Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

Ingredients

This is meant to be a brief overview of this yummy (and easy!) Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below.

• Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
• Marinara Sauce: You can use either homemade tomato sauce or store-bought sauce.
• Onion: I like the flavor of Vidalia onions (also known as sweet onions). Yellow onions will also work.
• Garlic: Using fresh garlic will give this dish the best flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan has a lot more flavor than the pre-grated parmesan in the canister. However, either will work for this recipe.

Seasonings: Dried oregano and basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper. If you have store-bought or homemade Italian seasoning, you can substitute it for the individual dried herbs.

Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Out of something you need? Check out our free ingredient substitutions printable!

Ang’s Tips

• I like to use a hand or stand mixer to shred the cooked chicken quickly. It takes less than two minutes and is so simple. However, you can also shred the chicken with two forks.
• Stock up on chicken thighs or breasts when you’re on sale, and make a double or triple batch to freeze for later!

Storage

To Store: Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. (These are my favorite airtight containers.)

To Reheat: Microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until heated throughout.

To Freeze: The chicken can easily be frozen for later. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a zip-top bag. Label your bag with the contents and date, then lay flat to freeze.

To Thaw: To use, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge or pop it into the slow cooker on warm for several hours. It can also be reheated slowly in a saucepan on the stove.

Serving Suggestions

There are so many great ways to use Crockpot Chicken Marinara. Of course, it goes well with all sorts of pasta dishes and casseroles.

It’s a great protein to add to spaghetti, ravioli lasagna, or eggplant parmesan.

This tender, flavorful chicken can also be used to make calzones, pizza, sandwiches, sliders, or soup.

Try it on parmesan risotto or wrap it in puff pastry with cheese for delicious chicken marinara pockets.

Instead of meatballs, add this Italian chicken to make these delicious savory appetizers. It’s also great on crostini with melted cheese or made into a crescent ring.