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If you love chicken parmesan, this healthy slow cooker chicken parmesan is about to become a favorite! Made without frying or breading, this lightened-up version is packed with classic Italian flavor while being effortless to make. With just a few simple ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does most of the work, giving you tender, flavorful chicken.

Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan served on a plate.

If you love chicken parmesan, check out our healthy baked chicken parmesan, chicken parmesan meatballs, air fryer chicken parmesan, and chicken parmesan burgers next!

🔍 Quick Look: Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan

  • ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • ⏱️ Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low; 2-3 hours on high
  • 🕒 Total Time: ~4 hours, 5 minutes
  • 🍽 Calories: ~290 kcal per serving
  • 👥 Servings: 4 servings
  • 🥣 Key Ingredients: Chicken breasts, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese
  • 📖 Dietary Information: High-protein, gluten-free
  • 👩‍🍳 Cook Method: Slow Cooker
  • ⭐ Difficulty: Easy

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Easy & Delicious Meal: It’s the perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights when you’re craving a comforting, delicious meal.
  • Minimal Prep Time: Just season the chicken, add everything to the slow cooker, and let it do the work.
  • Healthier Option: Made without frying and no added oil, this lighter chicken parmesan is still full of classic flavor. It’s also high in protein for a satisfying and nourishing meal.
  • Simple Ingredients: It’s made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

Key Ingredients

Ingredients needed for slow cooker chicken parmesan in bowls.
  • Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Try our Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe next!
  • Seasonings: Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Marinara Sauce: Use a jar of your favorite marinara sauce for this recipe.
  • Cheese: Top with light shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.

Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Shred the Chicken: If you prefer, you can shred the chicken instead of serving it whole. Shred it once cooked, return it to the slow cooker for about 10 minutes to reheat, then top with cheese and melt so every bite is perfectly saucy and cheesy.
  • Marinara Sauce to Use: To keep this recipe super easy, use a jar of your favorite store-bought marinara sauce for this recipe. We love this organic, fat-free marinara sauce. Or, try our healthy homemade marinara sauce, roasted tomato sauce, or slow cooker tomato sauce.
  • Chicken Swap: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra flavor.

How To Make Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan

Seasoned chicken with Italian seasoning.
  1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Seasoned chicken and marinara sauce in a slow cooker.
  1. Pour half the marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seasoned chicken on top, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken.
Marinara sauce covering chicken in a slow cooker.
  1. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked, when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Shredded cheese over chicken parmesan in slow cooker.
  1. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the chicken in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Cover until the cheese melts.
Chicken parmesan in the slow cooker topped with cheese and parsley.
  1. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, serve warm, and enjoy!

Expert Tips

  • Evenly Season: Ensure the chicken is evenly seasoned on both sides for the best flavor.
  • Marinara Sauce Tip: Add half of the marinara to the bottom of the slow cooker, then place the chicken on top and pour the remaining sauce over it. This keeps the chicken moist and helps the flavors develop as it cooks.
  • Cook on Low: Cook on low for the most juicy, tender chicken. This slow, even cooking keeps the chicken moist and full of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this slow cooker chicken parmesan on its own or with pasta such as penne, spaghetti, tortellini, protein pasta, or your favorite. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Try our air fryer spaghetti squash recipe for a quick and easy option.

We also like to pair it with a Caesar salad with our healthy homemade Caesar dressing or our Italian chopped salad. For another option, serve it with a side of veggies such as air fryer frozen broccoli or garlic parmesan air fryer asparagus.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Or, you can freeze them for 1-2 months in a freezer-safe container.

More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes!

If you try this recipe, please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating, ★★★★★, letting us know how it turns out for you.

5 from 2 votes

Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Healthy slow cooker chicken parmesan made without frying and full of classic Italian flavor. This easy, lighter recipe comes together with simple ingredients.

Equipment

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Ingredients 

  • 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper 
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 jar fat-free marinara sauce, or your favorite
  • 3/4 cup shredded light mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • fresh basil, optional

Instructions 

  • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour half the marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seasoned chicken on top, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken.
  • Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked, when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the chicken in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Cover until the cheese melts.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, serve warm, and enjoy!

Video

YouTube video

Notes

  • Marinara Sauce Tip: Add half of the marinara to the bottom of the slow cooker, then place the chicken on top and pour the remaining sauce over it. This keeps the chicken moist and helps the flavors develop as it cooks.
  • Shred the Chicken: If you prefer, you can shred the chicken instead of serving it whole. Shred it once cooked, return it to the slow cooker for about 10 minutes to reheat, then top with cheese and melt so every bite is perfectly saucy and cheesy.
 
WW Points: 2 points per serving
To see your WW Points in the WW app for this recipe click here! Or, please manually add the ingredients to the recipe builder.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 42g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 95mg, Sodium: 620mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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5 from 2 votes

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Recipe Rating




3 Comments

  1. Debby R says:

    5 stars
    Delicious and so easy to make.
    Will definitely keep in our food rotation- my husband loved it too

    1. Shawna Clark says:

      Hi Debby, I’m so happy to hear you both enjoyed this slow cooker chicken parmesan! I’m glad it was easy to make and earned a spot in your regular rotation! Thank you so much for sharing!

  2. Shawna Healthy Foodie Girl says:

    5 stars
    This slow cooker chicken Parmesan couldn’t be easier. Tender chicken simmers in marinara and is topped with melted cheese for a delicious, fuss-free Italian classic.