I love how this slow cooker cheesy mozzarella chicken turns simple ingredients into a rich, comforting meal with almost no effort. The chicken becomes tender and juicy while the cheeses melt into a creamy, savory sauce that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to make. This is one of those recipes I rely on when I want something warm, satisfying, and stress-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it comes together quickly and lets the slow cooker do all the work. I don’t need to stand over the stove, and the result is always flavorful and comforting. I also appreciate how versatile it is, since I can serve it with pasta, rice, or vegetables depending on my mood.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Directions
I start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of my slow cooker. I season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the top. I pour the cream or milk over the chicken, making sure it lightly coats everything.
I cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. About 20 minutes before serving, I sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on top, cover again, and let them melt into a creamy, cheesy layer. Before serving, I gently stir the sauce if I want it evenly mixed, or I leave it layered for a more dramatic presentation.
Servings And Timing
I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
Total time: About 4½ to 5½ hours
Variations
I sometimes add sliced mushrooms or spinach during the last hour for extra vegetables. When I want a bolder flavor, I mix in a little crushed red pepper or swap part of the mozzarella for provolone. I also enjoy serving this over cooked pasta or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
I can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, and they turn out just as tender, if not more so.
Do I need to add extra liquid to the slow cooker?
I don’t usually add extra liquid beyond the cream or milk, as the chicken releases its own juices while cooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
I often prepare everything the night before and store it in the fridge, then start the slow cooker the next day.
Will the sauce thicken on its own?
I find that the sauce thickens naturally from the cheese, but if I want it thicker, I let it cook uncovered for a few minutes at the end.
What can I serve with cheesy mozzarella chicken?
I like serving it with pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or even crusty bread to scoop up the sauce.
Conclusion
I keep coming back to this slow cooker cheesy mozzarella chicken because it is simple, comforting, and reliably delicious. It’s the kind of recipe I can make on a busy day and still feel like I’m serving something special and homemade.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish where tender chicken is slow-cooked in garlic, cream, and Italian spices, then topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan for a rich, satisfying meal with minimal prep.
Total Time:4½ to 5½ hours
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker.
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle minced garlic on top.
Pour the cream or milk over the chicken to coat lightly.
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
About 20 minutes before serving, sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan over the chicken. Cover and let the cheeses melt into a creamy topping.
Gently stir the sauce for an even texture or leave layered for presentation.
Notes
Add mushrooms or spinach during the last hour for extra veggies.
For a spicy kick, include crushed red pepper flakes.
Swap part of the mozzarella with provolone for a different flavor.
Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.