Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup marinara sauce
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil for garnish
PREPARATION:
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the chicken.
- Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Variations & Tips
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cheeses and increase the proportion of marinara sauce to create a saucier dish without added calories. For those who love a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce can provide a spicy kick. To make this dish gluten-free, ensure your marinara sauce and chicken broth are certified gluten-free. You can also vary the herbs, using a mix of parsley, oregano, or thyme for different flavor profiles.