Crockpot Shredded Chicken Sandwiches
This recipe for crockpot shredded chicken sandwiches is perfect for feeding a crowd! It’ll result in the classic Ohio shredded chicken sandwiches that are incredibly flavorful and convenient to make too – since it’s all made in a crockpot!
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Thank you Lynette for sharing this recipe! I have been looking for a slow cooker sandwich recipe like this forever, and I think yours will taste like the crockpot sandwiches I remember. – Linda
Looking for a go-to dinner idea for big family functions? Some shredded chicken sandwich recipes can lack flavor and take forever to prep. But not this one! It’s flavorful, takes only 6 minutes to prep, and then you just pop it into your crockpot.
Love flavorful crockpot meals? Then you’ll love this easy crockpot chicken fajita soup, crockpot potato soup, and our family’s favorite crockpot pizza!
This is my mom’s recipe that I grew up having at big family gatherings. I use it when I’m in charge of feeding the team at my kid’s school or if we’re hosting a big event for family. You’ll also find this sandwich served at sporting events at the concession stand. I love that it’s easy to throw together and feeds so many!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavors: This recipe will give you the classic shredded chicken sandwich you find at concession stands or ice cream stands in the summer.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of canned chicken, cream of chicken, and chicken bouillon is absolutely delicious! You won’t believe such simple ingredients can pack so much flavor.
- Potluck Favorite: This recipe is a potluck favorite. It’s a simple dish that’s sure to stand out on the buffet table. Plus, it makes a large batch, so it’s great for sharing.
- Time Saver: It’s a total time saver! It’s easy to prep and the crockpot does all the work. Just set it and forget it!
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Key Ingredients
- Boneless Chicken: This will be the main ingredient of our recipe, providing a hearty and satisfying base for our shredded chicken sandwiches. I usually buy the ‘boned meat’ since it’s cheaper, but you can go for the pricier all white meat as well.
- White Chicken Breast: It will add a nice, chunky texture to the shredded chicken, making each bite more interesting.
- Cream of Chicken: This will give our shredded chicken a creamy and savory flavor, making it even more delicious.
- Ritz Crackers: When crushed, these will act as a thickening agent for our shredded chicken, giving it a perfect consistency.
- Chicken Bouillon: It will enhance the chicken flavor in the dish, making the overall flavor more robust and delicious.
- Hot Water: This will be used to dissolve the chicken bouillon and make sure it’s evenly distributed in the dish.
- Stove Top Stuffing: This dry mix will not only add a savory, herby flavor to the shredded chicken but also help bind the ingredients together.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker – This is the most important piece of equipment for this recipe. It’s used to cook the chicken and all the other ingredients together, allowing them to blend their flavors perfectly. This is the crockpot I use to avoid spills.
- Can Opener – You’ll need this to open the cans of boneless chicken, white chicken breast, and cream of chicken soup.
How to Make Crockpot Shredded Chicken Sandwiches
Preparation
To start, line your crock pot with a slow cooker liner. This will make cleanup a lot easier at the end.
Step 1 – Combine the Ingredients
Next, add all the ingredients to the lined crock pot. This includes the chicken, chicken broth, onion, and your choice of barbecue sauce. Stir the ingredients together until they are well incorporated.
Step 2 – Cook on High
Cover the crock pot and cook the chicken mixture on high for one hour. This will help to get things heated up quickly.
Step 3 – Cook on Low
After the first hour, switch the crock pot to low heat and continue cooking the chicken mixture for at least 3 more hours. This slow, low heat will help to make the chicken extra tender and flavorful.
Step 4 – Serve
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve. Using a slotted spoon, spoon the chicken mixture onto the bottom half of the buns. Top with the other half of the buns and serve hot.
Expert Tip
To ensure the best flavor and texture for your crockpot shredded chicken sandwiches, it’s important to use the Stove Top stuffing mix straight out of the box. Don’t prepare it on the stovetop and then add it to the shredded chicken. Simply measure out 1/4 cup of the dry stuffing mix and incorporate it into the other ingredients in your crockpot.
Recipe Variations
- Different Meat: While this recipe calls for canned chicken, feel free to use shredded rotisserie chicken or even pork for a different flavor.
- Add Cheese: For a cheesier twist, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the chicken before serving.
- Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeno to the crockpot. This will give your shredded chicken sandwiches a spicy kick.
What to Serve With
- For a hearty meal, serve your sandwiches with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. The rich, savory flavors of the chicken sandwiches pair perfectly with the buttery potatoes and roasted veggies.
- For a quick and easy lunch, simply serve the shredded chicken on a bed of crisp, fresh salad greens like this kale salad recipe. It’s a healthy, tasty, and delicious combination!
- If you’re a fan of comfort food, serve this dish with a side of mac and cheese. The creamy, cheesy pasta is the perfect accompaniment to the tender, flavorful chicken.
Recipe FAQs
For this recipe, you’ll need a 50 oz can of boneless chicken and a 24 oz can of white chicken breast, both drained. You can also use freshly cooked and shredded chicken if you prefer. You may need to adjust the moisture level of the sandwiches based on the type of chicken you prefer to use.
If you prefer a more runny consistency, then the recipe as it is will be perfect for you. However, if you like your shredded chicken to be more dry, you can add more crushed Ritz crackers and stovetop stuffing mix to your liking.
Yes, you can. The slow cooker liner is optional, but it makes for easier cleanup. Just make sure to grease the slow cooker before adding the ingredients to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: Leftover shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the shredded chicken, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thaw: When you’re ready to enjoy the chicken, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Heating: Reheat the shredded chicken in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally, in 30-second intervals. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken.
More Shredded Chicken Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Serving Size
- What to Expect: This crockpot shredded chicken sandwich recipe will make about 15 to 25 sandwiches depending on how full you make them.
- How to Scale: If you’re planning to serve a larger crowder, you can easily double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity.
Crockpot Shredded Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 50 oz can of boneless chicken drained
- 24 oz canned white chicken breast drained
- 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers crushed
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1/4 cup Stove Top stuffing dry mix
To Serve With
- 25 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Line your crock pot with a slow cooker liner.
- Add all ingredients to the crock pot and stir until well incorporated.
- Cook on high for one hour. Stir. Continue cooking on low for at least 3 more hours.
- Serve hot on sandwich buns.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published in 2018. It has been updated with pictures and also with more detailed information. The recipe remains the same.
I love this recipe, but was wondering if it can be made ahead and refrigerated (like the night before), then just turn on the crock pot the crock pot three-four hours before serving. Thank you
You can make it ahead, but I would recommend heating it up on the stove top (in a very large pot) first to bring it up to temperature faster than that crock pot. Then use the crock pot to keep it warm.
Thanks for the recipe easy and delicious
Thanks for the recipe easy and great
Thank you Lynette for sharing this recipe! I have been looking for a recipe like this forever, and I think yours will taste like the crockpot sandwiches I remember. I have several frozen chicken breasts and would like to use those in place of both kinds of canned chicken. Can you give me a general idea of how many good sized breasts I would need to use please? Thanks!
Hi! I’ve not tested this recipe with fresh chicken breasts, but I would use the same OZ as the directions. You may need to add a little more moisture to the recipe if using fresh chicken breasts.
Can I use fresh chicken breast meat
We live this recipe. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Leftovers freeze great!
Thanks for saying that I can freeze the leftovers! I only need about 5 serving tomorrow, but there will be other gatherings this summer!
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
Hi! It depends on the serving size and bun size. You can easily feed 25 using regular-sized bun with about 1/2 cup of chicken. Larger buns would serve less people.
Do you use the seasoning packet in the Stovetop dressing?
The stove top stuffing I used came pre-mixed, so I would add it if it’s separate.
Do I need a liner?
You do not need a liner, but using one will make it easier to clean up!