Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe

You're about to transform your slow cooker into an Italian flavor powerhouse with this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup. Imagine tender chicken, rich tomatoes, and aromatic herbs melding together in a convenient, one-pot meal that'll have your family craving seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary novice, this recipe promises comfort and simplicity in every spoonful. Want to know how to create this mouthwatering dish that'll make dinner a breeze?

Recipe Highlights

• Slow cook boneless chicken breasts with crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning in a crockpot for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
• Shred the cooked chicken and return it to the crockpot, then stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese for rich, authentic flavor.
• This comforting soup is a modern, easy adaptation of classic Chicken Parmesan, perfect for busy weeknights and requiring minimal preparation.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and reheat with a splash of broth to maintain texture.
• Serve hot with crusty bread and a side salad, enjoying a hearty meal that captures the essence of Italian-American cuisine in a simple, satisfying soup.

History

Though Chicken Parmesan traces its roots to early 20th-century Italian-American cuisine, the soup version represents a modern culinary adaptation. You'll find this dish evolved from traditional breaded chicken recipes brought by Italian immigrants, transforming a classic entrée into a convenient, comforting meal.

The original Chicken Parmesan emerged in the 1930s, when Italian-Americans began experimenting with breading techniques and tomato-based sauces. By reimagining the recipe as a soup, home cooks have created a more accessible, time-saving version that captures the essential flavors:

• Classic tomato base
• Tender chicken
• Rich Parmesan notes
• Easy slow-cooker preparation

This soup simplifies the original dish's complex preparation, allowing you to enjoy sophisticated Italian-inspired flavors with minimal kitchen effort. It's a testament to culinary innovation and adaptation.

Recipe

Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup transforms the beloved Italian classic into a convenient, slow-cooked meal that brings all the rich flavors of the traditional dish to your dinner table. By using a crockpot, home cooks can effortlessly create a hearty soup that captures the essence of Chicken Parmesan without the labor-intensive breading and frying process.

This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, robust tomato broth, and melted Parmesan cheese to create a comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. The slow cooking method ensures that the chicken remains incredibly tender while allowing the seasonings to develop a deep, satisfying flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they're in a single layer. Pour the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth over the chicken, making sure the meat is mostly covered. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly across the top of the liquid.

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is completely cooked through and easily shreds. Remove the chicken and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's fully melted and incorporated into the broth.

For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged varieties, as it melts more smoothly and provides a richer flavor. If the soup becomes too thick during cooking, simply add more chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.

The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and leftovers can be easily reheated with a splash of additional broth to restore the original texture.

Cooking Steps

Start by placing your chicken breasts in the crockpot, creating a solid protein foundation for your soup.

Next, pour the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth over the chicken, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly across the surface to ensure balanced flavor distribution.

Choose your preferred cooking setting—low and slow for 6-8 hours or high and quick for 3-4 hours—and let the crockpot transform these simple ingredients into a comforting meal.

Step 1. Place Chicken Breasts First

First, grab your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them flat and evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker's ceramic insert.

You'll want to ensure the breasts don't overlap, allowing each piece to cook uniformly and absorb maximum flavor. Arrange them with care, making sure they sit in a single layer without crowding.

This strategic placement is crucial for even heat distribution and consistent cooking. By creating this foundation, you're setting up your soup for success, guaranteeing tender, perfectly cooked chicken that'll shred beautifully later.

Your attention to this initial step will directly impact the soup's final texture and taste, transforming simple ingredients into a delicious, comforting meal that'll warm you from the inside out.

Step 2. Pour Crushed Tomatoes

Gently pour two 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes over your carefully arranged chicken breasts, ensuring even coverage across the slow cooker's surface.

The tomato base will create a rich, flavorful foundation for your soup, infusing the chicken with classic Italian seasoning notes. Use a spatula to spread the crushed tomatoes evenly, making sure no chicken pieces remain exposed.

This layer provides moisture and helps tenderize the meat during slow cooking.

• Aim for complete chicken coverage
• Pour slowly to prevent splashing
• Distribute tomatoes uniformly
• Select high-quality crushed tomatoes for best flavor

Your goal is a consistent, smooth tomato layer that will transform into a luxurious, hearty soup as it simmers.

The crushed tomatoes will break down during cooking, creating a velvety texture that captures the essence of traditional Chicken Parmesan.

Step 3. Sprinkle Italian Seasoning Evenly

Two tablespoons of Italian seasoning will transform your Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup from basic to beautifully aromatic.

You'll want to sprinkle the seasonings evenly across the chicken and tomato mixture, ensuring each bite will have consistent flavor. Hold the measuring spoon about 6 inches above the crockpot and shake gently, allowing the herbs to cascade down in a light, uniform layer.

The blend typically includes dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, which will infuse your soup with classic Italian restaurant notes.

Pro tip: crush the herbs between your fingers before sprinkling to release their essential oils and maximize the aromatic potential. This simple step elevates your dish from good to genuinely memorable, transforming ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal.

Step 4. Cook on Desired Setting

After releasing those fragrant Italian herbs across your crockpot, you'll want to set your slow cooker to the cooking method that best fits your schedule.

Choose between two primary settings:

• Low Setting (Recommended): 6-8 hours
• Perfect for tender, fall-apart chicken
• Allows deeper flavor development
• Ideal for busy days away from home
• High Setting: 3-4 hours
• Faster cooking option
• Great for last-minute meal preparation
• Slightly less intense flavor profile

When selecting your setting, consider your day's timeline.

The low setting provides more gradual, rich flavor infusion, while the high setting delivers a quicker meal without sacrificing taste.

Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Cover the crockpot, press the selected button, and let your kitchen's magic begin.

Step 5. Shred Chicken With Forks

Once the chicken has finished cooking and reached a safe internal temperature, you'll transform those tender meat pieces into shreddable perfection using two forks.

Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and place them on a clean cutting board. Hold one fork in each hand, positioning them parallel to each other against the meat's grain. Apply gentle pressure and pull the forks in opposite directions, creating long, uniform shreds.

As you work, you'll notice the meat pulling apart easily, indicating it's perfectly cooked. Continue shredding until all chicken is broken down into bite-sized pieces. Work methodically, turning the chicken to ensure even shredding.

Return the shredded meat to the crockpot, stirring it into the rich tomato broth to complete your Chicken Parmesan Soup.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a busy home cook or a soup enthusiast, this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup offers a delicious and hassle-free meal that'll become a staple in your recipe collection.

You'll love how easily this dish transforms classic Italian flavors into a comforting, low-maintenance soup. The recipe's simplicity doesn't compromise on taste, with rich tomato broth and tender shredded chicken creating a satisfying meal.

Pro tips for perfecting your soup include:

• Always use freshly grated Parmesan
• Monitor liquid consistency during cooking
• Store leftovers carefully in airtight containers
• Reheat with a splash of broth to maintain texture

Your slow cooker does the hard work, letting you enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Bon appétit!