Slow Cooker Ohio Chicken Sandwiches


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Shredded chicken breasts flavored with cream of chicken, seasoning, and stuffing is what makes Ohio chicken sandwiches an iconic and prized dish. It almost tastes like Thanksgiving on a bun.

Never heard of these but love shredded chicken sandwiches? Give this yummy sandwich recipe a try, and you’ll quickly see why Ohioans rave about this being one of their most classic meals! Another unique recipe is my Alabama Chicken Sandwiches or my Slow Cooker Spicy Honey Chicken Sandwiches.

close up of ohio chicken sandwiches with slow cooker in background
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What are Ohio Chicken Sandwiches?

Interesting fact: although these chicken sandwiches are named after the state of Ohio, not everyone in the state is familiar with them. That aside, where they are well-known, they are very popular. In fact, they’re so popular in some Ohio towns, you can find them at drive-ins and restaurants.

Similar to other “pulled” meat recipes, the stuffing sets this dish apart. And instead of using a tomato or barbeque sauce base, this recipe calls for a creamy base typically made from cream of chicken soup.

Overall, this is a meal that can be seen at many Ohio potlucks, family gatherings, or at the dinner table on any given night. It’s an easy meal with short prep time.

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for ohio chicken sandwiches on table
  • Chicken – boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked and shredded in the crockpot minimize the steps it takes to make this recipe.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup – is the preferred soup to keep the chicken flavor strong. You can use cream of celery or mushroom if that is what you have on hand.
  • Stove-Top Stuffing – this is what binds everything together while providing a filler; we prefer the chicken variety.
  • Butter and Seasoning – everything is better with butter and seasoning. Black pepper and oregano are the flavors of choice.

Step-by-Step Ingredients

collage of how to make ohio chicken sandwiches

Step One – Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot and add seasonings.

Step Two – Pour the cream of chicken on top of the chicken along with quartered butter. (Notice: you will not be adding water or milk with the cream of chicken soup.)

Step Three – Cook on low for 5-6 hours. Then, shred the chicken using two forks. Add the uncooked stove-top stuffing and stir.

Step Four – Allow the mixture to cook for about 5 to 10 minutes, then serve and enjoy.

overhead shot of ohio chicken in slow cooker, cooked

Variations

  • Ritz Crackers – Use one sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers instead of the stuffing mix (add at the end of the cooking time). These sandwiches are often called Bitz of Ritz Sandwiches.
  • Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches – Add a 1/4 cup of Frank’s Red hot at the beginning of the cooking time for hot chicken sandwiches.
  • Cornbread Stuffing – The most significant difference between stove-top and cornbread stuffing is how they’re made. Making the cornbread stuffing from scratch (or from a box of Jiffy) can yield the same results as using a box of stove-top.
  • Add Shredded Cheese – Go for the cheese of your choice; however, most Ohioans agree that you can’t go wrong with a slice of Swiss.
  • Bun Substitutes – While you can’t go wrong serving these on sesame hamburger buns, you can swap the buns for a bed of mashed potatoes or rice.
  • Canned chicken – Cut cooking time down a fraction by using canned cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken can also be used.

What to Serve with Ohio Chicken Sandwiches

  • Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese will add a delicious and hearty side and one with a kick.
  • Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes make a great addition to these shredded chicken sandwiches.
  • Slow Cooker Cranberry sauce – top your sandwiches with jellied or whole cranberry sauce! It tastes just like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner!
  • Chips and dill pickle slices would go perfectly with an Ohio shredded chicken sandwich. This is a great go-to if you’re cooking these for a picnic or potluck.
side view of ohio chicken in slow cooker

Recipe FAQs

Can you freeze this meal?

It freezes perfectly when put into a freezer-safe bag (or container). It will keep up to three months.

I have cream of mushroom soup on hand. Can I use that instead?

Yes. It will change the flavor slightly, but if you like the way cream of mushroom soup tastes, you’ll enjoy using it in this recipe.

Is this recipe make-ahead or prep safe?

Absolutely! Simply add everything except the stuffing into a Ziploc bag and store it in the freezer until you’re ready to cook it. Thaw, then proceed with the directions.

How can I make this moister?

Add a splash of chicken broth if your shredded chicken has dried out. This may happen if you leave the lid on for a length of time.

ohio chicken on sesame bun

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a chicken sandwich on a plate with potato chips.

Slow Cooker Ohio Chicken Sandwiches

4.84 from 6 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Tender shredded creamy chicken with stove-top stuffing, pile on sesame buns for the BEST and unique dinner.

Ingredients 
 

  • 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano
  • 21 oz. cream of chicken soup (two 10.5 oz. cans), do not add water
  • 1/4 cup salted butter, sliced
  • 6 oz. Stove top stuffing – chicken flavor, (WAIT TO ADD)
  • 8 sesame seed buns

Instructions 

  • Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle over the pepper and oregano. Don't be tempted to add more salt, this recipe has plenty.
  • Spread over the cream of chicken soup.
  • Slice the butter and place over the chicken and soup. DO NOT ADD THE STUFFING YET.
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.
  • After the cooking time is up shred the chicken with two forks right in the slow cooker.
  • Add the dry, uncooked stovetop stuffing and stir. Place the lid back on for 5-10 more minutes. The finished chicken stuffing will be dry-looking, that's ok! It's not going to have a drippy sauce. It is a perfect texture for not making the buns soggy.
  • Serve on soft sesame buns. And enjoy! Serve with chips and top with cranberry sauce if desired.

How to Video

Sarah’s Notes

Can I freeze the leftovers?
It freezes perfectly when put into a freezer-safe bag (or container). It will keep up to three months.
Can I use cream of mushroom soup?
Yes. It will change the flavor slightly, but if you like the way cream of mushroom soup tastes, you’ll enjoy using it in this recipe.
Can I make this into a freezer meal?
Absolutely! Simply add everything except the stuffing into a Ziploc bag and store it in the freezer until you’re ready to cook it. Thaw, then proceed with the directions.
How can I make this moister?
Add a splash of chicken broth if your shredded chicken has dried out. This may happen if you leave the lid on for a length of time.

Nutrition

Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 1208mg | Potassium: 565mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 350IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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Recipe Rating




33 Comments

  1. lynn kotlan says:

    5 stars
    Easy recipe and guests love them. Iโ€™m frequently asked to make this recipe for friends . Even made it for their holiday celebrations and brought it to them.

  2. Andreea Monica says:

    If you double the recipe, is it the same time on low?

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      It should be about the same time on low, maybe just a half an hour longer.

  3. Carol Foster says:

    My inlaws are coming to visit. How long can I leave the chicken in the slow cooker without drying out? It looks delicious!!

  4. Becky Gansen says:

    How many adults does this feed?

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      About 8.

  5. Becky Gansen says:

    How many chicken breast and stove top for feeding 12 people?

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      I would double it.

  6. Tina Bowens says:

    I just have to say having grown up on Roots chicken for every occasion they don’t use soup or stuffing in their chicken but these are good sandwiches

    1. Jen says:

      I grew up on Root’s as well. I think this is a really great recipe and make it often. I don’t use all the stuffing. A great back up when I can’t get Root’s. ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. BSR says:

    Hello. Has anyone tried making this using gluten-free canned soup and gluten-free dressing mix? Having a family member who requires a gluten-free diet, I am always on the lookout for new and different recipes. Usually we just throw boneless chicken breast in the crockpot with a little water and cook till done. They make a great sandwich but sometimes you want something with a little more substance. Thank you.

  8. Dee says:

    I have made these for years and everyone always loves them. I use two cans of cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup or 1 of each, have even used cream of celery if that’s what was on hand, I fill one of the cans halfway with milk and pour it in for more creaminess, 1 whole chicken boiled, deboned and shredded, and 1 box of prepared according to box instructions pork flavored stuffing by Stove Top no other seasoning needed.

  9. Linda says:

    This recipe was a real crowd pleaser. We served it at our anniversary party along with some pulled pork. Although the pork was loved, this pulled chicken recipe was the one everyone wanted.

  10. PatC says:

    Am I the only one who wonders about putting bread into the meat and then serving it on bread?