Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Lora Lopez

Posted on September 19, 2025

Welcome to a culinary journey that combines convenience and flavor in one delicious dish! The Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Imagine tender chicken coated in marinara sauce, layered with gooey mozzarella and savory Parmesan cheese, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Not only does this recipe deliver on taste, but it also requires minimal effort, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.

This delightful casserole is a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, potluck gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you through each step to ensure success. Plus, with the option to add pasta and broccoli, you can easily customize it to fit your family’s preferences. Get ready to savor every bite of this comforting dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole is not just another meal; it’s an experience that brings people together. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe:

Effortless Cooking: Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the magic. No need for constant monitoring or complicated techniques – just set it and forget it!
Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and melted cheese creates a rich and savory flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Healthy Option: With boneless, skinless chicken breasts and the option to add broccoli, this casserole is packed with protein and nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for your family.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your preferences. Add more veggies, swap out the pasta, or even toss in some spices for an extra kick!
Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for those who like to prepare meals in advance.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that is both comforting and delicious, look no further than the Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Here are several compelling reasons to give this recipe a try:

Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, saucy goodness that this casserole offers. It’s a great way to get your little ones to eat their chicken and veggies without any fuss.
Time-Saving: With a cooking time of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, this dish allows you to go about your day while it cooks. It’s perfect for those who lead busy lives.
One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to a sink full of dishes! This casserole is made all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Delicious Leftovers: The flavors deepen and improve the next day, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To create the mouthwatering Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
1 cup cooked pasta (penne or rotini works well)

In addition to these ingredients, you will need the following utensils for successful preparation:

Slow Cooker
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Two Forks (for shredding chicken)
Large Mixing Spoon
Cutting Board
Knife

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the detailed steps to create the Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole.

Prepare Chicken: Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Ensure they are evenly spaced for uniform cooking.
Season: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. This step is crucial for infusing flavor throughout the dish.
Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the seasoned chicken, ensuring it is evenly covered. This will keep the chicken moist and flavorful as it cooks.
Add Broccoli: If you opt to include broccoli, add the florets on top of the marinara sauce. This not only adds nutrition but also a lovely green color to your casserole.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.
Shred Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce, creating a cohesive mixture.
Add Pasta: Stir in the cooked pasta, ensuring it is well mixed with the chicken and sauce. This is where the casserole starts to come together!
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover and let it cook on low for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add Breadcrumbs: For an extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and let it cook uncovered for the last 10 minutes. This will give your casserole a delightful texture contrast.
Serve: Once the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are golden, your casserole is ready to be served! Dish it out warm and enjoy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to cook them on low for 8-9 hours to ensure they cook thoroughly and remain tender.

What can I substitute for marinara sauce?

You can substitute marinara sauce with spaghetti sauce, homemade tomato sauce, or even pesto for a different flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this casserole gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce the night before, store it in the fridge, and then cook it in the slow cooker the next day.

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a delicious and comforting experience that everyone will love. With its simple preparation, savory flavors, and the ability to customize ingredients, it’s the perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. We invite you to try this dish, and once you do, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and check out our Pinterest for more delicious ideas!

For more tasty recipes, explore these links: Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder, Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Creamy Beef Stroganoff, Buffalo Chicken Pasta, and Bacon Corn Chowder.