Looking for a comforting meal that combines rich, creamy flavors with the ease of a hands-off cooking method? This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches Recipe is just what you need. Juicy, tender chicken slowly simmers in a luscious garlic-parmesan sauce, then melts together with mozzarella for an irresistibly cheesy topping. Piled high on toasted buns, these sandwiches are a perfect blend of cozy and crave-worthy, making them an absolute favorite for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches Recipe uses straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create incredible depth of flavor. Each element is essential, contributing to the sauce’s creamy texture, the savory, aromatic vibe, or the perfect sandwich-served finish.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and shreddable after slow cooking.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick that enriches the sauce with signature Parmesan flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to create a gooey, cheesy topping that binds the sandwich beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic minced: Delivers bold, aromatic flavor that elevates the richness of the dish.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Builds the savory base of the sauce and keeps the chicken moist.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides a luscious creaminess that makes this sandwich unexpectedly indulgent.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps meld the sauce ingredients effortlessly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Offers a fragrant blend of herbs that enhances the chicken’s flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and boosting all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a gentle heat and spice complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: A smoky, mild flavor that adds warmth and color.
- 6 sandwich buns or brioche rolls: Soft, slightly sweet bread options perfect for holding all that cheesy chicken goodness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Brings a fresh, vibrant touch to finish the sandwiches.
How to Make Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker and Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts straight into your slow cooker—no need for pre-searing, which saves time and effort. This sets the stage for the chicken to soak up all the wonderful flavors from the sauce you’ll add next.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. This combination creates a creamy, flavorful sauce that will infuse the chicken with rich layers of taste as it cooks low and slow.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The result is incredibly tender chicken that shreds with ease, having absorbed all those gorgeous garlic and Parmesan notes.
Step 4: Shred and Add Cheese
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover again and cook for 15 to 20 minutes more until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens into a creamy, irresistible mixture.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Toast your buns lightly to add texture and warmth, then pile on the creamy Parmesan garlic chicken generously. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and get ready to enjoy every melty, mouthwatering bite.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the sandwiches for a fresh pop of color and a subtle herbaceous flavor that balances the richness perfectly. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dusting of extra Parmesan can also elevate presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even classic fries for a casual, satisfying meal. For a lighter side, try steamed broccoli or a tangy coleslaw to complement the creamy chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, consider turning these sandwiches into open-faced melts or serve the chicken as a creamy dip with toasted garlic bread on the side. You can also add sautéed spinach or crispy bacon inside the sandwiches for extra layers of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and chicken mixture separate from the buns if you want to prevent the bread from getting soggy before serving.
Freezing
The cheesy chicken mixture freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a convenient, ready-made meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain that creamy texture. Toast fresh sandwich buns before assembling to restore crunch and warmth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will make the dish even more tender and juicy due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan cheese slightly to cut down on richness without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?
While the slow cooker makes it incredibly easy, you can cook the chicken gently on the stove and then finish it in the oven. Just keep an eye on the moisture levels to prevent drying out.
How can I make the sandwiches spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture to give the dish a pleasant kick that complements the creamy texture.
What bread works best for these sandwiches?
Brioche rolls are perfect for their soft texture and slight sweetness, but you can also use sturdy sandwich buns or even ciabatta for a bit of crunch to balance the creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches Recipe has become one of my ultimate go-tos when I want a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare yet impressively delicious. The combination of tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and melty cheese piled into toasted buns is pure magic. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a favorite in your own kitchen!
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Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
These Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches feature tender, juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked in a creamy Parmesan garlic sauce, then shredded and smothered in melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal with minimal hands-on time, this recipe yields flavorful sandwiches ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Cheeses
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
To Serve
- 6 sandwich buns or brioche rolls
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.
- Cook the Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Combine Chicken and Cheese: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese thoroughly.
- Melt the Cheese and Thicken Sauce: Cover the slow cooker again and cook on low for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt fully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the sandwich buns if desired. Spoon a generous amount of the creamy Parmesan garlic chicken mixture onto each bun, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, lightly toast the sandwich buns with a spread of butter before assembling the sandwiches.
- You may substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce richness while maintaining creaminess.
- Consider adding sautéed spinach or crispy bacon to the sandwiches for extra texture and flavor variations.
