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Slow Cooker Chicken with Marinara sauce and melted Mozzarella cheese

Slow Cooker Chicken with Marinara and Mozzarella

Tender chicken breasts simmer in a bright tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting, family-friendly meal that's perfect for hands-off cooking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup marinara sauce Use your favorite jar or homemade
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Optional — adds herb depth
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper To taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
  3. Sear the breasts 3–4 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust.
  4. Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker and pour the marinara evenly over the top.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
  2. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the chicken, cover, and let the cheese melt.
  3. Serve the chicken with extra marinara spooned over each portion.

Notes

For a quicker finish, transfer the slow cooker to high for the last 30 minutes, but watch the cheese so it doesn’t overbrown. Leftover chicken can be refrigerated and reheated; it can also be frozen for up to 3 months.