These Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches are a flavorful and effortless meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Tender, shredded chicken is cooked slowly to perfection, then tossed in a rich Caesar dressing with Parmesan cheese and herbs. Serve it on soft buns with a fresh crunch of romaine lettuce for a sandwich that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making sliders for a party or regular-sized sandwiches for dinner, these are a hit!
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless breasts; see Notes)
- 1-2 cups water or chicken broth
- ½ to 1 cup Caesar dressing (Cardini’s or Brianna’s Asiago Caesar recommended)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 12 slider buns or 4-6 regular-sized hamburger buns
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- Place the chicken in a 4-quart slow cooker and add 1-2 cups of water or chicken broth. Cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easy to shred. If using chicken breasts, reduce cooking time to 3-4 hours. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add some of the Caesar dressing to the slow cooker while the chicken cooks.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon and place it on a cutting board. Discard the cooking liquid. Shred the chicken using two forks, discarding any fat or gristle.
- Season and Heat:
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Pour the Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and ground pepper over the chicken. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. Depending on how much chicken you have after shredding, you may need to adjust the amount of dressing—start with ½ cup and add more if necessary. Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spoon about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture onto each slider bun (or more if using regular-sized buns). Top with extra shredded Parmesan cheese and a handful of shredded romaine lettuce. Serve immediately.
Notes:
- Choosing Chicken: While both thighs and breasts work well in this recipe, chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and are more forgiving if cooked a bit longer. If using chicken breasts, keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
- Instant Pot Instructions: If you’re in a hurry, you can make this dish in an Instant Pot. Add the chicken and 1 cup of water or chicken broth to the pot, then cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally, then drain the liquid and proceed to shred the chicken and mix with the other ingredients as directed.
- Serving Ideas: These sandwiches pair beautifully with a side of sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or a cup of creamy tomato soup. For a fun twist, you can also serve the shredded chicken over a Caesar salad for a low-carb option.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: The chicken mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before assembling the sandwiches.
- Crowd Pleaser: If you’re hosting a party or gathering, double the recipe and set up a sandwich station with various toppings like sliced tomatoes, avocado, or crispy bacon for guests to customize their sandwiches.
- Leftovers: Use any leftover chicken mixture in wraps, on top of salads, or as a filling for quesadillas.
These Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches are a delicious and versatile meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!
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