Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

There are those recipes that make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon something absolutely magical. Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches are one of those dishes. Imagine tender, juicy chicken soaked in savory seasonings, slow-cooked until it practically melts in your mouth, and then topped with a blanket of gooey, melted cheese—all tucked into a soft, perfectly toasted sandwich bun. Oh, and did I mention the peppers and onions? They’re caramelized to perfection, adding a savory-sweet touch that’ll have you coming back for more.

This recipe is not only easy to make but it’s also foolproof. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, let the magic happen, and then assemble your sandwiches for a dinner that’s bound to impress. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight after a busy day or preparing a delicious meal for friends and family, these sandwiches are always a hit.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

Here’s why these sandwiches should be at the top of your recipe list:

Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker does most of the work for you. Just throw everything in, set the timer, and come back to perfectly tender chicken that’s ready to be piled onto your sandwich.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken: The slow cooking process keeps the chicken incredibly tender, absorbing all the flavors from the seasonings and juices. Each bite is bursting with savory goodness.

Flavorful Toppings: Peppers and onions, sautéed to caramelized perfection, bring a sweet and savory depth to the dish. And the melted provolone cheese? It adds that extra creamy goodness that makes each bite irresistible.

Customizable: Want to add a little heat? Toss in some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce. Prefer a different cheese? You can use Swiss or even mozzarella for a variation that’s just as delicious.

Easy to Make: This recipe is so simple that even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll feel like a pro. It’s all about throwing ingredients into the slow cooker, so there’s minimal hands-on effort involved.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

Let’s take a look at the ingredients that come together to create these delicious sandwiches:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The base of the sandwich. They cook up so tender in the slow cooker and soak up all the flavors.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: To help sear the chicken and lock in flavor before slow cooking (optional but recommended).
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A touch of garlic flavor to enhance the savory notes.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds to the base flavor of the chicken without overpowering.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A herb that complements the other spices and adds a Mediterranean twist.
• 1 teaspoon salt: To bring all the flavors together.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a subtle kick of spice.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist as it cooks and adds richness to the flavor.

For the Sandwich:

• 1 onion, thinly sliced: Caramelized onions add that sweet-savory richness that makes Philly sandwiches a crowd favorite.
• 1 bell pepper (green or red), thinly sliced: Peppers give an earthy sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the savory chicken.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Used to sauté the peppers and onions, bringing out their sweetness.
• 8 hoagie rolls (or sub rolls): The perfect vessel for all the delicious filling. Soft, but sturdy enough to hold everything.
• 8 slices provolone cheese: The cheese that melts into the chicken and veggies, creating a perfectly gooey, creamy sandwich.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making these Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches is as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step is optional but helps lock in flavor.
• Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper over the chicken.
• Pour the chicken broth around the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

2. Caramelize the Peppers and Onions:

• While the chicken is cooking, heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re soft and caramelized. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn.

3. Shred the Chicken:

• Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken in the slow cooker, mixing it with the cooking juices to soak up all the flavors.

4. Assemble the Sandwiches:

• Toast the hoagie rolls in the oven or on a skillet for a few minutes to give them a golden, slightly crispy exterior.
• On each roll, layer the shredded chicken, caramelized peppers, and onions. Top with a slice of provolone cheese.

5. Melt the Cheese:

• Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve & Enjoy:

• Serve the sandwiches warm and enjoy the cheesy, flavorful goodness! These sandwiches are perfect on their own or with a side of fries, chips, or a fresh salad.

(Note: The full instructions, including times and temperatures, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8 sandwiches
Calories per serving: 375
Total Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 75mg
  Sodium: 810mg
  Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 6g
  Protein: 30g
  Vitamin A: 15%
  Vitamin C: 50%
  Calcium: 15%
  Iron: 15%

(Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.)

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

These sandwiches are incredibly versatile, and you can pair them with just about anything. Here are a few ideas:

With Fries or Chips: Classic Philly-style sandwiches go great with crispy fries or a side of crunchy potato chips.

On the Side: Pair these sandwiches with a refreshing side salad, coleslaw, or even pickles for a burst of crunch and freshness.

With a Cold Drink: Enjoy these sandwiches with a cold beer, iced tea, or lemonade for a true comfort food experience.

As a Make-Ahead Meal: These sandwiches are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the shredded chicken in advance and assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to eat.

Additional Tips

• Meal Prep: If you’re short on time during the week, you can prep the chicken and veggies in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply heat everything up and assemble the sandwiches.
• Add Spice: If you like a bit of heat, add some hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to the sandwich for an extra kick.
• Use Leftovers: Leftover chicken Philly filling can be used in wraps, over rice, or even mixed into a salad. Get creative with your leftovers!
• Cheese Variations: While provolone cheese is traditional, you can also use mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss depending on your preference.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give the sandwiches a slightly richer flavor and remain just as tender when slow-cooked.

Q2: Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
A2: Yes! You can cook the chicken in the Instant Pot on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, then shred the chicken and continue with the recipe.

Q3: Can I make this without a slow cooker?
A3: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat with the broth, simmering until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Q4: Can I freeze the filling for later?
A4: Yes, the shredded chicken filling freezes beautifully. Simply store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q5: How long will leftovers last?
A5: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat the chicken and peppers before assembling into sandwiches.

Q6: Can I make these sandwiches without cheese?
A6: Yes, you can omit the cheese for a dairy-free version. The sandwich will still be delicious with just the chicken, peppers, and onions.

Q7: Can I use a different type of bread?
A7: Absolutely! You can use any type of sandwich bread you prefer—brioche buns, baguette slices, or even a crusty artisan bread will work.

Q8: Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
A8: Yes, feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach to the peppers and onions for more flavor and texture.

Q9: How can I make these sandwiches spicier?
A9: You can add sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce for some extra heat.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes! This recipe is easily doubled to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure you have enough room in your slow cooker for the extra chicken.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With tender, flavorful chicken, caramelized peppers and onions, and gooey melted cheese, they’re a delicious meal that’s both simple and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a party, or just craving something comforting, these sandwiches are always the right choice. Enjoy!

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