Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches
Easy slow cooker Italian chicken sandwiches made with a handful of straightforward ingredients, delivering a medley of savory and mildly spicy flavors. Grab a jar of giardiniera, a few essential spices, and your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or game days.
Ingredients
- Prepare the Chicken and Onions: Season the chicken thighs on both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large braiser Dutch oven, or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs, cooking undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until they achieve a golden-brown crust and release naturally from the pan. Add the sliced onions, nestling them between the chicken pieces, and stir gently to absorb the rendered chicken fat. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until both sides are golden. Transfer the chicken and onions to the slow cooker.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning garlic powder, and onion powder over the chicken and onions. Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the pepperoncini slices, brine, and drained giardiniera. Stir the mixture gently to combine. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is complete remove the chicken with a slotted spoon or tongs and place it on a sheet pan. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken and any accumulated juices back into the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine. Set the slow cooker to the warm setting.
- Toast the Buns: Preheat your oven to 375°F 190°C. Slice the hoagie buns and arrange them on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 5 minutes until the edges are slightly golden.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place a slice of provolone cheese on the bottom half of each bun. Top with the warm shredded chicken mixture allowing the heat to melt the cheese slightly. Garnish with additional giardiniera and pepperoncini slices as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
To make the recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free buns of your choice.
For a dairy-free version, simply omit the provolone cheese or substitute with your preferred vegan cheese alternative.
For a dairy-free version, simply omit the provolone cheese or substitute with your preferred vegan cheese alternative.