If you are craving something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you need to try this Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe. It’s absolutely packed with tender, juicy shredded chicken, perfectly enveloped in a luscious, creamy spread made from crushed Ritz crackers that add just the right buttery crunch. Every bite offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that makes it an instant favorite for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you taste this, it’ll quickly become your go-to sandwich that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple but each ingredient plays a star role in crafting that mouthwatering flavor and lovely creamy texture. From the delicate cream of chicken soup that provides comforting richness, to the buttery Ritz crackers that bring irresistible crunch and body to the spread, every component is essential.
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast: The base protein that cooks up tender and juicy, perfect for shredding easily.
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup: Offers rich, creamy flavor and helps create the silky spread consistency.
- 1 cup chicken stock: Keeps the mixture moist and contributes savory depth.
- 1 sleeve crushed Ritz butter crackers (about 1-1/4 cups): Adds buttery crunch and thickens the creamy spread perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: A touch of fresh green flavor and lovely color speckles.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings gentle warmth and subtle savoriness.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a bit of spice to balance the creaminess.
- Kosher salt (to taste): Essential seasoning to enhance all flavors.
How to Make Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Start by placing the chicken breasts, chicken stock, and condensed cream of chicken soup directly into your Instant Pot. Make sure the lid is sealed tightly and the vent is set to “sealed” before you set it to manual high pressure for 10 minutes. This method cooks the chicken quickly while locking in moisture and rich flavors.
Step 2: Release Pressure and Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking cycle ends, carefully release the pressure manually. Remove the chicken breasts onto a cutting board or plate and shred them using two forks — the meat should fall apart with no effort at all, tender and juicy. Keep the flavorful cooking juices in the pot; they’ll be part of the magic sauce that makes this sandwich incredible.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the shredded chicken back into the Instant Pot with the reserved cooking juices. Add the crushed Ritz crackers, dried parsley, garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper, and kosher salt to taste. Stir everything together until well combined. The crackers will soak up the liquid and create a creamy, flavorful spread that clings beautifully to sandwich buns.
Step 4: Set the Mixture
Let the mixture rest for about 20 minutes off heat. This pause allows the Ritz crackers to thicken the spread perfectly. If it feels too thin, add a little more crushed crackers; if too thick, a splash of chicken stock will give you the ideal creamy consistency. This step is the key to that luscious texture you’ll love.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Warm and juicy, this creamy shredded chicken spread is now ready to be spooned generously onto your favorite buns. Serve immediately for the tastiest experience!
How to Serve Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh lettuce leaves or crisp slices of tomato add a refreshing crunch and a pop of color that brighten up this creamy sandwich. A few thin rings of red onion can also bring a lovely bite contrast.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with classic sides like crunchy coleslaw or kettle-cooked potato chips for extra texture. If you want to keep things on the lighter side, a crisp garden salad or some roasted vegetables also works well.
Creative Ways to Present
Take it up a notch by serving the chicken spread on toasted brioche or ciabatta buns for a more gourmet feel. You could also make sliders for parties or double up the filling in a warm pita pocket. The versatility of this Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe makes it perfect for many occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing to keep that richness intact.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it should keep well for up to 2 months. When you want a quick meal, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. If the spread seems a bit dry, add a splash of chicken stock to bring back its creamy, saucy texture. Oven reheating wrapped in foil also works well for slower, even warming.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using pre-shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just warm it with the cream of chicken soup and chicken stock, then stir in the crushed Ritz crackers and seasonings. It’s a great time saver without sacrificing flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for making in a slow cooker?
Yes, it adapts perfectly for slow cooking. Combine the chicken breasts, condensed soup, and a little chicken stock in the slow cooker, cook on low for 4 hours, shred the chicken, then add the crushed crackers and seasonings. Let it cook another 30 minutes before serving.
Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, substitute the Ritz crackers for a gluten-free buttery cracker alternative. Make sure the cream of chicken soup and stock you use are also gluten-free friendly. This way you can still enjoy the creamy texture with no compromises.
How spicy is the sandwich? Can I add heat?
The original recipe is mild and comforting, perfect if you want something simple. However, if you love a little kick, adding some cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce when mixing the spread can add a nice layer of heat without overpowering the creamy goodness.
Can I prepare the chicken mixture in advance?
Yes! You can make the creamy shredded chicken mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature and reheat gently before serving. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it taste even better the next day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sandwich that’s both comforting and exciting, the Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and has a texture that’ll keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something deliciously nostalgic, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
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Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread is a deliciously comforting and easy-to-make recipe featuring tender shredded chicken cooked in a creamy sauce made from condensed cream of chicken soup and chicken stock, then mixed with buttery Ritz crackers for a rich and flavorful spread. Perfect for sandwiches or sliders, this recipe can be quickly prepared using an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or stovetop, making it versatile for any kitchen.
Ingredients
Chicken and Base Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken stock
Flavorings and Seasonings
- 1 sleeve crushed Ritz butter crackers (about 1–1/4 cup)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Kosher salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Instant Pot: Place the chicken breasts, chicken stock, and condensed cream of chicken soup into the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and ensure the vent is set to the ‘sealed’ position.
- Cook Chicken Under Pressure: Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes to cook the chicken until tender.
- Release Pressure and Shred Chicken: After the cooking cycle completes, manually release the pressure. Remove the chicken breasts and shred them finely using two forks, leaving the cooking juices in the pot.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot. Stir in the crushed Ritz crackers, dried parsley, garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper, and adjust kosher salt to taste for seasoning.
- Set Mixture: Let the mixture rest for 20 minutes to allow it to thicken and absorb the flavors. Adjust the consistency by adding more crushed crackers if too thin or a splash of chicken stock if too thick.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy, shredded chicken mixture onto sandwich buns and serve hot, delivering a juicy and flavorful sandwich experience.
- Slow Cooker Option: Place chicken breasts, 1/4 cup chicken stock, and condensed cream of chicken soup in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours. Shred the chicken, return it to the slow cooker, stir in crushed crackers and seasonings, cover, and continue cooking for another 30 minutes. Adjust thickness as needed before serving.
- Stovetop Option: In a large skillet or pot, combine condensed cream of chicken soup, 1 cup chicken stock, and seasonings over medium-high heat. Add 2.5 to 3 pounds pre-shredded or rotisserie chicken. Warm through thoroughly, then stir in crushed Ritz crackers. Adjust thickness with additional crackers or stock as necessary before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning and salt according to taste and dietary preferences.
- Letting the mixture rest after combining helps the crackers absorb moisture, thickening the spread perfectly.
- You can prepare this recipe using three methods: Instant Pot, slow cooker, or stovetop depending on your available equipment and time.
- Using rotisserie chicken for the stovetop method is a great shortcut to save time.
- If the mixture becomes too thick to spread easily, add a little more chicken stock to loosen it up.
- This dish is perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or even as a warm dip with crackers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
