Why You'll Adore This Recipe
- **Effortlessly Delicious**: You just layer everything in the crockpot and walk away. The slow cooker does all the work, tenderizing the chicken and melding the flavors together into something truly magical. It’s the ultimate 'set it and forget it' meal for days when you just can't.
- **A Healthier Indulgence**: By using lean chicken breast, we're cutting way back on fat without sacrificing flavor. It's a wonderful way to enjoy a classic comfort food while sticking to a path of healthy eating. You get all the satisfaction of a hearty sandwich, but it feels so much lighter and better for you.
- **Incredibly Versatile**: While it's perfect on a hoagie roll, don't stop there! You can serve this mixture over rice, quinoa, or even stuffed into a baked potato. It’s also amazing for meal prep; make a big batch on Sunday for easy lunches all week. It's as versatile as my go-to crockpot chicken recipe.
- **Family-Approved Flavor**: The gentle sweetness of the peppers and onions combined with the savory chicken and melted cheese is a combination that kids and adults just love. It’s not spicy or overpowering, just pure comfort. It’s a guaranteed way to get a quiet, happy dinner table.
This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeks. So much flavor for so little effort, my whole family adores it!
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: This is our lean and lovely base. I always look for chicken breasts that are plump and have a nice pinkish hue. You don't need to do much to them, just place them whole in the crockpot. The slow cooking process will make them incredibly tender and easy to shred, soaking up all the savory broth. It's a wonderful, high-protein choice, much like in this chicken tikka masala.
- Bell Peppers: Color is flavor! I always use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers. Not only does it look beautiful, but each color offers a slightly different level of sweetness. The green is a bit more earthy, while the red and yellow are wonderfully sweet. Slice them into thin, elegant strips so they soften beautifully without turning to mush in the cooker.
- Provolone Cheese: For me, provolone is the classic choice for a cheesesteak. It has a mild, slightly sharp flavor that melts into a perfect, creamy layer over the hot chicken. I recommend getting slices from the deli if you can, as they tend to be a bit higher quality and melt more smoothly than the pre-packaged kind. Don't be shy with it, a good cheesy pull is part of the fun!
Complete Cooking Process
-
Morning Preparation:
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, especially in the prep stage. In the morning, or whenever you start, take a few quiet moments to slice your vegetables. The gentle swish of the knife against the cutting board is so therapeutic. You'll want the onions and peppers in nice, even strips. Then, you simply lay the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker basin. It's a calm, quiet start that promises a wonderfully fragrant kitchen in just a few hours.
-
The Slow Simmer:
This is where the real magic unfolds. You'll pour that beautifully seasoned broth over the chicken, then gently pile the sliced peppers and onions on top. Once the lid is on, your work is done. For the next few hours, the low, gentle heat will coax all the flavors to meld together. The chicken will become impossibly tender, and the vegetables will soften into sweet, savory ribbons. The aroma that will fill your home is honestly one of the best parts of the entire process.
-
Final Assembly:
When everything is tender and cooked, the fun part begins. You'll shred the chicken, which will feel so satisfying as it falls apart with ease. Stir it back into the vegetables and that incredible broth, letting it soak up every last drop of flavor. From there, it's all about building your perfect sandwich: a toasted roll to hold everything together, a generous pile of the chicken mixture, and a blanket of melted provolone cheese. That moment when you pull it from under the broiler, all bubbly and golden, is pure bliss.
- Toast Your Rolls: Never skip this step! A lightly toasted bun provides a crucial barrier against the juices, preventing a soggy sandwich.
- Don't Overcrowd: Make sure your chicken is in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot for the most even cooking.
- A Touch of Acid: If you feel like it needs a little brightness at the end, a tiny squeeze of lemon juice can wake all the flavors up beautifully.
Pro Tips for Perfection
These little details, honestly, make all the difference between a good sandwich and a truly great one.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs would be delicious in this recipe. They have a bit more fat, which will make the final result even more moist and flavorful. You won't need to adjust the cooking time at all. Just be sure to use boneless, skinless thighs for easy shredding at the end. It's a great way to switch things up.
→ What kind of rolls are best for chicken cheesesteaks?
Traditionally, a Philly cheesesteak is served on a hoagie roll. You want something that's soft on the inside but has a sturdy, slightly chewy crust to hold up to all the juicy filling. If you can't find hoagie rolls, a good quality sub roll or even a French baguette cut into sections will work beautifully. The key is to toast it first!
→ Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?
Oh, yes, mushrooms would be a wonderful addition! They add such a lovely, earthy depth of flavor. I would slice them and add them right on top of the onions and peppers at the beginning of the cooking process. About 8 ounces of cremini or white button mushrooms would be perfect. They will cook down and blend in beautifully.
→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
The chicken and pepper mixture freezes incredibly well, which makes it fantastic for meal planning. Just let it cool completely and then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. I would recommend freezing it without the cheese. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stove before assembling your sandwiches.
→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, it’s a great make-ahead meal. You can let the mixture cook completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you're ready to serve, just reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until it's warmed through. Then you just have to toast your buns, melt the cheese, and serve. It makes dinner incredibly fast.
→ I don't have beef broth, what can I use instead?
No problem at all! Chicken broth is a perfect substitute and will work just as well. It will create a slightly lighter flavor profile, but it will still be absolutely delicious. In a pinch, you could even use vegetable broth, which would also complement the flavors of the peppers and onions nicely. Use whatever you have on hand.
→ What's another great slow cooker meal to try?
I'm so glad you asked! The slow cooker is my best friend in the kitchen. If you love the ease of this recipe, you should definitely try my crockpot butter chicken for a different flavor profile. Or for something with a bit of a kick, the fiesta chicken is always a huge hit in my house.
→ Can I make this spicy?
For sure! If you like a little heat, it's very easy to spice this up. You could add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth mixture for a subtle, all-over warmth. Or, for a more distinct kick, add some sliced jalapeños in with the bell peppers. Start with a little and you can always add more to taste.
Chef's Tips
For an extra layer of flavor, you can briefly sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet with a little olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. It's an extra step, but it adds a lovely depth.,Feel free to add other seasonings you love. A pinch of smoked paprika or a little onion powder can be wonderful additions to the broth mixture.,This recipe is easily doubled if you're serving a larger crowd. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients without being more than two-thirds full.
Nutrition Facts
per serving
480
Calories
40g
Protein
45g
Carbs
15g
Fat
Taste Profile
A savory and deeply umami-rich flavor from the broth and Worcestershire, balanced by the natural sweetness of cooked peppers and onions.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don't have an ingredient? Try these alternatives
For a more traditional Philly experience, White American cheese melts beautifully. Cheez Whiz is also a popular, albeit debated, classic topping that provides an ultra-creamy texture.
Either chicken or vegetable broth will work perfectly as a substitute. The overall flavor will be a bit lighter but still incredibly savory and delicious.
Recipe Variations
Try these delicious twists on the original
Spicy Chicken Cheesesteak
For those who like a little kick, add 1-2 sliced jalapeños to the slow cooker along with the bell peppers. You can also add a 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the broth for a subtle, lingering heat.
Mushroom and Swiss Chicken Cheesesteak
Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms to the slow cooker and swap the provolone cheese for Swiss cheese. The earthy mushrooms and nutty Swiss are a classic and delicious combination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes for perfect results
- Not Toasting the Bun: A soft, untoasted bun will quickly become soggy from the juicy filling. Toasting creates a necessary barrier.
- Overcooking the Chicken: While it's hard to do in a slow cooker, cooking on HIGH for too long can make chicken tough. The LOW and slow method is gentler and yields better results.
- Forgetting to Stir After Shredding: Don't just place the shredded chicken back on top. Stir it into the juices to ensure every piece is coated and flavorful.
Meal Prep & Storage
Make Ahead Tips
The chicken and vegetable mixture is perfect for making ahead. You can cook it completely and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also assemble the slow cooker ingredients (uncooked) in the removable insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just place the insert in the cooker base and turn it on.
Leftover Ideas
Leftovers are fantastic! Besides making another sandwich, you can use the mixture to top a pizza, stir it into macaroni and cheese for a hearty meal, or make a delicious quesadilla. It's also great mixed with scrambled eggs for a savory, protein-packed breakfast. The possibilities are endless, just like with my favorite crockpot chicken tacos filling.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this with...
Cooking Timeline
Slice onions and peppers, mince garlic. Place chicken in slow cooker and prepare the broth.
Cook on LOW. The house will begin to smell wonderful after the first hour.
Remove and shred the cooked chicken. Return it to the slow cooker to soak in the juices.
Toast rolls, assemble sandwiches with chicken mixture and cheese, and broil until bubbly.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
An easy, slow cooker chicken Philly cheesesteak with lean chicken, peppers, and onions.
Timing
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
4-6 Hours
Total Time
4 Hours 15 Minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Vegetables
- 01 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 02 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 03 2 large bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
- 04 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 05 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 06 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 07 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 08 1 tsp dried oregano
- 09 1/2 tsp salt
- 10 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Serving
- 01 6 hoagie rolls, split
- 02 12 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
First, we get everything ready, which is my favorite, calmest part of any recipe. Place your chicken breasts in a single layer across the bottom of your slow cooker. There's no need to cut them up or anything, just let them rest in there. Take a moment to slice your onion and bell peppers into nice, thin strips. I love seeing the bright colors all piled on the cutting board. Finely mince your garlic until it releases that wonderful, sharp fragrance.
Now it's time to create the flavorful broth that will be the heart of this dish. In a small mixing bowl, pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Add your minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good whisk to combine everything. This simple sauce is what will infuse the chicken and veggies with so much savory goodness. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Gently scatter your sliced peppers and onions over the top of the chicken and broth. You don't need to mix it all up; just let them create a colorful layer on top. They will slowly soften and release their sweetness into the broth as everything cooks. Place the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. I really do recommend the low setting if you have the time; the chicken just becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, carefully remove the breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken. It should pull apart almost effortlessly. Oh, this part is so satisfying! Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and give everything a good stir to combine it with the peppers, onions, and all those delicious juices. Let it sit for about 10 more minutes to soak up all that flavor.
Now for the grand finale: building the sandwiches. Split your hoagie rolls and place them on a baking sheet. I like to toast them under the broiler for just a minute to get them lightly golden. Using tongs, pile the chicken and pepper mixture generously onto each roll. Lay two slices of provolone cheese over the top of each sandwich. Place the baking sheet back under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and gorgeous. Serve immediately and enjoy every single bite.
Notes & Tips
- 1 For an extra layer of flavor, you can briefly sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet with a little olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. It's an extra step, but it adds a lovely depth.
- 2 Feel free to add other seasonings you love. A pinch of smoked paprika or a little onion powder can be wonderful additions to the broth mixture.
- 3 This recipe is easily doubled if you're serving a larger crowd. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients without being more than two-thirds full.
Tools You'll Need
-
Slow Cooker (6-quart): This is the star of the show. A 6-quart model is the perfect size for this recipe, giving the ingredients enough room to cook evenly without being too crowded. It does all the hard work for you, gently simmering everything to perfection.
-
Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: A good, sturdy cutting board and a sharp chef's knife make the prep work of slicing the vegetables a breeze. It's the simple, foundational work that makes cooking so enjoyable for me.
-
Two Forks: You don't need any fancy gadgets to shred the chicken. Two simple dinner forks are the perfect tool for pulling the tender, slow-cooked chicken apart. It’s an easy, rustic method that works every time.
-
Baking Sheet: A standard baking sheet is essential for the final step of toasting the rolls and melting the cheese. It makes it easy to get all the sandwiches under the broiler at once for that perfect, gooey finish.
Must-Know Tips
- **Shred, then Soak**: After shredding the chicken, always return it to the slow cooker juices for at least 10 minutes. This allows the meat to reabsorb all that incredible flavor, ensuring every bite is juicy and delicious.
- **Use Low-Sodium Broth and Soy Sauce**: This is really important for controlling the overall saltiness of the dish. You can always add more salt at the end if you feel it needs it, but you can't take it away.
- **Don't Lift the Lid**: I know it's tempting to peek, but every time you lift the lid on the slow cooker, you release heat and moisture, which can increase the cooking time. Trust the process and let it do its thing.
Professional Secrets
- **A Touch of Sweetness**: A teaspoon of brown sugar or honey added to the broth mixture can balance the savory flavors and add a subtle complexity that tastes incredible with the sweet bell peppers.
- **Deglaze for Depth**: If you choose to sear your chicken first, use a bit of the broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom. Pour this liquid into the slow cooker for a huge boost in flavor.
- **The Right Cheese Melt**: For the ultimate cheese pull, place the cheese slices so they overlap slightly and cover the entire surface of the chicken mixture. This ensures every bite has that perfect amount of melty, gooey goodness.
Recipe by
Sofia Marin“Dinner is where stories are shared and flavors shine. I craft comforting recipes perfect for family nights.” 🍷🍲
Get Delicious Recipes Weekly
Join 25,000+ home cooks getting our best recipes straight to their inbox.
Free forever • No spam • Unsubscribe anytime