A SUPER simple, flavorful meal with just a few ingredients! These Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches are perfect for summer picnics, busy weeknights, or serve the chicken and sauce over pasta for a hearty meal! Gluten free and paleo options.
There are so many things I love about today’s recipe.
- It’s made in the slow cooker
- It only uses a handful of simple ingredients
- It has easy gluten free and paleo options
- It’s perfect for everything from summer picnics to winter pastas to busy weeknights any time of the year. Put it in a wrap, sandwich, serve with roasted veggies, with salad, on salad, in a taco, with rice…. the options are endless!
In this recipe I used Muir Glen Organic Fire-Roasted Crushed Tomatoes (new to Canada!), chicken breasts, and a bit of pesto and salt to punch up the flavor — you really need nothing else! The flavor of these tomatoes is so intense and incredible. Muir Glen uses only the best, vine-ripened tomatoes and you can tell as soon as you crack the can. The smell is intoxicating!
I wanted to show them off in a recipe that didn’t require a lot of ingredients, so that the fire-roasted flavor wasn’t lost under a bunch of other things.
Also, with a toddler and a preschooler I just don’t have a lot of time or patience for recipes with 27 ingredients and 8 pots. Do you?
*This post is generously sponsored by Muir Glen. I’ve been compensated for my time in developing this recipe but all opinions are, as always, my own!
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 28 oz can crushed Fire Roasted Tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon basil pesto
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- fresh basil leaves and buns to serve as desired
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Add tomatoes, pesto and salt and stir until chicken is coated.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Shred chicken and serve on a bun with shredded cheese and fresh basil if desired.
- This chicken is also great in wraps, on salads, over pasta, rice or potatoes — the options are endless!
Notes
*If you’re looking for a longer cooking time (say you work away from home all day), use frozen chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 hours on low.
*This recipe is gluten free, but be sure that you use gluten free rolls or serve or rice or potatoes instead.
*If seeking a paleo option, omit the pesto and add fresh basil and/or oregano to taste at the end of the cooking time. Leave off the shredded cheese and serve with roasted vegetables.
*Nutrition information is estimated and will vary depending on exact serving size, types and brands of products used.
Nutrition Information
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Malinda @Countryside Cravings says
Ooooh these look awesome!! I totally agree on not having time for 27 ingredients and 8 different pans!! I am going to remember to use my crock pot more often this summer too 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Malinda! I figured it wasn’t just me! Lol
Kelly says
This looks like the perfect easy weeknight meal! I am such a big fan of fire-roasted tomatoes and I love that there are so few ingredients! Yay that it’s made in the slow cooker too 🙂
Tawny says
Sit outside looking at the hummingbirds and listening to the birds sing.
Ashley Fehr says
So relaxing!
Suzanne G says
We always have a tub filled with ice to put our drinks in and for ice cream, popsicles etc just put dry ice in a container and put the products that need to be kept frozen in container. Just be sure no little ones have access to this container.
Ashley Fehr says
That’s a great idea! I’ve never thought to use dry ice before — I bet it works great!
keely Gilham says
Always have ingredients for a brushetta!!! It’s an easy snack to mix up with guests who show up!.. it’s fresh and looks like you put in a lot of effort but it’s so easy!
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, so true! Especially in summer when everything is so fresh!
Glogirl says
My tip is that if you are going on a picnic, use drinking boxes, freeze them and then use them in your cooler as ice packs. They will also be nice and icy when you are ready to drink them!
Ashley Fehr says
That is genius! My kids would love that!
Esther says
Instead of using ice packs for camping I freeze a bunch of drinks before hand. Keeps everything nice and cold and you have refreshing cool drinks to drink as well.
Ashley Fehr says
That is such an awesome idea! I guess you just have to be careful about which ones you freeze? Or do they all work just as well?
Esther says
I have only done it with juice boxes or kool aid pouches. I think any juice would work well. We don’t drink very much pop so I haven’t tried that but I think it would lose it’s fiz anyways if frozen.
Ashley Fehr says
That’s true! I’ll have to try it with juice!
Ashley Fehr says
That is such an awesome idea! I guess you just have to be careful about which ones you freeze? Or do they all work just as well?
D. Roach says
I love using the tubs for drinks as well. I also make sure that I have everything done before hand so that I can enjoy the party as well. I hate running around like a crazy person and missing the fun. Also, asking others for help, even if it is just bringing the drinks or a dessert puts less stress on you.
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, so important! Honestly though I am usually just running around like a crazy person — I need to take some of this advice and relax! Lol
Anne Taylor says
I love to prep prep prep before hand, use frozen fruit as well as ice cubes and the slow cooker full of chile!
Stephanie H. says
My slow cooker is my “go to” during these hot summer months. I enjoy using it for big batches of BBQ country ribs, pot roasts, and chicken recipes. The best part about the slow cooker is less mess and easier cleanup!
Ashley Fehr says
Yes! I totally agree!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I feel like people often over look the slow cooker in the summer, which is such a shame because it is when I use my slow cooker the most. So I’m LOVING that you posted this chicken, girlfriend! Love the Italian flavors! This looks perfectly shredded and absolutely fabulous! I will be putting this cluckin-deliciousness on all the things! Cheers!
Ashley Fehr says
I totally agree! I love using my slow cooker in the summer because the chances I want to slave over the stove? Zip! Thanks Chey!
Kat Bills says
I use a metal washtub for my drinks, makes it so much easier, everyone can just help themselves.
Ashley Fehr says
That is a great idea! I need to find one of those!
Mary Ann says
I try to make as much as possible a day or two ahead. I make a lot of bite sized foods & foods that can be heated up at the last minute. I do ass much decorating as possible the day before.
Ashley Fehr says
I love to do that too! It keeps the stress way down!
nicolthepickle says
Your sandwich looks amazing!
My best tip is to make as much food as you can before hand so when your guests arrive you can visit.
Ashley Fehr says
Yes! I love doing that too! Thank you 🙂
Nancy Hrba says
I love getting together with friends eating good food and cold drinks.
Thanks.
Ashley Fehr says
Those are all essentials!
Kathryn says
By far the best advice is to accept help — don’t attempt to do it on your own. Make it casual and fun. Every year, we have a Canada Day Party, the theme being red and white of course, and I have learned to say, yes, please help! BTW, red tomatoes and a pc gc would sure come in handy when planning the party. Thanks! 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
That is a GREAT tip! And one that’s so hard for me, but I need to be better at it! Thanks Kathryn!
joy says
have a potluck backyard bbq – everyone brings a dish, then sits around and enjoys each other’s company in the backyard 😀
Ashley Fehr says
Potlucks are SO awesome! And you get to try all kinds of new dishes!
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Ashley! My slow cooker is becoming my best friend now that summer is here! I love that this only has a few ingredients. Even though I’m not eligible for the giveaway, my tip is to freeze seedless grapes and pop a few in a glass of wine to chill it a little (plus you get a snack).
Ashley Fehr says
That is GENIUS Dorothy! I love it — would be so great in juice for the kiddos too, as long as they’re not popping them in their mouths accidentally. I bet they would love that!
Brenda Penton says
I like to cut up lemon slices and freeze them to add to drinks when guests come over.
Ashley Fehr says
Frozen fruit is way better than ice cubes!
Caitlin says
I love making a big batch of iced tea