Chicken French Dip Sandwiches

A sandwich with its own dipping sauce? This Chicken French Dip Sandwich features shredded chicken breast with melting cheese on a toasted hoagie roll. Add that amazing little bowl of jus for dipping, and you’ll find yourself standing at the doorway of SIB – Sandwich Induced Bliss.

I love a good French Dip Sandwich (and so does my family). But realizing that not everyone eats red meat, I wanted to create a version of this classic that uses chicken instead of roast beef. The result is a delicious sandwich that still delivers that wonderful French Dip experience.

The secret to this – and any – French Dip sandwich is in the dip. French Dip is served au jus, which means “with juice.”  The “juice” refers to the juices and seasoning from the meat that turn into a light broth during the cooking process. A small bowl of jus next to each person’s plate might result in squeals of delight as everyone finds new things to dip. French fries…Tater-Tots…carrot sticks (no judgment).

As a mom, I totally understand the “mom guilt” that goes with serving sandwiches for dinner. Sandwiches for dinner feel like you’re surrendering to your busy life. Silly, I know, but I understand. Chicken French Dip, however, is honestly one of those meals that feels perfectly normal for dinner. It’s hot, hearty, and filling. Trust me – you’ll achieve hero status with this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

The Chicken French Dip is made with onion, butter, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, minced garlic, salt, dried parsley, black pepper, thyme, boneless/skinless chicken breasts, Havarti cheese, and hoagie rolls.

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN FRENCH DIP SANDWICHES

Use a food processor to puree your onion. If you don’t have a food processor, a blender will work. Combine pureed onion in a bowl with butter, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, garlic, parsley, pepper, and thyme. Add chicken breasts and mix ingredients. 

MAKE IT A FREEZER MEAL

Do not cook! Pour all ingredients into a gallon-size freezer bag. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible and freeze.

MAKE IT NOW

Pour all ingredients into either the instant pot or crockpot and cook as directed below.

COOK IN INSTANT POT

From frozen, add contents into an instant pot. Sauté for 5 minutes or until you have about 1/4 cup of liquids. Cook for 30 minutes at high pressure then allow 10 minutes for natural release.
From thawed or freshly made, transfer into an instant pot. Cook for 28 minutes at high pressure, then allow 10 minutes for natural release.

COOK IN CROCK POT

From thawed or freshly made, transfer into slow cooker. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low 6-7 hours.

TO SERVE

Shred chicken on a cutting board with two forks.

Toast hoagie rolls under the broiler until golden. Place some shredded chicken on hoagie bottom, and top with a slice of Havarti cheese.

Spoon off and discard fat (or use fat separator) on liquids left in crock pot.

Serve this jus into small bowls and serve with each sandwich for dipping.

WHAT KIND OF BREAD SHOULD I USE?

I like to serve Chicken French Dip on hoagie rolls, but feel free to try something different. Kaiser rolls, Hawaiian rolls, and yeast rolls are all great choices. I find that sliced bread isn’t as sturdy as I’d like…and Ciabatta makes me work too hard to enjoy the flavor of the sandwich. But other than that, you really can’t go wrong when choosing a bread.

CAN YOU EAT THIS CHICKEN FRENCH DIP PLAIN WITHOUT A BUN?

High protein, low carb meals are super popular right now. If you want to skip the hoagie roll, Crock Pot Chicken French Dip is delicious as a bowl, too.

SHOULD I USE A SLOW COOKER OR INSTANT POT FOR THIS RECIPE?

My rule of thumb for cooking meat: If you have the time, slow-cooking is the way to go. In a slow cooker the meat is cooked more evenly and comes out more tender.

CAN I POUR THE JUS ON THE SANDWICH INSTEAD OF DIPPING IT?

My family loves the dip & dunk. Yes, things get a little messy, but it’s all in good fun. If you’d rather pour the jus directly on the sandwich, do it sparingly. If you add too much jus the bottom of your sandwich gets soggy and falls apart.

WHAT KIND OF CHEESE IS BEST FOR CHICKEN FRENCH DIP SANDWICHES?

Cheese choices are almost limitless for Slow Cooker Chicken French Dip. I make mine with Havarti, which melts nicely and adds a creamy flavor. But try it with cheddar, swiss, or smoked provolone. Whatever variety of cheese you choose, I do recommend using sliced cheese. The thickness is perfect and it’s super-easy for building your sandwich.

Some other outstanding sandwich recipes include Easy Philly Cheesesteaks and Asparagus Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. 

PRO TIPS/RECIPE NOTES

Be sure your dipping bowl is wide enough for you to dip your Chicken French Dip sandwich (or at least a corner of your sandwich). 

Customize your Chicken French Dip with sautéed onions, green peppers, or mushrooms. I suggest cooking these separately from the chicken, and then setting them aside. If they cook too long in the Slow Cooker or Instant Pot they tend to get mushy.

These make great sliders, too. Get a package of slider rolls instead of hoagie rolls, and you’re all set. Little hands will love the miniature sandwiches. Or serve them at parties alongside individual disposable ramekins of jus. You can also make your own slider rolls with this recipe.

Serve with French fries or tots for a restaurant-style French Dip experience.

WHAT OTHER RECIPES CAN YOU MAKE WITH CHICKEN?

• Make these Lime Cilantro Chicken with Avocado Salsa
• Create this Chicken Scampi
• Make this Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Prepare this One Pan Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
• Make these delicious Hawaiian Haystacks

The next time you make Chicken French Dip, I would love to see it! Snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #happymoneysaver and tagging me @happymoneysaver!