Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe

Juicy Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe For Dinner

Sinking your teeth into a mouthwatering slow cooker chicken Philly sandwich that melts with rich, savory flavors.

Tender strips of chicken simmer alongside sweet bell peppers and caramelized onions, creating a hearty meal that feels like comfort wrapped in bread.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this effortless recipe.

The magic happens inside your slow cooker, turning simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Juicy chicken soaks up a blend of spices, promising a sandwich that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

No complicated techniques or hours of prep stand between you and this delicious dinner.

Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked on this easy, crowd-pleasing sandwich that brings the taste of philadelphia right to your kitchen.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Are A No-Stress Meal

  • Effortless Hands-Off Cooking: Slow cooker method lets you walk away while the meal magically prepares itself, perfect for busy days when you want delicious food without constant supervision.
  • Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender Protein: Slow cooking breaks down chicken fibers, creating incredibly soft, juicy meat that shreds easily and absorbs rich seasonings and vegetable flavors.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Classic: Philly-style sandwich delivers familiar, hearty flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family meal or casual gathering centerpiece.
  • Quick Broiler Finish: Quick cheese-melting step under the broiler adds a restaurant-quality touch, transforming simple slow-cooked ingredients into a gourmet-style sandwich with crispy, bubbly cheese topping.

What You’ll Need For Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that provides the main protein for the sandwich, choose fresh or thawed chicken for best texture.
  • Provolone Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that adds creamy richness to the sandwich, select high-quality deli-style cheese.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Bell Peppers, Onions: Sweet vegetables that add flavor and texture, green or mixed color peppers work well.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall taste, fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor.
Bread and Seasonings:
  • Hoagie Rolls: Soft bread perfect for holding the chicken mixture, choose fresh rolls with a slightly crusty exterior.
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring depth and balance to the chicken, use dried Italian seasoning blend.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid that keeps the chicken moist and adds extra flavor during slow cooking, low-sodium broth recommended.
Optional Condiments:
  • Mayonnaise, Mustard, Hot Sauce: Additional toppings for personalizing the sandwich, serve on the side for individual preference.

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Step By Step

Step 1: Layering the Magic

Grab your slow cooker and create a flavor paradise. Nestle chicken breasts at the bottom, then shower them with Italian seasoning, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of pepper. Scatter sliced peppers and onions over the top, then add a generous helping of minced garlic for an extra flavor punch.

Ingredients:
  • Chicken breasts
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions
  • Garlic

Step 2: Liquid Love

Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything stays juicy and delectable. This liquid gold will keep your chicken tender and packed with mouth-watering flavor.

Step 3: Slow and Steady Wins

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that’ll make everyone’s stomach growl with anticipation.

Step 4: Shred Like a Pro

Carefully remove the chicken breasts and transform them into tender, succulent strands using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it with the colorful peppers and onions.

Step 5: Broiler Brilliance

Fire up the broiler and get ready for sandwich heaven. Split those hoagie rolls and load them up with the chicken mixture. Crown each sandwich with one or two slices of provolone cheese. Slide the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese turns into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Present these mouthwatering Philly-style sandwiches hot off the broiler. Feel free to jazz them up with a dollop of mayonnaise, a squirt of mustard, or a splash of hot sauce for those who like an extra kick.

Tips For The Best Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

  • Moisture Magic: Add a splash of extra chicken broth midway through cooking to prevent drying and enhance the meat's tenderness.
  • Cheese Perfection: Let provolone cheese sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before broiling to help it melt more evenly and smoothly.
  • Veggie Boost: Slice peppers and onions slightly thicker to maintain texture during long slow cooking and prevent them from becoming mushy.
  • Gluten-Free Hack: Swap hoagie rolls with gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative without sacrificing flavor.
  • Flavor Enhancement: Toast hoagie rolls lightly before filling to add extra crunch and prevent bread from getting soggy from the juicy chicken mixture.

How To Store And Reheat Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

  • Refrigerate: Transfer leftover chicken mixture to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the rolls separate to prevent sogginess.
  • Reheat Stovetop: Warm the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
  • Microwave Option: Place chicken mixture in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
  • Reassemble Sandwiches: When ready to serve, quickly toast fresh rolls and add the warmed chicken mixture, topping with cheese and broiling for 1-2 minutes to restore that delicious melted cheese texture.

Tasty Sides With Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, savory chicken with a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot, which will enhance the sandwich's hearty flavors and cut through the cheesy goodness.
  • Crisp Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy craft beer or a light lager to balance the sandwich's richness, with the beer's carbonation helping to cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Fresh Crunchy Slaw Side: Serve a tangy coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing to add a bright, refreshing contrast to the warm, melty sandwich and provide a crisp textural counterpoint.
  • Cool Pickle Crunch: Add a side of dill pickle spears or a quick pickle salad to bring a zesty, acidic element that cuts through the sandwich's richness and adds a delightful crunch.

Easy Changes For Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Sandwich: Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning and add diced green chiles for a zesty kick. Top with pepper jack cheese and drizzle with chipotle mayo for extra heat.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Sandwich: Replace Italian seasoning with dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Add crumbled feta cheese and sliced kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Barbecue Ranch Chicken Sandwich: Mix in barbecue sauce during the last hour of cooking and replace provolone with cheddar cheese. Drizzle with ranch dressing before serving for a tangy, creamy finish.
  • Asian-Inspired Chicken Sandwich: Incorporate soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil into the cooking liquid. Top with quick-pickled vegetables and sprinkle with green onions for a fresh, vibrant twist.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

  • What makes this Philly chicken sandwich different from traditional Philly cheesesteaks?

This slow cooker version offers a more tender, easily prepared chicken alternative that doesn’t require constant stovetop monitoring. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb more flavor from the seasonings and vegetables, creating a more succulent sandwich.

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker. Just add about 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches the proper internal temperature of 165°F.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The chicken mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the week. Simply reheat and assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to eat.

  • How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Look for sales on chicken breasts and use generic brand provolone cheese. You can also substitute fresh bell peppers with frozen pepper strips to reduce costs without compromising flavor.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Slow cooker chicken Philly sandwiches deliver mouthwatering comfort straight from Philadelphia’s culinary heart. Hearty shredded chicken, melted provolone, and caramelized peppers promise a delicious sandwich experience you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

  • 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

  • 1 packet (1 oz or 28 g) Italian seasoning mix (or 1 tablespoon homemade blend)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 slices provolone cheese
  • 6 hoagie rolls or sub rolls

Instructions

  1. Nestle whole chicken breasts into the slow cooker’s base, creating an even layer. Generously dust with Italian seasoning, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle salt and pepper across the surface for enhanced flavor profile.
  2. Layer sliced peppers, onions, and minced garlic atop the seasoned chicken. The vegetables will infuse moisture and aromatics during the cooking process.
  3. Carefully pour chicken broth around the ingredients, allowing liquid to distribute evenly without disturbing the initial seasoning. This will maintain ingredient positioning and prevent dry cooking.
  4. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The prolonged cooking will transform chicken into tender, easily shreddable protein.
  5. Once cooking completes, extract chicken breasts and use two forks to pull meat apart into delicate strands. Return shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, gently mixing with remaining peppers and onions.
  6. Activate oven broiler. Split hoagie rolls lengthwise and generously fill with the chicken-vegetable mixture. Crown each sandwich with provolone cheese slices.
  7. Position sandwiches on a baking sheet. Slide under broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
  8. Transfer hot sandwiches to serving plates. Offer optional condiments like mayonnaise, mustard, or hot sauce for personalized finishing touches.

Notes

  • Choose chicken breasts with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots in your sandwich filling.
  • Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and enhance overall flavor profile.
  • Consider using low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning to personal taste.
  • Slice vegetables uniformly for consistent texture and even cooking throughout the slow cooker process.
  • Drain excess liquid after cooking to prevent soggy sandwich bread and maintain a perfect sandwich consistency.
  • Swap provolone with dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
  • Experiment with different protein options like turkey or plant-based chicken substitutes for dietary variety.
  • Toast hoagie rolls lightly before adding filling to create a crispy texture that prevents bread from becoming soggy.
  • Prep ingredients the night before to streamline morning cooking and reduce day-of kitchen preparation time.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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