Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of garlic and Parmesan mingling with tender, slow-cooked chicken. These Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches bring comfort and flavor together effortlessly, making them an ideal choice for a cozy lunch or easy dinner. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, allowing the chicken to soak up all the savory seasonings and juices.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a juicy, cheesy filling that’s perfect for soft rolls or buns. Whether you’re meal prepping or hosting a relaxed gathering, these sandwiches promise satisfaction with minimal fuss and maximum taste.
- Hands-off slow cooker method keeps chicken juicy and tender without constant attention.
- Bold flavors from garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning make it deeply savory.
- Versatile sandwich assembly lets you customize with fresh toppings and sauces.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Four medium-sized chicken breasts provide lean protein that shreds into moist, flavorful filling.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance the natural taste of the chicken and balance the flavors.
- Garlic powder: Adds concentrated savory garlic flavor that infuses deeply during slow cooking.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of dried herbs that complements Parmesan and garlic perfectly.
- Chicken broth: One cup of broth keeps the chicken moist and creates a delicious cooking liquid.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Half a cup of rich, salty Parmesan enriches the shredded chicken with umami depth.
- Minced garlic cloves: Fresh garlic adds sharpness and aroma, enhancing the overall garlic profile.
- Butter: Two to three tablespoons cut into pieces melt slowly, adding richness and smoothness.
- Sandwich rolls or buns: Soft, sturdy rolls hold the chicken mixture and toppings without falling apart.
- Optional toppings: Fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, creamy mayo, vibrant pesto, or peppery arugula personalize each sandwich to your liking.
Instructions
- Season the Chicken
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Start by seasoning the chicken breasts evenly with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This seasoning mix helps to build layers of flavor that penetrate the meat during cooking.
- Add the Flavorings
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Pour the chicken broth carefully around the edges of the slow cooker to avoid washing away the seasoning on top of the chicken. Then sprinkle the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese directly over the breasts. Finally, dot the butter pieces evenly on top to introduce a rich, creamy texture as they melt.
- Slow Cook Low and Slow
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Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This gentle cooking breaks down the chicken fibers, making it incredibly tender and almost shreddable straight from the pot.
- Shred and Coat
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Use two forks to shred the chicken directly after removing it from the slow cooker. Return the shredded chicken back to the cooking juices and stir well to thoroughly coat every strand with the flavorful broth and melted cheese.
- Build the Sandwiches
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Fill sandwich rolls or buns generously with the shredded Parmesan garlic chicken. Customize with optional toppings like crisp lettuce, fresh tomato slices, pesto, or mayo to enhance the texture and flavor contrast.
- Serve Warm
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Serve these sandwiches fresh and warm, pairing them with classic sides like crunchy chips, a vibrant green salad, or tangy pickles for a well-rounded meal that satisfies every craving.
- Save some of the cooking juices and drizzle over the shredded chicken for added moisture and flavor.
- Feel free to add slices of provolone or extra Parmesan on the rolls to elevate the cheesiness.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley make wonderful garnishes that add a burst of color and brightness.
- You can prepare this dish earlier in the day using the slow cooker and assemble sandwiches right before serving.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover shredded chicken with its cooking juices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to maintain moisture before assembling new sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
These sandwiches pair beautifully with classic potato chips, a crisp garden salad, or pickled vegetables. For a heartier option, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or creamy coleslaw for contrast and extra nutrition.
- Use overlapping layers of seasoning for well-balanced flavor penetration into the chicken.
- Shred the chicken immediately after cooking while it’s still warm to achieve the best texture.
- Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference, but the slow cooking intensifies its presence effectively.
- Choose sturdy sandwich rolls that hold up to moist fillings without getting soggy quickly.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
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Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs will work and tend to be even more tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- How long can I keep leftovers?
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Leftover chicken stays good refrigerated for up to 3 days when stored with the cooking juices in an airtight container.
- Can I freeze the shredded chicken?
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Absolutely, freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- What are good alternative toppings?
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Try adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted peppers for different flavor profiles and textures.
- Can I make this without a slow cooker?
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You can cook the chicken in a covered baking dish in the oven at 325°F for about 1.5 to 2 hours, covered with foil and adding broth to keep moist.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
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It is gluten-free as long as you choose gluten-free rolls or buns and confirm the seasoning ingredients are free from gluten additives.
- How do I increase cheesiness?
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Mix in shredded mozzarella or provolone into the shredded chicken after cooking, and melt slightly before assembling for gooey texture.
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
- 1 fork for shredding chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 to 3 tbsp butter cut into pieces
- Sandwich rolls or buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce tomato slices, mayo, pesto, arugula
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then place them in the slow cooker.
- Pour chicken broth around the chicken, sprinkle minced garlic and grated Parmesan over the top, and add butter pieces.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred with two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker juices and stir to coat.
- Assemble sandwiches by piling Parmesan garlic chicken onto rolls and adding optional toppings as desired.
- Serve sandwiches warm with your favorite sides, such as chips, salad, or pickles.
Notes
- Save some cooking juices to drizzle on sandwiches for extra moisture and flavor.
- Boost cheesiness by adding extra Parmesan or provolone slices.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add brightness to the sandwich.
- Prepare chicken early and assemble sandwiches when ready to serve.
