Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe
If you’re after a hearty, cozy meal that basically cooks itself, Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches just might become your new best friend. These sandwiches combine juicy shredded chicken, sweet and colorful peppers, melty provolone, and pillowy hoagie rolls for a comfort food feast you can prep in the morning and enjoy with almost no extra work. From easy weeknights to cheering up a rainy weekend, they deliver everything you crave—savory, saucy, and supremely satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it delightfully simple, relying on a handful of classic ingredients that bring tons of bold flavor and that signature Philly sandwich vibe. Each piece has a role to play, whether it’s crunch, creaminess, or a punch of seasoning. Let’s break down what makes each ingredient shine:
- Chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and perfect for shredding, these make the savory heart of your sandwiches.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly grassy flavor, plus a vibrant splash of color.
- Red bell pepper: Sweeter than green, it brings both brightness and balance to the mix.
- Yellow onion: Provides a mild, sweet base that gets even better as it slow cooks with the chicken.
- Garlic: Just a bit infuses deep, aromatic richness you’ll taste in every bite.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the natural flavors of the chicken and veggies.
- Black pepper: A bit of kick without overwhelming the rest of the flavors.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs is your shortcut to depth and savory warmth.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a bit of tang and umami, tying everything together.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps it juicy and helps meld all those flavors into one irresistible filling.
- Hoagie rolls: Soft, sturdy, and just the right size to cradle all that savory goodness.
- Provolone cheese: Melts like a dream and delivers the creamy, gooey finish a great Philly sandwich deserves.
- Optional toppings (mayonnaise, hot sauce, banana peppers): Go wild with these for extra zip, creaminess, or spice to make your sandwich your own.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients in Your Slow Cooker
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then pile on all that sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic right on top. This layering lets the chicken soak up all the beautiful vegetable flavors as it slow-cooks.
Step 2: Season and Add Liquids
Sprinkle everything with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour over the Worcestershire sauce and chicken broth. These simple steps will guarantee that every bite of your Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches is loaded with classic Philly flavor, moistness, and depth.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and set your slow cooker on low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fall-apart fork tender and begs to be shredded. That’s when the magic really happens!
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
With two forks, shred the chicken right there in the slow cooker. Mix it all up so the vegetables and their juices mingle with the chicken, creating a juicy, flavor-packed filling for the final sandwiches.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
If you like, toast the hoagie rolls for extra crunch. Pile on the chicken and pepper mixture, then drape a slice of provolone over each. For ultimate meltiness, you can pop them under a broiler for just a minute or two. Best enjoyed warm, right out of your hands!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches
Garnishes
Classic mayonnaise adds creaminess, a quick shake of hot sauce brings heat, and tangy banana peppers offer a punch of brightness. Don’t be shy—set out a tray of toppings so everyone can build their perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches.
Side Dishes
Nothing beats thick-cut oven fries, a simple green salad, or even potato chips on the side. For a lighter option, load up with crunchy pickles or roasted veggies—the perfect partners to these sandwiches’ rich, saucy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the hoagie rolls in halves or thirds for a fun party platter, or spoon the chicken mixture over a bed of greens for a low-carb “Philly bowl.” Extra filling? Pile it over rice or stuff into baked potatoes for an easy twist on the original Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store extra chicken and vegetable mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Keep the bread and cheese separate for the best texture when reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches later on.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the shredded chicken filling (minus the bread and cheese) in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling fresh sandwiches.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken and veggies on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot, then assemble your Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches as usual. Add cheese and broil briefly for that irresistible gooey finish!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra richness and tenderness, making for an even juicier sandwich. Just swap pound-for-pound in the original recipe for a delicious twist.
Is it possible to make this low-carb or gluten-free?
Definitely. For a lower-carb version, skip the rolls and serve the chicken and peppers lettuce wrap-style or in a bowl. Use gluten-free buns or rolls to make these Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches suitable for gluten sensitivities.
What’s the best way to toast hoagie rolls?
For the perfect crunch, split the rolls and place them open-faced on a baking sheet. Toast them at 400°F for just a few minutes until lightly golden and crisp, then assemble your sandwiches.
Can I prep the ingredients the night before?
Yes, you can! Slice the peppers, onions, and garlic ahead of time and keep everything refrigerated. In the morning, just pile everything into the slow cooker and get cooking.
How do I keep the sandwiches from getting soggy?
If you’re meal prepping, store the chicken mixture separate from the rolls and assemble just before serving. Lightly toasting the rolls also creates a barrier that helps keep things wonderfully crisp.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches enough—they’re everything you want in an easy meal: full of flavor, simple to prepare, and endlessly adaptable to your family’s tastes. Give them a try and see why they’ll become a comfort food favorite in your own kitchen!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love. Tender shredded chicken, flavorful peppers, and onions all come together in a hoagie roll topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 6 hoagie rolls
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- Optional toppings: mayonnaise, hot sauce, or banana peppers
Ingredients:
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker: Arrange chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: Top with sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken: Pour Worcestershire sauce and chicken broth over the chicken. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
- Shred the chicken: Shred the chicken in the slow cooker and mix with vegetables and juices.
- Prepare the sandwiches: Toast hoagie rolls, fill with chicken mixture, top with provolone cheese.
- Melt the cheese: Allow cheese to melt slightly or place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Add desired toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs for extra flavor.
- For a lower-carb option, serve over lettuce or in a low-carb wrap.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
