Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Tender chicken cooked in a zesty Italian dressing and seasoning mix, topped with melted provolone cheese, and served on a soft roll – it’s comfort food at its finest!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – Simply dump the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Full of flavor – Italian seasonings and tangy dressing make for a savory, delicious chicken.
• Perfect for sandwiches – Great for a hearty lunch or dinner.
• Minimal cleanup – One-pot recipe for easy cleanup.
• Customizable – Add veggies, swap cheese, or adjust the spice level to your liking.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Italian dressing (or homemade Italian vinaigrette)
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• Provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
• Sandwich rolls or hoagie buns
• Optional: Sliced onions, bell peppers, or banana peppers

Directions

1. Prepare the slow cooker – Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker or use a slow cooker liner.
2. Add the chicken – Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
3. Season the chicken – Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
4. Pour the dressing – Drizzle the Italian dressing over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
5. Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
6. Shred the chicken – Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker. Stir to coat the chicken in the juices.
7. Assemble the sandwiches – Spoon the shredded chicken onto sandwich rolls, and top with provolone cheese.
8. Melt the cheese – If desired, place the sandwiches under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt and slightly toast the cheese.
9. Serve – Enjoy your Italian chicken sandwiches with your favorite sides!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6-7 hours

Variations

• Add peppers – Sauté bell peppers and onions and add them to the sandwich for extra flavor.
• Spicy version – Add banana peppers or crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Cheese swap – Use mozzarella, cheddar, or even parmesan for a different twist.
• Lighter version – Use chicken thighs or shredded rotisserie chicken for more flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra Italian dressing to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can cook the chicken from frozen. Just add an extra hour or two to the cooking time on low.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, then shred and assemble the sandwiches.

Can I use a different dressing?

You can substitute Italian dressing with ranch or balsamic vinaigrette, but it will change the flavor slightly.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe and will result in an even juicier sandwich.

What should I serve with these sandwiches?

Serve with a side of fries, salad, or chips for a complete meal.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches are simple, savory, and full of flavor. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a hearty, delicious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Serve them up for lunch, dinner, or at your next casual gathering and watch them disappear!

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