Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches are a perfect blend of tender, shredded chicken infused with rich Italian flavors. This easy recipe uses a slow cooker to create a comforting meal ideal for busy days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup good Italian dressing (I used Newman’s Own brand)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 15 oz can petite cut diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 4 slices Provolone cheese
- 8 slices frozen garlic bread
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the drained diced tomatoes over the chicken.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and tomatoes.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and set the slow cooker to WARM.
- Step 4: Bake the garlic bread according to the package instructions. During the last minute of baking, place one slice of Provolone cheese on each of four bread slices to melt.
- Step 5: Stir the fresh chopped basil into the shredded chicken. Pile the chicken onto the cheesy garlic bread slices, then top with the remaining garlic bread slices to form sandwiches. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker mixture.
- Try swapping Provolone for mozzarella or fontina cheese for a different flavor.
- Use fresh garlic bread if preferred, just toast and melt cheese as directed.
- Adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the slow cooker can enrich the filling’s texture and taste.
Storage
Store any leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Garlic bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness. Assemble sandwiches just before serving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay more moist and flavorful after slow cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?
You can simmer the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the chicken is tender enough to shred.
PrintSlow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
These Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches are a flavorful and easy meal made by slow-cooking tender chicken breasts in a tangy Italian dressing and tomato mixture, then piled high on cheesy garlic bread for a satisfying sandwich perfect for any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup good Italian dressing (Newman’s Own recommended)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 15 oz can petite cut diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 slices Provolone cheese
- 8 slices frozen garlic bread
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a 6-quart slow cooker. Drain the petite cut diced tomatoes and pour them on top of the chicken evenly.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Pour this mixture over the chicken and tomatoes in the slow cooker.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender. After cooking, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and set the slow cooker to WARM to keep the chicken hot.
- Prepare Garlic Bread and Cheese: While the chicken is warming, bake the frozen garlic bread according to the package directions. During the last minute of baking, place one slice of Provolone cheese on four slices of the bread to allow the cheese to melt.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Stir the fresh chopped basil into the shredded Italian chicken for added freshness and flavor. Pile the shredded chicken mixture generously atop the four cheesy garlic bread slices. Top each sandwich with an additional slice of garlic bread to complete the sandwich, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a 6-quart slow cooker for best results.
- Draining the diced tomatoes prevents excess liquid in the slow cooker.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired level of heat.
- For a crispier sandwich, toast the garlic bread slightly longer before adding cheese.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and used in other dishes.
Keywords: slow cooker chicken sandwiches, Italian chicken sandwiches, easy slow cooker recipes, shredded chicken sandwiches, garlic bread sandwiches
