Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

This classic Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich is a Midwest comfort food treasure that will transform your weeknight dinner routine. With just four simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, these incredibly tender, flavorful sandwiches practically make themselves in your slow cooker while you go about your day. The combination of juicy shredded chicken, creamy soup, and savory stuffing creates a perfectly textured filling that’s destined to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic – perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to babysit a recipe.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These sandwiches have that nostalgic, homey flavor that appeals to everyone from picky kids to discerning adults.
• Versatile: Works beautifully for everything from weeknight dinners to potlucks, game days, or casual gatherings.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show that becomes incredibly tender and shreddable after slow cooking. Choose plump, evenly sized pieces for best results.
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides richness, moisture, and savory flavor while creating that signature creamy texture that binds everything together.
• Chicken Flavored Stuffing Mix: The secret ingredient that gives these sandwiches their distinctive Ohio-style taste and perfect texture. The seasoned breadcrumbs soak up the chicken juices and thicken the mixture to the ideal consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Keep this on hand as your texture adjustment tool – add a splash if your mixture needs thinning to reach that perfect sandwich spread consistency.
• Hamburger Buns: Choose substantial buns that can handle the generous filling without falling apart. Toasting them lightly adds extra flavor and structural integrity.

Variations

Regional Twists

• Spicy Ohio: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to give these sandwiches a little kick.
• Ohio Club Style: Layer the chicken mixture with crispy bacon and a slice of cheese for an indulgent upgrade.

Ingredient Swaps

• Cream Soup Options: Substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a slight flavor variation.
• Protein Alternatives: Try using boneless chicken thighs for even more flavor and moisture.
• Stuffing Varieties: Experiment with different flavors of stuffing mix, like savory herbs or turkey flavored.

Serving Styles

• Open-Faced: Serve on a single slice of toasted bread and eat with a fork for a more substantial plate meal.
• Melt Version: Pile the mixture on buns, top with cheese, and broil briefly for a hot sandwich melt.

How to Make Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwiches

Step 1: Slow Cook the Chicken

Place chicken breasts in your slow cooker and pour the condensed cream of chicken soup over them. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours until the chicken becomes tender enough to easily shred with two forks.

Step 2: Shred and Add Stuffing

Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Add the dry stuffing mix and stir well to combine all ingredients together.

Step 3: Final Cooking

Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes. This allows the stuffing mix to absorb moisture and soften, creating that perfect binding texture that holds everything together.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency

Check the mixture’s consistency. If it seems too thick for your preference, add chicken broth a little at a time, stirring between additions, until you reach your desired texture.

Step 5: Serve

Pile the warm chicken mixture generously onto hamburger buns and serve immediately while hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Even Cooking: If your chicken breasts vary greatly in thickness, consider cutting the larger ones in half so everything cooks at the same rate.
• Shredding Technique: Shred the chicken while it’s hot – it’s much easier and helps the meat absorb more flavor from the soup.
• Texture Control: The stuffing will continue to absorb moisture as it sits. If making ahead, you may need to add more broth when reheating to maintain the perfect consistency.
• Bun Preparation: For sandwich structural integrity, lightly toast your buns before adding the filling – this creates a moisture barrier that prevents soggy sandwiches.
• Thickness Matters: The ideal consistency is spreadable but not runny – it should hold its shape on the bun without being dry or falling off the sides.

How to Serve

Classic Pairings

Serve these comforting sandwiches with classic sides like potato chips, pickle spears, or a simple coleslaw for the ultimate Midwestern meal experience.

Complete Meal Ideas

• Diner Style: Pair with french fries and a side of gravy for dipping.
• Picnic Perfect: Serve alongside potato salad, baked beans, and corn on the cob.
• Game Day Spread: Include as part of a sandwich bar with various toppings like cheese slices, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

Topping Suggestions

While these sandwiches are delicious on their own, try them with a slice of melted cheese, a spoonful of gravy, or even a few dashes of hot sauce for variation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled chicken mixture in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves after the first day as ingredients meld together.

Freezing

This mixture freezes beautifully! Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth to restore moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
While it’s technically possible, I don’t recommend starting with frozen chicken in the slow cooker for food safety reasons. Thaw your chicken first to ensure it cooks through properly and reaches safe temperatures within the appropriate timeframe.

My mixture turned out too dry/too wet. How can I fix it?
This recipe is wonderfully forgiving! If too dry, add chicken broth a tablespoon at a time until reaching your desired consistency. If too wet, add a little more dry stuffing mix, or leave the slow cooker uncovered for 15-20 minutes on low to allow some moisture to evaporate.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Simmer chicken breasts in cream of chicken soup in a covered pot on the stovetop over low heat for about 25-30 minutes until shreddable. Then follow the remaining steps as directed, simmering gently after adding the stuffing mix.

How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
This generous recipe makes approximately 10 servings, but can easily be halved for smaller households or doubled for large gatherings. The exact yield depends on how much filling you pile onto each bun!

Final Thoughts

These Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwiches represent heartland cooking at its finest – simple, satisfying, and made with love. There’s something magical about how just a few humble ingredients transform into something so comforting and delicious. Whether you’re an Ohio native craving a taste of home or just someone who appreciates a good sandwich, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try. Your slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender, flavorful sandwiches that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

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