Dump Recipes: Easy Crockpot Chicken Parmesan (2025)

I love Chicken Parmesan, but I also love the convenience of dump recipes.  

That is why I got thinking about creating my very own Crockpot Chicken Parmesan, BRILLIANT, I thought to myself.

So here it is; it tastes like the real thing with the convenience of a dump recipe!

Key Takeaways

• Cook Time: High – 4 hours
• Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and cooked pasta for serving
• Servings: 4
• Extras: Add truffle salt and parmesan cheese with more 
• Tip: Cut the chicken breasts in half to make sure they cook thoroughly, plus they’re more like the chicken cutlets you get with classic chicken parm

Dump Recipes: Crockpot Chicken Parmesan

I was skeptical to try and make this, but this crock pot chicken parmesan isn’t just good, it’s AWESOME.

And I love slow cooker chicken parmesan. In fact, I have what I believe to be the ultimate chicken parmesan recipe. 

But this is just easier because it is a dump recipe that you has fewer steps and a ‘set it and forget it’ approach.

There was some concern, though… how was I going to get the tanginess of the marinara sauce, the tenderness of the chicken, the salty gooiness of the cheese, AND the salty, crispy crust from a crock pot?

I was mostly concerned about the crispy crust. A crock pot won’t crisp up food, so the solution is to quickly make crispy bread crumbs to go over the cheese and the chicken once the slow cooker does it’s job!

All the textures and flavors you need from a great chicken parm are here – just in a different set up! And once you take a bite, you will understand why my girls ask for slow cooker chicken parmesan almost every week!

And you will make it again and again. Because it’s that good.

Recipe Assembly

To start with, you need to get the boneless, skinless chicken breast to the right thickness.

You could pound it, but I’ve found that slicing in half lengthwise with a sharp knife is less messy and faster.

Then maybe give a little pounding with a tenderizer to get the thickness consistent. 

Slow cooker chicken parmesan doesn’t overcook easily, but having them too thick will risk undercooked meat!

I only use 1 1/2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this, and it’s plenty. I take the largest half and then cut it in half again to get a total of 4 pieces.

Here are the ingredients (including my “helper”) for slow cooker chicken parmesan.

Start by combining all of the marinara sauce ingredients in the crock pot (crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, basil, garlic, and Italian seasoning) and mix them well.

Place the chicken on top and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Cook for 4 hours on high.

After it’s almost done, you might need to pull the chicken out for a minute and stir the sauce again.

Then, place the chicken back on top, followed by the mozzarella or parmesan cheese (whichever you choose).

Close the top and let the cheese melt – this will take about 10 minutes.

While the cheese is melting, start the bread crumbs. Heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat for a minute.

Add the bread crumb mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper (I also sprinkled Parmesan cheese for extra flavor!). Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes.

To serve, scoop out a piece of chicken with some marinara sauce underneath and place it over the pasta.

Top this slow cooker chicken parmesan with a big scoop of the crispy bread crumbs and enjoy!

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Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan in the crock pot? Yes. And it's actually good. And by good I mean AMAZING!

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours hours

Total Time: 4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Brittany Kline

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Ingredients

• 1 1/2 chicken breasts
• 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 3 oz tomato paste
• 2 cloves of garlic minced or pressed
• 1/2 tsp salt plus a couple pinches
• 1/2 tsp black pepper plus a couple pinches
• 1 Tbsp basil
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 Tbsp olive oil

Instructions

• Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise.
• Combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, slat, pepper, basil, and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker and mix well.
• Add chicken breasts on top of the sauce and sprinkle with salt a pepper.
• Cook on high for 4 hours.
• Remove chicken from slow cooker and stir sauce. Place the chicken back on top of the sauce and top with the cheese.
• In a small pan, heat the oil over medium heat for a minute.
• Add the bread crumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the bread crumbs, stirring often for about 5 minutes.
• To serve, scoop out a piece of chicken with some sauce underneath and place over pasta. Top with a big scoop of the crispy bread crumbs.

Recipe Substitutions

One of the many beauties of slow cooker Chicken Parmesan is its versatility in accommodating various dietary needs or simply catering to those seeking a new tang.

These substitutions ensure that everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, can enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish.

The Meat

For those looking to customize their Crockpot Chicken Parmesan, swapping out the chicken breasts is straightforward and can suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.

If you adhere to a vegetarian lifestyle and want meat subsitutes, consider using thick slices of eggplant or large portobello mushroom caps as a hearty, meat-free alternative.

These vegetables not only mimic the texture of chicken when cooked but also soak up the marinara sauce beautifully.

For those who prefer different types of meat, turkey breasts are an excellent alternative. They offer a leaner option while retaining the dish’s traditional feel.

Similarly, thinly sliced pork tenderloin can be used for a slightly different flavor profile but with equally delicious results.

Additionally, for a seafood twist, breaded tilapia or cod fillets can serve as an intriguing substitute for chicken, adding a unique but satisfying taste to the classic parmesan experience.

The Cheese/Dairy

For those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, there are plenty of cheese and dairy alternatives that can be used in Crockpot Chicken Parmesan without compromising on taste or texture.

For the Parmesan aspect, nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative can offer a similar salty, umami flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

Vegan mozzarella cheese, which melts just as well as its dairy counterpart, is a fantastic option for those looking to avoid dairy.

Equally, for a lower-fat version, opting for low-fat mozzarella cheese and substituting the chicken breasts with turkey breasts can make a significant difference while keeping the flavors intact.

The Toppings & Sauce

For individuals adhering to a gluten-free diet, replacing traditional breadcrumbs is a biggie to make this a breadless chicken parm.

A gluten-free variant or crushed gluten-free crackers holds the secret to maintaining that beloved crispy crust without compromising dietary restrictions.

Lastly, for those adventurous souls yearning for a new taste without straying too far from the original Italian seasoning, incorporating a pesto swirl into the marinara sauce can be a nice change of pace.

Or a sprinkle of exotic spices like truffle salt or parmesan cheese within the breadcrumb mix can invigorate this crock pot chicken parmesan dish with an unexpected but welcome flavor profile.

Other Crock Pot Recipes

And if you like this one, you might be interested in my 40 other slow cooker dump recipes!  They are seriously amazing!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Frozen chicken can be used, but it’s recommended to thaw it fully before adding it to the crock pot to ensure even cooking.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers should be cooled to room temperature and then stored in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.

Can this crock pot chicken parmesan recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Is it possible to cook on low instead of high?

Absolutely, cooking on low for 6-8 hours will yield similar results, perfect for setting up in the morning for a dinner ready to enjoy by evening.

Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?

Certainly! Vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat to your slow cooker chicken parm, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or top with spicy cheese, such as Pepper Jack.

What pasta shapes work best with this dish?

Classic choices like spaghetti or linguine are fantastic, but short pasta shapes like penne or rotini also work well in capturing the sauce.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, while mozzarella is traditional for crock pot chicken parmesan, feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as shredded Parmesan cheese, Provolone slices, or a blend, for varied flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

The essence of simplicity in cooking is beautifully encapsulated in this chicken parmesan crock pot recipe.

Whether it’s a busy weekday or a lazy weekend, this slow cooker dish has proven to be a lifesaver in my kitchen, especially with my two daughters eagerly anticipating its delightful taste almost every week.

Their faces light up at the mention of it, making all the minimal effort involved truly worth it.

This slow cooker recipe is not just about creating a meal but crafting moments of joy and togetherness with loved ones.

It’s a testament to how uncomplicated yet utterly satisfying cooking can be, making it a cherished ritual in our family.

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