This slow cooker chicken philly cheesesteak is a convenient solution for busy families. It combines tender meat and colorful peppers into a savory filling that is ready when you arrive home.
List of ingredients
- 2 lbs skinless boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips) – provides lean protein.
- 1 large onion (sliced) – adds a savory aromatic base.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced) – enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 red pepper (sliced) – adds a touch of sweetness and color.
- 1 green pepper (sliced) – provides a traditional Philly steak taste.
- 1 cup reduced sodium chicken broth – keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
- 3 tablespoons corn starch (or sub in tapioca starch) – used to thicken the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika – adds mild warmth and color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all the savory components.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper – adds a subtle spicy kick.
- Hoagie buns or whole grain dinner rolls – used for serving the mixture.
- Shredded or sliced provolone, mozzarella or Swiss cheese – for the melted topping.
step-by-step instructions
- Combine and Cook: Place the chicken strips, sliced onion, minced garlic, red pepper, green pepper, chicken broth, corn starch, paprika, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Set the device to low and cook for 4-6 hours.
- Prepare the Buns: Cut your hoagie buns or dinner rolls in half lengthwise. Arrange them evenly on a large baking sheet.
- Fill the Rolls: Use a slotted spoon to lift the chicken and vegetable mixture from the slow cooker. Place a generous portion of the filling into each prepared bun.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded or sliced provolone, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
- Broil and Finish: Preheat your oven broiler to high. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is lightly browned and crispy.
Pro Methods for Maximum Quality
Controlling Vegetable Texture
If you prefer your peppers and onions to be firm rather than soft, adjust the timing. Cook the chicken and broth on low for 4-5 hours first. Add the sliced vegetables during the final hour of cooking on the high setting.
Using a Slotted Spoon
Always use a slotted spoon when transferring the filling to the buns. This allows the excess liquid to drain away, preventing the bread from becoming soggy. This ensures the sandwich maintains a good structural integrity.
Achieving the Perfect Toast
Broiling is the most effective way to finish these sandwiches. The high heat quickly melts the cheese and crisps the edges of the bread without overcooking the chicken. Keep a close eye on the oven as broilers can burn bread in seconds.
Managing the Sauce Consistency
The cornstarch creates a glossy coating that helps the cheese adhere to the meat. If the sauce appears too thin, you can simmer the mixture on high for 30 minutes before serving. This reduces the liquid and intensifies the flavor.
Alternative Ingredients and Customizations
Substituting Chicken Thighs
You can replace chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer taste. Thighs are more forgiving in a slow cooker and remain juicy over longer cook times. Cut them into strips of similar size to the original recipe.
Using Different Starch Thickeners
Tapioca starch is an excellent one-to-one substitute for cornstarch if you prefer a slightly different texture. Both options work well to bind the broth into a sauce. Avoid using flour as it may leave a raw taste if not cooked at higher temperatures.
Choosing the Right Cheese
Provolone offers a traditional sharp taste, while mozzarella provides a milder flavor and a better stretch. Swiss cheese adds a nutty note that pairs well with the onions. You can also mix two types of cheese for a more complex flavor profile.
Bread Variety Options
While hoagie rolls are traditional, whole grain dinner rolls provide a healthier alternative. You can also use sourdough baguettes for a crunchier exterior. Ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the heavy filling without breaking.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to swap the red and green peppers for orange or yellow bell peppers. You can also add sliced mushrooms to the mix for an earthier taste. Simply add them at the same time as the other vegetables.
Pairing and Presentation Suggestions
Adding a Spicy Kick
For those who enjoy heat, slice some jalapenos or habaneros into strips and add them to the slow cooker. Alternatively, drizzle a small amount of your favorite hot sauce over the chicken before adding the cheese. This provides a sharp contrast to the creamy melted cheese.
Fresh Side Dish Pairings
Balance the richness of the cheesesteak with a light tossed green salad. A no-mayo broccoli salad or curly sweet potato fries are also excellent accompaniments. These sides add freshness and texture to the meal.
Creating a Dipping Sauce
Reserve a small amount of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker before filling the buns. Pour this savory broth into small bowls to serve as a dip, similar to a French dip sandwich. This adds extra moisture and flavor to every bite.
Low Carb Serving Options
Skip the bread entirely and serve the chicken and vegetable mixture in a bowl. Top it with melted cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. You can also wrap the filling in large lettuce leaves for a lighter version.
Preservation and Storage Guidelines
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store any leftover chicken and vegetable mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh and safe to eat for up to four days. Keep the bread and cheese separate until you are ready to assemble and reheat.
Freezing the Filling
The cooked mixture can be frozen for up to three months in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Ensure the filling has cooled completely to room temperature before freezing. This prevents ice crystals from forming and ruining the texture.
Safe Thawing Procedures
Thaw frozen filling slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to ensure food safety. Once thawed, you can reheat the mixture on the stove or in the microwave before adding it to fresh buns.
Best Practices for Reheating
Microwave Reheating
Place the chicken mixture in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure the heat is distributed evenly. Assemble the sandwich and broil it briefly to crisp the bread.
Stovetop Method
Heat the filling in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of extra chicken broth. This prevents the meat from drying out and helps the sauce thicken again. Once hot, scoop the mixture into rolls and melt the cheese.
Slow Cooker Reheating
Place the leftovers back into the crockpot on the warm setting. This is the best method for larger quantities of leftovers. Let the mixture sit until heated through before serving on toasted rolls.
Advanced Meal Planning Strategies
Preparing a Freezer Kit
You can prepare this meal as a raw freezer kit for later use. Place the raw chicken strips, sliced vegetables, broth, and spices into a large freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw the bag for 24 hours and dump the contents directly into the slow cooker.
Pre-Slicing Vegetables
To save time on busy mornings, slice your onions and peppers the night before. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge. This reduces the active prep time to just a few minutes of assembling the pot.
Batch Cooking for the Week
Make a double batch of the filling to use in different ways throughout the week. Use it for sandwiches on Monday, then serve it over brown rice or quinoa on Wednesday. This maximizes your time and reduces waste.
Common Cooking Challenges and Solutions
Fixing a Thin Sauce
If the sauce is too watery, whisk one teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker and cook on high for 20-30 minutes. This ensures the filling clings to the meat instead of soaking the bun.
Preventing Burnt Bread
Keep the oven door slightly ajar or watch the broiler constantly. Because the heat is so intense, the transition from golden brown to burnt happens quickly. Remove the sandwiches immediately once the cheese bubbles.
Managing Mushy Vegetables
If you find the vegetables too soft, avoid overcooking the recipe beyond 6 hours on low. Using a timer helps prevent the peppers from losing their structure. Adding them later in the process is the most reliable fix.
Ensuring Tender Chicken
Avoid cooking chicken breasts on the high setting for too long, as they can become tough. The low setting is ideal for maintaining a tender, shreddable texture. If using breasts, stick to the 4-6 hour window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
It is safer to thaw chicken completely before placing it in the slow cooker. Cooking frozen meat in a slow cooker can keep the food in the danger zone for too long, increasing the risk of bacterial growth.
Can I use a different slow cooker setting?
You can cook the recipe on high for 3-4 hours if you are short on time. However, the low setting generally produces more tender meat. Ensure you check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.
Which cheese melts the best for this recipe?
Provolone and mozzarella are the best options for a classic melt. Swiss cheese also melts well but has a distinct flavor. For the best results, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties, as they melt more smoothly.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: General
Description
This healthy crockpot chicken philly cheesesteak is the perfect recipe for those busy weeknights! It requires just a few minutes of prep time to cut the chicken, red bell peppers, and onions, and you’ll come home to a slow cooker full of tender, perfectly cooked meat and veggies ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs skinless boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 red pepper (sliced)
- 1 green pepper (sliced)
- 1 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons corn starch (or sub in tapioca starch)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Hoagie buns or whole grain dinner rolls
- Shredded or sliced provolone, mozzarella or Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Step: Place all ingredients for the chicken philly cheesesteaks in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Step: Cut rolls in half and place on baking sheet. Using a slotted spoon, pick up the chicken and vegetable mixture and place mixture inside each bun. Top with shredded cheese. Preheat broiler to high. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until cheese has melted and bread is lightly browned and crispy.
Notes
If you are home, you may wish to add the vegetables at the end of the cooking cycle if you’d like them to be a bit more firm. Cook chicken and broth on low for 4-5 hours, then add the vegetables for the last hour on high. You can also reserve some of the liquid from the slow cooker to use as a dip for the sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 208 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 333 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 97 mg