Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe

I’ll never forget the first time I brought shredded chicken sandwiches to a family picnic. The soft, creamy filling, packed with flavor, had everyone asking for seconds and the recipe! My secret? Shredding the chicken super fine with a hand mixer for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether it’s a casual lunch, a game-day spread, or a quick weeknight meal, these sandwiches are a hit.

In this article, I’m sharing my go-to shredded chicken sandwich recipe, complete with tips, variations, and everything you need to make it your own. Get ready to whip up a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These shredded chicken sandwiches are a game-changer. They’re quick to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. The creamy, flavorful filling pairs perfectly with soft buns, and the finely shredded chicken gives it a texture that’s downright addictive. Plus, you can tweak it with your favorite spices or add-ins to suit any taste!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes (if cooking chicken from scratch)
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6 sandwiches
• Difficulty: Easy
• Equipment Needed: Hand mixer or stand mixer (optional), large bowl, saucepan or Instant Pot (for cooking chicken)

This recipe is versatile, budget-friendly, and great for beginners or seasoned cooks. Let’s dive into what you’ll need!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the shredded chicken filling:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra flavor)
• 1 cup chicken broth (for cooking chicken)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
• 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for crunch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sandwiches:

• 6 soft hamburger buns or slider rolls
• Lettuce leaves (optional, for serving)
• Sliced tomatoes (optional, for serving)
• Pickles (optional, for a tangy kick)

Pro tip: Use rotisserie chicken to save time—just skip the cooking step!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Alternatively, use an Instant Pot on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the chicken cool slightly before shredding.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Here’s where the magic happens! Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to shred the chicken finely in a large bowl. No mixer? Pull it apart with two forks or your hands until it’s super fine and almost crumbly. This creates that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In the same bowl, add mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, dill, celery, red onion, walnuts (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything’s well combined. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

Toast the buns lightly for extra texture. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, or pickles if you like. Place the top bun on and press gently.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately or chill the filling for later. These sandwiches are perfect for picnics, lunches, or parties. Pair with chips, a side salad, or fries for a complete meal!

Helpful Tips

• Shredding Hack: A hand mixer saves time and gets the chicken ultra-fine. If you’re using forks, be patient—it’s worth it for the texture.
• Make It Ahead: The filling tastes even better after chilling for an hour, letting the flavors meld.
• Adjust Creaminess: Add more mayo or sour cream for a richer filling, or use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
• Toast for Crunch: Lightly toasting the buns adds a nice contrast to the soft filling.
• Storage Tip: Keep the filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
• BBQ Twist: Swap the mayo for barbecue sauce and add a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
• Herb Lover’s Dream: Mix in fresh parsley, chives, or tarragon for extra freshness.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the filling in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
• Cheesy Delight: Stir in 1/4 cup shredded cheddar for a richer flavor.

Feel free to experiment—this recipe is super forgiving!

How to Serve

Shredded chicken sandwiches shine at any gathering. Serve them at picnics, potlucks, or game-day parties with a side of coleslaw or potato chips. For a lighter meal, pair with a green salad or fruit. Kids love these in smaller slider buns, while adults might enjoy them with a drizzle of hot sauce for extra zing. If you’re hosting, set out a toppings bar with pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes so everyone can customize their sandwich.

Storage Instructions

Store the chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Don’t assemble the sandwiches until you’re ready to serve to avoid soggy buns. If you want to freeze the filling, place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using. Avoid freezing assembled sandwiches, as the buns won’t hold up well.

Nutrition Facts (Per Sandwich, Approximate)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

Note: Nutrition varies based on bun type and add-ins like mayo or walnuts.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It’s a huge time-saver. Just shred it finely and skip the cooking step.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free mayo and skip the sour cream or replace it with a plant-based alternative.

What buns work best?
Soft hamburger buns or brioche rolls are my go-to, but slider rolls or even croissants work for a fancy twist.

How do I keep the filling from being too dry?
Add a tablespoon of chicken broth or extra mayo to adjust the consistency.

Can I make this in advance?
Definitely! The filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

Conclusion

These shredded chicken sandwiches are my go-to for easy, crowd-pleasing meals. The creamy, finely shredded filling, packed with fresh dill and crunchy walnuts, makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping lunches for the week, this recipe is a winner. So, grab your ingredients, fire up that hand mixer, and give it a try! I’d love to hear how it turns out—leave a comment or share your favorite variation. Happy cooking!