Easy Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches: A Flavorful Family Favorite
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Craving a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than these incredible Italian Chicken Sandwiches! Tender, juicy chicken, slow-cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce, piled high on toasted buns, and topped with melted, gooey cheese – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Forget your usual dinner routine and treat yourself to something truly special. This Italian Chicken Sandwich recipe is so simple to make, yet bursting with amazing flavors that will leave you wanting more.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting and satisfying meal. The secret lies in the slow cooker, which allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious flavors of the tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, simply throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a ready-made dinner. Let’s dive into how to create these mouthwatering sandwiches.
What You Need: Ingredients for the Best Italian Chicken Sandwiches
The beauty of this Italian Chicken Sandwich recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of exotic ingredients to create a truly flavorful meal. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few key ingredients, you can easily whip up a batch of these delicious sandwiches. The combination of the tangy Italian dressing, sweet brown sugar, and rich tomato paste creates a complex and irresistible sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken.
The star of the show, of course, is the chicken. We’ll be using chicken breasts for their lean protein and versatility. But the real secret ingredient that elevates this recipe to the next level is… bottled Italian dressing! Yes, you read that right. Adding bottled Italian dressing to the sauce not only adds a ton of flavor but also simplifies the process by eliminating the need to measure out a bunch of individual herbs and spices. It’s a game-changer!
Here’s a complete list of the ingredients you’ll need:
- Italian dressing: Using a good quality Italian dressing will contribute greatly to the overall taste. Olive Garden Italian Dressing is a popular choice, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
- Tomato paste: Adds richness and depth to the tomato sauce.
- Brown sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and Italian dressing with a touch of sweetness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for easy shredding. About 1.5 pounds or two large chicken breasts is ideal.
- Canned petite diced tomatoes: Drained to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
- Brioche rolls or hamburger buns: Choose your favorite type of bun for serving. Brioche rolls add a touch of sweetness and richness, while classic hamburger buns are a great option too.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a classic Italian flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make the Most Delicious Italian Chicken Sandwiches
Making these Italian Chicken Sandwiches is incredibly easy. It’s truly a dump-and-go slow cooker recipe, meaning minimal prep time and maximum flavor. If you are looking for a fast weeknight meal, this recipe is for you. You don’t need to watch it closely, just check on it after the cooking time is done. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to walk you through the process:
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Italian dressing, tomato paste, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined. This mixture might sound a little unusual at first, but trust the process. The blend of flavors creates a truly unique and delicious sauce that will perfectly complement the chicken.
- Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, pour the can of diced tomatoes over the chicken. Finally, pour the Italian dressing mixture over everything, ensuring that the chicken is well coated in the sauce.
- Slow cook to perfection: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. To ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, it’s time to shred it. Using two forks, an electric hand mixer, or a meat masher, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. The chicken should easily pull apart, creating tender, flavorful shreds that are ready to be piled onto your sandwiches.
- Toast the buns: While the chicken is cooking, prepare your buns. Turn your oven to the broil setting. Open the buns and place them on a large baking sheet. Cover the inside of the buns generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Broil for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are golden brown. Keep a close eye on the buns while broiling to prevent them from burning.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Once the buns are toasted and the chicken is shredded, it’s time to assemble your Italian Chicken Sandwiches. Use a slotted spoon to scoop the shredded chicken onto the cheesy buns. The slotted spoon helps to drain any excess sauce, preventing the sandwiches from becoming soggy. Top with the other half of the bun, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Ladle the shredded chicken onto the buns, top with the remaining bun, and enjoy! Serve this Italian Chicken Sandwich with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Consider pairing the sandwiches with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. For a lighter option, serve the sandwiches with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables.
Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of these Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches!
For shredding the chicken, you have a few options. The classic method is to use two forks to pull the chicken apart. However, for even faster shredding, consider using an electric hand mixer or a meat chopper. These tools can quickly and easily shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, saving you time and effort. Here are two useful tools for shredding:
- A hand mixer
- A meat chopper
Looking for More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes?
If you enjoyed this Italian Chicken Sandwich recipe, be sure to check out these other delicious and easy slow cooker recipes:
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs
- Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lasagna
- Swedish Meatballs in the Slow Cooker
These recipes are just as simple and delicious as the Italian Chicken Sandwiches, making them perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal without a lot of effort. Explore a variety of flavors and cuisines, all made easy with the help of your trusty slow cooker!
Italian Chicken Sandwiches
Julia Pacheco
15
minutes
7
hours
7
hours