Are you searching for the ultimate easy weeknight dinner that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this Crockpot Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe! This recipe delivers tender, flavorful shredded chicken, perfect for piling high on your favorite buns. It’s a “set and forget” meal dream come true, offering maximum deliciousness with minimal effort. You simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker, and let it work its magic, transforming simple chicken breasts into a mouthwatering meal that the whole family will adore. Get ready to enjoy a stress-free dinner that’s big on taste and light on fuss.
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these incredibly satisfying shredded chicken sandwiches:
- 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: (about 3-4 large breasts) Fresh or frozen (if frozen, ensure they are separated, not a large block, and add an extra hour to cook time).
- 1 (10.75 oz) can Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds a creamy base and rich chicken flavor.
- 1 (1 oz) packet Ranch Seasoning Mix: The secret to that tangy, savory, and irresistible flavor.
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth: Helps to keep the chicken moist and creates a perfect sauce.
- 1/4 cup BBQ Sauce (optional, but recommended for extra flavor): Choose your favorite brand, adds a sweet and smoky depth.
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder: Enhances savory notes.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Essential for a well-rounded flavor profile.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: To taste.
- 1/4 tsp Salt: To taste (adjust based on the saltiness of your broth and ranch mix).
- 6-8 Hamburger Buns or Slider Buns: For serving, toasted if preferred.
- Optional Toppings: Sliced pickles, coleslaw, extra BBQ sauce, shredded cheese, thinly sliced red onion.
How to Make Crockpot Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe
This Crockpot Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe is designed for ultimate ease, yielding tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful chicken that practically melts in your mouth. With just a few minutes of prep and the magic of your slow cooker, you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal ready to assemble. The total preparation time is merely 10 minutes, followed by 3-4 hours of hands-off cooking, making it perfect for busy days when you still want a homemade, hearty dinner.
● Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker crock with cooking spray or line with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared slow cooker.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, BBQ sauce (if using), onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Pour Over Chicken: Pour the entire sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is mostly covered.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded with a fork. Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker and the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using the forks, mixing it thoroughly with the sauce.
- Return to Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it well to ensure every piece is coated in the delicious creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the warm shredded chicken mixture piled high on toasted or untoasted hamburger buns. Garnish with your favorite optional toppings. Enjoy your easy, delicious meal!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with this Crockpot Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe because its main highlight is undeniably the incredible tenderness and depth of flavor achieved with minimal effort. The chicken, slow-cooked in a creamy, savory ranch-infused sauce, becomes unbelievably juicy and practically melts in your mouth, making every bite a delight. Beyond the taste, this recipe is a true budget-friendly champion; making it at home allows you to control portion sizes and ingredients, often costing significantly less than takeout options while still providing a hearty, satisfying meal for the whole family.
What truly elevates this dish are the versatile and flavorful toppings you can add, from crisp pickles and creamy coleslaw to a drizzle of extra smoky BBQ sauce, allowing you to customize each sandwich to perfection. Compared to our popular Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork, this chicken sandwich offers a lighter, yet equally flavorful alternative that’s perfect for when you’re craving something a little different. Don’t just take our word for it—give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite “set it and forget it” meal! We bet you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation in no time.
What to Serve Crockpot Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe With
These delicious Crockpot Shredded Chicken Sandwiches pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal.
- Classic Sides: Creamy coleslaw is a go-to classic, offering a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, tender chicken. A simple potato salad or macaroni salad also works beautifully.
- Fries & Chips: Crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or even a bag of your favorite potato chips are a quick and easy option that everyone loves.
- Vegetable Options: For a lighter touch, serve with a fresh green salad tossed with a vinaigrette, steamed corn on the cob, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
- Soup: During colder months, a simple tomato soup or a hearty chicken noodle soup can make for a comforting meal alongside the sandwiches.
- Drinks: Iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer (for adults) complement the flavors perfectly.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Elevate your Crockpot Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe from good to absolutely amazing with these expert tips:
- Don’t Overcook: While chicken cooked in the slow cooker is forgiving, overcooking can still lead to dry chicken. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the cooking time (e.g., 3 hours on high, 6 hours on low). The chicken should shred easily with two forks.
- Frozen Chicken: If using frozen chicken breasts, ensure they are separated before placing them in the slow cooker. A solid block of frozen chicken will cook unevenly and take much longer. Add an extra hour or two to the cooking time if starting from frozen.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider sautéing a finely diced onion and a minced garlic clove in a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker with the other sauce ingredients. This adds an aromatic base.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce when serving.
- Creamy Texture: For an even creamier and richer sauce, stir in about 1/4 cup of cream cheese (softened) or a splash of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking, after the chicken has been shredded and returned to the sauce.
- Thickening the Sauce (if needed): If your sauce seems too thin after shredding the chicken, you have a couple of options:
- Cornstarch Slurry: Remove about 1/2 cup of the liquid, whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth, then return it to the slow cooker. Cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Reduce: Remove the lid and cook on high for an additional 30-60 minutes, allowing some of the moisture to evaporate.
- Toasting Buns: Toasting your hamburger buns adds a delightful crunch and prevents them from getting soggy from the juicy chicken filling. A quick toast in a dry pan, oven, or toaster is all it takes!
- Experiment with BBQ Sauce: Different BBQ sauces offer distinct flavor profiles (sweet, smoky, tangy, spicy). Don’t be afraid to try various brands or homemade versions to find your perfect match.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your delicious Crockpot Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe leftovers.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Once the shredded chicken and sauce have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to store the chicken and sauce separately from the buns to prevent sogginess.
- Freezing: For longer storage, this shredded chicken freezes exceptionally well. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely. Transfer it to freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Label with the date. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- From Refrigerated:
- Microwave: For individual portions, place the desired amount of shredded chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
- Stovetop: For larger quantities, transfer the chicken to a saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems too thick or dry, until it’s heated through.
- Slow Cooker: If you have a significant amount of leftovers, you can reheat it in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting for an hour or so, stirring occasionally. This is ideal for serving a crowd again.
- From Frozen:
- Thaw First: For best results, thaw the frozen shredded chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat using one of the methods above (microwave or stovetop).
- Direct from Frozen (Microwave): If you’re in a hurry, you can heat small portions directly from frozen in the microwave on a lower power setting, stirring frequently, until thawed and heated through. This might take longer and require more stirring to ensure even heating.
- Direct from Frozen (Stovetop): Place the frozen chicken in a saucepan with a splash of broth or water. Heat over low-medium heat, covered, stirring occasionally and breaking up the chicken as it thaws and heats.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe truly embodies the essence of comfort food combined with ultimate convenience. It’s a meal that not only tastes incredible but also frees up your time, allowing you to enjoy more moments with loved ones. The tender, flavorful chicken, steeped in a rich, creamy sauce, is a testament to the magic of slow cooking. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or simply looking for a hassle-free dinner, this recipe delivers on all fronts. So, dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and prepare to be amazed by how easily you can create a truly memorable meal.
try also :
- Salted Caramel Cheesecake
- Biscoff Cookie Butter Cheesecake
- Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake
- Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts
- find more in Pinterest
Crockpot Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe FAQs
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes, absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, often resulting in even juicier and more flavorful shredded chicken due to their higher fat content. The cooking time will remain similar.
Q2: Can I put frozen chicken directly into the slow cooker?
A2: Yes, you can, but ensure the chicken breasts are separated (not a frozen block) and factor in an additional 1-2 hours of cooking time. For food safety, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q3: Is the BBQ sauce necessary?
A3: The BBQ sauce is optional but highly recommended. It adds a delicious smoky and sweet depth of flavor that complements the ranch seasoning beautifully. If you prefer a less sweet or smoke-flavored sandwich, you can omit it.
Q4: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A4: Yes! To add a kick, you can include a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other spices, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture before cooking, or when serving.
Q5: What if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
A5: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by removing about 1/2 cup of the liquid, whisking in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (a “slurry”), and returning it to the slow cooker to cook on high for another 15-20 minutes. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of extra chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q6: What kind of buns should I use?
A6: Classic hamburger buns are perfect, but you can also use slider buns for smaller portions, brioche buns for a richer taste, or even crusty rolls for a different texture. Toasting the buns is always a good idea to prevent sogginess and add flavor.
Q7: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A7: Yes, once cooked and shredded, the chicken mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving on fresh buns.
Crockpot Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe – Set and Forget Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker crock with cooking spray or line with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared slow cooker.2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, BBQ sauce (if using), onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until well combined and smooth.1 can Cream of Chicken Soup, 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix, 1/2 cup Chicken Broth, 1/4 cup BBQ Sauce, 1 tbsp Onion Powder, 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, 1/4 tsp Salt
- Pour the entire sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is mostly covered.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded with a fork. Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker and the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using the forks, mixing it thoroughly with the sauce.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it well to ensure every piece is coated in the delicious creamy sauce.
- Serve the warm shredded chicken mixture piled high on toasted or untoasted hamburger buns. Garnish with your favorite optional toppings.6-8 Hamburger Buns or Slider Buns, Sliced pickles, Coleslaw, Extra BBQ sauce, Shredded cheese, Thinly sliced red onion