If you’re searching for a delicious and healthier version of a classic dish, look no further than this Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak. Imagine tender chicken breasts or thighs infused with the rich flavors of sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, all enveloped in gooey melted cheese. Not only is this recipe packed with satisfying flavors, but it also streamlines the cooking process by utilizing a slow cooker, making meal prep a breeze. This recipe brings all the essential components of a traditional Philly cheesesteak while ensuring that you don’t sacrifice your health goals.
This slow-cooked delight is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests. The combination of chicken, mixed bell peppers, and onions creates a colorful and tasty dish — and you won’t even need to stand over the stove, allowing you to focus on other important things. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
- Flavor: Experience all the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors without the extra calories.
- Healthier Ingredients: By using chicken breasts, whole wheat rolls, and plenty of veggies, you keep it nutritious.
- Ease of Preparation: Pop it in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Versatile: Customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheese options.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Great for leftovers or meal prep for the week ahead.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into this chicken cheesesteak recipe, it’s essential to prep your kitchen and gather all necessary tools. Start by clearing a clean workspace for chopping veggies and handling raw chicken. You will need a cutting board, knife, and measuring cups. For the cooking phase, a slow cooker is key to achieving that tender, fall-apart chicken texture.
If you choose to sauté the vegetables beforehand, having a skillet on the stove is helpful, along with a spatula to stir. Before cooking, gather all the ingredients and organize them on your countertop, including measuring out the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Preparing everything beforehand will make it easier to follow the cooking steps!
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2–3 large bell peppers (mixed colors), thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms (optional), sliced
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil or 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 8 slices provolone cheese or 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
- 6–8 whole wheat hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Start by slicing your bell peppers, onion, and mushrooms (if you chose to include them). Ensure all vegetables are thinly sliced to promote even cooking and flavor distribution. This is also the time to mince your garlic. These fresh ingredients will not only add flavor but also texture to the dish.
Step 2: (Optional) Sauté the Vegetables
If you prefer a deeper flavor for your veggies, you can sauté them before adding to the slow cooker. Heat your skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté the sliced vegetables for approximately 5–7 minutes until they start to soften. After that, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute until fragrant. This optional step enhances the overall flavor profile.
Step 3: Layer in the Crockpot
Once your vegetables are prepared, it’s time to layer them into the slow cooker. Start by placing the sautéed veggies (if using) or the raw sliced veggies directly into the bottom of the crockpot. This acts as a base layer to allow the chicken to cook evenly. Lay the chicken on top of the vegetables, making sure they are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Add Broth & Seasoning
Pour ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth into the slow cooker, followed by 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. This combination of liquid will keep the chicken moist and flavorful during cooking. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and basil evenly over the top of the chicken. These seasonings are crucial for lending depth to the dish.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours. The slow cooking will break down the chicken fibers, making it easy to shred once it’s done. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken easily shreds apart with a fork.
Step 6: Shred Chicken & Return to Slow Cooker
After cooking, remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken. Once done, return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir it into the vegetable mixture, ensuring it’s all combined. Let it sit for an additional 10–15 minutes so the chicken can soak in the delicious juices.
Step 7: Add Cheese
If desired, add half of the cheese into the pot and stir until it melts. This step brings an incredible cheesy richness to each bite. Alternatively, you can reserve the cheese to layer on the hoagie rolls during assembly.
Step 8: (Optional) Toast Rolls
Although entirely optional, light toasting of the hoagie rolls can enhance texture and taste. If you opt to toast them, simply place them in the oven at a low temperature until golden brown.
Step 9: Assemble Your Sandwiches
Using tongs, fill each hoagie roll with the chicken and vegetable mixture from the crockpot. If you didn’t add cheese before, now is the time to top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese or a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. If using slices, you can broil them briefly until melted, or let the heat from the chicken melt the cheese naturally. Serve hot for the best experience.
Variations
- Protein: Swap chicken for thinly sliced beef or turkey for different takes on this classic.
- Vegetables: Add spinach, zucchini, or jalapeños for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spices: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to customize the taste.
Cooking Notes
- For best results, opt for chicken thighs for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
- Thicker cuts of chicken may require longer cooking times; always ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for meal prep – just reheat when needed!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad.
- Offer a selection of condiments like hot sauce or balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
Tips
- Using a quality chicken broth enhances flavor significantly.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, like cheddar or gouda, for variety.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: Approximately 5–7 hours
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 750mg
FAQs
Can I freeze the leftover Philly cheesesteak?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover mixture in an airtight container for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat thoroughly.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
If you don’t own a slow cooker, you can cook this in a covered pot over low heat on the stove, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more cheese to your taste preference. The gooier, the better!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the hoagie rolls with gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps.
Conclusion
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with flavors that honor the classic while adapting for health-conscious eaters. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can treat yourself and your loved ones to a satisfying, hearty dish that everyone will adore. We encourage you to customize your cheesesteak with variations that suit your taste. Whether you opt for extra veggies or a different type of cheese, have fun with it! Don’t forget to share your feedback and any twists you made to the recipe in the comments below — happy cooking!
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Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
- Total Time: Approximately 5–7 hours
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak is a delicious and healthier take on a classic dish.
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2–3 large bell peppers (mixed colors), thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms (optional), sliced
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil or 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 8 slices provolone cheese or 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
- 6–8 whole wheat hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
Instructions
- Start by slicing your bell peppers, onion, and mushrooms (if you chose to include them). Ensure all vegetables are thinly sliced to promote even cooking and flavor distribution. This is also the time to mince your garlic.
- If you prefer a deeper flavor for your veggies, you can sauté them before adding to the slow cooker. Heat your skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté the sliced vegetables for approximately 5–7 minutes until they start to soften. After that, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Once your vegetables are prepared, it’s time to layer them into the slow cooker. Start by placing the sautéed veggies (if using) or the raw sliced veggies directly into the bottom of the crockpot. Lay the chicken on top of the vegetables, making sure they are evenly distributed.
- Pour ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth into the slow cooker, followed by 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and basil evenly over the top of the chicken.
- Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken easily shreds apart with a fork.
- After cooking, remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir it into the vegetable mixture.
- If desired, add half of the cheese into the pot and stir until it melts.
- Light toasting of the hoagie rolls can enhance texture and taste. If you opt to toast them, simply place them in the oven at a low temperature until golden brown.
- Using tongs, fill each hoagie roll with the chicken and vegetable mixture from the crockpot. If you didn’t add cheese before, now is the time to top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese or a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.
Notes
For best results, opt for chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Protein: 40 g