Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich: Prepare to experience a taste of pure comfort food! This isn’t just any chicken sandwich; it’s a culinary hug from the heartland, a dish that evokes memories of potlucks, family gatherings, and cozy evenings. I’m thrilled to share my take on this regional favorite, a recipe that’s been passed down through generations and perfected over time.

While the exact origins of the Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich are shrouded in a bit of mystery, its popularity is undeniable. It’s believed to have emerged as a resourceful way to use leftover chicken, transforming it into something truly special. Think of it as the Midwest’s answer to pulled pork, but with a lighter, brighter flavor profile.

What makes this sandwich so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken, a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, and a soft, pillowy bun. The shredded chicken practically melts in your mouth, and the sauce adds a burst of flavor that keeps you coming back for more. It’s also incredibly convenient to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack. Trust me, once you try this Ohio staple, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix
• 1 packet (1 oz) dry Italian dressing mix
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• For the Sauce:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Serving:
• 8 hamburger buns, toasted
• Optional: Lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, red onion slices

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix, Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be easily shreddable with a fork when it’s done. Don’t overcook the chicken, or it will become dry.
3. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it in a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Discard any excess fat or gristle.
4. Reserve Cooking Liquid (Important!): Don’t discard the liquid remaining in the slow cooker! This liquid is packed with flavor and will help keep the chicken moist. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the liquid.
5. Moisten the Chicken: Add about 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking liquid back to the shredded chicken. Stir well to combine. Add more liquid if needed to reach your desired level of moisture. You want the chicken to be moist but not swimming in liquid.

Making the Sauce:

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, and paprika.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more sugar. If you like a tangier sauce, add a little more apple cider vinegar.
3. Chill the Sauce (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the sauce and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional, but it does make a difference.

Assembling the Sandwiches:

1. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the prepared sauce to the shredded chicken in the bowl. Stir well to ensure that all of the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
2. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns. This will prevent them from becoming soggy when you add the chicken mixture. You can toast them in a toaster, under the broiler, or in a skillet.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
4. Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, add lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, and/or red onion slices to the sandwiches. These toppings add a nice crunch and freshness.
5. Serve Immediately: Top with the other half of the bun and serve the Ohio shredded chicken sandwiches immediately. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it Up: For a spicier sandwich, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You can also use a spicy pickle relish.
• Cream Cheese Variation: Some recipes call for adding cream cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess. If you want to try this, add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the sauce ingredients and whisk until smooth.
• Slow Cooker Liner: To make cleanup easier, use a slow cooker liner.
• Chicken Thighs: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and moist.
• Vinegar Options: While apple cider vinegar is recommended, white vinegar or even a squeeze of lemon juice can be substituted in a pinch. The apple cider vinegar provides a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor.
• Sweetness Adjustment: The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on your preference and the sweetness of your pickle relish. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste.
• Celery Seed Substitute: If you don’t have celery seed, you can omit it or substitute it with a pinch of celery salt.
• Make Ahead: The shredded chicken and sauce can be made ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply combine the chicken and sauce and assemble the sandwiches.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve these sandwiches with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, french fries, or potato chips.
• Bread Options: While hamburger buns are the most common choice, you can also use slider buns, hoagie rolls, or even croissants.
• Leftovers: Leftover shredded chicken can be used in salads, wraps, or quesadillas.
• Freezing: The shredded chicken (without the sauce) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using. Add the sauce after thawing.

Slow Cooker Considerations:

• Slow Cooker Size: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. If you have a smaller slow cooker, you may need to reduce the amount of chicken.
• Cooking Time Variations: Slow cookers can vary in temperature, so the cooking time may need to be adjusted. Check the chicken for doneness after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high.
• Preventing Dry Chicken: To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure to add enough chicken broth to the slow cooker. You can also add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil to the slow cooker for extra moisture.
• High Altitude Adjustments: At high altitudes, the cooking time may need to be increased.

Why This Recipe Works:

This Ohio shredded chicken sandwich recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. The slow cooker method ensures that the chicken is incredibly tender and flavorful. The combination of ranch and Italian dressing mixes creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is both savory and slightly tangy. The sweet pickle relish in the sauce adds a touch of sweetness and crunch that complements the savory chicken perfectly. The recipe is also very versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like it spicy, creamy, or extra tangy, you can easily adjust the ingredients to create your perfect shredded chicken sandwich.

The use of reserved cooking liquid is crucial for maintaining the moisture of the chicken. This liquid is packed with flavor and helps to prevent the chicken from becoming dry and stringy. By adding the liquid back to the shredded chicken, you ensure that it stays juicy and delicious.

The sauce is another key element of this recipe. The combination of mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and spices creates a creamy, tangy, and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the shredded chicken. The celery seed adds a subtle but important flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sandwich.

Finally, the simplicity of this recipe makes it a winner. It requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the chicken cooks. And the result is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that everyone will love.

Enjoy your homemade Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwiches!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another chicken sandwich recipe; it’s a taste of Ohio comfort food, a warm hug on a plate, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this Ohio shredded chicken sandwich recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal. The tangy, slightly sweet, and savory sauce perfectly complements the tender shredded chicken, creating a symphony of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

But what truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. While I’ve presented it as a classic sandwich, the possibilities are endless! Feeling adventurous? Try serving the shredded chicken over creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty and comforting dinner. Or, for a lighter option, pile it high on a bed of crisp lettuce for a flavorful salad. You could even use it as a filling for tacos or quesadillas, adding a unique twist to your favorite Mexican dishes.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Sandwich: Serve on toasted brioche buns with a side of coleslaw and potato chips for the ultimate Ohio experience.
* Mashed Potato Bowl: Spoon the shredded chicken over creamy mashed potatoes and top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives.
* Chicken Salad: Toss the shredded chicken with mixed greens, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and healthy meal.
* Tacos or Quesadillas: Use the shredded chicken as a filling for tacos or quesadillas, adding your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and cheese.
* Sliders: Serve on mini slider buns for a fun and easy appetizer or party snack.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to find your perfect combination. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang. You can also adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less brown sugar. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your own taste preferences.

I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a simple, straightforward recipe that even beginner cooks can master, yet it delivers a flavor punch that will impress even the most discerning palates.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the magic of this Ohio shredded chicken sandwich. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? What variations did you make? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments on social media using #OhioShreddedChickenSandwich and tag me so I can see your creations. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy cooking! I am sure that this will become a staple in your house.