If you love sandwiches that are bursting with flavor and creaminess, then you are going to adore this Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe. It combines tender, juicy shredded chicken with a rich, velvety spread made from crushed Ritz crackers and cream of chicken soup, creating a texture and taste that feels indulgent yet comforting. Whether you’re making lunch for the family or need a hearty bite to fuel your day, this recipe is effortlessly satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare. Trust me, once you try it, it will become one of your go-to sandwiches for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each one plays an essential role in building the luscious texture and mouthwatering flavor of this sandwich. From the creamy base to the buttery bites of crackers, every component comes together beautifully.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast (3 pounds): The perfect protein base that shreds easily and soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (2 cans, 10.5 ounces each): Adds rich, velvety flavor and helps bind the mixture.
- Chicken stock (1 cup): Keeps the chicken moist and enhances savory depth.
- Ritz butter crackers (1 sleeve, crushed, about 1-1/4 cups): Brings buttery crunch and thickens the creamy spread perfectly.
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle herbaceous note brightening the flavor.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and savoriness.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a hint of spice and earthiness.
- Kosher salt (to taste): Essential seasoning that balances and enhances all flavors.
How to Make Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Start by placing your chicken breasts, chicken stock, and condensed cream of chicken soup into the Instant Pot. Make sure the lid is sealed properly, and the vent is set to the ‘sealed’ position. Setting your Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes will cook the chicken to tender perfection, ensuring it’s juicy enough to shred effortlessly.
Step 2: Release Pressure and Shred the Chicken
Once cooking is complete, carefully release the pressure manually to avoid overcooking. Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks — this is where all that juicy goodness really shines! Keep the cooking juices inside the pot; they will enhance the creaminess of the spread later on.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the reserved juices. Stir in the crushed Ritz crackers, dried parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt to taste. This combination develops the spread’s signature creamy, buttery texture with a hint of savory herb and spice.
Step 4: Let the Mixture Rest and Thicken
Allow the mixture to rest for about 20 minutes. This downtime is crucial because it lets the Ritz crackers absorb the moisture and thicken the spread, transforming it into the perfect consistency for sandwich filling. If it feels too thick, add a splash of chicken stock; if too thin, sprinkle in a few extra crushed crackers.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the creamy shredded chicken mixture generously onto your favorite sandwich buns or rolls while it’s still warm. This filling is so hearty and delicious that it hardly needs anything else, but it’s ready to be enjoyed as is or dressed up with your favorite toppings.
How to Serve Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to elevate your sandwich with some fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce leaves, thinly sliced tomatoes, or a few rings of sweet red onion. A handful of fresh parsley sprinkled on top can also brighten up the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this sandwich with classic sides like crunchy coleslaw, a crisp pickle spear, or homemade potato chips. For a cozy meal, a warm bowl of tomato soup complements the creamy chicken beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the filling in lettuce wraps for a lighter option or stuff it inside a toasted pita for a handheld feast. You might also layer it in a casserole dish with cheese for a baked chicken melt variation that will delight everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store the leftover creamy shredded chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the mixture separate from any bread will prevent sogginess and maintain freshness.
Freezing
This Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe can be frozen for up to 2 months. Freeze the prepared chicken spread in a freezer-safe container, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the creamy chicken mixture gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring periodically to ensure even warmth and to keep the creamy texture intact. Add a splash of chicken stock if it thickened too much while stored.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using cooked rotisserie chicken can save time; just warm the chicken with the soup and stock, then stir in the crushed crackers and seasonings to finish the spread.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute shredded jackfruit or mashed chickpeas for the chicken. Use vegetable broth and a cream-based soup alternative to maintain that creamy texture.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can also make it using a slow cooker or on the stovetop. The slow cooker method takes longer but yields tender chicken, while stovetop preparation is quicker if using pre-cooked shredded chicken.
How important are the Ritz crackers in this recipe?
The Ritz crackers add a special buttery flavor and help thicken the creamy spread. If you don’t have them on hand, crushed buttery crackers or panko can work but will slightly change the texture and taste.
What kind of bread is best for serving this sandwich?
Brioche buns, soft kaiser rolls, or classic hamburger buns all work beautifully, as their soft texture complements the creamy filling without overpowering it.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Shredded Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ritz Cracker Spread Recipe a try soon because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple to whip up, yet impressively rich and satisfying, perfect for casual lunches, gatherings, or just treating yourself. Once you experience the creamy, buttery goodness tucked inside a soft bun, I guarantee it will fast become a beloved classic in your recipe box.
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 comforting and flavorful meal that features tender chicken cooked in a creamy sauce made with condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken stock, and buttery Ritz crackers. Perfect for quick lunches or family dinners, this recipe offers versatile cooking options including Instant Pot, slow cooker, or stovetop methods, making it easy to prepare tender, juicy shredded chicken with a rich, creamy texture that beautifully soaks into sandwich buns.
Ingredients
Chicken and Base
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken stock (divided use as per cooking method)
Seasonings and Mix-ins
- 1 sleeve crushed Ritz butter crackers (about 1–1/4 cups)
- 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 set the vent to the ‘sealed’ position.
- Cook Under Pressure: Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes to cook the chicken thoroughly and infuse flavors.
- Release Pressure and Shred: After cooking, manually release the pressure. Carefully remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Leave the cooking juices inside the Instant Pot.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the crushed Ritz crackers, dried parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and adjust kosher salt to taste to develop a creamy texture and flavorful spread.
- Set Mixture: Let the mixture rest inside the pot for 20 minutes to allow it to thicken naturally. If the mixture is too thin, add more crushed crackers; if too thick, add additional chicken stock to reach a creamy consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy shredded chicken mixture onto sandwich buns and serve hot for a juicy, satisfying sandwich experience.
- Slow Cooker Option: Place chicken breasts, 1/4 cup chicken stock, and condensed cream of chicken soup in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours. Shred the chicken, return it to the slow cooker, stir in the crushed crackers and seasonings, cover, and cook for another 30 minutes. Adjust thickness as desired.
- Stovetop Option: In a large skillet or pot, combine condensed soup, 1 cup chicken stock, and seasonings over medium-high heat. Add pre-shredded or rotisserie chicken (2.5-3 pounds). Warm through, then stir in crushed crackers. Adjust thickness by adding more crackers or stock as necessary before serving.
Notes
- The mixture thickens as it rests; adjust with additional crackers or chicken stock for preferred consistency.
- Using pre-shredded or rotisserie chicken simplifies the stovetop method and reduces cooking time.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
- Serve on toasted buns for added texture and flavor contrast.
- Leftover sandwiches keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
