If you’re craving a hearty and satisfying sandwich without spending hours in the kitchen, these Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches are your perfect solution. With tender, shredded chicken, bell peppers, onions, and provolone cheese all piled into a toasted hoagie roll, this dish captures the essence of a traditional Philly cheesesteak but with a simpler, more convenient approach. The slow cooker does all the hard work, infusing the chicken and vegetables with rich, savory flavors from the beef broth and Italian seasoning mix. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, serving a crowd, or just looking for a delicious weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. The best part? You’ll have minimal prep time and a delicious, warm sandwich ready to enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hands-Off Cooking

The slow cooker takes care of most of the cooking, requiring just a bit of prep time. This means you can set it and forget it, letting the flavors meld as you go about your day.

2. Tender, Flavorful Chicken

Cooking the chicken in beef broth and Italian seasoning makes it incredibly tender and flavorful, which is key to making these sandwiches so delicious.

3. Quick Assembly

Once the chicken is cooked and shredded, the sandwiches come together quickly. Toast the hoagie rolls, top with chicken and melted cheese, and you’re ready to eat!

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe is ideal for meal prepping. You can make a big batch of the chicken and vegetable filling, store it in the fridge, and reheat it for sandwiches throughout the week.

5. Customizable

You can add your favorite sandwich toppings, like sautéed mushrooms, hot sauce, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing, making it versatile to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Green bell pepper
Red bell pepper
Onion
Beef broth
Italian dressing mix
Hoagie rolls
Provolone cheese

Variations

1. Add Mushrooms

For a classic Philly cheesesteak flavor, sauté some mushrooms and add them to the slow cooker along with the bell peppers and onions.

2. Use Different Cheese

While provolone is a great choice, you can swap it out for mozzarella, cheddar, or even Swiss cheese for a different twist.

3. Spicy Version

Add some sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the sandwiches a spicy kick.

4. Make it Gluten-Free

To make the recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free hoagie rolls or substitute with lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

5. Veggie-Only Version

If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use plant-based protein or tofu as a substitute. This will still give you all the flavorful fillings without the meat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Top the chicken with the sliced green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and onion. The vegetables will soften as they cook, adding flavor to the dish.

Step 3: Make the Broth Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the beef broth and Italian dressing mix. Stir until the seasoning is dissolved, then pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Stir the shredded chicken with the vegetables to combine them.

Step 6: Toast the Rolls

While the chicken mixture is finishing, toast your hoagie rolls in the oven or on a griddle until golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 7: Assemble the Sandwiches

Spoon the shredded chicken and vegetable mixture onto the toasted hoagie rolls, making sure each sandwich gets a generous amount of filling.

Step 8: Add Cheese and Broil

Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese. Place the sandwiches under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the sandwiches hot, and enjoy the delicious, cheesy goodness of your homemade Philly-inspired meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts. They’ll also stay moist and tender after slow cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: If you double the recipe, make sure not to overcrowd the slow cooker. It’s important for the chicken and vegetables to have enough room to cook evenly.
Broil Carefully: Keep a close eye on the sandwiches under the broiler to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn. It only takes a minute or two to melt perfectly.
Serve with Sides: Pair these sandwiches with a side of crispy fries, chips, or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.

How to Serve

These Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches are best served hot, straight from the oven. For a classic touch, serve them with a side of crispy French fries or potato wedges. A light, tangy salad can also balance out the richness of the sandwiches. Additionally, these sandwiches can be great for game day, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to serve.

Freezing

The chicken and vegetable mixture freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave the chicken mixture or heat it in a saucepan on the stove. You can then assemble fresh sandwiches or serve it over rice or pasta for a different meal option.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to add an extra hour of cooking time on low or 30-60 minutes on high to ensure they’re cooked through.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute provolone with mozzarella, Swiss cheese, or even cheddar for a different flavor.

3. How do I make this recipe spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the slow cooker to add some heat to the dish.

4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great for this recipe and stay moist and tender after slow cooking.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to serve.

6. Can I freeze the chicken mixture?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and vegetable mixture for up to 3 months. Simply reheat when ready to serve.

7. Can I make this recipe without hoagie rolls?

Yes, you can serve the chicken mixture over rice, in a tortilla wrap, or even on a bed of greens for a low-carb alternative.

8. How do I toast the hoagie rolls?

You can toast the rolls in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or on a griddle until golden and crispy.

9. How do I keep the sandwiches warm for serving?

You can wrap the sandwiches in foil and keep them warm in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F) until ready to serve.

10. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can add mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach to the slow cooker to enhance the flavor and texture of the sandwich filling.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches are the perfect balance of convenience and flavor. With tender, shredded chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and melted provolone cheese all tucked into a toasted hoagie roll, they’re sure to satisfy everyone at your table. Whether you’re serving them for a busy weeknight meal or preparing them ahead of time for a gathering, these sandwiches are an easy and delicious way to enjoy a Philly-style sandwich with minimal effort.