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Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 273 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • 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

Scale

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 11/4 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Kosher salt (to taste)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Cook Chicken Under Pressure: Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes to cook the chicken until tender.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Serve: Spoon the creamy, shredded chicken mixture onto sandwich buns and serve hot, delivering a juicy and flavorful sandwich experience.
  7. 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.
  8. 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