Introduction
There’s something truly delightful about a warm, comforting sandwich, especially when it’s prepared with minimal fuss in a slow cooker. These Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches are a joyous explosion of flavors, combining tender shredded chicken with a creamy, cheesy sauce that will make your tastebuds dance. The aroma wafting through your kitchen as this dish simmers slowly is simply irresistible!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 4 sandwich rolls
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6-7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3-4 hours 15 minutes (high)
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Begin by placing the chicken breasts in your slow cooker, then pour in the chicken broth, letting the chicken soak up all that flavor.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the ingredients are nicely blended.
- Spread this delicious cheese mixture generously over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, covering them thoroughly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should become tender and fully cooked during this time.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, letting the tender meat fall apart effortlessly.
- To create that luscious sauce, stir the softened cream cheese into the remaining broth in the slow cooker until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it into that rich sauce until every piece is coated in cheesy goodness.
- If desired, toast the sandwich rolls for a delightful crunch, then generously fill each roll with the creamy chicken mixture.
- Before serving, sprinkle each sandwich with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes or Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the chicken mixture just before serving.
- You can replace the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a more flavorful option.
- Feel free to add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the chicken mixture for an extra veggie boost.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe shines a spotlight on the slow cooking technique, which slowly melds the flavors and ensures that the chicken stays tender and juicy. It’s crucial to avoid lifting the lid too often while cooking to maintain the internal temperature and moisture. Shredding the chicken is made easy thanks to the tenderization that occurs during the slow cooking process!
FAQ
- Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes! You can cook the chicken on high pressure for about 15-20 minutes. Just follow the same flavoring instructions and finish with the cream cheese as indicated.
- Can I freeze the leftovers? Absolutely! The chicken mixture freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat it gently.
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches are a delightful way to bring comfort to your dinner table with ease. With minimal prep time and a slow-cooked depth of flavor, you’ll find yourself making this meal again and again. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this recipe will be a hit—making your kitchen smell heavenly while feeding the hungry hearts of your loved ones!