, crockpot, cheesy, Italian chicken
