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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Lori says
Keep it casual and relaxed. I prep salads ahead of time and just grill on the patio while chatting. Just found your site, can’t wait to look at your other recipes!
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you Lori! That is often how we entertain in the summer too!
Jenness M says
When I have friends over for a bbq or bonfire I fill a massive bucket with ice to keep all the beer and white wine cold and for easy access!
Ashley Fehr says
Perfect!
Judy Cowan says
Best way to cook corn for a crowd in the summer is to throw it in a cooler and pour boiling water over it. Close lid and about 30 minutes later it will be ready.
Ashley Fehr says
That is genius! I’ve never tried that before!
kristen visser says
We hardly entertain but when we do we make sure to have a variety of alcoholic AND non alcoholic drinks, water on hand, variety of finger foods and snack that are healthy & not so healthy. Of course great music is a must 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
Variety is key for sure!
Jonnie says
My best tip is to prepare the weather. Whether it’s heat, rain, humidity or a cold spell, you need a plan to keep everyone comfortable.
Ashley Fehr says
Yes that is so important!
Kim Tanti says
My summer entertaining I try to prepair as much food ahead as possable. When setting the table I get the B.B.Q ready with utensiles and extra plates ect.
Ashley Fehr says
It really makes life so much easier!
Anne Taylor says
I love to do prep, prep and more prep before a party! We also like to use some frozen fruit as ice cubes!
Ashley Fehr says
I am going to have to try the frozen fruit trick! It’s way better than ice!
Sherry moffitt says
When we have a family BBQ, I always prepare as much as I can the day before . Whether it is some of the salads etc , leaving me more family time.
Ashley Fehr says
That’s so important! I am often left running around like a crazy woman!
Carla says
Always, always plan ahead! Know allergies, ages, preferences and have something for everyone so everyone feels welcome and included.
Ashley Fehr says
That’s super important! My brother in law has Celiac disease so it’s something we spend a lot more time planning for — but I would never want him to feel uncomfortable eating the food that’s been prepared!
sage says
My best advice is use paper plates and plastic cutlery. Helps clean up be a breeze.
Ashley Fehr says
We always do that when entertaining too!
Amy Heffernan says
Always make a variety of summer dips and salads. Finger trays are GREAT and colorful!
Thanks
Email–> amyjaneheffernan@gmail.com
Ashley Fehr says
Yes! And perfect for those who are getting hungry before the main event!
Amy Heffernan says
Yes! There are so many cute colorful snack options. 🙂 My fav is a HUGE veggie tray with ranch dip!
ivy pluchinsky says
How to keep ice cream from melting? put the bowls in the freezer so they are cold!
Ashley Fehr says
Great idea!
ivy pluchinsky says
My best summer entertaining tip is to plan, be organized, make sure you have enough food and drinks, and ask about food allergies!
angela m says
My best summer tip is to use cupcake liners and a straw in your drinks to keep the mosquitos out.
Ashley Fehr says
LOVE that one! I’ve seen it around but have never tried it!
Carl Nissen says
This looks so good,its great to have these tomatoes here in Canada .I like to plug my CrockPot outside,as everyone can make their own sandwiches.
Ashley Fehr says
Yes! We like to do that when it’s hot outside anyway, just to keep the heat out!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
I love easy weeknight dinners like this! I know these sandwiches would be a hit at our house!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jessica!
Alana LeSueur says
My best SUMMER entertaining tip is actually to draft up a plan with all the food recipes that I plan to make/bake, the grocery food ingredients required to pick up , and stick to it. Keep the recipes simple and quick to prepare fresh.
Ashley Fehr says
I am a big planner too so I LOVE this idea!
Danielle says
These sandwiches look incredible, Ashley! I love easy weeknight dinners, especially ones that I can just make in my slow cooker. Definitely pinning this one for later!
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, me too! Thanks Danielle!
Amanda says
for big crowds, pulled pork, beef, or chicken sandwiches are the way to go, with make ahead sides like macaroni salad or coleslaw (both are easy to make in large amounts and usually taste even better after sitting a while)
Ashley Fehr says
We love meals like that in the summer! We often just keep the salads in the fridge all week and then grill some meat for dinner — it’s super simple but is perfect for summer!
Gran says
I buy lemons by the bag,cut them into chunks,then freeze them. Great for cooling and flavouring ‘drinks’.
Ashley Fehr says
Great idea!