If you’re craving a warm, comforting sandwich that feels like a big hug in every bite, this Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe is your new best friend. Tender shredded chicken bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce made extra special by crushed Ritz crackers creates an irresistible texture and flavor combination that’s quick to whip up yet impressive enough for guests. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing sandwich that’s moist, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Using simple yet essential ingredients is what makes this recipe approachable and deeply flavorful. Each element plays a key role in building the perfect balance of creaminess, tender chicken, and a hint of buttery crunch that makes this sandwich unforgettable.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast (3 pounds): The lean, tender base for shredding, providing protein-packed goodness.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (2 cans of 10.5 ounces each): Creates that irresistibly creamy and savory sauce that ties everything together.
- Chicken stock (1 cup): Adds depth and moisture for cooking the chicken perfectly and building the sauce’s body.
- Ritz butter crackers, crushed (1 sleeve, about 1¼ cups): Delivers a buttery crunch to the creamy spread and helps thicken it just right.
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Brings a touch of fresh, herby flavor and color.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick of warmth and earthiness.
- Freshly ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Provides a subtle spicy note that wakes up the palate.
- Kosher salt (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
How to Make Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Instant Pot
Start by adding the chicken breasts, chicken stock, and condensed cream of chicken soup into your Instant Pot. Make sure the lid is sealed tightly and the vent is set to the sealed position. Setting your Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes will cook the chicken until it’s super tender and easy to shred.
Step 2: Release Pressure and Shred Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, manually release the Instant Pot pressure, then carefully remove the chicken breasts. Use two forks to shred the chicken finely, ensuring every bite will be tender and flavorful. Leave the cooking juices in the pot as they’ll add tasty richness back into the sauce.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix in the crushed Ritz crackers, dried parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. This is where the magic happens—the crackers soak up the sauce, adding that creamy texture with a buttery hint that elevates every forkful.
Step 4: Let the Mixture Set
Allow the chicken and cracker mixture to rest for 20 minutes so it thickens to luscious perfection. If the consistency is too thin, add more crushed crackers; if too thick, a splash of chicken stock will loosen it up just right.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Juicy
Spoon the creamy shredded chicken mixture generously onto warm sandwich buns. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy spread, and soft bun is instantly satisfying and perfect for a casual family meal or a friendly get-together.
Slow Cooker and Stovetop Options
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, no worries! The slow cooker version is just as easy: cook the chicken breasts with some stock and soup on low for 4 hours, shred, then stir in the crackers and seasonings for another 30 minutes. For a stovetop shortcut, warm the soup and seasonings in a skillet, add shredded or rotisserie chicken, then stir in crushed crackers to thicken for a quick fix.
How to Serve Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe
Garnishes
Add a touch of freshness with garnishes like crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, or even some chopped green onions. A sprinkle of extra parsley on top not only brightens the look but also enhances the herbal notes in the spread.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides from classic crispy fries to a light, refreshing coleslaw. Roasted vegetables or a simple garden salad are great options that complement the richness of the creamy chicken without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shredded chicken mixture open-faced on toasted bread for an easy lunch or pile it onto buttery croissants for a decadent twist. For parties, offer mini slider buns so guests can enjoy this sumptuous spread in bite-sized portions. It also works beautifully stuffed into pita pockets or wrapped in tortillas for casual handheld meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover shredded chicken with creamy Ritz cracker spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day lunch option.
Freezing
This mixture freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for easy meals on busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken mixture gently over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken stock or water if it feels too thick. You can also microwave it covered in short increments, stirring in between to keep the creamy texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker—just stir in the shredded chicken with the creamy sauce and crackers on the stovetop to warm through.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
While Ritz crackers contain butter, you can try using a dairy-free buttery cracker substitute and a dairy-free condensed soup to adapt it, but the classic richness might differ.
Can I prepare this without an Instant Pot or slow cooker?
Yes! The stovetop method works well by warming the condensed soup with stock and seasonings, then adding pre-shredded chicken and crackers to finish the creamy mixture.
What type of bread works best for these sandwiches?
Soft sandwich buns or slider rolls are ideal because they soak up the creamy chicken nicely without falling apart. You can also try croissants or brioche for a richer flavor.
How can I adjust the thickness of the spread?
The thickness is easy to control by adding more crushed Ritz crackers to thicken or a bit more chicken stock to thin the mixture as it rests and absorbs flavors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe enough. It’s a glorious combination of textures and flavors that stays close to comfort food roots but feels special enough for any meal occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this sandwich is sure to bring smiles and second helpings. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. Tender chicken breasts are pressure-cooked with creamy condensed soup and chicken stock, then shredded and combined with crushed Ritz crackers and seasonings to create a creamy, thick filling. Served hot on buns, these sandwiches offer a juicy and satisfying meal. Multiple cooking options including Instant Pot, slow cooker, and stovetop make it versatile and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 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 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. Set to manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Release Pressure and Shred: After cooking, manually release the pressure. Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Leave the cooking juices in the pot.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the cooking juices. Stir in the crushed Ritz crackers, dried parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and adjust kosher salt to taste.
- Set Mixture: Let the mixture rest for 20 minutes to thicken. Adjust the consistency by adding more crushed crackers if it’s too thin or additional chicken stock if it’s too thick.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy shredded chicken mixture onto sandwich buns and serve hot for a juicy and flavorful meal.
- Slow Cooker Option: Place chicken breasts, 1/4 cup chicken stock, and condensed soup in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours. Shred the chicken, return it to the slow cooker, stir in the crackers and seasonings, cover and cook another 30 minutes. Adjust thickness as needed before serving.
- Stovetop Option: In a large skillet or pot, combine condensed soup, 1 cup chicken stock, and seasonings over medium-high heat. Add 2.5-3 pounds pre-shredded or rotisserie chicken. Warm through, then stir in crushed crackers. Adjust thickness with crackers or stock as necessary.
Notes
- The recipe offers flexibility with three cooking methods: Instant Pot, slow cooker, and stovetop.
- For ease, you may use pre-shredded or rotisserie chicken if using the stovetop method.
- Adjust the thickness of the chicken mixture by adding more crushed crackers or chicken stock based on your preference.
- Kosher salt should be adjusted tastefully, as the condensed soup and crackers add saltiness.
- Serve the mixture hot on fresh buns to enjoy a juicy sandwich experience.
