Easy & Delicious Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Meal

Imagine succulent strips of tender chicken, slow-cooked to perfection alongside vibrant bell peppers, sweet onions, and a rich blend of savory seasonings. Now, picture all of that piled high onto a perfectly toasted hoagie roll, generously draped with melted mozzarella cheese. This isn’t just a meal; it’s the ultimate comfort food experience: our incredible Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches.

This effortless slow cooker recipe offers a delightful and healthier twist on the beloved classic Philly cheesesteak, making it an instant family favorite. With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it, letting your crockpot do all the hard work while you go about your busy day. It’s perfect for those bustling weeknights or when you simply want to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal without the fuss.

Make sure to add this fantastic recipe to your collection of easy chicken dinners. It’s particularly ideal for summer evenings when you’d rather be enjoying the great outdoors than spending hours in the kitchen, but it’s equally comforting during colder months. Get ready to impress your family with a meal that’s bursting with flavor and unbelievably simple to make!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Family-Favorite Recipe!

The beauty of this slow cooker chicken Philly cheesesteak recipe lies in its incredible convenience and mouth-watering results. Imagine coming home to the delightful aroma of a delicious meal that practically cooked itself! All you need to do is a few minutes of initial prep work: gather your ingredients, slice the chicken and vegetables, toss them into the crockpot, and let the magic happen.

Once the slow cooker has worked its charm, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, tender, and flavorful filling, the remaining steps are just as straightforward. You’ll simply scoop the irresistible chicken and veggie mixture onto fresh hoagie rolls, top with a generous layer of cheese, and give them a quick broil until golden and gooey. It’s an interactive, fun way to finish the meal, and the whole family will love customizing their own sandwiches. Minimal effort, maximum flavor – that’s a win-win in our book!

Beyond the ease, this recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional beef cheesesteaks, using lean chicken breast without sacrificing any of that iconic flavor. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily adjust seasonings or add your favorite vegetables. It’s a truly stress-free dinner solution that delivers on taste every single time, making it ideal for busy families seeking both convenience and deliciousness.

Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches:

• Meat: We recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They are a lean protein choice and are easy to slice into tender strips, which absorb the flavors beautifully. You can also use chicken thighs for an even juicier result and slightly richer flavor profile, depending on your preference.
• Onion: A large yellow or white onion, thinly sliced, is crucial for that classic, sweet, and savory Philly flavor. The slow cooking process allows the onions to caramelize and become incredibly tender, adding a wonderful depth of flavor to the entire dish.
• Peppers: For optimal flavor and a beautiful splash of color, we love combining both thinly sliced red bell peppers and green bell peppers. Red bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and vibrant hue, while green bell peppers provide a slightly more robust, classic flavor reminiscent of traditional cheesesteaks.
• Seasoning: A simple yet powerful blend of fresh minced garlic, paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper elevates the chicken and vegetables. This combination creates a savory and aromatic base that perfectly complements the other ingredients, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness.
• Cooking Liquid: Chicken broth is key to creating a moist, flavorful environment for the chicken to cook in. It also forms the base for our delicious sauce, ensuring the chicken strips remain tender and juicy throughout the long cooking process.
• Thickener: Adding cornstarch at the right moment is our secret to achieving a perfectly thickened sauce for your chicken cheesesteaks. It helps bind all the wonderful flavors together, ensuring a creamy, clingy texture that coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully and prevents a watery sandwich filling.
• Serving: Essential for any cheesesteak are good quality, fresh hoagie rolls. For the ultimate melty topping, use generously sliced mozzarella cheese. Provolone cheese is another excellent, traditional choice that melts wonderfully and offers a slightly sharper flavor.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Irresistible Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches:

This recipe is designed for simplicity, allowing you to achieve maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Follow these easy steps to create a show-stopping meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but really only required a few minutes of active preparation.

Prepare the Thickener for a Rich Sauce:

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch with 2–3 tablespoons of cold water. Use a whisk to stir vigorously until a completely smooth slurry forms, ensuring there are no lumps. This step is crucial for a lump-free, well-thickened sauce.
2. Set this cornstarch mixture aside for now. It will be added to the slow cooker later to create that perfect consistency and bring all the flavors together.

Effortless Assembly in Your Slow Cooker:

1. Carefully place the sliced chicken strips, thinly sliced onion, minced garlic, both red and green bell peppers, paprika, salt, and black pepper into the bottom of your slow cooker. Distribute them evenly to ensure even cooking and mingling of flavors.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring it covers most of the ingredients, and then add the prepared cornstarch mixture.
3. Stir all the ingredients gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined and coated with the seasoning and liquids. This ensures even cooking and flavor distribution, setting the stage for a rich and aromatic filling.

Slow Cook to Tender Perfection:

1. Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook the mixture on the LOW setting for 4–6 hours, or until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily shredded with a fork, and the vegetables are soft and translucent. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker’s model and temperature, so always check the chicken for doneness (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). The rich aromas filling your kitchen will be a wonderful indicator that dinner is almost ready!

Prepare Your Hoagie Rolls:

1. While the chicken is finishing its cooking, preheat your oven broiler to high. This intense heat is perfect for toasting the rolls and melting the cheese quickly to achieve that irresistible golden crust.
2. Slice the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise, but do not cut all the way through, keeping them hinged on one side. This creates a perfect pocket for the filling. Arrange the open rolls on a baking sheet. You can lightly toast them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes before filling for an extra crispy base, but watch them carefully!

Assemble Your Magnificent Sandwiches:

1. Once the chicken mixture is ready, use a slotted spoon to carefully scoop a generous amount of the flavorful chicken, peppers, and onions into each hoagie roll. Allowing excess liquid to drain slightly will help prevent your bread from becoming soggy.
2. Once filled, top each sandwich generously with slices of mozzarella cheese. If you prefer, provolone cheese or even a blend of your favorite melting cheeses (like a touch of white American) can also be used for that signature gooey melt.

Broil to Golden Perfection:

1. Place the baking sheet with your assembled sandwiches under the preheated broiler. Broil for approximately 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown and slightly crisp.
2. Important: Broilers can be very powerful and cook extremely quickly! Stay vigilant and watch the sandwiches continuously to prevent burning. The cheese can go from perfect to scorched in a matter of seconds, so do not walk away from the oven.

Serve and Savor:

1. Carefully remove the piping hot cheesesteak sandwiches from the oven.
2. Serve your homemade Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches immediately while they are hot and the cheese is still wonderfully gooey. Get ready for rave reviews and a truly satisfying meal!

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Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches

By: Julia Pacheco

These Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches feature tender strips of chicken slow-cooked with savory peppers, onions, and a special seasoning blend. Topped with rich melted mozzarella on a perfectly toasted hoagie roll, this easy slow cooker meal is a delicious and convenient twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, perfect for any family dinner.

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 6 hours hrs

Total: 6 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 4

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Equipment You’ll Need

• Cutting board
• Sharp Knife
• Small mixing bowl
• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger recommended)
• Whisk
• Baking Sheet
• Slotted Spoon

Ingredients Needed For This Crowd-Pleasing Dish

• ▢ 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• ▢ 1 large onion, such as yellow or white, thinly sliced
• ▢ 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ▢ 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ▢ 1 tbsp minced garlic
• ▢ 1 cup chicken broth
• ▢ 3 tbsp cornstarch
• ▢ ¼ tsp paprika
• ▢ ½ tsp kosher salt
• ▢ ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ▢ Hoagie rolls, fresh and sturdy, for serving
• ▢ Sliced mozzarella cheese, or provolone, if preferred, for melting

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Detailed Instructions for Your Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak

Make the Thickener:

• In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the cornstarch and 2–3 tablespoons of cold water until it forms a smooth, lump-free paste or slurry. This will be vital for thickening our delicious sauce later.
• Set this cornstarch slurry aside and prepare for the next steps of assembling your slow cooker ingredients.

Assemble in Slow Cooker:

• Begin by adding your thinly sliced chicken strips, the aromatic sliced onion, minced garlic, both the red and green bell peppers, paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper directly into the basin of your slow cooker. Ensure the ingredients are spread out relatively evenly across the bottom.
• Next, pour in the chicken broth, ensuring it moistens all the ingredients, followed by the reserved cornstarch mixture that you prepared earlier.
• Stir all the components thoroughly to combine them. This ensures that the chicken and vegetables are fully coated with the seasonings and the thickening agent, setting the stage for a flavorful and well-textured filling.

Cook to Tender Perfection:

• Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Allow the chicken and vegetables to cook on the LOW setting for a duration of 4–6 hours, or until the chicken is exceptionally tender and easily shreddable with a fork, and the bell peppers and onions have softened to your liking. The rich aromas filling your kitchen will be a wonderful indicator that dinner is almost ready!

Prepare Hoagie Rolls:

• Before the slow cooking cycle finishes, preheat your oven broiler to its highest setting. This prepares your rolls and cheese for a quick, golden finish that’s essential for a perfect cheesesteak.
• Slice your hoagie rolls approximately three-quarters of the way through lengthwise, creating a pocket but keeping the halves attached at the bottom. Arrange these opened rolls on a large baking sheet. You can lightly toast them under the broiler for a minute or two before filling, if desired, for extra crispness and to prevent sogginess.

Assemble Your Sandwiches:

• Once the chicken mixture is ready, use a slotted spoon to scoop a generous amount of the tender chicken, peppers, and onions into each prepared hoagie roll. This allows any excess liquid to drain, which is key for maintaining the bread’s integrity and preventing a soggy sandwich.
• Top the chicken and vegetable mixture with a plentiful layer of sliced mozzarella cheese. If you prefer, provolone cheese or even a classic white American cheese can also be used for that signature gooey melt.

Broil for Melty Perfection:

• Return the baking sheet with the assembled sandwiches to the oven, placing them under the preheated broiler. Broil for just 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously melted, bubbly, and slightly browned, and the edges of the hoagie rolls are toasted and crisp.
• Crucial Tip: Broilers cook very quickly! Stay vigilant and watch the sandwiches continuously to prevent them from burning. Cheese can go from perfect to scorched in a matter of seconds, so do not walk away from the oven.

Serve Hot and Enjoy:

• Carefully remove the piping hot cheesesteak sandwiches from the oven. Serve them immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and melted cheese on a crisp roll.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 343kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 53g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 137mg | Sodium: 635mg | Potassium: 1037mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1106IU | Vitamin C: 65mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on ingredients used and preparation methods.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was! Your feedback helps us improve and inspires other home cooks!

How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Cheesesteak Filling (and Reheat!):

Making a big batch of this chicken cheesesteak filling is a smart move for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. Proper storage ensures you can savor these delicious flavors for days to come, making your weeknight dinners even easier!

Fridge: Any leftover chicken and vegetable mixture from the slow cooker can be easily stored. Allow the filling to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Storing it properly will keep the chicken delicious and safe in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the filling in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, then assemble fresh sandwiches and broil with cheese for that perfect melty finish.

Freezer: For longer storage, the cooked chicken cheesesteak filling freezes beautifully. Once cooled, transfer the filling into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality or flavor. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving as described above for a convenient future meal.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Crafting the Best Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches:

Perfectly Sliced Chicken:

The key to a truly great chicken cheesesteak is how the chicken is prepared. Be sure to slice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin, uniform strips – about ¼-inch thick. This method allows the homemade, savory sauce to penetrate every piece, ensuring a juicier, more flavorful chicken throughout. Thin strips also cook more evenly and quickly in the slow cooker and are much easier to eat within the hoagie buns, preventing large, awkward bites that might push the filling out.

Selecting the Best Melting Cheese:

While you’re more than welcome to experiment with your favorite cheeses when making these delicious cheesesteak sandwiches, for the best results and that iconic melted, gooey finish, using either provolone cheese or mozzarella cheese is highly recommended. These cheeses melt smoothly and evenly, creating that irresistible blanket over your chicken and veggies. If you’re looking for a more authentic, albeit less common, Philly experience, some fans swear by Cheez Whiz for its incredibly creamy texture, while others prefer sharp white cheddar for a tangier profile. Don’t be afraid to mix and match for a custom flavor!

The Importance of Fresh Bread:

The foundation of any great sandwich is its bread, and a cheesesteak is no exception. For this easy weeknight dinner, we highly recommend using sturdy, fresh hoagie rolls. Their shape and texture are ideal for holding the generous filling without becoming soggy. Look for rolls that have a slightly crisp exterior and a soft, airy interior. However, if genuine hoagie rolls aren’t available, you could also successfully use good quality sub rolls, French bread, or even larger hot dog buns. The goal is a roll that is fresh, has a slight chew, and can stand up to the moist, flavorful filling without falling apart.

Customization Options:

Feel free to make this recipe your own by adding ingredients that cater to your taste. Consider adding sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the peppers and onions for an earthier flavor, or a few dashes of hot sauce (like Sriracha or Frank’s RedHot) directly into the slow cooker or drizzled on top of the finished sandwich for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different bell pepper colors (orange or yellow) for an even brighter presentation and slightly different flavor profiles. A sprinkle of dried oregano or Italian seasoning can also add another layer of herbaceousness to the chicken mixture during cooking.

Serving Suggestions:

These Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches are hearty enough to be a complete meal on their own, making them perfect for a satisfying dinner. However, they pair wonderfully with a simple side. Think classic accompaniments like crispy potato chips, golden french fries, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, or some tangy dill pickles. For a more substantial side, a light coleslaw, onion rings, or a cup of your favorite creamy tomato soup would also be excellent choices.

Meal Prep Magic:

This recipe is a meal prepper’s dream! You can slice all your vegetables and chicken the night before, storing them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. In the morning, simply combine everything in the slow cooker, and you’re good to go. This minimal morning effort means you’ll come home to a nearly finished meal, ready for quick assembly and broiling, saving you precious time during busy evenings.

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Quick Links and Resources for Effortless Dinner Planning:

Looking for more ways to simplify your meal routines and discover new kitchen inspiration? Explore these helpful resources designed to make your dinner planning and cooking experience even more enjoyable and stress-free:

• Stress-Free Family Meal Plans: Take the guesswork out of dinner with our expertly crafted meal plans, designed for busy households.
• Recommended Kitchen Tools and Essentials: Discover our favorite gadgets and essential tools that streamline your cooking process and make kitchen tasks a breeze.
• The Ultimate Cookbook for Family Dinner Recipes: A treasure trove of delicious, easy-to-follow recipes for every night of the week, perfect for creating memorable meals.
• Grab Your FREE Budget Meal Plan: Eat well and save money with our complimentary meal planning guide, full of smart tips and affordable recipes.
• Watch Our Cooking Videos on YouTube: Follow along with our step-by-step video tutorials for visual guidance and confidence in the kitchen.

We absolutely love hearing from you! If you give these Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches a try, please make sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and let us know how much you enjoyed making and eating them! Your feedback helps us improve and inspires other home cooks to try our recipes. Happy cooking!