Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches are my favorite recipe to feed a crowd. I’m always looking for the best slow cooker chicken recipes where you can just throw the chicken in the crockpot and come back to a delicious healthy dinner. These can also be made in the Instant Pot!
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SLOW COOKER CHICKEN CAESAR SANDWICHES
For some reason, during this pregnancy half the food I crave is really bad for me. (This is an old post. I’m not pregnant.)
The other half is really, really bad for me.
For example, my husband bought one of those huge bags of chocolate at Costco for his seminary students.
You know those big bags of assorted miniature candy bars that they sell around Halloween. He hid the bag, because hello, he’s been married 10 years to me and knows better.
I, of course, found his hiding spot and smuggled a treat for myself and the kids every once in while.
I didn’t think I did much damage but after two weeks he checked his stash and was shocked to see that all that was left was a plethora of plain M&Ms.
Oops.
So after a slight reprimanding by my husband on self control, rebutted by me explaining that “chocolate makes me happy and doesn’t he want me to be happy?“, I headed to Costco to replace his bag of chocolate.
I don’t know what it is about Costco but I seem to be a magnet there for unnecessary comments. Remember when the checker called me lazy.
Well this time as I was checking out, I was immediately stopped by the checker as she said, “Whoa…don’t lift any of that. You’re going to pop any second.”
“Nope.” I said, still unloading my cart. “I still have 12 weeks.”
I didn’t have the heart to tell her that I actually am a lot smaller this pregnancy than any of my other pregnancies. Which really isn’t saying much.
“Are you sure?” she said.
Oh man, Do I really have to answer that? – I thought to myself. In her defense, I did just eat a Costco sized bag of chocolate. At least is was better than the, “There’s no way there’s only one baby in there.” comment.
Doesn’t everyone know the only thing you should EVER say to a pregnant woman is, “You look great.”
These Slow-Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches will have everyone saying only good things.
I found them on my SIL Kristy’s blog and since I trust her taste, I knew I had to try them. I’ve had a hankering for Chicken Caesar salad or Chicken Caesar anything lately and these were super easy and hit the spot.
The chicken thighs fall apart in the crockpot and are so much more tender than chicken breasts (although you could use those too). My family loved these.
OTHER CHICKEN RECIPES:
- Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken
- Hawaiian Grilled Chicken
- Crock Pot Italian Chicken
- Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Easy Crockpot Fiesta Chicken
- Crockpot Italian Chicken
- Cheesy Bean Chicken Salsa
Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, (or boneless skinless breasts - see Notes)
- 1/2 to 1 cup of your favorite Caesar dressing, (I like Cardini's and Brianna's Asiago Caesar)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley, (if you don't have fresh use around 2 teaspoons of dried parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 12 slider buns or 4-6 regular sized hamburger buns
Instructions
- Place chicken in a 4 quart slow cooker with 1-2 cups of water or chicken broth, cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. If using breasts cook for 3-4 hours. If you have extra Caesar dressing throw some in with the chicken.
- Remove chicken from cooker using a slotted spoon and drain the water from the slow cooker. Place chicken on a cutting board and pull chicken into shreds, discarding any fat.
- Place chicken back in the cooker and pour dressing, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and pepper over the top. I really make sure that I discard any fat pieces so by the time I was done I only used about 1/2 cup of dressing but you make need more if you have more chicken. Stir until mixed evenly. Cover and cook on high heat for 30 minutes or until mixture is hot.
- Spoon 1/4 cup mixture onto each slider bun if you are making sliders or more for regular sized buns. Top with extra shredded Parmesan cheese and lettuce to serve.
- Instant Pot instructions: Add chicken thighs and about 1 cup of water or chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Bring up to pressure and cook for 8 minutes. Let pressure release naturally. Drain the liquid from the pot and proceed to Step 3.
Notes
You could also just used rotisserie chicken in a hurry instead of slow cooking the chicken.
I just put the cooked meat into my kitchen aid stand mixer with the beater attachment to shred the chicken. It shreds it perfectly, and you don’t have to give yourself carpal tunnel shredding several pounds of meat!
PLUS it is mesmerizing to watch!
Sidenote: I absolutely LOVE Brianna’s dressings, so good!!!!
Sounds great. Obviously an easy way to entertain around swimming pool or on Patio.
Yes, totally!
Can the chicken be put in the fridge after being made so it can be served up as a cold chicken salad sandwich? I happen to love it like that!
Sure! I don’t see why not.
A very simple recipe for a very delicious sandwich. It takes little to no time prepare, and the slow cooker does all the work for you. I made these as regular sized sandwiches for a simple dinner. I served it with potato salad, but I think it would also be great with a pasta salad or even just simple potato chips. I used Ken’s Creamy Caesar dressing because that is our #1 favorite.
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it.
Hi! I’ve tried this before and loved it. The only difference is I used the chicken breasts. Anyway, I’m thinking of serving this up for my daughter’s birthday party. It’d be easy, affordable and tasty! However, I’m wondering, by how much should I multiply this recipe? There should be about 25-30 people, plus about 5 kids.
I’d love some suggestions!
And I’m about towards the end of my third pregnancy, this by far has been the WORST as far as cravings so I totally get you!
Ooh. I don’t know if I’m the person to ask. I always overestimate. I would do it x 5 if I were you.
Made these for Christmas eve 2014 and they were a hit. I had them in the crock pot keeping warm, so they got a bit dry while waiting for all my guests to arrive. I added more dressing which kept them moist and added to the flavor. So if you are starting out keeping them warm for an extended time for a party, adjust or add accordingly.
Do you know if this recipe would freeze well? Wanted to try it for a freezer meal club…
I don’t see why not? I think it would freeze great.
Thank you for the nice recipe.
I know I’m late catching on to these, but they sound delicious! I’m planning on making them this week. There’s only two of us and I was thinking about cutting the recipe to a pound of chicken. Would the cook time change at all?
I actually think it will take about the same time, maybe a tiny bit less. Good luck!
do you think this recipe would be a good one to double and freeze? Thank you!
Marie,
Yes! I think this would freeze great.
It’s unanimous at my house…this is a keeper! I am always on the hunt for yummy crockpot recipes. Glad I found this one. Can’t wait to use it next football season as I think it will be perfect for a crowd.
Hi Christy, wanted to thank you for sharing this recipe. I made this recently and it was a hit. Definitely a repeat in my kitchen. Hope you don’t mind but have shared your recipe on my blog. Thanks again!
I’m making these for a friends baby shower tomorrow!
I’ve made this before and LOVED it! So easy and very delicious. I’m going to make it again this week, and I’m wondering if anyone has any ideas for how to re-purpose the leftovers? I’ve loved this for sandwiches but my husband gets whiny if something resembles leftovers so I try to make it something different the second time around. Also, I agree about using chicken broth in place of the water in the crockpot. That is how I cook chicken all the time now, and then flavor it so many different ways once it’s cooked. Thanks for this great recipe.
Maybe roll it up in a tortilla for wraps or on top of a salad. He might notice still though…:)
Hi I’m making this tonite and i never put thighs in a crockpot. Would 5 hours be best since its in the middle and is more or less of the dressing better? Thank you.
Lindsay,
Sorry. It’s probably too late. 4 hours should be enough but thighs are good at staying moist so 5 is good too. I think more dressing the better but it’s totally your preference.
How many servings does this make
Made this tonight (so easy) and my husband, four children, and I scarfed it down! Everyone gave it either a 9 or a 10 in yumminess. 🙂 I will indefinitely be adding this to my slow cooker meals lineup. Thanks so much for this recipe!
Do you have a cookbook that i can purchase.
@shirley Bays,
No! I wish!!
My family always say that I am wasting my time here at web, except I know I am getting familiarity every day by reading such pleasant posts.
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something that I think I would never understand.
It seems too complex and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
I forgot to put a link to my blog post, Thanks again. 🙂
http://www.clevercraftycookinmama.com/
I’ve made this recipe a couple of times (found on pinterest) and our family just loves it. Increasing the amounts makes it great for parties. I blogged about this recipe and every time I make this a totally forget to take a good picture of them. I used your picture and gave credit to you and a link back to your site.
Also I sped up the chicken processing time by boiling frozen breasts in water for 20 minutes and shredding that way. Takes less time if you want to make them quickly. (Then throw them in the pot and heat through as normal. Thanks for the great recipe, a new family favorite!
Jenn
Ok. I don’t usually leave comments but this recipe demanded it. Simple but delicious is how I describe it. I made it for dinner. The kids ateit without a bun and there were no complaints. I ate leftovers today, cold, on a toasted bun with romaine and it was just like eating a Caesar salad with chicken. Thanks for the recipe.
@Anonymous,
I use thawed chicken but I have used frozen before too. Just make sure you give an extra 1-2 hours to cook if frozen.
Do I use frozen chicken or thawed?
I just found you and you are my kinda girl…I have laughed my butt off…Love your spirit!!! Anyway, thanks for sharing such wonderful recipes. I have a 10 ingredient rule(I make nothing that has more than 10 ingredients) and so far I have saved five to make in the next 2 weeks. (so excited)
Thank you so much. Keep up the good work. Karen
My 13 year old daughter said it was delicious.
I helped my 15 year old make it.
So good! Am going to recommend it to my friends on Facebook!
Hi Christy!
I made these for a couple of friends the other night and they were WONDERFUL! Thank you so much!
Heather
http://adventuresofthecanegirl.blogspot.ca/2012/07/rtg-chicken-caesar-salad-sandwiches.html
@Nicole Tucci,
This recipe makes 4-6 regular sandwiches or 12 slider sized sandwiches.
Hi There! Just wondering how many this recipe feeds?!
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! It was my turn to cook dinner for my family a couple of nights ago and I was looking for something new when I stumbled across your recipe on Pinterest. Oh my God, this was absolutely phenomenal! Even my picky dad (who still doesn’t quite trust me in the kitchen, hah) loved this! Definitely will be making again 🙂
I LOVE these easy crock pot recipes! Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy cooking, but I have to be in the mood… and I’ve GOTTA cook whether in the mood or not, so these help! lol
What is it with these people and their pregnancy comments???!!! I’ll never forget my older sister, who, for some reason, has always felt there was some kind of competition between us, telling me, ‘God, your butt is getting HUGE’, during my first pregnancy! That totally traumatized me! I mean, honestly, when I later lost my baby weight, I got really way too skinny, but when this SAME sister told me, ‘you’re so skinny you look sick!’, I actually had to smile to myself! People can really be horrible… they really should think about how emotional we get when pregnant… and hey, we shouldn’t be held responsible for any actions that come about as a result of such comments!!! lol
@Disneypal,
Thanks for the heads up. This isn’t the first time with that site unfortunately…:(
I Just found your recipe and can’t wait to try it. I just looked at that site that pilfered your recipe and she not only still hasn’t given you & your site credit, she also has one of your comments as her note to the right of the picture. To the side of the page she mentions that this recipe is in a cookbook that you can download or buy. When I checked download it says you have to be a premium member for 99 cents/month or to buy it’s (cant quite remember exact) about $22 plus 1 yr membership fee. I tried to download to see if she gave you credit in the book that she’s making money on.
What site is it?
I know I am late to the party. Typical me…. Anyway, the cookbook is still for sale, it is on the just a pinch website. On the right side of the page. Inside of the cookbook the author credits many of the recipes. But, she did not seem to credit yours. You can look inside the cookbook without buying it. And, your recipe is in there. 🙁
I just found your recipe on pinterest, looking for something for a church luncheon. I cannot wait to make these this week. Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome!
I love your blog – just thought you’d like to know that someone has copied your photo (she cropped out the name of your blog) and even copied your wording from the text in your blog and is posting this recipes as her own submission on a recipe website.
I thought you would want to know.
http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/main-course/chicken/chicken-caesar-sandwiches-crock-pot-style.html?p=7
Oh this sounds wonderful!!!! Will definitely be giving it a try.
@Sarah, I love this tip. It’s so much easier that way. I shared it with my chicken taco soup here: https://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2008/10/post-trick-or-treating-soup.html
Making this for tomorrow and can’t wait to try them! Tip for step #2. If you have a KitchenAid mixer, put the cooked chicken breasts into the bowl and use the regular flat beater attachment to shred the chicken. Saves SO much time and the chicken is perfectly shredded!
I tried this recipe with a whole roasted chicken from the grocery store. I just shredded the chicken then on the stove top added all the ingredients. The entire family loved it! The leftovers were great the next day rolled up in a flour tortilla with a little lettuce! 🙂
Thanks for the great recipe!
Just made this and it is so simple, easy on the wallet, feeds a group and most importantly- delicious!
Sad but true- made this for my anniversary with my boyfriend because he loves Mexican food & works crazy hours so it’s hard to go out. He was definitely pleased and is looking forward to the leftovers!
@angel, sorry. I think my comment last week was deleted! I would serve it wilts corn on the cob and baked beans.
Angel…
I haven’t made these (yet), but I would probably serve some sweet potato fries with this! 🙂
What did you serve with this? It is on my menu for this weekend and I am stumped as to what to serve with it.
I made these without the crockpot, took a rotisserie chicken and shredded it and simmered in the ceasar dressing on the stovetop. I loved them and the kids ate all of their sandwiches which never happens. I also skipped the pesto mayo, we have nut allergies, and added a slice of tomato. I’ll be keeping this in my emergency dinner plan, so easy to throw together at the last minute!
I have this in the crock pot right now! I used garlic caesar dressing so I hope it’s just right!
Well, that explains it. I bought the oily. I mixed it in (and had to use a whole bottle) and was like, hmmmm, on second thought, this doesn’t seem right. It was not bad, my husband ate like 6 sliders. But it wasn’t “Crave worthy”. I will definitely try it again. Love your stuff!
@Janeabelle,
Definitely use a creamy caesar dressing for this one!
Hey Girl! Are you making this this with a creamy ceasar dressing or an oily?
Thanks!
@Kelly,
Oh my gosh! Glad it wasn’t just me 🙂 I think pregnant woman are less common out here so people don’t know what to say to them. I love Tricia. So sad she moved away.
I have been quietly following your blog for quite a while now. I love every recipe on here! This is my first comment. My sister in law is Tricia, she introduced me to your site. I came to visit her in Florida and heard the meanest comments about my pregnancy. “You MUST be having triplets! or There can’t be just one baby in there!” Floridians can be very cruel! I bet you look fabulous! Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!
I’m sure you look great! That comment is still better than what someone just told me. they saw a pic of me pregnant on mt blog and said i needed to use some self control when it came to eating. Can you believe that?! People can be so insensitive sometimes. You eat all the chocolate you want.
I made this a few days ago and it was wonderful! I actually did make a minor change and used chicken broth to cook my chicken in. And I second the vote that Brianna’s Asiago Caesar is the best bottled Caesar dressing!
I love your blog entries. Hilarious. The recipes are just an added bonus 🙂
I made this for dinner tonight and it’s delicious! I used chicken breast and there wasn’t much in the way of fat, so I used more of the dressing to keep things moist. It was so tender even with the breast meat, and flavored so nicely.
Thank you for making dinner easier!
@Rachel,
Yes, you should drain the water from the crockpot after you cook the chicken.
Christy
Just found your site. I love it – its hilarious and that chicken sandwich looks soooo good. Can’t wait to try it. New follower!
http://www.imasillymami.com
when you take the chicken out of the crock pot to drain, do you get rid of the water in the crock pot before placing shredded chicken in?
@Witty,
Yeah, I think the dressing makes all the difference. Both Cardini and Brianna’s Asiago Caesar have a very strong taste so there’s definitely not anything missing with those.
Verdict is in – needed dressing with more lemon and garlic notes so buy some really good Caesar dressing (or make your own?) . I used Kraft and while it was good (my husband gave it an 8.5 out of 10), we all felt it needed a punch of something something. Nobody could quite put their finger on what. I’ll absolutely make again! The chicken was super tender – threw it in the crockpot with some leftover chicken broth and water to make up the difference. Couldn’t have been easier to prepare.
I’m making this for our family who is coming to help us re-shingle our garage tomorrow. Will report back. 🙂
Ha! I once heard a quote that said, “Never EVER ask a woman if she is pregnant or when she is having her her baby. Even if the baby is crowning and you are her gynecologist.” LOL
I love that your husband hit the chocolate! Sounds pretty familiar!
And if you have the nerve to ask a pregnant lady when she is due and she answers, you always say “That’s not so far away…”
Some people are just ignorant and rude. I bet you do look great.
Sometimes I am amazed at what people think they can get away with saying out loud! As for these sandwiches they sound absolutely perfect!
I love chicken caesar salads, this is a wonderful recipe for a slow cooker!
Funny thing–I’m not pregnant, and all the food I crave is really, really bad for me!
Sandwiches look yumtastic and easy!Have a great weekend!
You are too funny! I only have 8 days left-supposedly so I am eating all I can while it is ok to have a belly:) Best of luck with your pregnancy! Love this easy meal idea!
This filling looks incredible. I like the idea of even just making the filling and putting it atop a salad, with some bacon like a previous poster suggested. I think I’ll try that out. Thanks!
This is totally new for me, and I thought I tried every sandwich under the sun. I’m a new reader = ) Costco…. that place always had me going over my portion control.
I LOVE THIS COMMENT!!! “For some reason, during this pregnancy half the food I crave is really bad for me. The other half is really, really bad for me.” because seriously? It is my mantra as of late. I just CAN’T STOP!!!
The sandwiches are wonderful,have to try them soon.
@Mindy,
I totally hit the drive thrus for a while too! Why do I have to crave such bad things?!! Good for you on only 5 pounds so far…
@Tiffany,
I love Brittany and am so sorry you both had to go through losing a child.
On a lighter note, I too have bought replacement bags for my replacement bags! Haha! I would love your lasagna recipe. I’m always begging people for their recipes…
I’m due December 13th…
@Angie,
I have totally craved beef and cheddar sandwiches from Arby’s too. I haven’t actually caved in and bought one but now that you reminded me, I might have too dangit.
-Christy
You have to love comments from people, especially when you are pregnant! These sandwiches sound so amazing!
This is a really neat idea!
Those sandwiches look absolutely amazing…can’t wait to try out this recipe!!
Those look awesome and I will have to try them out this weekend! My husband and I LOVE caeser!
When I was pregnant when my son I received the “are you carrying twins” comment a few times. I was VERY moody throughout my horribly sick and sore pregnancy so I would snap back with a snotty comment.. Whoops….
Hey, be nice to a prego!
I did however crave roast beef and cheddar sandwiches from Arby’s, and ate them almost daily. That could have contributed to my “twins” look. possibly…. lol
This looks so tasty. I love chicken Caesar anything so I’m going to have to try this one for sure.
I love that your posts are so full of personality and not just “Here- have my recipe” and move on! I love that you share tidbits of your life along with your fabulous recipes! I’ve loved finding new things along with reading all your funny stories!
Sometimes I stock up on my favorite chocolates when they’re on sale, and I always make Brett hide them from me. And I always find them. and eat my way through a bag or two before getting caught!
Glad you liked this!
Oh my word that looks so yummy!
Christy…you are such a RIOT! No wonder you and Brittany Kunz are such good friends! (We became friends under poor circumstances…both our little boys passed away) but she is ALSO a riot!
I haven’t seen any pictures, but I bet you are one ADORABLE pregnant girl! And chocolate…I try to steer clear…but I’ve been know to get replacement bags for my replacement bag!!! 🙂 Especially, around halloween.
I think I have your email address…but I wanted to pass on my lasagna recipe for you. It’s pretty good if I do say so myself. But I will let the “girl who ate everything” be the judge!
Take care, and when are you due?
This recipe needs two things to be really great. Bacon – because all great Caesar salads have bacon and in place of a crunchy crouton I’d use a garlic / butter / oil combination and toast or grill the rolls.
Awesome additions. Love the recipe?!!
I feel for you! When I was pregnant with my first daughter, people starting asking in January if I was due anyday…I was due in May. 🙂
Hilarious. I had a complete meat aversion with my first pregnancy. All I wanted was cheesy Mexican food.
With my second, meat didn’t bother me and I craved Big Macs all day every day. It’s probably a good thing that I can’t remember how many I actually consumed.
With this one, I have no food aversions and craved any kind of nasty drive-thru for the first two months. I only gave in a few times though.
I’m at 19 weeks now and pretty much will eat anything you set in front of me. I
I gained 50 with the first two. So far with this one, I’ve only gained 5. Which is bizarre for someone who is constantly shoving their face. Maybe I can keep it at a “normal” weight gain this time. 🙂
I would have thought long and hard about whacking that checker over the head with my bag of chocolates. When I was only a few weeks along, my neighbor said, whoa, I see a little bump starting to show. I may have called him a naughty name after telling him that was my sandwich, not the baby.
These sammies sound delish. I’m bookmarking them.