Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe for Dinner

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with slow cooker chicken philly sandwiches that promise to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.

Tender chicken simmers in a rich, savory blend of peppers and seasonings, creating a mouthwatering filling that screams comfort food.

The magic happens when juicy, shredded chicken meets perfectly caramelized onions and bell peppers nestled between soft, crusty rolls.

Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors that transports you straight to the streets of Philadelphia.

Melted cheese adds a creamy layer of indulgence to this classic sandwich.

The slow cooker does all the hard work, transforming simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a culinary celebration.

Prepare to impress your dinner companions with this irresistible sandwich that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender base that absorbs delicious seasonings and creates hearty sandwich filling. Choose fresh, high-quality meat with minimal fat for best texture.
• Provolone Cheese: Creamy melting cheese that adds rich, smooth flavor and perfect gooey texture to sandwiches. Select mild or sharp varieties depending on preference.

• Bell Peppers: Vibrant, sweet vegetables that provide crunch and color to the dish. Pick firm peppers with bright, glossy skin for maximum freshness.
• Onions: Adds depth and sweet caramelized flavor when slow-cooked. Select firm, heavy onions without soft spots.
• Garlic: Brings intense, aromatic flavor that enhances overall dish complexity. Choose firm, plump cloves without sprouting.

• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and infuses meat with additional savory flavor. Use low-sodium versions to control salt content.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that adds classic Mediterranean warmth and depth. Check blend for freshness and robust aroma.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and highlight other ingredients.

• Hoagie Rolls: Soft, sturdy bread perfect for holding juicy sandwich filling. Select fresh rolls with golden, slightly crisp exterior.

Tools to Prep Chicken Philly Sandwiches in a Slow Cooker

• Slow Cooker: Essential for tender, flavorful chicken that cooks effortlessly.
• Baking Sheet: Helps broil sandwiches to melty, golden perfection.
• Two Forks: Perfect for shredding chicken into delicious, tender pieces.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing peppers and onions with ease.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Help season chicken with just the right amount of herbs and spices.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

• Prep the Pot

Grab your trusty slow cooker and transform those boring chicken breasts into a flavor-packed feast. Toss in the chicken, sprinkle with zesty seasonings, and crown it with colorful peppers, onions, and garlic.

• Give It a Liquid Boost

Pour in some savory broth to keep everything juicy and delicious. This secret weapon ensures your chicken stays tender and packed with incredible taste.

• Let It Simmer

Cover and let the slow cooker work its culinary. Whether you’re in a hurry (high heat) or want a low and slow approach, your chicken will become mouthwateringly tender.

• Shred and Mix

Pull out the chicken and transform it into delectable shreds. Mix those tender pieces back into the veggie-packed sauce, creating a mouthwatering filling that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Create Sandwich Perfection

Fire up the broiler and split those hoagie rolls. Load them with the saucy chicken mixture and blanket with melty provolone cheese. Pop under the broiler until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate up these irresistible sandwiches hot and fresh. Feel free to add a splash of mayo, mustard, or hot sauce for an extra flavor kick.

Cooking Tips for Juicy Chicken Philly Sandwiches

• Prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for quick weeknight dinners or make-ahead lunches.
• Replace chicken breasts with shredded beef or pork for a delicious alternative that keeps the same slow cooker method.
• Skip the hoagie rolls and serve the chicken mixture over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps for a lighter, gluten-free option.
• Add a dash of red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the slow cooker for extra heat and a zesty kick that transforms the classic Philly sandwich flavor profile.
• Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast to create a lactose-free version that still delivers on cheesy satisfaction.

Serving Suggestions for These Philly Favorites

• Backyard Picnic Platter: Arrange sandwiches on a rustic wooden board with pickle spears, crispy potato chips, and coleslaw for a casual summer meal that screams outdoor fun.
• Philly-Style Game Day Spread: Transform these sandwiches into a crowd-pleasing appetizer by cutting them into smaller slider portions, perfect for sports watching parties with friends.
• Lunch Box Upgrade: Wrap individual sandwiches in parchment paper for a gourmet packed lunch that will make coworkers and classmates jealous of your delicious meal.
• Meal Prep: Prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store in portioned containers for quick weeknight dinners or grab-and-go lunches throughout the busy work week.

Saving and Reheating Chicken Philly Sandwiches

• Slice and store chicken, peppers, and onions in freezer bags the night before cooking for quick morning assembly.
• Let sandwiches cool completely before refrigerating to maintain crispy bread texture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual sandwiches in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
• Store chicken mixture separately from rolls in airtight containers. Refrigerate chicken blend for 3-4 days, using as topping for salads, pasta, or quick lunch bowls.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is mild by default. You can easily add heat by including hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or using spicy peppers like jalapeños when preparing the dish.

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they cook thoroughly and reach the correct internal temperature.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No problem! Create a substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. About 1-2 teaspoons will work perfectly for this recipe.

• Do I need to trim the chicken before cooking?

While not mandatory, removing excess fat can help prevent a greasy texture. Simply trim any visible fat from the chicken breasts before placing them in the slow cooker.

Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Juicy Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches merge classic Philadelphia flavors with effortless preparation. Tender shredded chicken, melted provolone, and caramelized peppers create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices provolone cheese
• 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 oz or 28 g) Italian seasoning mix (or 1 tbsp homemade blend)
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 6 hoagie rolls or sub rolls

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Instructions

1. Seasoning and Layering: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker, generously coating with Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Distribute bell peppers, onions, and garlic evenly across the top.
2. Liquid Infusion: Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring complete coverage and moisture retention for tender results.
3. Slow-Cooking Process: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes exceptionally tender and flavors meld harmoniously.
4. Shredding and Mixing: Remove chicken and shred using two forks, then return to the slow cooker, thoroughly blending with caramelized peppers and onions to create a rich, cohesive filling.
5. Cheese and Broiling Preparation: Split hoagie rolls lengthwise, fill with chicken-vegetable mixture, and top with provolone cheese. Position under the broiler, watching carefully as cheese melts and edges turn golden and crisp, typically 2-3 minutes.
6. Serving and Customization: Transfer sandwiches to plates, offering optional condiments like mayonnaise, mustard, or hot sauce to personalize the dining experience.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Tenderness: Use chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges. Trim excess fat before placing in slow cooker for consistent texture.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Press minced garlic directly onto chicken and allow herbs to sit for 15 minutes before cooking to enhance herb penetration and deepen taste profile.
• Control Moisture Balance: If mixture seems dry during cooking, add small increments of chicken broth to maintain juiciness without making filling watery. Drain excess liquid before assembling sandwiches.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Watch broiler closely during cheese melting stage. Position oven rack about 4-5 inches from heat source to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown edges without charring bread.

• 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: 7
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg