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Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches are a weeknight dinner savior, offering tender, flavorful shredded chicken infused with classic Italian seasonings, perfect for easy sandwich assembly. This recipe is incredibly useful for busy families looking for a delicious, no-fuss meal that requires minimal active cooking time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Warming Through 30 minutes
Servings: 6 sandwiches
Course: Main Course, Sandwiches
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs boneless, skinless
  • 1 (16 ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies undrained, like Rotel
  • 8 ounce package cream cheese softened
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 12 slider buns or your favorite sandwich rolls
  • shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese Optional topping
  • sautéed bell peppers and onions Optional topping
  • pepperoncini Optional topping
  • fresh basil Optional topping

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Cutting Board
  • Large bowl
  • Two Forks
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Ensure they are in a single layer for even cooking.
    2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
  2. Pour the marinara sauce and the undrained can of diced tomatoes and green chilies over the chicken. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over the top.
    1 (16 ounce) jar marinara sauce, 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  3. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don't be shy here, as these seasonings will build the base flavor of your chicken.
    salt and freshly ground black pepper
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on your slow cooker and the thickness of the chicken.
  5. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the softened cream cheese to the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce. Stir gently until the cream cheese is melted and fully incorporated, creating a rich, creamy sauce that coats the shredded chicken beautifully.
    8 ounce package cream cheese
  7. Cover the slow cooker again and allow it to cook on LOW for another 15-30 minutes, or until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is heated through and creamy. This step allows all the flavors to meld together.
  8. To assemble the sandwiches, scoop generous portions of the warm Italian chicken mixture onto your toasted slider buns or sandwich rolls.
    12 slider buns or your favorite sandwich rolls
  9. Pile on your favorite toppings! Melted cheese, sautéed peppers and onions, a sprinkle of fresh basil, or some zesty pepperoncini are all fantastic choices that complement the savory Italian chicken perfectly.
    shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese, sautéed bell peppers and onions, pepperoncini, fresh basil

Notes

*To store leftover filling: allow to cool completely, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave. Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months (thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating).*