If you’re looking for a comfort food classic that’s bursting with creamy, savory goodness, you absolutely must try the Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s deceptively simple but incredibly satisfying, combining tender shredded chicken with a rich spread made from the iconic Ritz crackers. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a nostalgic, flavorful sandwich, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of creamy texture and buttery, slightly salty flavor that makes every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from adding richness and moisture to layering flavor and texture. Let’s take a look:
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast: The lean protein star that shreds beautifully and soaks up all the creamy flavors.
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup: Acts as the velvety base, infusing the chicken with comforting richness.
- 1 cup chicken stock: Adds depth and moisture, keeping everything tender and juicy.
- 1 sleeve crushed Ritz butter crackers (about 1-1/4 cup): Gives the spread its signature buttery crunch and helps thicken the mixture perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: For a subtle fresh herbaceous note that brightens the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Provides a gentle kick to uplift the creamy richness.
- Kosher salt (to taste): Enhances and balances all the flavors just right.
How to Make Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Start by setting up your Instant Pot—this is the secret to making the chicken incredibly tender and the whole process quick. Add the chicken breasts, chicken stock, and condensed cream of chicken soup right into the pot. Seal the lid properly, making sure the steam vent is set to ‘sealed’.
Step 2: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes. This little burst of pressure cooking quickly breaks down the chicken fibers, resulting in juicy, shred-ready meat that’s infused with flavor from the soup and stock.
Step 3: Release Pressure and Shred
Once cooking is complete, carefully perform a manual pressure release. Remove the chicken breasts and shred them immediately with two forks; the texture should be perfectly stringy and tender, ready to absorb all the creamy goodness. Don’t discard the cooking juices—they add flavor and moisture to the final mixture.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Place the shredded chicken back into the pot with the reserved cooking juices. Stir in the crushed Ritz crackers, dried parsley, garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper, and kosher salt. The Ritz crackers slightly thicken the mixture while adding that buttery taste that elevates the spread to something truly special.
Step 5: Let the Mixture Set
Turn off the heat and let the mixture rest for about 20 minutes. This resting time allows the Ritz crackers to soften just enough and thicken the spread. If you find it too thin, add more crushed crackers; if it’s too thick, stir in a little more chicken stock until you get the perfect creamy consistency.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Juicy
Spoon the creamy shredded chicken mixture onto your favorite buns. Hot and juicy, these sandwiches are ready to be devoured, showcasing a perfect blend of textures and flavors that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.
How to Serve Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a handful of fresh parsley or a few crispy lettuce leaves add a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy sandwich. A slice of ripe tomato or a touch of pickle relish can also offer a tangy balance that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
Pair your sandwiches with classic sides such as crunchy coleslaw, a crisp green salad, or even some kettle-cooked chips. These sides compliment the creamy richness of the chicken spread by adding a textural crunch and refreshing bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cream-filled chicken mixture on toasted croissants or slider buns to elevate the presentation. You can even use endive leaves for a low-carb, elegant appetizer version. For picnic-style gatherings, assembling the sandwiches in a large casserole dish and baking them with melted cheese on top makes for a cozy crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the spread and buns separately to prevent sogginess and enjoy fresh sandwiches later.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delicious recipe longer, freeze the creamy shredded chicken mixture in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the buns; instead, toast fresh ones when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat the thawed chicken mixture gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain that luscious creamy consistency. If the mixture thickened too much, simply add a splash of chicken stock to loosen it up again.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken myself?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken speeds up the process and still tastes fantastic. Just warm it gently with the condensed soup, chicken stock, and seasonings, then add the crushed Ritz crackers to finish the creamy spread.
Is it possible to make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker or stovetop method. The slow cooker needs about four hours on low for the chicken to become tender, whereas the stovetop option requires gently simmering the shredded chicken with the soup and seasonings until heated through before adding the crackers.
Can I substitute the Ritz crackers with something else?
While Ritz crackers give this dish its signature buttery crunch, crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs can work as substitutes. Just make sure they’re finely crushed and adjust the quantity to get the right creamy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The creamy shredded chicken mixture holds up well stored without the buns, making it perfect for preparing meals ahead. Reheat portions and assemble sandwiches fresh for quick, satisfying lunches or dinners throughout the week.
How can I make this recipe more flavorful or spicy?
To kick up the flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños when combining the ingredients. You can also stir in shredded cheese or a dash of smoked paprika for extra depth.
Final Thoughts
The Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe is truly a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that becomes even better with every bite. It’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors that makes weeknight dinners feel special and packed lunches something to look forward to. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites for easy, delicious sandwiches.
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: Sandwich
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread is a delightful and comforting meal perfect for gatherings or a satisfying family dinner. Tender shredded chicken is cooked with cream of chicken soup and chicken stock, then mixed with a unique blend of crushed Ritz crackers and seasonings, creating a creamy, flavorful spread that’s perfect on buns. The recipe offers versatile cooking methods including Instant Pot, slow cooker, and stovetop, making it adaptable to your kitchen preferences.
Ingredients
Chicken and Cooking Base
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken stock
Seasonings and Mix-ins
- 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 securely and ensure the vent is in the ‘sealed’ position. Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Release Pressure and Shred: Once cooking is complete, manually release the pressure carefully. Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them thoroughly using two forks. Leave the rich cooking juices inside the pot.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the shredded chicken back into the Instant Pot with the cooking juices. Stir in the crushed Ritz crackers, dried parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and season with kosher salt to taste.
- Set Mixture: Allow the mixture to rest for about 20 minutes so it thickens properly. Adjust the consistency if needed by adding more crushed crackers if too thin, or a little chicken stock if the mixture is 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 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 crackers and seasonings, cover and cook another 30 minutes. Adjust thickness as needed.
- 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 of pre-shredded or rotisserie chicken. Warm through, then stir in crushed crackers. Adjust thickness with crackers or stock as necessary.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the mixture to rest so the crackers absorb the liquid, thickening the spread.
- Adjust salt levels carefully as the condensed soup and crackers already add some saltiness.
- This recipe is versatile and works well for meal prep; refrigerate leftovers and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Try serving with toasted buns for extra crunch and flavor contrast.
- Can be customized by adding shredded cheese or chopped herbs for additional flavor.
