Crockpot Chicken Parmesan.

An easy, hands-off dinner everyone will love! This comforting chicken Parmesan is slow-cooked in a flavorful Italian tomato sauce with garlic and fresh basil. Just before serving, sprinkle on mozzarella and let it get perfectly melty. Top everything with buttery Parmesan bread crumbs and serve the chicken, sauce, and cheese over bowls of spaghetti. So simple, so easy, and so delish — the perfect wholesome meal to come home to after a busy day.

When it comes to making chicken Parmesan at home, I tend to avoid it. Honestly, I probably make a classic chicken Parmesan two, maybe three times a year. I don’t love that you have to bread the chicken and then pan-fry it in hot oil — it’s just a little too time-consuming and messy for a typical weeknight. I think a lot of us feel the same way! You really have to be in the mood (and have the energy) to make it.

That being said, my brothers love chicken Parmesan. So I wanted to create an easier, cozier version — and of course, I turned to the crockpot. I’m all about hands-off cooking right now: less prep, less work, and totally effortless but still incredibly delicious. It’s not always easy to achieve, but this slow-cooked chicken Parmesan is so, so good. I added a few special touches that make it extra flavorful and truly delicious.

Full disclosure — this isn’t your traditional chicken Parmesan, but the flavors are just the same. It’s lighter, simpler, and even more comforting. We love that, of course!

You just can’t beat a cozy crockpot dinner this time of year — it’s the ultimate comfort food made easy.

These are the details

Ingredients – for the Crockpot 

• chicken breasts
• canned crushed tomatoes – love Italian style
• tomato paste
• shallots
• Italian seasoning
• fresh basil – feel free to use dried basil if necessary!
• chili flakes
• parmesan rind – if you have one lying around, use it!
• fresh grated parmesan
• whole milk mozzarella or provolone cheese – I mix them

For Topping 

• salted butter
• panko breadcrumbs
• garlic
• parmesan

For Serving 

• fresh parsley or basil – or use both
• cooked spaghetti – or your favorite pasta!

The Tools

For this recipe, you’ll need a crockpot, a small skillet, and a nice big pot for boiling spaghetti at the end.

The Steps

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Arrange the chicken in the bowl of your crockpot. Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, shallots, Italian seasoning, basil, and season with chili flakes, salt, and pepper.

Pour in a splash of water — or for even more flavor, use broth, red wine, or white wine. (I usually just use water.) Give everything a quick mix to combine.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low for a few hours, or on high for a couple of hours if you’re short on time.

About 20 minutes before dinner, remove the lid and shred the chicken — it should fall apart easily. Add the cheeses and let them melt right over the chicken and sauce.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Crumbs

While the cheese melts, take a few minutes to make the crumbs — it’s so worth it!

In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and garlic, toasting until the butter turns golden and the crumbs are fragrant. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and remove from the heat.

Step 4: To Serve

Boil the spaghetti, then toss it with butter and fresh basil. Spoon the chicken, sauce, and melted cheese over each bowl of pasta. Top with the crispy Parmesan breadcrumbs and plenty of fresh parsley (and extra basil if you’d like!).

Recommendations

Serve this cozy crockpot chicken parmesan with homemade garlic bread — trust me, it’s worth it and so yummy with the chicken Parmesan! Add a simple fall salad on the side for a dinner that’s effortless, comforting, and completely delicious.

Looking for other slow cooked fall recipes? Here are a few ideas: 

Red Wine Cranberry Braised Short Ribs

Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Short Rib Pasta

Slow Cooker Coq au Vin with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions

Lastly, if you make this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love hearing from you guys and always do my best to respond to every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!