Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe That Wows

My weekend dinner game changed completely when I discovered these mouthwatering slow cooker chicken Philly sandwiches that deliver restaurant-quality flavor without complicated prep.

Juicy chicken simmers alongside sweet peppers and caramelized onions, developing rich layers of taste throughout the day.

Tender meat practically falls apart with minimal effort, making this meal a lifesaver for busy households.

Minimal ingredients combine to create something seriously delicious that feels like a gourmet treat.

Weekend meal planning becomes effortless with this simple yet impressive sandwich solution.

Packed with protein and bursting with savory goodness, you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation.

Dive in and experience a sandwich that turns an ordinary evening into a flavor-packed celebration.

Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Savory And Tender

  • Savor Hands-Off Cooking: Slow cookers transform complex meals into simple delights, allowing busy cooks to create restaurant-quality dishes with minimal active preparation time.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Personalize sandwiches with different cheese varieties, add extra spices, or include optional toppings like banana peppers or jalapeños for a unique flavor profile.
  • Pack Incredible Flavor Depth: Slow cooking infuses chicken with rich, layered seasonings like smoked paprika, Italian herbs, and Worcestershire sauce, creating deeply satisfying and tender meat.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Prepare large batches easily, store leftovers in refrigerator, and enjoy quick reheated meals throughout the week for convenient lunch or dinner solutions.

Ingredients Needed To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy meat that serves as the primary protein for the Philly-style sandwich.
Vegetables:
  • Onion Slices, Green Bell Pepper, Red Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness, crunch, and flavor to the chicken mixture.
Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall taste and provide depth to the chicken.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Chicken Broth, Worcestershire Sauce: Flavorful liquids that help tenderize the chicken and create a rich, savory base for the sandwich.
Sandwich Components:
  • Hoagie Rolls: Soft, crusty bread that serves as the foundation for the sandwich.
  • Butter: Optional ingredient for adding richness and helping to toast the rolls.
Cheese:
  • Provolone Cheese: Melty cheese that adds a creamy, mild flavor to the sandwich.
Optional Sides:
  • Potato Chips, Fries, Salad: Accompaniments that complement the main dish and provide additional texture and flavor.

Stepwise Instructions For Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base

Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Top the chicken with sliced onions and bell peppers (red and green).

Sprinkle seasonings over the ingredients:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Pour chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce over everything to create a flavorful cooking liquid.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Protein

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Cook on low setting for 6-7 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken should become tender and easily shreddable.

Step 3: Transform the Chicken

Extract the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the meat completely.

Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, mixing it with the vegetable-infused juices.

Step 4: Build the Epic Sandwiches

Fire up the oven broiler.

Split hoagie rolls and optionally spread a light layer of butter. Toast the rolls under the broiler until they turn golden brown.

Generously pile the chicken and vegetable mixture onto each roll. Crown each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese.

Slide the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for a quick 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Present the hot sandwiches immediately.

Pair with crispy potato chips, golden french fries, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that will make everyone’s taste buds dance.

Tips To Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

  • Use two forks to pull apart the cooked chicken, creating tender, juicy strands that absorb all the delicious cooking liquid.
  • Watch the broiler closely to prevent burning, aiming for a golden, bubbly cheese topping that adds creamy richness to the sandwich.
  • Add a splash of extra Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to intensify the savory profile of the chicken mixture.
  • Prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
  • Replace hoagie rolls with gluten-free rolls or serve the chicken mixture over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

Variations To Refresh Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Sandwiches: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced jalapeños, and swap provolone for pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free hoagie rolls or serve the chicken mixture over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that's celiac-friendly.
  • Mediterranean-Style Chicken: Substitute bell peppers with artichoke hearts, use Greek seasoning instead of Italian, and top with feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
  • Vegetarian Philly Sandwich: Replace chicken with sliced portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken substitute, maintaining the same cooking method and seasonings for a meat-free version.

Pairings To Complement Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

Match the hearty chicken Philly sandwich with a crisp amber ale or hoppy IPA that cuts through the rich, melted cheese and complements the smoky paprika flavors.

Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel, which balances the savory chicken and provides a smooth, fruity undertone to the sandwich.

Serve an ice-cold craft lager or a tangy hard cider to cleanse the palate and enhance the sandwich’s robust pepper and onion profile.

Pair with crispy seasoned potato wedges or a zesty coleslaw that adds crunch and provides a cool contrast to the warm, cheesy sandwich.

Storage Tips To Keep Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

  • Transfer leftover chicken mixture to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep bread separate to prevent sogginess.
  • Package shredded chicken and vegetables in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place chicken mixture in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they cook thoroughly and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

  • What if I don't have all the specific seasonings?

You can substitute with a basic all-purpose seasoning or use a combination of dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley to create a similar flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe isn’t automatically gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free hoagie rolls and check that your Worcestershire sauce and chicken broth are certified gluten-free.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Slow cooker chicken Philly sandwiches bring Philadelphia’s iconic street fare into home kitchens with minimal effort. Hearty shredded chicken, melted provolone, and caramelized peppers and onions create a mouthwatering sandwich you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

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

Vegetables:

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

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce

Bread and Cheese:

  • 6 hoagie rolls
  • 6 slices provolone cheese

Instructions

  1. Nestle chicken breasts in the slow cooker, layering sliced onions and bell peppers on top. Generously sprinkle seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients. Drizzle chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce to enhance flavor and moisture.
  2. Cover and slow cook on low temperature for 5-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, ensuring chicken becomes tender and fully cooked.
  3. Extract chicken breasts and meticulously shred using two forks. Return shredded meat to the slow cooker, gently blending with accumulated vegetables and cooking juices.
  4. Activate oven broiler. Lightly butter hoagie rolls and toast underneath broiler for 1-2 minutes until achieving golden edges. Generously pile shredded chicken and vegetable mixture onto each roll. Crown each sandwich with a provolone cheese slice.
  5. Position assembled sandwiches on baking sheet and slide under broiler for 1-2 minutes, allowing cheese to melt and become slightly bubbly.
  6. Plate sandwiches immediately while warm. Complement with classic side dishes like crispy potato chips, golden french fries, or fresh garden salad.

Notes

  • Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer, more tender meat that stays juicy during slow cooking.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting seasonings or adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free rolls or serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
  • Meal prep friendly: Store shredded chicken mixture separately from rolls to prevent sogginess and maintain crispness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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