You can’t deny the charm of Italian American recipes, and who doesn’t love chicken Parm! This one’s a favorite to make and eat in my house, and the secret lies in the three different types of prepared tomatoes we use. They add a flavorful kick that complements the melted cheese and moist chicken perfectly.
Ingredients
- 4 small (4–6-ounce) or 2 large (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with their juices
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves, plus fresh basil sprigs for garnish
- 5 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 4 slices
- Kosher salt
- 1 (16-ounce) box spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make It
- Spray the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
- If using large chicken breasts, cut the breasts in half horizontally and open them like a book to make them about ½ inch thick, then cut each into two equal pieces.
- In a medium bowl, combine the fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic, and basil. Stir to mix well, then pour into the slow cooker. Lay the chicken pieces on top, cover the slow cooker, and cook on High for 4 hours.
- About 20 minutes before the chicken has finished cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Turn off the slow cooker, uncover, and lay a slice of mozzarella on each piece of chicken. Replace the lid and let sit for 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
- Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the panko and toast until golden brown.
- Serve the chicken over the cooked spaghetti. Sprinkle the bread crumbs over each piece of chicken and add a dusting of Parmesan. Garnish with basil sprigs.