If Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwich is what you’re craving (or what your tired, over-it brain can handle today), you’re in the right kitchen. This is the kind of dinner that feels like you really tried… even if you mostly just opened the slow cooker and walked away like a woman with better things to do (because you do).
These sandwiches are warm, melty, garlicky, and borderline unfair to every boring lunch you’ve ever eaten. They’re also perfect for busy weekdays, picky-eater diplomacy, and those evenings when you want comfort food without the “why is every pan dirty?” aftermath.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwich
Let me count the ways—because this one earns its hype:
- It’s hands-off. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you live your life.
- It tastes like restaurant food. Parmesan + garlic + herbs = instant “wow.”
- Juicy chicken, every time. The broth + slow cook method keeps it tender and shred-ready.
- That toasted roll moment. Crispy, buttery bread with melty cheese? Yes. Always yes.
- Leftovers are even better. It reheats like a dream (and makes you look wildly organized).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your lineup for Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches—simple, pantry-friendly, and full of flavor:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium is great for controlling salt)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (not shredded—more on that below!)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is the boss here)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh if you’ve got it)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 sandwich rolls (ciabatta or brioche = elite choice)
- 2 tbsp melted butter + 1/2 tsp garlic powder (toasting magic)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or provolone for extra tang)
Why grated Parmesan instead of shredded?
Shredded Parmesan (the kind that looks like tiny cheese sticks) doesn’t melt into the sauce as smoothly. Grated Parmesan blends into the cooking liquid and makes the chicken taste richer and more “saucy,” without turning weird or stringy. Basically: grated = creamy magic.
How to Make Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches
This is the part where you feel like a domestic wizard with minimal effort.
Step 1: Season & Cook the Chicken
Nestle the chicken breasts into your slow cooker like you’re tucking them into a cozy garlic spa. Pour the chicken broth over the top to keep everything juicy.
In a small bowl, mix together:
- grated Parmesan
- minced garlic
- basil
- parsley
- salt and pepper
Sprinkle that Parmesan-garlic-herb goodness evenly over the chicken. Cover and cook:
- LOW for 6–7 hours, or
- HIGH for 3–4 hours
You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken practically sighs and falls apart when you poke it.
Step 2: Shred & Combine
Transfer the chicken to a plate and shred it with two forks. This part is oddly satisfying—like popping bubble wrap, but edible.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into all those glorious juices. This is where the flavor lives. Don’t skip the stir—every bite gets coated and stays moist.
Step 3: Toast the Rolls
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Mix melted butter with garlic powder. Split your rolls and brush the insides generously. (Not dainty. Not “just a little.” Be confident.)
Toast for about 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
That crunch with the tender chicken? It’s the whole point.
Step 4: Assemble & Melt the Cheese
Pile the shredded chicken onto the bottom halves of your toasted rolls. Top with a generous handful of mozzarella (or provolone if you want that sharper, deli-style vibe).
For peak meltiness, pop them under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until bubbly and just starting to brown.
Top with the other half of the roll, press gently, and try not to eat it standing over the stove like a hungry raccoon. (No judgment if you do.)
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot. Serve messy. Serve with napkins you pretend you don’t need.
Aneta’s Little Story From My Kitchen
This recipe became one of my go-to “save the day” dinners after one of those weeks where everything felt like a sprint—work, errands, life, and the classic question: “What’s for dinner?” (asked like it’s a quiz I should’ve studied for).
I tossed everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and by late afternoon my kitchen smelled like a cozy Italian deli had moved in. When I served these, the “mmm” sounds started immediately… and for a few minutes, everyone was too busy eating to ask me for anything. Honestly? That alone makes it worth it.

Cooking Tips for Sandwich Success
A few simple tricks to make your Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwich even more dreamy:
- Don’t overcook on HIGH if your slow cooker runs hot. If the chicken starts looking dry, switch to LOW next time.
- Want it thicker? After shredding, leave the lid off for 10–15 minutes on HIGH to let the liquid reduce slightly.
- Like it extra garlicky? Add 1 extra clove at the end (yes, at the end) for a brighter garlic punch.
- Cheese matters. Mozzarella = gooey and mild. Provolone = tangy and bold. Mix them if you can’t choose.
- If your sauce looks a little “separated,” don’t panic. Stir it well after shredding—the chicken soaks it up like a sponge with a delicious life purpose.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwich
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs stay even juicier in the slow cooker and shred beautifully. Use the same cook times, but check for tenderness near the end.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook and shred the chicken, then refrigerate it in the cooking juices. Reheat in a pot or slow cooker on LOW until warmed through, then build your sandwiches.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep the shredded chicken in an airtight container with the juices (important!) in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Store rolls separately so they don’t get soggy.
Can I freeze the shredded chicken?
Yes—freeze it with some of the cooking liquid for best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently.
What’s the best bread for Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches?
Ciabatta and brioche are both amazing. Ciabatta gives you that sturdy bite; brioche is softer and slightly sweet. Either way, toast it—future you will be grateful.
Make Tonight Feel Easier
If you need a meal that tastes like comfort, smells like you have your life together, and doesn’t demand you stand at the stove like it’s your full-time job—Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwich is the move.
Make it once, and you’ll catch yourself thinking, “Wait… dinner can be this easy?” And yes, it can. Now go enjoy that melty, garlicky bite of sandwich heaven—you earned it.
More Easy Dinners You’ll Want on Repeat
If this Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwich hit that cozy, melty sweet spot, don’t stop here—there are more warm, easy dinners waiting in the wings. Here are a few reader-favorites that match the same comforting, “everyone’s happy at the table” vibe:
- Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken – Sweet, garlicky, and super tender—another set-it-and-forget-it dinner that feels like a win.
- Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – If you loved the parmesan-garlic flavor, this creamy pasta version is pure comfort in a bowl.
- Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich – A fun sandwich twist with bold flavor (perfect when you want to switch things up but keep it easy).
- Slow Cooker Creamy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup – Cozy, creamy, and spoon-worthy—great for busy nights and leftover lunch the next day.
If you try this recipe (or any of these), I’d love to hear what you think! Scroll down and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review—your stars and comments help other home cooks find their next favorite dinner.
Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwich
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
Description
These Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches are juicy, garlicky, and loaded with melty mozzarella on buttery toasted rolls—an easy comfort-food win for busy nights.
Ingredients
-
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thawed if frozen)
-
1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tsp dried basil
-
1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh)
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1/2 tsp black pepper
-
6 sandwich rolls (ciabatta or brioche)
-
2 tbsp butter, melted
-
1/2 tsp garlic powder
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
Instructions
-
Cook the chicken: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth over the chicken.
-
Season: Sprinkle Parmesan, minced garlic, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken.
-
Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
-
Shred: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker juices and stir well.
-
Toast the rolls: Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix melted butter with garlic powder. Split rolls and brush the insides. Toast about 5 minutes until golden.
-
Assemble: Pile shredded chicken onto the bottom halves of the rolls. Top with mozzarella (or provolone).
-
Melt the cheese: Broil 1–2 minutes until bubbly (watch closely!). Add the top buns and serve warm.
Notes
Grated Parmesan melts smoother than shredded Parmesan for a creamier texture.
For extra saucy chicken, leave it on WARM for 10–15 minutes after shredding to soak up flavor.
Provolone adds a slightly sharper, deli-style bite.
Store leftover chicken with juices so it stays moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg