When the day has stretched on longer than expected and the evening feels like a race against time, having a reliable dinner plan is a game changer. This slow cooker chicken marinara recipe steps in just when you need it most—offering warm, comforting flavors without the stress of last-minute cooking.
One evening last week, after a whirlwind of meetings and errands, I came home craving something hearty yet uncomplicated. The slow cooker was already at work, quietly melding tender chicken with robust marinara sauce. As soon as I opened the lid, the inviting aroma of garlic, herbs, and simmering tomatoes wrapped around me like a familiar hug. The chicken was perfectly tender, soaking up every bit of that luscious sauce. Sitting down to that meal felt like a small celebration of calm in an otherwise hectic day. It’s moments like these—simple, satisfying, and full of flavor—that remind me why this recipe has earned a permanent spot in my weeknight rotation.
- Hands-off cooking frees up your evening for relaxation or catching up on other tasks.
- The sauce is rich and flavorful, making every bite deeply satisfying.
- Versatile serving options—over pasta, rice, or your favorite sides.
- Uses common pantry spices for an easy, no-fuss prep.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully, perfect for quick lunches or second dinners.
If you’re worried about slow cooker meals being bland or repetitive, this one breaks that pattern. The blend of Italian seasoning with a touch of crushed red pepper gives the sauce a depth that’s anything but boring.
PrintEasy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara
A simple and flavorful slow cooker chicken marinara recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich marinara sauce, ready to serve over pasta or your favorite side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
24 ounces marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer.
In a medium bowl, combine the marinara sauce, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the sauce.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks or leave whole as preferred.
Return the shredded or whole chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top just before serving.
Serve hot over cooked pasta, rice, or your favorite side dish.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, but you can start with frozen if you increase the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches a safe temperature.
What sides pair well with this chicken marinara?
Pasta is a classic choice, but it’s equally delicious over rice, polenta, or even steamed vegetables for a lighter meal.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Adding extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce before cooking will give it a nice kick.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate, then start cooking in the morning.
Give this slow cooker chicken marinara a try on your next busy night. It’s the kind of dish that makes coming home something to look forward to.