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Easy Shredded Chicken Sandwich photo

Shredded Chicken Sandwich

Creamy, savory shredded chicken piled on toasted buns for an easy, comforting sandwich.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts about 3 (8-ounce) breasts
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt plus additional for cooking chicken
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper plus additional for cooking chicken
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk 1% used
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
  • 1.5 teaspoons poultry seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 slices whole grain bread to toast and crumble into the filling
  • 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • whole grain buns for serving
  • shredded sharp white cheddar (or Monterey Jack or Swiss) optional, for topping

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker (or larger)
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Toaster or oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • forks or hand mixer
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Place chicken breasts in a single layer in a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cover and cook on LOW until the chicken reaches 165°F, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
  2. While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk until combined; continue whisking and cooking for at least 1 minute until the flour turns golden and smells nutty.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, Parmesan, poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Toast the 2 slices of whole grain bread deeply in a toaster or in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until very dry and deep golden. Let cool.
  5. When the chicken is done, transfer it to a bowl and discard any cooking liquid; wipe the slow cooker clean. Shred the chicken with two forks, your fingers, or a hand mixer.
  6. Pour the thickened sauce over the shredded chicken in the slow cooker or bowl. Crumble or pulse the toasted bread into small pieces and add to the chicken. Stir in the Greek yogurt until combined.
  7. Cover and cook on LOW for 1 hour. Uncover and stir well just before serving.
  8. To serve, pile the chicken onto whole grain buns and top with shredded cheese if using. For open-faced sandwiches, place chicken on toasted bread and brown the cheese under the broiler if desired.

Notes

  • Use cooked shredded chicken prepared ahead if desired.
  • You will need about 3 heaping cups of shredded chicken total.
  • Leftover filling refrigerates up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of liquid to loosen the filling.
  • Filling can be frozen up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.