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Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

5 from 17 reviews

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak recipe transforms the classic Philly sandwich into a nutritious, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. Using lean chicken breasts or flavorful thighs slow-cooked with sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and a blend of herbs and spices, this recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken layered with melted provolone or mozzarella cheese. Whole wheat rolls enhance the fiber content, making this a heart-healthy twist on a beloved favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.52 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs

Vegetables

  • 1 Large Yellow Onion, thinly sliced
  • 23 Large Bell Peppers (mix of green, red, yellow), thinly sliced
  • 8 oz Cremini or White Button Mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 46 Cloves Garlic, minced

Liquids & Sauces

  • 1/2 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil or 2 tsp Italian Seasoning Blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder

Cheese

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

Additional

  • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil or Avocado Oil (optional for sautéing)
  • 68 Whole Wheat Hoagie or Sub Rolls

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice onions and bell peppers, slice mushrooms if using, and mince garlic cloves. The thinner and more uniform the slices, the more tender and evenly cooked the vegetables will be.
  2. Optional Sauté: Heat olive or avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until softened and onions translucent. Add garlic and cook an additional minute until fragrant. Deglaze pan with a splash of chicken broth to capture flavorful bits.
  3. Layer in Slow Cooker: Transfer sautéed vegetables to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker or place raw sliced vegetables and garlic directly if skipping sauté. This vegetable bed prevents chicken from sticking and aids in steaming.
  4. Add Chicken and Seasonings: Place chicken breasts or thighs atop the vegetable layer. Pour chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle evenly with dried oregano, basil or Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, coating well.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and shreds easily. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
  6. Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken to a cutting board or bowl and shred with two forks. Leave vegetables and juices in cooker.
  7. Combine and Marinate: Return shredded chicken to slow cooker with vegetables and juices. Stir gently. Let sit on ‘Warm’ or with lid on for 10-15 minutes to absorb flavors. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Melt the Cheese (Option 1 – In the Pot): Stir half the shredded cheese into the chicken mixture in the slow cooker until melted and gooey.
  9. Prepare Rolls: Lightly toast whole wheat hoagie rolls under the broiler, toaster oven, or skillet to add texture and prevent sogginess.
  10. Assemble the Sandwiches: Using tongs or a slotted spoon, pile the warm chicken and vegetable mixture onto toasted rolls.
  11. Melt the Cheese (Option 2 – On the Sandwich): Top sandwiches with slices or shredded cheese, then broil until cheese melts and bubbles, or allow cheese to melt by residual heat.
  12. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the healthy homemade Chicken Philly Cheesesteaks.

Notes

  • For richer flavor and moisture, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
  • Sautéing vegetables before slow cooking deepens flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
  • Adjust salt according to broth sodium content to avoid oversalting.
  • Whole wheat rolls increase fiber and nutritional value compared to white rolls.
  • Use reduced-fat cheese options to keep this recipe heart-healthy.
  • Monitor cheese melting under broiler closely to prevent burning.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute rolls with gluten-free bread or wraps.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken philly cheesesteak, healthy slow cooker recipe, crockpot chicken sandwich, low fat cheesesteak, whole wheat hoagie sandwich