Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe

Savory Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in these mouthwatering slow cooker chicken Philly sandwiches that promise to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.

Tender, juicy chicken simmers with bell peppers and onions, creating a flavor-packed filling that melts in your mouth.

The slow cooking process ensures every bite is packed with rich, savory goodness.

Shredded to perfection, the chicken absorbs all the delicious seasonings while becoming incredibly soft and succulent.

These sandwiches bring the classic Philadelphia street food right into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Served on soft, toasted rolls and topped with melted cheese, this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Dive into this delectable dish that will surely become a new family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

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

Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

For The Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender protein that absorbs the rich flavors of seasonings, choose fresh and trimmed for best texture.
  • Chicken Broth: Infuses moisture and deepens the savory profile of the dish, opt for low-sodium varieties for better control of saltiness.
For The Flavor Builders:
  • Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend that adds classic Mediterranean warmth and depth to the chicken.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.
  • Minced Garlic: Provides a robust, pungent base that elevates the entire dish's complexity.
  • Sliced Peppers: Adds vibrant color and sweet, slightly tangy crunch to the sandwich filling.
  • Sliced Onions: Brings a subtle sweetness and soft texture that complements the chicken perfectly.
For The Sandwich Components:
  • Hoagie Rolls: Sturdy bread that holds the juicy filling, select fresh rolls with a soft interior and slightly crisp exterior.
  • Provolone Cheese: Creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully and adds a rich, smooth finish to the sandwich.

Kitchen Gear For Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking chicken and vegetables with minimal effort.
  • Two Forks: Perfect for shredding the tender chicken after cooking.
  • Baking Sheet: Needed for broiling sandwiches and melting cheese.
  • Broiler: Critical for creating melted, golden cheese on top of sandwiches.
  • Knife: Helpful for slicing peppers, onions, and splitting hoagie rolls.
  • Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for chopping ingredients.

Steps To Cook Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

  • Slow Cooker Preparation

Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with herbs and seasonings. Layer colorful bell peppers and sweet onions on top, creating a delicious foundation for your sandwich adventure.

  • Flavor Infusion

Pour savory liquid over the ingredients, ensuring everything stays juicy and tender. This step guarantees maximum deliciousness throughout the cooking process.

  • Cooking Magic

Let the slow cooker transform your ingredients. Allow 6-7 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat to create mouthwatering, fall-apart tender chicken.

  • Chicken Transformation

Gently pull chicken apart into delectable shreds. Mix thoroughly with the soft, caramelized peppers and onions, creating a rich and irresistible filling.

  • Cheesy Finale

Toast hoagie rolls under the broiler. Pile the chicken mixture generously onto each roll. Crown with melted provolone cheese until golden and bubbling.

  • Serving

Plate your sandwiches immediately while they’re piping hot. Optional condiments can add an extra flavor kick for adventurous eaters.

Ways To Change Up Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

  • Perfect Slow Cooker Technique: Use chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges from thinner pieces.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this dish ahead and store the chicken mixture in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners super quick and easy.
  • Gluten-Free Hack: Swap hoagie rolls for gluten-free rolls or serve the chicken mixture over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that's equally delicious.
  • Spice Level Control: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the slow cooker for extra heat, or keep it mild for sensitive palates by using bell peppers only.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Replace provolone cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a plant-based version that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Nice Ways To Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

  • Picnic Perfect Plating: Pack these sandwiches wrapped in foil for an epic outdoor lunch that stays warm and delicious.
  • Classic Deli Side Kick: Serve alongside crispy potato chips, tangy coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad to complete the meal with complementary flavors.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, making quick weeknight dinners a breeze. Reheat gently and assemble sandwiches when ready to eat.
  • Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Transform this recipe into a buffet-style setup by keeping the chicken warm in the slow cooker and letting guests build their own sandwiches with extra cheese and condiments.

Storing And Prepping Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the mixture completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Package the shredded chicken and vegetable mixture in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention when properly sealed.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated or thawed chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
  • Sandwich Assembly Tip: Keep hoagie rolls separate from the chicken mixture until serving to prevent sogginess. If meal prepping, store bread and filling separately, assembling sandwiches just before eating to maintain crisp texture and optimal taste.
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Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Slow cooker chicken Philly sandwiches bring Philadelphia’s iconic street fare into home kitchens with minimal effort. Tender chicken, melted provolone, and caramelized peppers nestle between crusty rolls, delivering delicious comfort for busy families.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900 g) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
  • 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
  • 8 slices provolone cheese
  • 6 hoagie rolls or sub rolls

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Arrange chicken breasts in a uniform layer within the slow cooker, thoroughly coating with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to maximize flavor infusion.
  2. Vegetable Integration: Distribute sliced peppers, onions, and garlic over the seasoned chicken, creating a robust aromatic foundation that will tenderize and enhance the protein during cooking.
  3. Liquid Foundation: Pour chicken broth around the ingredients, ensuring even moisture distribution without disrupting the initial seasoning layer, which will prevent drying and maintain ingredient integrity.
  4. Slow Cooking Transformation: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, allowing the chicken to become exceptionally tender and easily shredded.
  5. Protein Breakdown: Remove chicken breasts and meticulously shred using two forks, then reincorporate into the slow cooker, gently blending with the vegetable medley to ensure complete flavor integration.
  6. Sandwich Assembly: Preheat broiler. Slice hoagie rolls lengthwise, generously fill with the chicken-vegetable mixture, and crown with provolone cheese slices.
  7. Final Broiling: Position sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts completely, developing a golden, bubbling crust.
  8. Serving: Transfer piping hot sandwiches to plates, offering optional condiments like mayonnaise, mustard, or hot sauce for personalized flavor enhancement.

Notes

  • Prevent Dryness: Add a splash of extra chicken broth if mixture seems dry during cooking to maintain moisture and tenderness.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Let provolone cheese sit at room temperature before broiling to ensure more even, smooth melting across the sandwich.
  • Seasoning Depth: Toast Italian seasoning briefly in a dry pan before adding to chicken to release deeper, more intense flavor compounds.
  • Vegetable Swap Strategy: Substitute bell peppers with poblano or banana peppers for a slightly different heat profile and unique taste dimension.
  • 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: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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