Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often yield an even more tender result. The cooking time remains about the same, but thighs are more forgiving if you cook them a bit longer.

My mixture seems too dry. What should I do?

This is an easy fix! Simply add chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember that the mixture will continue to thicken as it sits, so it's better to err on the slightly moister side.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook the chicken with the soup on high pressure for about 12 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes. Shred the chicken, stir in the stuffing mix, and let it sit for about 10 minutes with the lid on (no pressure, just residual heat).

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

You can use lower sodium cream of chicken soup and whole grain hamburger buns. Some people successfully substitute half the soup with Greek yogurt for a protein boost, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.

Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

This classic Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich is comfort food at its finest – tender, slow-cooked chicken mixed with savory stuffing to create the perfect sandwich filling. With just three main ingredients and minimal hands-on time, these sandwiches are a lifesaver for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need to feed a crowd with minimal effort. The creamy, hearty filling piled high on soft buns will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Simple: Only three main ingredients and a slow cooker do all the work – it doesn’t get easier than this!
Budget-Friendly: Stretches chicken into many servings, making it perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Comfort Food Champion: This sandwich hits that perfect note of creamy, savory goodness that satisfies deep cravings.
Make-Ahead Marvel: Can be prepared in advance and reheated when needed, making it perfect for busy families.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike love these sandwiches – they’re a staple at Midwest gatherings for good reason!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star protein that becomes perfectly tender and shreddable after slow cooking. Choose quality chicken for the best flavor foundation.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides the creamy base and rich flavor that binds everything together. Don’t substitute with the “healthy” versions here – the original works best.
Chicken Flavored Stuffing Mix: The secret ingredient that makes this dish uniquely Midwestern! Adds amazing texture and savory herb notes throughout the sandwich filling.
Chicken Broth: Optional but handy for adjusting consistency. Keep some on hand in case your mixture needs thinning.
Hamburger Buns: The vehicle for all this deliciousness. Soft buns work best to complement the tender filling.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Cheesy

Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese when stirring in the stuffing mix for an extra layer of indulgence.

Veggie Boost

Mix in a half cup of finely diced celery and onions (sautéed first) for added texture and nutrition.

Herbed Version

Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley and a teaspoon of thyme for a brighter flavor profile.

Spicy Kick

Add a dash of hot sauce or a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper to give these sandwiches some heat.

How to Make Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwiches

Step 1: Slow Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker and pour the condensed cream of chicken soup over the top. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours until the chicken becomes easily shreddable with forks.

Step 2: Shred and Add Stuffing

Once the chicken is tender, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Add the dry stuffing mix to the shredded chicken and stir until well combined.

Step 3: Let Stuffing Hydrate

Cover the slow cooker again and let it continue cooking for 15-20 minutes. This allows the stuffing mix to absorb moisture and fully incorporate into the chicken mixture.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency

Check the consistency of your mixture. If it seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. The filling should be moist but still hold together well on a sandwich.

Step 5: Serve

Scoop generous portions onto hamburger buns and serve warm. That’s it – dinner is ready!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook: While the chicken needs to be tender enough to shred, overcooking can make it dry. Check at the 3-hour mark if your slow cooker runs hot.
Shred in the Cooker: Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker to capture all those flavorful juices rather than removing it to a separate bowl.
Consistency is Key: The perfect texture should be moist enough to be pleasantly creamy but not so wet that it makes the buns soggy. Adjust with broth as needed.
Rest Before Serving: Letting the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes after adding the stuffing allows flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.

How to Serve

Classic Serving

Pile the chicken mixture high on a soft hamburger bun. For an authentic Ohio experience, serve with potato chips and a pickle spear on the side.

Comfort Food Pairings

These sandwiches pair beautifully with creamy coleslaw, macaroni salad, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Upscale Options

Take these sandwiches to the next level by serving on toasted brioche buns with a slice of melted provolone cheese and a few crispy fried onions on top.

Potluck Presentation

For gatherings, serve the chicken mixture in a slow cooker set to “warm” with buns on the side so guests can build their own sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cooled chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as everything melds together!

Freezing

This mixture freezes beautifully! Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Perfect for meal prep or quick emergency dinners.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the creaminess. You can also microwave portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often yield an even more tender result. The cooking time remains about the same, but thighs are more forgiving if you cook them a bit longer.
My mixture seems too dry. What should I do?

This is an easy fix! Simply add chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember that the mixture will continue to thicken as it sits, so it’s better to err on the slightly moister side.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook the chicken with the soup on high pressure for about 12 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes. Shred the chicken, stir in the stuffing mix, and let it sit for about 10 minutes with the lid on (no pressure, just residual heat).
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

You can use lower sodium cream of chicken soup and whole grain hamburger buns. Some people successfully substitute half the soup with Greek yogurt for a protein boost, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.

Final Thoughts

These Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwiches represent Midwest comfort food at its finest – unpretentious, satisfying, and brilliantly simple. They’ve been gracing family dinner tables, potlucks, and church gatherings across Ohio for generations for good reason. When you need a foolproof meal that’s easy on both your time and wallet but delivers big on flavor, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Give these sandwiches a try, and you might just find yourself starting a new family tradition!