Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwich in Just 4 Steps
Transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal with this Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwich recipe. This dish features tender, succulent chicken breasts slow-cooked to perfection in a rich broth infused with savory Parmesan cheese, aromatic minced garlic, and fragrant herbs. The result is a deeply flavorful, shreddable chicken that’s piled high onto toasted, garlic-buttered rolls and topped with gooey mozzarella, creating an unbelievably satisfying sandwich that practically cooks itself.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high (slow cooker), plus 5 minutes (oven)
Total Time
Approximately 6 hours 25 minutes (on low) or 3 hours 25 minutes (on high)
Servings
6 sandwiches
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Effortlessly delicious: The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with tender, flavorful chicken.
- Packed with savory flavor: Rich Parmesan, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs create an irresistible taste profile.
- Perfect for weeknights: Minimal hands-on time makes it ideal for busy schedules.
- Customizable: Easily adjust spices or add your favorite toppings.
- Family-friendly comfort food: A universally loved dish that satisfies everyone.
Ingredients
- 900 grams (2 pounds) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 240 ml (1 cup) chicken broth
- 50 grams (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (approximately 1 tablespoon)
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) dried basil
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) dried parsley
- 2.5 grams (1/2 teaspoon) salt
- 2.5 grams (1/2 teaspoon) black pepper
- 6 sandwich rolls
- 30 grams (2 tablespoons) butter, melted
- 2.5 grams (1/2 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 110 grams (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the base of your slow cooker. Carefully pour the chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring it covers the bottom.
- In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients together until well mixed. Evenly sprinkle this aromatic mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure each piece is coated.
- Securely place the lid on your slow cooker. Cook the chicken on a low setting for 6-7 hours, or alternatively, on a high setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it is exceptionally tender and can be effortlessly shredded with two forks.
- Once the chicken is cooked, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). This prepares the oven for toasting the sandwich rolls to golden perfection.
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and transfer them to a clean plate or a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it gently with the flavorful remaining juices to keep it moist and infuse it further with the delicious sauce.
- Prepare the sandwich rolls by splitting them lengthwise, but not all the way through, so they remain hinged. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and garlic powder until thoroughly combined. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the inside of each split roll with this fragrant garlic butter mixture.
- Arrange the buttered rolls on a baking sheet. Place them in the preheated oven and toast for approximately 5 minutes, or until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly crisp texture. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Spoon a generous portion of the warm, shredded Parmesan garlic chicken onto the bottom half of each toasted roll. Evenly sprinkle a good amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken, allowing it to melt slightly from the residual heat. Finally, crown each sandwich with the top half of the roll.
- Serve the Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches immediately while hot and the cheese is delightfully gooey. Enjoy every tender, flavor-packed bite!
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker (6-quart/5.7-liter or larger)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Two forks (for shredding chicken)
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Essential Success Tips
- Do not overcrowd the slow cooker; ensure chicken pieces are in a single layer for even cooking and optimal flavor absorption.
- For the most authentic and robust flavor, opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties, which can sometimes contain anti-caking agents.
- When shredding the chicken, you can vary the texture from finely shredded to slightly chunkier, depending on your preference for the sandwich filling.
- Monitor the rolls closely while toasting in the oven; oven temperatures can vary, and rolls can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly.
- If the sauce in the slow cooker seems too thin after shredding the chicken, you can transfer it to a saucepan and simmer gently on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce and thicken slightly, if desired.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To elevate the flavor even further, briefly sear the chicken breasts in a hot pan with a touch of olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side before placing them in the slow cooker. This extra step creates a delicious browned crust and helps to lock in moisture.
- Consider adding a splash of dry white wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio) or a tablespoon of cream cheese to the slow cooker juices after shredding the chicken for an extra layer of richness and a slightly thicker, more luxurious sauce.
- For an artisanal touch, use high-quality, crusty sandwich rolls, ciabatta bread, or even a split baguette. The textural contrast between a crispy exterior and the tender, moist chicken interior truly elevates the entire sandwich experience.
Notes
- Leftover shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- This versatile shredded chicken is also fantastic served over pasta, rice, polenta, or as a topping for a loaded baked potato.
- For a subtle smoky depth, a small pinch of smoked paprika can be added to the Parmesan garlic mixture. For a spicier kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the slow cooker time by 1-2 hours on either the low or high setting to ensure they are fully cooked through and tender enough to shred easily. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
What kind of sandwich rolls are best for these sandwiches?
Crusty, sturdy rolls like hoagie rolls, sub rolls, ciabatta, or even a demi-baguette work wonderfully as they can hold up to the moist chicken without becoming soggy. Soft brioche buns also offer a delicious contrast if you prefer a richer, sweeter roll.
Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! The slow-cooked chicken can be prepared a day or two in advance. Store the shredded chicken, along with its juices, in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling and toasting the rolls for serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 550, Protein: 55g, Fat: 22g, Carbs: 38g (per sandwich, estimated)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, butter) and gluten (sandwich rolls, potentially chicken broth). For a gluten-free version, ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free and use gluten-free sandwich rolls. For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and plant-based butter, though this will alter the traditional flavor profile.
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