Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious meal that feels like a big hug in sandwich form, you’ve come to the right place! This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s great for family gatherings or casual get-togethers when you want to impress your loved ones with minimal effort!

The magic of this recipe lies in how easy it is to prepare. Just set everything up in the crockpot, and let it do the work while you go about your day. The result? Tender, flavorful chicken combined with sweet peppers and onions, all topped off with gooey cheese—all without any fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic—no fussing over the stove!
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Everyone loves a good cheesesteak, and this healthier version doesn’t skimp on taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap out veggies or proteins based on what you have on hand.
• Comfort Food Done Right: Enjoy all the comfort of a classic cheesesteak while sticking to your healthy eating goals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Let’s gather everything we need to create this mouthwatering dish!

For the Chicken

• 1.5 – 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or Thighs)

For the Vegetables

• 1 Large Yellow Onion, thinly sliced
• 2-3 Large Bell Peppers (a mix of colors like green, red, and yellow), thinly sliced
• 4-6 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 8 oz Cremini or White Button Mushrooms, sliced (optional but recommended)

For the Broth

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

For Extra Flavor

• 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 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 Black Pepper, freshly ground
• 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder

For Topping

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

For Serving

• 6-8 Whole Wheat Hoagie Rolls or Sub Rolls

Variations

One of the best things about this Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use turkey breast or even shredded jackfruit for a vegetarian option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in zucchini or spinach for an extra serving of greens.
• Change up the cheese: Try different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor.
• Spice it up: Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!

How to Make Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by thinly slicing your onion(s) and bell peppers. If you’re using mushrooms, slice those too, and don’t forget to mince the garlic! The thinner your slices are, the more tender they’ll become during cooking. Uniformity is essential here; it helps ensure an even cooking process.

Step 2: Sauté for Extra Flavor

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté your sliced onions and bell peppers (and mushrooms if using). Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and turn translucent. This step enhances their flavor significantly! Adding minced garlic at the end makes everything smell heavenly.

Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Transfer those delicious sautéed veggies to your slow cooker. If you skipped sautéing them, just place all your raw vegetables directly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Creating this bed of veggies helps prevent sticking while allowing everything to steam beautifully above.

Step 4: Add Your Chicken

Place your boneless chicken breasts (or thighs) right on top of that lovely vegetable layer. Pour in your low-sodium broth and Worcestershire sauce over everything. Sprinkle on those herbs and spices evenly over the chicken—this will infuse so much flavor into every bite!

Step 5: Set It to Cook

Put on the lid and choose either LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours based on your schedule. The chicken will be perfectly cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C and shreds easily with two forks.

Step 6: Shred Your Chicken

Once cooked, remove that succulent chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside on a cutting board or bowl. Leave those juicy vegetables behind—they’re still working hard! Shred that chicken into bite-sized pieces; it should fall apart effortlessly if cooked well.

Step 7: Mix It Up

Return that shredded chicken back into the slow cooker along with all those flavorful juices from cooking. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together nicely. Let it sit in there for another 10-15 minutes to soak up even more flavor—trust me; it’s worth it!

Step 8: Cheese Time!

If you want cheesy goodness throughout, stir in about half of your cheese directly into that warm mixture until it melts beautifully.

Step 9: Toast Those Rolls

While that’s happening, toast your whole wheat hoagie rolls lightly under a broiler or in a toaster oven so they get that perfect texture—crispy outside but soft inside.

Step 10: Assemble Your Sandwiches

Using tongs or a slotted spoon to drain excess liquid if desired, generously pile that warm chicken mixture onto each toasted roll.

Step 11: Top with Cheese

If you didn’t melt cheese in before, now’s your chance! Place one or two slices directly on top of each portion of warm filling—or pop them under the broiler briefly if they’re oven-safe until bubbly!

Step 12: Serve & Enjoy!

Dig right into these scrumptious sandwiches hot from the kitchen! I guarantee they’ll be an instant hit at any table!

Pro Tips for Making Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Cooking can be even more enjoyable with a few tips to enhance your dish! Here are some tried-and-true suggestions to make your Chicken Philly Cheesesteaks a hit.

• Prep Ahead: Take some time to slice your vegetables and marinate the chicken the night before. This not only saves you time during meal prep but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like zucchini or spinach. Adding more veggies boosts the nutritional value and keeps the dish colorful and vibrant, making it even more appealing.
• Use Low-Fat Cheese: Opting for reduced-fat cheese not only cuts down on calories but also maintains the cheesy goodness without compromising on flavor. It’s a simple swap that makes a big difference!
• Adjust Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to taste and tweak the seasonings at the end. A little extra salt, pepper, or herbs can elevate your dish and cater it to your personal taste preferences.
• Double Up for Leftovers: Consider making a double batch so you have leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors often get better as they sit, making them an excellent option for meal prep!

How to Serve Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Serving up these delicious Chicken Philly Cheesesteaks can be just as fun as preparing them! Here are some ideas on how to present this flavorful dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each bite.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding sliced jalapeños can bring an exciting kick to your cheesesteak.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices not only enhance the flavor but also add healthy fats, making your meal even more nutritious.

Side Dishes

• Sweet Potato Fries: These are a fantastic alternative to regular fries, offering sweetness and additional vitamins while providing that satisfying crunch.
• Green Salad: A light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette complements the richness of cheesesteaks perfectly while adding freshness.
• Steamed Broccoli: Steamed broccoli is an easy side packed with nutrients. Its slight bitterness balances out the savory flavors of the cheesesteaks nicely.
• Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with diced cucumbers, bell peppers, and a lemon dressing adds protein and fiber, creating a wholesome meal experience alongside your cheesesteaks.

Now that you’re all set with tips and serving ideas, enjoy crafting this delicious dish that promises comfort without guilt!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe is perfect for meal prep! It stores beautifully, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or lunches. Here’s how to make the most of your leftovers:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken and vegetable mixture to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Keep the cheese separate if you prefer to melt it fresh when serving.

Freezing

• Cool the chicken and veggie mixture fully before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• For microwave reheating, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe:

Can I make this Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe without cheese?

Absolutely! You can enjoy this dish without cheese for a lighter option. Just add more veggies or serve it over a bed of greens for a delightful twist.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce in this Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe?

You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or coconut aminos for a similar depth of flavor without compromising the overall taste.

How long does it take to cook the Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe?

Cooking on LOW takes about 4-6 hours, while cooking on HIGH will take around 2-3 hours. Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Can I use frozen chicken in this Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just extend the cooking time by about an hour on LOW and ensure it’s fully cooked through before serving.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try making this Healthy Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe at home! It’s not just a meal; it’s a cozy gathering around the table filled with delicious flavors. Enjoy every bite as you savor the warmth and comfort that comes from homemade goodness. Happy cooking!