Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan

Serves 5 in about 3 hours. A slow cooker recipe built around italian seasoning and butter.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more for spicy)
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese (or grated)
• 12 ounces spaghetti
• Chopped fresh parsley or basil optional
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese (or grated)

Method

1. Lightly spray a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Smooth about ½ cup of the marinara sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Arrange the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer as much as possible.
5. Tip in the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken.
6. Put a lid on and cook on Low for about 2 ½-3 ½ hours, checking the chicken on the earlier side. Simmer until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Scatter the mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese over the chicken. Put a lid on and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or just until the cheese has melted.
8. While the cheese is melting, cook the spaghetti as the package says. Drain.
9. Make the crispy topping, while the pasta is boiling. Warm the pan and melt the butter in a skillet over a medium flame. Tip in the panko breadcrumbs and cook, while stirring often, until golden and crisp.
10. Lift out the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
11. Plate the chicken over the spaghetti with marinara sauce spooned over the top.
12. Scatter the crispy Parmesan-panko topping over each serving just before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil, if you want it.

More slow cooker ideas are in the slow cooker collection.