Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe

Juicy Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe

Crafting delectable slow cooker chicken philly sandwiches can turn an ordinary meal into a flavor-packed adventure.

Juicy chicken simmers with bell peppers and onions, creating a mouthwatering filling that melts in your mouth.

Succulent meat absorbs rich seasonings while gently cooking throughout the day.

Each bite promises a symphony of savory notes that dance across your palate.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for busy individuals seeking a delicious dinner solution.

Cheese adds a creamy dimension that complements the tender chicken perfectly.

Grab your slow cooker and prepare to wow everyone at the table with this irresistible sandwich sensation.

Why Chicken Philly Sandwiches Are a Slow Cooker Win

  • Savor Hassle-Free Cooking: Dump all ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic, creating a hands-off meal that saves precious kitchen time.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by switching cheese types, adding spicy peppers, or using different breads to match your family's taste preferences.
  • Transform Ordinary Ingredients: Turn simple chicken, peppers, and onions into a restaurant-quality sandwich that impresses without complex cooking techniques.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Delivers a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both adults and kids, making mealtime stress-free and delicious.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein for the sandwich.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Bell Peppers, Onion: Fresh vegetables that add sweetness, color, and depth of flavor to the chicken mixture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Beef Broth, Italian Dressing Mix: Provides a rich, savory liquid base and complex seasoning for the chicken.
  • Provolone Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds a smooth, rich finish to the sandwich.
  • Hoagie Rolls: Soft bread rolls that serve as the foundation for the sandwich, perfect for holding the juicy chicken mixture.

Steps to Make Chicken Philly Sandwiches in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Place chicken breasts into the slow cooker as the foundation of your delicious sandwich filling. Ensure the chicken is evenly spread across the bottom of the cooking vessel.

Step 2: Layer Colorful Vegetables

Top the chicken with a vibrant mix of vegetables:
  • Sliced bell peppers
  • Sliced onions

These vegetables will infuse incredible flavor and texture into the dish.

Step 3: Create Savory Liquid Blend

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Beef broth
  • Italian dressing mix

Pour this flavorful liquid over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic:
  • Low setting: 6-8 hours
  • High setting: 3-4 hours

Cook until the chicken is thoroughly tender and fully cooked.

Step 5: Shred and Mix

Use two forks to gently shred the chicken, mixing it thoroughly with the cooked vegetables. This creates a delectable, cohesive filling.

Step 6: Toast and Assemble Sandwiches

Warm hoagie rolls in the oven until lightly toasted. Generously pile the chicken and vegetable mixture onto each roll.

Step 7: Melt Cheese Topping

Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of each sandwich. Broil in the oven until the cheese becomes wonderfully melted and slightly golden.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Plate the hot, cheesy Philly-style sandwiches immediately. Enjoy the mouthwatering combination of tender chicken, sweet vegetables, and melted cheese.

Tips for Flavorful Chicken Philly Sandwiches

  • Swap beef broth with chicken broth for a lighter flavor profile that still maintains depth and richness.
  • Use gluten-free hoagie rolls and check dressing mix ingredients to make this recipe celiac-friendly and accessible.
  • Reduce cooking time by 1-2 hours if using smaller chicken breasts to prevent overcooking and maintain tender meat texture.
  • Enhance sandwich moisture by adding a thin layer of mayonnaise or mustard before adding the chicken mixture for extra zesty flavor.
  • Prep vegetables the night before and store in a sealed container to streamline morning slow cooker preparation and save precious time.

Fun Twists for Chicken Philly Sandwiches

  • Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, and a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe with bold, southwestern flavors.
  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate dried oregano, fresh rosemary, and crumbled feta cheese to give the sandwich a Mediterranean-inspired profile with aromatic herb notes.
  • Pesto Chicken Melt: Replace Italian dressing with homemade basil pesto, swap provolone for mozzarella, and sprinkle pine nuts on top for a rich, herbaceous version of the original sandwich.
  • Ranch Lovers' Edition: Mix ranch seasoning into the beef broth, top with crispy bacon bits, and use ranch dressing as a final drizzle to create a creamy, tangy variation.

Tasty Sides for Chicken Philly Sandwiches

  • Craft Beer Companion: Select a hoppy IPA with citrus notes to cut through the rich, savory chicken and complement the bell peppers' sweetness.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied Pinot Grigio that balances the sandwich's robust flavors and provides a refreshing counterpoint.
  • Zesty Side Kick: Serve alongside tangy pickle spears or a light cucumber salad to add bright, acidic contrast to the hearty sandwich.
  • Comfort Drink Match: Grab a cold root beer to enhance the meal's comfort food appeal and provide a sweet, nostalgic touch that elevates the entire dining experience.

Best Way to Store Chicken Philly Sandwich Leftovers

  • Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer chicken mixture to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Properly stored, it will maintain quality for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place chicken mixture in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
  • Warm chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally and add a little broth to maintain moisture. Heat until steaming hot, typically 5-7 minutes.

FAQs About Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great and can be even more tender and flavorful in this slow cooker recipe.

  • Is the beef broth necessary for the recipe?

The beef broth adds moisture and depth of flavor, but you can substitute with chicken broth if needed.

  • What if I don't have Italian dressing mix?

You can create a similar flavor by mixing dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of dried basil to replicate the seasoning blend.

  • Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

While a slow cooker provides the best results, you can adapt this recipe for an oven by cooking at 275°F for 3-4 hours in a covered Dutch oven.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Slow cooker chicken Philly sandwiches bring Philadelphia’s iconic street flavor right to kitchen counters with minimal effort. Juicy shredded chicken, melted provolone, and caramelized peppers nestle between crusty rolls, promising pure comfort with each hearty bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
  • 1 packet Italian dressing mix
  • 6 hoagie rolls
  • 6 slices provolone cheese

Instructions

  1. Layer chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Scatter sliced bell peppers and onions across the chicken surface.
  3. Whisk beef broth and Italian dressing mix in a separate container until well combined.
  4. Gently pour the liquid mixture over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring even coverage.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and set to low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours.
  6. Once chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature, carefully remove and shred using two forks.
  7. Return shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and gently mix with the cooked vegetables.
  8. Preheat oven broiler to high setting.
  9. Lightly toast hoagie rolls until golden and crisp around edges.
  10. Generously pile shredded chicken and vegetable mixture onto each toasted roll.
  11. Place a slice of provolone cheese atop each sandwich.
  12. Broil sandwiches for 2-3 minutes or until cheese melts and becomes slightly bubbly.
  13. Transfer hot sandwiches to serving plates and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
  • Slice bell peppers and onions uniformly to guarantee consistent texture and flavor distribution throughout the dish.
  • For a lighter version, use low-sodium beef broth and reduce cheese quantity or opt for a reduced-fat cheese alternative.
  • Experiment with different protein options like turkey or plant-based chicken substitutes to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 431 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 920 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star