Name: Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 30 min
Total time: 5 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast; 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup; 1 cup chicken stock; 1 sleeve crushed Ritz butter crackers (about 1-1/4 cup); 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; kosher salt (to taste); 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast; 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup; 1/4 cup chicken stock; 1 sleeve crushed Ritz butter crackers (about 1-1/4 cup); 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; kosher salt (to taste); 2.5-3 pounds shredded leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken; 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup; 1 cup chicken stock; 1 sleeve crushed Ritz butter crackers (about 1-1/4 cup); 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; kosher salt (to taste)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever traveled through the heartland, you know there’s no comfort food quite like the Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich. Creamy, savory, and divinely simple, this classic sandwich has graced church potlucks, family reunions, and weeknight dinners for generations. With a lusciously seasoned chicken filling tucked inside a pillowy soft bun, it’s the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out. Whether you whip it up in an Instant Pot, a slow cooker, or right on your stovetop, you’ll love this nostalgic flavor bomb that’s both crowd-pleasing and incredibly easy to pull off.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich is how a few humble staples combine to create something irresistible. Every ingredient is essential, from the rich soup base to the crunchy crackers, lending its magic to the taste, creaminess, or heartiness of every bite.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (3 pounds): Lean, juicy, and the perfect blank canvas for soaking up all the creamy flavors.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (2 cans, 10.5 oz each): Adds that signature velvety richness and an irresistible depth.
Chicken Stock (1 cup, plus extra as needed): Deepens the savory notes and keeps everything moist; use a splash more to loosen or if thickening up too much.
Ritz Butter Crackers (1 sleeve, about 1-1/4 cup crushed): The secret thickener—these lend a buttery crunch and old-school comfort.
Dried Parsley (1 teaspoon): Brightens and adds a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a subtle, warming layer of flavor in every bite.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a modest kick and balances the creamy base.
Kosher Salt (to taste): Season just before serving for that final flavor pop.

How to Make Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich

Step 1: Gather and Prep Ingredients

Start by lining up everything you’ll need for the Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich before you begin. Crushing your Ritz crackers ahead of time will make the process a breeze, and having seasonings measured out means you’re always just a stir away from the next step.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken (Choose Your Method)

You’ve got three great routes for this: Instant Pot for lightning-quick results, slow cooker for hands-off simplicity, or stovetop for classic control. For the Instant Pot: Add chicken breasts, chicken stock, and both cans of condensed soup to the pot. Lock the lid, set to “manual” on high for 10 minutes, then quick-release when done. For the slow cooker, add chicken, 1/4 cup stock, and soup to the cooker, and cook on low for 4 hours. And for stovetop, gently simmer shredded chicken (leftover or rotisserie is perfect), soup, stock, and seasonings together in a large skillet or pot until it’s all cozy and steamy.

Step 3: Shred and Return the Chicken

Once your chicken is fully cooked (or reheated, if using pre-cooked), transfer it to a bowl and shred it with two forks until it’s fall-apart tender. Add the shredded meat right back into the cooking liquid—it’s going to soak up all that luscious flavor.

Step 4: Season and Thicken

This is the magic moment for the Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich. Stir in the crushed crackers, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give everything a taste and add kosher salt if you crave a little more oomph. Let the mixture stand (or cook a touch longer, depending on your method) until it thickens to your liking. If it’s a bit thin, more crushed crackers will do the trick; if it’s too thick, just splash in some extra chicken stock.

Step 5: Assemble and Devour

With your mixture hot, creamy, and swoon-worthy, scoop generous portions onto your favorite buns. Now’s the time to savor every comforting bite! The Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich is best enjoyed hot—don’t hold back.

How to Serve Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich

Garnishes

Customize your Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich to your heart’s desire. A sprinkle of extra black pepper, a scattering of chopped parsley, or even a few bread-and-butter pickles can take this sandwich from homey to absolutely crave-worthy. For a crisp finish, try a few shredded lettuce leaves or a buttery slice of American cheese on top.

Side Dishes

Nothing completes an Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich like the perfect pairing. Classic kettle chips, sweet-and-tangy coleslaw, or a cup of creamy potato salad are all right at home next to your steaming sandwich. If you want to lean into pure comfort, serve with a scoop of baked beans or buttery corn on the cob.

Creative Ways to Present

Give your Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich a surprising spin by serving it slider-style on sweet Hawaiian rolls, or melt a little cheese on top and run them under the broiler for a minute. For an open-faced approach, spoon the hot mixture over toasted Texas toast and top with chopped scallions. Leftovers also make a terrific filling for baked potatoes or even as a dip for veggie sticks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich filling will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for about three days. The flavors even deepen a bit overnight, making for delicious second-day sandwiches. Be sure to store the filling and buns separately so everything stays as fresh as possible.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze your cooked chicken mixture for up to two months. Let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe bags or containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This is a lifesaver for quick meals or last-minute gatherings—just reheat and pile onto fresh buns.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken filling gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken stock if it’s become a bit too thick. For single servings, the microwave works beautifully—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use other crackers instead of Ritz?

Ritz crackers are classic for the Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich, giving the sandwich its signature buttery richness. But if you’re in a pinch, any buttery round cracker or even saltines will work. Just know the flavor and texture might shift a bit from the original.

What type of bun is best?

Soft, fluffy hamburger buns are a go-to for tradition, but feel free to use slider buns, brioche rolls, or even hoagie rolls for a more robust bite. The key is a bun that’s sturdy enough to hold up to the creamy filling but still soft enough to soak up the flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?

Absolutely! The Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich mixture can be made a day or two ahead and warmed up just before serving. This makes it an ideal option for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings—you can even keep it warm in a slow cooker for self-serve sandwiches.

Is there a way to make it lighter?

To lighten things up, use reduced-fat cream of chicken soup and replace some or all of the Ritz crackers with crushed whole wheat crackers. You can also add more herbs or toss in some finely chopped celery for extra freshness and crunch.

Can this recipe be doubled or halved?

Yes! The Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich recipe is wonderfully flexible. Double it for a crowd (just use a larger pot or cooker), or halve it for a smaller household. No matter what, adjust the seasoning to taste as you scale up or down.

Final Thoughts

With its creamy comfort and Midwestern soul, it’s no wonder the Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich is a cherished favorite. This recipe is so easy and delicious, you’ll want to make it part of your regular rotation—so grab those ingredients and treat yourself to a Midwest hug on a bun!

Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 26 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (slow cooker), 30 minutes (Instant Pot), 40 minutes (stovetop)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Enjoy this delicious Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich recipe that can be made in an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stovetop. It’s a comforting meal perfect for any day of the week.

Instructions

For Instant Pot: Add chicken breast, chicken stock, and condensed soup to the pot of an Instant Pot.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot, close to lock, and make sure the vent is on the ‘sealed’ position.
Place on ‘manual’ for 10 minutes of high pressure.
When fully cooked, manually release the Instant Pot to release the steam and unlock the lid. Leave the Instant Pot on the ‘warm’ setting.
Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot (leave the juice in the pot) and shred. Add the shredded chicken back to the Instant Pot.
Stir in crushed Ritz butter crackers, dried parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add kosher salt if needed.
Let the mixture set up for 20 minutes. Adjust consistency with more crackers or chicken stock as needed.
Scoop onto a bun and enjoy hot and juicy!
For Slow Cooker: Add chicken breast, chicken stock, and condensed soup to the slow cooker.
Cook on ‘low’ for 4 hours.
Remove the chicken, shred, and add back to the slow cooker.
Stir in crushed Ritz butter crackers, dried parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add kosher salt if needed.
Cover and cook for another 30 minutes. Adjust consistency with more crackers or chicken stock as needed.
For Stovetop: In a large skillet, combine condensed soup, chicken stock, and seasonings over medium-high heat.
Add shredded chicken and stir to combine.
Warm the meat, then add crushed crackers to thicken. Adjust consistency with crackers or chicken stock as needed.

Notes

Feel free to customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Adding a slice of cheese to the sandwich before serving can add extra flavor.
This shredded chicken mixture can also be used in tacos, wraps, or over rice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (slow cooker), 10 minutes (Instant Pot), 20 minutes (stovetop)
Category: Main Course
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: American