Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

Slow cooker chicken marinara is a tasty and simple meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. I love how easy it is to throw together and let the crockpot do all the work. You can have tender, flavorful chicken in a rich tomato sauce ready to serve in just a few hours with minimal effort.

The basic method is to place chicken breasts in the slow cooker, cover with marinara sauce and seasonings, then cook on low for 4 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. You can always add extras like onions, garlic, broccoli or pepperoncini for extra flavor, but my kiddos like it plain and clean. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Once the chicken is cooked, the world is your oyster! Pile it on spaghetti and top with cheese for a chicken parmesan with mozzarella cheese. Shred it and tuck into burger buns for a chicken sloppy joe. Roll it in tortilla wraps or make some chicken tacos.

Any way you serve this easy chicken recipe, it's guaranteed to be a hit! I also like to shred the chicken and serve it over polenta for a hearty meal. You can even keep the chicken breasts whole, and pair them with a side of roasted lemon vegetables for an Italian chicken meal. The leftovers are great for salads, too.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean protein; can substitute with chicken thighs, turkey breast, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Marinara sauce: Adds flavor and moisture; homemade sauce or other tomato-based sauces like arrabbiata or vodka sauce can be used.
• Italian seasoning: Enhances flavor with a blend of herbs; can be replaced with a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Garlic powder: Adds savory depth; fresh minced garlic or garlic salt (reducing additional salt) can be substituted.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, umami flavor; pecorino romano or nutritional yeast (for dairy-free option) can be used instead.
• Salt and pepper: Enhances overall flavor; can adjust amounts based on personal preference or dietary needs.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Equipment

Of course, you'll need a slow cooker, also called a Crock-Pot. I recommend using a 6-quart slow cooker for this recipe. This size works well for most families and allows plenty of room for the chicken and sauce.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Preparation:

Start by gathering all the ingredients for this dish. You'll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper. If you're using frozen chicken breasts, make sure they're thawed before cooking.

In a mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce with the Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Cooking Process:

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well-coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the cooking time based on your schedule. For low heat, cook for 6-8 hours; for high heat, cook for 3-4 hours.

Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. The meat should be tender and easy to pull apart.

Finishing Touches:

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste the dish and add salt and pepper as needed to adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Serve:

Serve the chicken marinara over pasta or with bread on the side. This recipe makes about 4 servings. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Storage And Freezer Instructions

I recommend storing leftover crockpot chicken marinara in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, I make sure to warm it thoroughly until it reaches 165°F internally.

For longer storage, I freeze the chicken marinara. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Accompanying Dishes And Serving Suggestions

My favorite way to serve this quick Italian chicken is in chicken pasta. For a classic Italian meal, simply serve it over a bed of pasta like spaghetti, penne or fettuccine.

For a low-carb option, I suggest using zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash as a base. These vegetable alternatives provide a lighter touch while still soaking up the delicious marinara sauce.

To add some greens, I like to prepare a simple side salad or prepare asparagus with capers and pecans in the air fryer. It balances the rich flavors of the chicken marinara nicely.

Garlic bread is another great accompaniment. Its crispy texture and savory taste complement the tender chicken and sauce perfectly. I often make it by spreading garlic butter on sliced Italian bread and toasting it in the oven.

For a complete meal, I sometimes include a side of roasted vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant are excellent choices that pair well with Italian flavors. These can be easily prepared while the chicken cooks in the slow cooker.

Recipe