If you’re hunting for a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that embodies Midwest comfort, look no further than this Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwiches Recipe. Ultra-creamy, savory, and packed with tender chicken, this local favorite comes together easily in a slow cooker, making it the perfect fit for game days, family dinners, or potluck events. The combination of buttery crackers and seasoned chicken sandwiched between soft buns is nostalgic and irresistibly delicious—truly a taste of Ohio comfort at your fingertips.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a key role, creating a sandwich that’s rich, hearty, and unforgettable. Here’s what makes every bite special:
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean, shreddable base that soaks up all those creamy flavors.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This classic soup brings creaminess and binds everything together, providing a smooth and satisfying texture.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and a subtle, savory depth that enhances the overall chicken flavor.
- Buttery Round Crackers (like Ritz): Crushed crackers thicken the filling and introduce a hint of buttery richness that sets these sandwiches apart.
- Garlic Powder: A little dash infuses a mellow garlic note, lending extra flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Onion Powder: Works quietly alongside garlic powder to add a warm, savory backbone to every bite.
- Salt and Black Pepper: The essential seasonings—don’t skip these! They bring out all the other flavors beautifully.
- Sandwich Buns or Hamburger Rolls: Soft, pillowy buns are perfect for holding all that creamy goodness and make every mouthful a treat.
How to Make Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Slow Cooker
Begin by placing the chicken breasts right into the bottom of your slow cooker. There’s no need to brown or sear them first—this hands-off method is all about ease and letting the slow cooker do the magic.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This simple mixture becomes an ultra-flavorful sauce that will infuse the chicken as it cooks—no extra steps, just blend and pour!
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring every breast is well coated. Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 7 hours (or high for 3 to 4 hours). The aroma as it cooks will have everyone eagerly waiting for mealtime!
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
When the chicken is tender enough to fall apart, grab two forks and shred it right in the slow cooker. Don’t worry about making it perfect—the more rustic, the better. All those flavorful juices will get soaked up by the shredded meat.
Step 5: Add Crackers and Thicken
Sprinkle in the crushed buttery crackers and stir gently to combine. These not only thicken the mix but add a signature richness and slight crunch. Let the mixture sit on warm for about 10 to 15 minutes to meld and thicken even more.
Step 6: Serve!
Ladle a generous scoop of the shredded chicken onto each soft sandwich bun. Serve immediately while the filling is hot and luscious, ready for everyone to dig in.
How to Serve Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
While these sandwiches are undeniably delicious on their own, adding a little garnish can take things up a notch. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dash of paprika adds color and a pop of flavor, while a slice of dill pickle on top channels classic Midwest vibes.
Side Dishes
This cozy main pairs wonderfully with crispy potato chips, tangy coleslaw, or a simple pickle spear for crunch and contrast. If you want to serve a hot side, creamy mac and cheese or roasted green beans are delightful complements. The Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwiches Recipe is practically begging for easy, familiar sides to create a nostalgic meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try piling the chicken onto slider rolls for bite-sized party snacks or tucking it inside lettuce cups for a lighter twist. For a crowd, serve the chicken in a big bowl alongside a variety of buns and toppings so everyone can build their perfect sandwich. This is the kind of dish that’s meant to bring people together—get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra filling? Scoop it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so the leftovers can taste even better the next day. Just be sure to store the filling separately from the buns to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
The Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwiches Recipe can be frozen, making it perfect for busy weeks. Cool the mixture completely, portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating—future you will thank you!
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the filling in a covered pot on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Once piping hot, load it onto your favorite buns and enjoy all over again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit richer and add extra flavor and tenderness. Just stick to boneless, skinless thighs for easy shredding.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free crackers and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten. Always double-check the ingredient labels for any hidden gluten sources.
Can I make Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwiches Recipe in advance for a party?
Yes, this recipe is fantastic for make-ahead cooking! Prepare the filling up to one day in advance, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat before serving to save time and reduce stress on party day.
How do I prevent the mixture from becoming too thick?
If your chicken mixture thickens up more than you’d like after adding the crackers, just stir in a little extra chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. It should be scoopable but not overly dry.
What are optional add-ins for more flavor?
Try stirring in a bit of shredded cheddar cheese, diced pimentos, or a dollop of sour cream for extra creamy goodness. A pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce can add a gentle kick if you like heat!
Final Thoughts
This Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwiches Recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a Midwest native or just craving something extra cozy, I hope you’ll try these sandwiches and make them part of your own family tradition. Grab your slow cooker, gather your friends, and get ready to dive into a recipe that’s as easy as it is irresistible!
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Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwiches are a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Tender shredded chicken cooked in a creamy sauce and served on soft sandwich buns, this meal is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (like Ritz, crushed)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 sandwich buns or hamburger rolls
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker: Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
- Shred the chicken: Using forks, shred the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Add crackers: Stir in the crushed crackers to thicken the mixture.
- Let sit: Allow the flavors to meld on warm for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the shredded chicken on sandwich buns.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add 2 tablespoons of sour cream or shredded cheese.
- Leftover rotisserie chicken can be used for quicker preparation.
- Great for game days, potlucks, or easy weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American – Midwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 790 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
