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Chicken parmigiana in slow cooker – Chicken parmigiana is a classic Italian dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. With its crispy chicken, savory sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a dish that is both delicious and comforting. Traditionally, chicken parmigiana is made by breading and frying chicken breasts, then topping them with marinara sauce and cheese.
However, this recipe uses a slow cooker to make the dish even easier and more flavorful.
The slow cooker allows the chicken to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in tender and juicy chicken. The sauce also has time to develop a rich and flavorful taste. Plus, the slow cooker makes it easy to cook a large batch of chicken parmigiana, which is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Introduction
Chicken parmigiana is a classic Italian-American dish that features breaded and fried chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s a popular dish that is often served in restaurants and is also a favorite home-cooked meal.Using a slow cooker to make chicken parmigiana has several benefits.
First, it’s a very hands-off method, so you can simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it cook for several hours. Second, the slow cooker helps to tenderize the chicken, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish.
Third, the slow cooker allows you to cook the chicken and the sauce together, which helps to develop a rich and complex flavor.
Ingredients and Equipment
To prepare this delectable dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The foundation of our parmigiana.
- Italian-style bread crumbs: To provide a crispy and flavorful coating.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adding a salty and nutty dimension to the breading.
- All-purpose flour: Used for dredging the chicken, ensuring the breading adheres.
- Eggs: To create an adhesive layer for the breading.
- Marinara sauce: The rich and tangy base for our parmigiana.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese: Providing a gooey and flavorful topping.
- Fresh basil leaves: Adding a vibrant and aromatic touch.
In addition to the ingredients, you will require the following equipment:
- Slow cooker: The heart of our cooking process, allowing for tender and juicy chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensuring accurate proportions for a well-balanced dish.
- Mixing bowls: To combine the ingredients for breading and the marinara sauce.
- Whisk: For creating a smooth and even batter for the breading.
- Tongs: For handling the chicken breasts during the cooking process.
Preparation
Preparing chicken parmigiana in a slow cooker is a simple process that yields tender and flavorful results. The preparation involves breading and browning the chicken, creating a flavorful sauce, and assembling the dish.
First, the chicken breasts are seasoned with salt and pepper. Then, they are dredged in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, creating a crispy coating. The chicken is then browned in a skillet until golden brown on both sides. This step helps seal in the juices and adds flavor to the dish.
Creating the Sauce
While the chicken is browning, the sauce can be prepared. In a separate pan, onions are sautéed until translucent. Garlic and Italian seasoning are added and cooked until fragrant. Then, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth are added to the pan.
The sauce is simmered until thickened and flavorful.
Assembling the Dish
To assemble the chicken parmigiana, the browned chicken is placed in the bottom of the slow cooker. The sauce is poured over the chicken, and mozzarella cheese is sprinkled on top. The dish is cooked on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking
Cooking chicken parmigiana in a slow cooker is a convenient and flavorful way to prepare this classic dish. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and juicy, while the marinara sauce infuses it with a rich, savory flavor.
To cook chicken parmigiana in a slow cooker, follow these steps:
Cooking Time and Temperature
Cook the chicken parmigiana on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Visual Cues
The chicken is done cooking when it is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
Serving: Chicken Parmigiana In Slow Cooker
Chicken parmigiana is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways.
The traditional accompaniments for chicken parmigiana are spaghetti and meatballs. However, it can also be served with other pasta dishes, such as penne or rigatoni. It can also be served with a side of vegetables, such as roasted broccoli or mashed potatoes.
Garnishing and Presenting
- Garnish the chicken parmigiana with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve the chicken parmigiana with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Present the chicken parmigiana on a platter or in a shallow bowl.
Variations
Chicken parmigiana is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Here are some common variations:
You can use different types of pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or ziti. You can also use different types of vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Alternative Toppings
- Mozzarella cheese
- Provolone cheese
- Asiago cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Romano cheese
Alternative Sauces
- Marinara sauce
- Alfredo sauce
- Vodka sauce
- Pesto sauce
Tips and Troubleshooting
Follow these tips to enhance your chicken parmigiana experience:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for even cooking and tender results.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor.
- Dredge the chicken in flour to create a crispy coating.
- Use a large skillet or Dutch oven to prevent overcrowding and ensure even browning.
- Preheat the skillet or Dutch oven to medium-high heat before adding the chicken to achieve a golden crust.
- Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Top the chicken with your favorite marinara sauce and cheese.
- Bake the chicken in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Troubleshooting Common Problems:
Chicken is dry
- Overcooking can lead to dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and remove the chicken from the oven when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pounding the chicken too thin can also result in dryness. Pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
Chicken is tough
- Using tough cuts of chicken, such as chicken breasts with the skin on, can lead to a chewy texture. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a more tender result.
- Overcooking can also toughen the chicken. Follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures.
Sauce is too watery
- Use a thicker marinara sauce to avoid a watery dish.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it over low heat until it reduces and thickens.
Cheese is not melted
- Ensure the oven is preheated to the correct temperature before baking the chicken.
- Bake the chicken for the recommended time to allow the cheese to melt and bubble.
Nutritional Information
Chicken parmigiana is a high-calorie dish that is typically not considered to be a healthy option. However, it can be made healthier by using leaner cuts of chicken and by reducing the amount of cheese and bread crumbs.The calorie and nutrient content of chicken parmigiana can vary depending on the following factors:
Ingredients, Chicken parmigiana in slow cooker
* The type of chicken used
- The amount of cheese used
- The type of bread crumbs used
- The amount of oil used
Cooking Method
* The cooking method used
The cooking time
If you’re craving a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen, try making chicken parmigiana in your slow cooker. It’s an easy and flavorful dish that will satisfy your cravings. And for a sweet treat to follow, try out the pineapple cherry dump cake . It’s a simple and delicious dessert that will end your meal on a high note.
Then, finish off your dinner with the slow-cooked chicken parmigiana, and you’ll have a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
In summary, preparing chicken parmigiana in a slow cooker is a convenient and flavorful way to enjoy this classic dish. The slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken and allows the flavors of the sauce and cheese to meld together.
Using a slow cooker for chicken parmigiana offers several benefits, including:
- Convenience:You can simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook all day.
- Tenderness:The slow cooking process results in incredibly tender and juicy chicken.
- Flavorful sauce:The sauce has plenty of time to develop its flavor, resulting in a rich and savory dish.
- Versatile:You can customize the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or cheeses.
Closing Summary
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to make chicken parmigiana, then this slow cooker recipe is the perfect choice. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be able to enjoy this classic Italian dish in no time.
