1. Start by placing the chicken thighs in your slow cooker. Pour in 1 to 2 cups of water or chicken broth to keep the chicken moist. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat, cooking for about 4 to 6 hours. If you’re using chicken breasts, adjust the cooking time to around 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors.
2. Once the time is up, carefully remove the chicken using a slotted spoon. Drain the liquid from the slow cooker to avoid a soggy sandwich. Place the chicken on a cutting board and shred it using two forks, discarding any visible fat. You want the chicken to be tender and easy to pull apart.
3. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker. Pour in the Caesar dressing, followed by the Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and ground pepper. Mix everything well, ensuring that every shred of chicken is coated with the dressing and seasonings.
4. Cover the slow cooker and switch it to high heat. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 30 minutes. This step heats everything through and melds the flavors beautifully.
5. As the chicken mixture is heating, prepare your buns. If you’re using slider buns, feel free to slice them in half, but if you prefer regular hamburger buns, you can use them as is.
6. Once the mixture is hot, it’s time to assemble your sandwiches! Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto each slider bun or adjust according to your preference for regular buns. Don’t skimp on the filling!
7. Top the sandwiches with extra shredded Parmesan cheese and a generous handful of shredded romaine lettuce. The lettuce adds a wonderful crunch and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
8. Serve the sandwiches hot, and watch as everyone digs in! This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can always save leftovers (if there are any!) for later.
9. For an Instant Pot version, add the chicken thighs and about 1 cup of water or chicken broth to the pot. Cook under high pressure for 8 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally, then continue with the shredding and mixing steps as mentioned.
