Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara (Crockpot Chicken Recipe) 

Slow cooker chicken marinara recipe is a tasty and simple meal that's perfect for busy weeknights and a great use for your crockpot. 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. I love my crockpot, and if you do as well, check out my slow cooker greek chicken.

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. If creamy flavors are your thing, don’t miss this TikTok viral dumpling bake with coconut milk, curry paste, and baked dumplings.

Ingredient Spotlight: Chicken Breasts

I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this recipe because they are lean, versatile, and cook up tender and juicy when prepared correctly. Chicken breasts are a great source of protein and are lower in fat compared to other cuts like thighs or drumsticks, making them a healthier option for many meals. They also absorb flavors well, which is perfect for dishes like chicken marinara. Additionally, chicken breasts cook quickly and evenly in the slow cooker, ensuring that they remain moist and tender. For even juicier results, ensure the chicken is not overcooked and is shredded just before serving to keep the texture perfect.

I love cooking with chicken breasts, and you can do a lot with it. From chicken pumpkin risotto recipe in a pan, chicken casseroles like my chicken butternut squash casserole or buttermilk chicken casserole, or my French onion chicken skillet on the stove. 

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.

How to Make Slow Cooker Marinara Chicken Recipe

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.

Serving Suggestion: Italian Chicken Pasta

To serve this slow cooker chicken marinara as Italian chicken pasta, cook your favorite pasta (like spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine) in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain, reserving some pasta water. Toss the cooked pasta with the shredded chicken and marinara sauce, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the sauce’s consistency. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor, and serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal.

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

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.

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