Crock Pot Italian Chicken Sandwiches

 

During the school year I always plan lunches to make on the weekend. However, I never seem to make them because we are busy or I just do not want to cook 3 meals a day. I'd rather spend some time relaxing before the next week starts. In the summer when school is out, I have much more time and actually make  meals for lunch.

This chicken was easy to prepare, I did have to get it going before my morning workout and have a bit of a later lunch since it takes 6 hours on low. It would also make a good dinner with a salad on the side. 

The original recipe used frozen garlic bread, but I wanted to make my own garlic bread. I used sourdough bread because it is my favorite and I knew it would hold up well to the chicken in the middle.

Crock Pot Italian Chicken Sandwiches

Ingredients:

Italian Chicken

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinlesss chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 15 ounce can petite cut diced tomatoes, well drained
• 1 tablespoons dried basil
• 4 slices provolone cheese

Garlic Bread

• 8 slices sourdough bread
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

Directions:

1. Place the chicken into a crock pot and place the drained tomatoes on top.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, tomato paste, sugar and red pepper flakes. Pour the mixture over the chicken and tomatoes.
3. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours.
4. Remove the chicken and shred using two forks. Return the chicken to the crock pot and stir.
5. Turn the oven to broil. Place a silpat onto a baking sheet.
6. In a small bowl, stir together the butter, garlic powder and parsley. Spread the mixture onto one side of all bread slices. Place the bread butter side up on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Broil until toasted to your liking, about 3-5 minutes. 
8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and turn the bread slices over and top 4 of the slices with a piece of cheese. Remove the other 4 slices from the baking sheet.
9. Return the baking sheet to the oven to melt the cheese, about 1-2 minutes.
10. Add desired amount of chicken to the garlic bread slices with cheese and top with remaining garlic bread slices.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 713
Total Fat		30.8g
Saturated Fat		12g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0g
Monounsaturated Fat		2g
Cholesterol		45mg
Sodium		1059mg
Total Carbohydrates		59.1g
Dietary Fiber		1.7g
Sugars		8.7g
Protein		48.4g
Calcium		2.8%
Iron		20.2%
Potassium		333.6mg
Vitamin A		5.1%
Vitamin C		1.2%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Foodtastic Mom.