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Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 23 reviews

A healthy twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak made in a slow cooker using lean chicken breasts, colorful bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and melted provolone or mozzarella cheese. This recipe offers a flavorful, low-fat, and fiber-rich meal perfect for a comforting yet nutritious sandwich.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 – 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or Thighs)

Vegetables

  • 1 Large Yellow Onion, thinly sliced
  • 2–3 Large Bell Peppers (mixed colors), thinly sliced
  • 8 oz Cremini or White Button Mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 4–6 Cloves Garlic, minced

Liquids and Sauces

  • 1/2 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil or Avocado Oil (optional, for sautéing vegetables)

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil or 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning Blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder

Cheese

  • 8 slices Provolone Cheese (Reduced-Fat recommended) OR 1.5 cups Shredded Mozzarella (Part-Skim)

Serving

  • 6–8 Whole Wheat Hoagie Rolls or Sub Rolls (or alternative)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms if using. Mince the garlic cloves. Thin and uniform slices ensure even cooking and tenderness.
  2. Optional Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and onions are translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for one more minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth to capture browned bits, then transfer everything to the slow cooker.
  3. Layer in Slow Cooker: Place the sautéed vegetables or raw sliced vegetables and minced garlic into the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker to form a bed for the chicken.
  4. Add Chicken and Seasonings: Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the vegetables. Pour chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle oregano, basil or Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly on the chicken.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and shreds easily. Avoid overcooking to maintain moisture.
  6. Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken from slow cooker, shred with two forks into bite-sized pieces. Keep vegetables and juices in the slow cooker.
  7. Combine and Marinate: Return shredded chicken to slow cooker and stir gently to coat with juices and vegetables. Let sit on Warm or off with lid on for 10-15 minutes to absorb flavors. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Melt the Cheese in the Pot (Optional): Stir half of the shredded cheese into the chicken mixture until melted and gooey, if desired.
  9. Prepare Rolls: Lightly toast whole wheat hoagie rolls under a broiler, in a toaster oven, or in a dry skillet for texture and to prevent sogginess.
  10. Assemble Sandwiches: Use tongs or a slotted spoon to pile chicken and vegetables onto toasted rolls.
  11. Melt the Cheese on Sandwich (Optional): If not melted in the pot, top each sandwich with 1-2 slices of provolone or cheese. Place open-faced sandwiches under broiler for 1-2 minutes until cheese bubbles and melts, watching carefully. Alternatively, let cheese melt with residual heat inside the roll.
  12. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy chicken Philly cheesesteak sandwiches.

Notes

  • Using chicken thighs instead of breasts adds moisture and flavor but increases fat content slightly.
  • Sautéing vegetables before slow cooking develops deeper flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
  • Adjust salt carefully based on sodium content of broth used.
  • Whole wheat rolls boost fiber but any preferred roll or bread can be used.
  • Cheese choice affects fat and calorie content: reduced-fat provolone and part-skim mozzarella are healthier options.
  • Slow cook on low for best tenderness and moisture retention.
  • Adding mushrooms is optional but recommended for extra umami and vegetable content.
  • Broiling the assembled sandwich for melted cheese enhances texture but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: Healthy chicken Philly cheesesteak, crockpot chicken sandwich, slow cooker chicken recipe, low-fat Philly cheesesteak, healthy comfort food

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/healthy-crockpot-chicken-philly-cheesesteak-recipe/