Get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering Italian delight that will have your taste buds singing! Our Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatball Subs are the perfect blend of savory flavors and comforting textures, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce, all nestled in a warm sub roll and topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply craving a satisfying dinner, this recipe is your ticket to a culinary masterpiece that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Don't miss out on the secret to creating these scrumptious subs—read on and discover how to make this crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 6 sub rolls
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 1 lb of ground chicken, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 egg. Also, have 2 cups of marinara sauce, 6 sub rolls, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese ready. Make sure you have salt and pepper on hand for seasoning.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
- Once the mixture is well combined, form it into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 12-15 meatballs, depending on the size.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 4-5 minutes. This step adds flavor but is not necessary for cooking through, as they will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
- After browning, transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker. Pour the 2 cups of marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are all covered. If desired, you can add additional spices or herbs to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Cook for approximately 6 hours. The meatballs should be cooked through and tender by the end of this cooking time.
- About 15 minutes before serving, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the sub rolls by slicing them open but not all the way through, creating a pocket for the meatballs.
- Once the slow cooking time is complete, carefully remove the meatballs from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon. Place 2-3 meatballs in each sub roll, then spoon some of the marinara sauce from the slow cooker over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatball subs. Place the filled subs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the cheese is melted and the subs are heated through, remove them from the oven. Allow to cool for a minute before serving.
- Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatball Subs warm, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Mix Well: When combining the meatball ingredients, ensure that everything is mixed thoroughly for a uniform texture. This will help your meatballs hold together while cooking.
- Browning is Key: Although browning the meatballs is optional, it adds a depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish. Don’t skip this step if you have the time!
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to jazz up your marinara sauce with additional spices like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
- Choose the Right Rolls: Opt for sturdy sub rolls that can hold the hearty meatballs and sauce without falling apart. Freshly baked rolls will give you the best results.
- Melted Cheese Magic: For an extra cheesy finish, consider broiling the subs for a minute or two after baking to get that golden, bubbly cheese crust.
- Garnish for Flair: Elevate your presentation by garnishing your subs with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped basil before serving.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just form the meatballs and follow the cooking instructions when you're ready to eat!With these tips in hand, you're all set to create a delicious meal that will impress family and friends alike!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
