Craving that iconic, cheesy, savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak, but without all the fuss? This Lazy Slow Cooker Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwich is your new best friend! It takes tender, slow-cooked chicken, perfectly caramelized onions, and savory mushrooms, all ready to be piled onto crusty hoagie rolls and topped with your favorite melted cheese.It’s an incredibly easy “set-it-and-forget-it” meal that delivers maximum comfort and flavor with minimal effort.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights! What I love most is how it simplifies the process of making a delicious cheesesteak. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, tenderizing the chicken and creating beautifully caramelized onions that add incredible depth of flavor. Combining the chicken, onions, and mushrooms in one pot makes for a cohesive, incredibly savory filling that’s ready to spoon into rolls. Plus, it’s so versatile – you can pick your favorite cheese and even customize the seasonings. It’s comfort food perfected for ease, making it a guaranteed family favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Lazy Slow Cooker Chicken Cheesesteak:
For the Caramelized Onion:
- 12 oz frozen diced onion (fresh onions can also be used)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Chicken Cheese Steak:
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 8 oz canned sliced mushrooms, drained (fresh mushrooms can also be used)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- American, provolone, cheddar, or cheese whiz (for topping)
- Hoagie rolls (crusty Italian sub rolls)
Swaps and Notes
- Onions: Frozen diced onions are a brilliant shortcut for caramelizing, saving you chopping time. Fresh onions (about 2 medium, thinly sliced) work just as well, just ensure they are cut consistently.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for an even juicier result.
- Mushrooms: Canned sliced mushrooms are convenient, but fresh sliced mushrooms (about 8 oz) would also be excellent. Sauté them briefly in a separate pan before adding to the slow cooker if you prefer them more browned.
- Seasoning: Adjust garlic salt and oregano to your taste. A pinch of onion powder or dried basil could also be added.
- Cheese: The choice is yours! American offers classic creaminess, provolone is a traditional Philly choice, cheddar provides sharpness, and Cheese Whiz gives it that authentic, gooey stadium-style feel.
- Hoagie Rolls: Crusty Italian sub rolls are ideal for holding the juicy filling. If you can, get rolls that have a slightly dense interior to stand up to the moisture.
Instructions
Let your slow cooker do all the hard work for this amazing Chicken Cheesesteak!
Caramelized Onion (Can be made in advance):
- Cook the Onions: Place the fresh or frozen diced onions and 2 tablespoons of olive oil into your slow cooker.
- Slow Cook Onions: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 5-6 hours, or on low overnight (around 8-10 hours). The onions will become incredibly soft, sweet, and beautifully caramelized.
- Store (Optional): If you’re making the caramelized onions in advance, transfer them to a closed container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Chicken Cheese Steak (After onions are caramelized):
- Add Mushrooms & Chicken to Onions: To the slow cooker with the cooked caramelized onions, add the drained canned sliced mushrooms (or fresh, if using). Stir to combine. Place the chicken breasts directly on top of the onion and mushroom mixture.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts generously with 1 teaspoon of garlic salt and 1 teaspoon of oregano. Add 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper.
- Slow Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C) when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part. The chicken should be very tender.
- Shred and Combine: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks (or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for larger batches), shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it thoroughly with the tender caramelized onions and mushrooms.
- Keep Warm: Continue to cook the mixture on low for an additional hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. After this, you can switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting until you’re ready to assemble and serve the sandwiches.
To Make the Sandwich:
- Assemble the Sandwich: Cut open your hoagie rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Fill each roll generously with the hot, flavorful chicken mixture from the slow cooker.
- Add Cheese & Broil: Top the chicken mixture with your choice of cheese (American, provolone, cheddar, or a dollop of Cheese Whiz). Place the assembled open-faced sandwiches directly onto a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the oven under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the rolls are slightly toasted. Do not walk away, as broilers work quickly!
- Serve: Carefully remove from the broiler. Close the sandwich and serve immediately!
Enjoy your delicious and easy Lazy Slow Cooker Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwich!
Tips for Success
- Caramelize Onions Properly: The long, slow cooking for the onions is key to their sweetness and depth. Don’t rush this step if you’re aiming for true caramelization.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: While the slow cooker is forgiving, keep an eye on the chicken to prevent it from becoming dry. Once it reaches 165°F (75°C) and shreds easily, it’s done.
- Shredding: Shredding the chicken and mixing it back into the onions and mushrooms allows all the flavors to truly combine into one cohesive, delicious filling.
- Broiler Watch: The broiler works fast! Keep a close eye on the sandwiches to prevent the cheese from burning or the rolls from over-toasting.
- Quality Rolls: A good quality, crusty hoagie roll is essential for a great cheesesteak experience.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Lazy Slow Cooker Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwich is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with classic deli sides:
- Potato Chips: A simple, crunchy side.
- French Fries: Classic pairing for any cheesesteak.
- Coleslaw or Pickles: A fresh, tangy coleslaw or a side of dill pickles can offer a nice counterpoint to the richness.
- Side Salad: A light green salad would be a fresh addition.
- For other incredibly popular cheesy, easy-to-make dishes, consider our Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter for a similar flavor profile in a smaller bite.
Storage and Leftover Tips
The chicken and onion mixture from this recipe is fantastic for meal prep!
- Refrigeration (Filling): The cooked chicken, onion, and mushroom mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes assembly of fresh sandwiches incredibly fast.
- Refrigeration (Assembled): Assembled sandwiches are best eaten fresh as the rolls can get soggy.
- Freezing (Filling): The cooked chicken, onion, and mushroom filling can be frozen in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently and assembling sandwiches.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the easy, cheesy, and comforting nature of this slow cooker cheesesteak, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes:
- For another incredibly popular cheesy dip that disappears fast, check out This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
- If you’re a fan of unique, cheesy creations, you must try How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
- And for a family-friendly casserole with a Tex-Mex twist, our This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a winner.
- Finally, for another amazing sheet-pan solution for gatherings, don’t miss These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast!
Final Thoughts
This Lazy Slow Cooker Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwich is a brilliant example of how slow cooking can transform simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying and incredibly easy meal. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family, preparing for a casual get-together, or simply enjoying the classic flavors of a cheesesteak without all the active cooking.
Give this recipe a try and prepare to fall in love with its effortless deliciousness! What’s your favorite kind of cheesesteak, chicken or beef? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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