Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a proper easy dinner, luv?

Have you ever craved that classic Chicken Parm taste without all the fuss? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because this slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole recipe is about to rock your world! It’s the ultimate comfort food casserole .

Quick Hook

Honestly, who doesn't love a bit of chicken parm? This recipe gives you that classic flavour without all the work!

Brief Overview

Chicken Parmesan is a belter of a dish. It screams Italian American comfort. This easy chicken parmesan recipe takes all the effort away! This is an Italian casserole recipes made incredibly easy.

Prep is minimal ( 20 minutes tops), and your trusty crock pot chicken parmesan casserole will do the rest. This recipe makes enough for 6-8 hungry mouths!

Main Benefits

The best part? It's packed with protein, thanks to all that chicken, and it’s perfect for a family dinner . You can bung it on before work and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

That makes this such a winner winner chicken dinner!

Let's Talk Ingredients, Shall We?

Time to gather your ingredients.

Imagine a cheesy chicken casserole ready for you at the end of a long day. This slow cooker pasta bake is that reality.

We're talking chicken, tomatoes, herbs, pasta , and, of course, loads of cheese. It’s all the good stuff! If you can't find something, there is also a tomato sauce casserole is a fantastic alternative!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Right, let's get down to the nitty gritty. What do you need to make this slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole sing? This is comfort food casserole at its finest.

Trust me, it's easier than assembling flat pack furniture, I swear!

Main Ingredients Breakdown

• Chicken: 1.5-2 lb (700-900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut 'em into 1 inch cubes. Fresh chicken is key here, you know. Look for plump, pink breasts without any funky smells.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . It is used for the chicken, if you are going to brown it.
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup/150g ). Adds a sweet base.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Because garlic makes everything better, honestly.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 oz) can (794g) . This is a key ingredient for the tomato sauce casserole .
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 oz) can (425g) . It enriches the flavour.
• Tomato Paste: 1 (6 oz) can (170g) . Adds depth and thickness.
• Dry Pasta: 1 lb (450g) . Penne or rotini work a treat.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240 ml) . For perfectly cooked pasta in the slow cooker.
• Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup (225g) . Makes it properly cheesy.
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup , grated, divided. Real parm, not that pre-grated stuff.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups , shredded, divided. Essential for a cheesy chicken casserole .
• Fresh Basil: For garnish (optional). Because it makes you look fancy.

Seasoning Notes: Italian Magic!

Italian seasoning

1 tbsp dried. A must have for Italian casserole recipes .

Dried Oregano

1 tsp .

Salt

½ tsp (or to taste).

Seasoning is subjective, right? Black Pepper: ¼ tsp (or to taste). Freshly ground, if you're feeling posh.

If you haven't got Italian seasoning, just mix equal parts dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. Sorted!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!

• 6-quart slow cooker . This is where the magic happens. I've got an old one. I inherited it from my nan, but it still works perfectly.
• Large skillet (optional). For browning the chicken. It definitely enhances the flavour.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Don't be guessing, yeah?
• Mixing bowl. For the ricotta mix.
• Colander. For draining the pasta. No one likes soggy pasta.

That is it! I promise this easy chicken parmesan recipe will become a weeknight dinner ideas staple. Plus, slow cooker casserole recipes always taste better the next day, don't they?

Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Your Weeknight Saviour

Fancy an easy chicken parmesan recipe without the faff? Oh my gosh, this slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole is exactly what you need.

It's proper comfort food casserole , innit? Think of it as a warm hug in a dish. We are talking about Frankie and Benny's style in your home.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic

Essential mise en place is your best mate here. Chop your onion (about 1 cup). Mince those garlic cloves. Cube the chicken into roughly 1 inch bits.

Got it? Fab! If you're browning the chicken, have your skillet ready. Honestly, time saving organization tips like this make all the difference.

And please, be careful with knives!

step-by-step Process: Easy as Pie!

1. (Optional Browning): Brown your chicken in batches in a skillet. It adds flavour.
2. Prepare the Base: Chuck the onion and garlic into your slow cooker.
3. Add the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes (28 oz), tomato sauce (15 oz), and tomato paste (6 oz). Stir in Italian seasoning (1 tbsp), oregano (1 tsp), salt (1/2 tsp), and pepper (1/4 tsp).
4. Add Chicken: Toss the chicken in. If you skipped browning, that's fine too.
5. Slow Cook: Cook on low for 4- 6 hours or on high for 2- 3 hours . Chicken needs to reach 165° F/ 74° C .
6. Cook Pasta: Get that pasta (1 lb) cooked al dente. Don't overcook it! Drain it good.
7. Ricotta Magic: Mix ricotta (1 cup) with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
8. Layer Up: Stir in the pasta and chicken broth (1 cup). Then the ricotta mix.
9. Cheese Topping: Add mozzarella (1 cup), then the Ricotta. Finish it with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
10. Melt Cheese: Cook on high for 15- 30 minutes . Watch it melt!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole Game

Want to avoid the usual problems? Don't overcook the pasta seriously. It will get mushy. Another thing is to brown the chicken.

It's totally worth it, even if you are pressed with time. Now you have some proper slow cooker casserole recipes knowledge.

Remember the beauty of a weeknight dinner idea like this is it is so easy! It’s the perfect cheesy chicken casserole . Make it tonight; you know you want to.

Recipe Notes: Your Path to Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Perfection!

Alright, let's chat about some essential tips and tricks for nailing this slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole . It's a super simple recipe, but a few extra pointers can really elevate it.

Think of it as my personal guide to making sure you don't end up with a casserole catastrophe!

Serving Suggestions: From Slow Cooker to Star!

Let's talk presentation! Firstly, a sprinkle of fresh basil just before serving does wonders. Honestly, it's like the cherry on top.

For sides, garlic bread is a classic, but a simple green salad cuts through the richness nicely. A crisp salad is a great way to balance out all that cheesy goodness.

You could also pair this comfort food casserole with steamed green beans or broccoli, if you're trying to be a bit healthy.

As for drinks, a glass of light bodied red wine, like a Chianti is the perfect compliment.

Storage Tips: Making the Most of Your Leftovers

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers (seriously, this stuff is good ), here's what to do. Pop them in an airtight container and they'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days .

When you are ready to reheat you slow cooker pasta bake , microwave it or bake it in the oven at 175° C ( 350° F) until heated through.

Freezing is also an option. Make sure the casserole is cooled completely and then freeze it in portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat as above.

Variations: Making it Your Own!

Want to mix things up? You bet! For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy chicken parmesan .

For a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for cubed aubergine or courgette. Before adding to the crock pot chicken parmesan casserole , give them a quick sauté in a pan.

Going gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta. This recipe is pretty flexible, so have a play and see what you like! As a chicken parmesan bake , you are welcome to make it with any substitute that meets you dietary preferences.

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food

Here's the lowdown: each serving clocks in around 450-550 calories , with a hefty 35-45g of protein . This cheesy chicken casserole also delivers 15-25g of fat , 40-50g of carbohydrates and 3-5g of fiber .

There's about 10-15g of sugar and 800-1000mg of sodium . Remember, this is just an estimate, but it gives you a good idea of what you're tucking into.

It's a treat meal, but hey, life's too short to skip the good stuff.

So, there you have it. Your very own guide to creating an amazing slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole . Now go forth and get cooking! I promise, this will soon become one of your favourite weeknight dinner ideas ! And honestly?

I've found that this is an easy chicken parmesan recipe , that's pretty much a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the cheese topping step) and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add about 30 minutes to the cooking time.

This is perfect for prepping on Sunday for a Monday night dinner think of it as your culinary equivalent of batch preparing your work week!

My slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole seems watery. What went wrong?

A watery casserole usually means the chicken released too much liquid. Next time, you can try browning the chicken first to help seal in the juices. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.

No worries, even Mary Berry has soggy bottoms sometimes!

What's the best way to store leftovers of this slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. I like to add a little extra mozzarella on top before reheating in the oven for that "freshly made" gooeyness. It will taste so good, you'll think you're at Pizza Express!

Can I freeze the slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole?

Yes, you can! Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.

However, be aware that the pasta texture might change slightly after freezing, but the flavour will still be fantastic! Consider freezing before topping with cheese.

I'm trying to cut down on carbs. Are there any lower carb variations for this slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole?

Definitely! Swap the regular pasta for zucchini noodles ("zoodles") or cauliflower rice. You can also reduce the amount of tomato sauce and increase the amount of chicken to make it more protein focused. Serve with a side of roasted broccoli or asparagus for a complete and healthier meal.

Think of it as the healthy makeover edition of your favourite comfort food!

Can I use frozen chicken in this slow cooker chicken parmesan casserole recipe?

It's generally recommended to use thawed chicken for safety and best results. Frozen chicken can release excess water during cooking, affecting the sauce consistency. If you must use frozen chicken, ensure it's separated so it cooks evenly and add about an hour to the cooking time.

Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safe to eat. Just remember, thawed chicken is the safer bet no one wants a dodgy tummy!