If you have been craving a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth sandwich with layers of tender chicken and flavorful peppers, then you are going to love this Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe. This dish takes the classic Philly cheesesteak idea and transforms it into a cozy, effortless meal where juicy chicken, sweet bell peppers, and melted cheese come together inside a perfectly toasted hoagie roll. Cooking everything low and slow means all those spices and seasonings get a chance to deepen and blend, making every bite absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building a balance of savory, smoky, and fresh flavors, while also giving you great texture and vibrant color in the finished sandwich.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein that soaks up the spices and remains juicy after slow cooking.
- 1 onion, thinly sliced: Adds natural sweetness and a slight crunch that complements the tender chicken.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Provides a pop of color and a gentle sweetness that brightens the dish.
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Offers a fresher, slightly peppery bite to contrast the richer flavors.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlicky warmth that layers perfectly with the other spices.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder: Boosts the savory depth for a fuller flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Brings a smoky note that adds extra complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that ties all ingredients together with a fragrant herbal touch.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every element of the sandwich.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and creates a flavorful base for shredding.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle tang and umami punch that elevates the whole recipe.
- 4-6 hoagie rolls: The hearty, crusty bread that holds all the delicious filling.
- Provolone cheese slices (or mozzarella/cheddar): Melts beautifully over the chicken for a gooey, irresistible finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts in your slow cooker along with the thinly sliced onions and vibrant bell peppers. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce over everything to add moisture and deepen the flavors. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours, or if you’re pressed for time, high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer is what makes the chicken tender and the veggies beautifully infused with the seasonings.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time has passed, remove the chicken breasts carefully from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board or plate. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well so it can soak up the flavorful juices and mingle with the softened peppers and onions. This step ensures every mouthful is bursting with flavor and perfectly moist.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Slice your hoagie rolls open and give them a quick toast in the oven until they’re just golden and slightly crunchy on the outside. This toasting adds a wonderful texture contrast to the tender filling. Spoon a generous portion of the chicken and pepper mixture inside each roll, packing it full so that every bite is satisfying and packed with deliciousness. Then top each with a slice of provolone cheese—or mozzarella or cheddar, depending on your preference.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Place your assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and slide them under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye to make sure the cheese melts evenly and becomes beautifully bubbly without burning. This final step transforms the sandwich into a luscious, gooey delight where melted cheese blankets the savory chicken and veggies.
Step 5: Serve
Serve your Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe immediately while everything is warm and melty. These sandwiches are wonderful for lunch, dinner, or any time you crave a comforting, filling meal that practically makes itself!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can take your Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe to the next level. Try topping your sandwiches with crisp lettuce or some fresh tomato slices for brightness. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dash of hot sauce can also add a lovely punch and vibrancy to the dish.
Side Dishes
These sandwiches pair beautifully with classic comfort sides like crispy baked fries, a light coleslaw, or even a fresh green salad. If you want something heartier, roasted potatoes or a tangy pickle are also fantastic companions. The goal is to complement the rich, cheesy chicken filling without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
To make these sandwiches even more fun, try serving them as sliders with mini hoagie rolls for a party appetizer or game day treat. You can also turn the filling into a warm dip by serving it in a baking dish with plenty of melted cheese, and providing chips or bread for dipping. The Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe is versatile enough to fit whatever mood or occasion you have in mind!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover chicken mixture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep your hoagie rolls separate to prevent them from becoming soggy, and toast them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
The shredded chicken filling freezes beautifully. Portion it into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before assembling your sandwiches.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken filling on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Toast new hoagie rolls and melt fresh cheese on top for that just-made feel. Reheated Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe still offers plenty of comfort and flavor with minimal effort.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more moisture and a richer flavor to the dish. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly if needed since thighs can vary in size.
Is it necessary to use both red and green bell peppers?
No, you can use just one color if you prefer, or substitute with other peppers. However, using both red and green adds a lovely balance of sweetness and fresh peppery bite as well as color contrast.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use an Instant Pot on the slow cooker setting or use the pressure cook function for faster results. If pressure cooking, set it for about 15 minutes and then do a quick release. Just be sure to keep the same layering of ingredients for even flavor distribution.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Provolone is classic for Philly-style sandwiches, but mozzarella or mild cheddar also melt well and create delicious gooey covers. You can even mix cheeses! Choose whatever you love best.
Can I add mushrooms or other veggies?
Definitely! Mushrooms, sliced jalapeños, or even spinach can be an excellent addition. Add them in with the peppers and onions at the start of cooking so they soften and absorb the flavors nicely.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about a sandwich that’s packed with tender, flavorful chicken and tender-crisp peppers, all melted under a blanket of cheese inside a perfectly toasted roll. This Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe is a winner for busy days when you want maximum comfort with minimal fuss. Give it a try and get ready to make it your new go-to meal that friends and family will keep asking for again and again!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4-6 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches are a flavorful and easy-to-make meal featuring tender shredded chicken cooked with bell peppers, onions, and spices. Served on toasted hoagie rolls with melted provolone cheese, they provide a delicious twist on the classic Philly sandwich using slow-cooked chicken for convenient prep and rich flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Sandwich Assembly
- 4–6 hoagie rolls
- Provolone cheese slices (or mozzarella/cheddar) as preferred
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Add chicken breasts, sliced onion, red and green bell peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir thoroughly to combine with the flavorful cooking juices and vegetables.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise and toast them in the oven to your liking. Fill each toasted roll generously with the shredded chicken and pepper mixture, ensuring even distribution for each sandwich.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled sandwiches under the oven broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the provolone cheese melts and becomes bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the broiler and serve the sandwiches hot for a comforting, hearty meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Notes
- You can substitute the provolone cheese with mozzarella or cheddar as desired.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste, especially the salt and black pepper.
- For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker mixture.
- Leftover chicken mixture keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated for quick meals.
- To save time, prep the vegetables the night before or in the morning before starting the slow cooker.
