If you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal that practically makes itself, this crock pot french dip chicken recipe is exactly what you need. The tender chicken simmers slowly in a savory broth seasoned perfectly for dipping, creating an irresistible dinner option you’ll want to make again and again.
Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, this crock pot french dip chicken is surprisingly simple but delivers all the rich, juicy flavors you expect from a classic French dip sandwich. Let’s dive into the recipe so you can have dinner ready with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off slow cooker method makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Succulent, shredded chicken soaks up all the delicious au jus flavors.
- Perfect for sandwiches, appetizers, or even over rice for variety.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Makes great leftovers and freezes well for busy days.
Ingredients
Gather these classic ingredients to create the rich broth and tender chicken for your crock pot french dip sandwiches.
- 2.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 4-6 hoagie rolls or French rolls, split
- 6 ounces provolone or Swiss cheese slices
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 6 sandwiches
- Calories: Approximately 420 per serving
How to Make Crock Pot French Dip Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, mix beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Add sliced mushrooms on top if using for added depth of flavor.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Remove chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the broth in the slow cooker and stir to combine well, keeping it warm.
- To assemble sandwiches, pile shredded chicken onto split hoagie rolls and top with provolone cheese slices.
- Place sandwiches under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles slightly.
- Serve with a small bowl of the hot au jus broth for dipping and enjoy immediately.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use low heat setting for the slow cooker to ensure tender, juicy chicken.
- Feel free to add caramelized onions for extra sweetness and texture.
- Broil the sandwiches just before serving to melt cheese without drying out the bread.
- Choose fresh hoagie rolls that toast well and hold up to dipping.
- Reserve some au jus broth to drizzle over sandwiches for extra moisture.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover shredded chicken and broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sandwich rolls separate to prevent sogginess.
To reheat, warm the chicken mixture in a saucepan or microwave until hot. Assemble sandwiches and broil briefly again to refresh the bread and cheese. You can freeze the shredded chicken and broth in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great and tend to be even more tender and flavorful when slow cooked in this recipe.
How do I make the au jus broth thicker?
If you prefer a thicker au jus, you can remove some broth and whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in cold water. Heat it on the stove until it thickens, then add back to the slow cooker.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the slow cooker ingredients the night before and refrigerate. Then cook it in the morning so dinner is ready when you get home.
What sides pair well with crock pot french dip chicken?
Crispy French fries, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables all complement the rich flavors of the sandwiches perfectly.
