Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Subs are a delicious and easy meal made with chicken meatballs, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
The meatballs are slow-cooked in the slow cooker until tender and juicy, then placed on sub buns for a hearty and satisfying sandwich. This twist on a classic Italian dish is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
If you don’t have a slow cooker, these can be easily made in a skillet and an oven!
Key Ingredients
- Marinara sauce: One 32-40oz jar of store-bought marinara sauce is what you need here. It adds a rich and savory flavor to the meatballs, and an important ingredient for making chicken parm. Homemade marinara sauce would taste even better if you have it, but I typically go for Rao’s marinara sauce or the Costco brand.
- Eggs: Used as a binding agent to help the meatballs hold together.
- Breadcrumbs: Also used as a binder and to add some texture to the meatballs. Make sure not to use fresh breadcrumbs, you need dried breadcrumbs. Plain or Italian breadcrumbs work here.
- Yellow onion, garlic, and parsley: These 3 ingredients add a great seasoning and aroma to your meatballs. Do not skip them!
- Oregano: A classic Italian herb that adds that Italian flavor to your meatballs. Italian seasoning can be used in place of the oregano if needed.
- Ground chicken: The main protein source used for meatballs.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds a gooey, melted cheese layer on top of the meatballs and buns.
- Sub buns: The base for the chicken parm meatball sandwiches, which are toasted and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
How To Make Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Subs
- Pour half of the marinara sauce into a slow cooker.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and add the breadcrumbs, minced onion, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Add the ground chicken to the mixture and use your hands to mix until thoroughly combined.
- Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, and place them in the slow cooker. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs and cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- About 5 minutes before serving, place 2 slices of mozzarella cheese on top of each meatball that you want on your sub bun. Cover with the lid and wait until the cheese is slightly melted.
- Scoop out the meatballs with a large spoon and place them onto the sub buns. Sprinkle with parsley (optional) and serve.
Tips For Making Chicken Parm Subs in the Slow Cooker
- If you have the time, you can sear the meatballs in a skillet with a little bit of oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This will help them hold their shape better, and will give them a better crust.
- Toast the bread: To make the perfect chicken parm sub, toast the bread in the oven or under the broiler until it is golden brown and crispy before adding the meatballs with the sauce.
Recipe FAQs
I recommend storing the chicken parmesan meatballs in a separate container and only assemble the sandwich before serving as the bread can get soggy. Make sure that the mixture has cooled down before storing it in the fridge.
Yes, you can use a different type of cheese if you prefer. Some good options include provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Yes, you can make chicken parm subs without a slow cooker. You can cook the chicken in a skillet or oven, and then assemble the subs as usual.
Yes, you can use a different type of bread if you prefer. Hoagie rolls or French bread are popular choices for chicken parm subs.
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the slow cooker to cook with the sauce and the chicken. However, keep in mind that they may release moisture, which can change the texture of the sauce a little bit.
Don’t forget to check out all of my easy Slow Cooker Recipes! Some of my favorites include this Slow Cooker Ritz Chicken, Crock Pot French Onion Chicken, and this Slow Cooker Nacho Sloppy Joes.
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Subs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 32oz jar marinara sauce
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup dried breadcrumbs
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 8-10 slices mozzarella cheese
- 6-8 Sub buns
Instructions
- Pour half of the marinara sauce into a slow cooker.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and add the breadcrumbs, minced onion, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add the ground chicken to the mixture and use your hands to mix until thoroughly combined.
- Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, and place them in the slow cooker. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs and cover the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- About 5 minutes before serving, place 2 slices of mozzarella cheese on top of each meatball that you want on your sub bun. Cover with the lid and wait until the cheese is slightly melted.
- Scoop out the meatballs with a large spoon and place them onto the sub buns. Sprinkle with parsley (optional) and serve.
Notes
- If you have the time, you can sear the meatballs in a skillet with a little bit of oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This will help them hold their shape better, and will give them a better crust.
- Toast the bread: To make the perfect chicken parm sub, toast the bread in the oven or under the broiler until it is golden brown and crispy before adding the meatballs with the sauce.
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
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