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Discover The Perfect Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe:
Imagine biting into a tender, flavorful shredded chicken sandwich. It’s a classic from Ohio, loved for its simplicity and appeal. It’s perfect for any event, from birthdays to funerals, bringing people together.
This recipe is special because of its juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and crunchy Ritz crackers. It’s easy to make, whether you use a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Prepare to enjoy comforting flavors and make it your favorite dish for any time.
Why This Ohio-Style Sandwich Will Become Your New Favorite
Get ready to find your new favorite sandwich! The Ohio-style shredded chicken sandwich is tasty and versatile. It’s great for many occasions. Plus, it’s easy on your wallet and can be made ahead of time.
Perfect for Gatherings and Events
Hosting a potluck, school event, or backyard barbecue? This sandwich is perfect. Just shred the chicken, mix it with sauce, and serve on buns or rolls.
Budget-Friendly Family Meal
This sandwich uses affordable ingredients like chicken breasts, condensed soup, and crackers. It costs just $0.27 per serving, saving you money without losing flavor.
Make-Ahead Convenience
Busy lives need easy meal prep. This sandwich is great because you can make it ahead and reheat it. It’s perfect for saving time on busy nights or last-minute events.
Try the Ohio-style shredded chicken sandwich and it’ll soon be your go-to dish for any event.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Shredded Chicken Sandwich
Making a tasty shredded chicken sandwich starts with picking the right ingredients. Whether it’s for a quick family dinner or a big event, the main ingredients stay the same. Let’s explore what you need to make the best Ohio-style shredded chicken sandwich.
The core of this recipe is boneless, skinless chicken breasts. About 3 pounds of chicken will give you enough for 8 people. It’s best to use warm, freshly cooked chicken. This makes it easier to shred than cold, leftover meat.
To make the chicken moist and creamy, you’ll need condensed cream of chicken soup and chicken stock. These two ingredients mix to create a tasty base for your sandwich.
The final key ingredients are Ritz (butter) crackers and spices like dried parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper. These add to the flavor of your sandwich.
Remember to serve your shredded chicken sandwich on soft buns. The primary ingredients remain the same, however the recipe can be modified.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 3 pounds |
| Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup | 1 can |
| Chicken Stock | 1 cup |
| Ritz (Butter) Crackers | 1 cup, crushed |
| Dried Parsley | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Soft Buns | 8 buns |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious shredded chicken sandwich. It’s sure to please your family and friends.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the best shredded chicken sandwiches, you’ll need some key tools and equipment. You have to decide between using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot for cooking the chicken.
Slow Cooker vs Instant Pot Options
A 7-quart slow cooker is great for making lots of shredded chicken. It’s perfect for feeding a big group. On the other hand, an Instant Pot cooks chicken fast, usually in just 20 minutes on high pressure. Both methods will give you tasty chicken, so pick what works best for you.
Additional Helpful Tools
- Can opener – for easily opening the canned condensed soup
- Mixing spoons – for stirring and combining the ingredients
- Storage containers – to store any leftover shredded chicken
- To make sure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F, use a meat thermometer.
- Hand mixer or two forks – for quickly shredding the cooked chicken
With these kitchen tools for chicken recipes, slow cooker recipes, and Instant Pot meals, you’re ready to make amazing shredded chicken sandwiches.
How to Make the Best Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe
This simple recipe makes it easy to make the best homemade chicken sandwiches. To begin, combine 1½ cups of your preferred barbecue sauce with 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Add ½ cup of water, ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder in your slow cooker or Instant Pot.
Cook the chicken until it is soft and shreds easily. In the slow cooker, this takes roughly 3–4 hours on high or 6–8 hours on low. Alternatively, it can be prepared in the Instant Pot in 20 to 25 minutes. After cooking, shred the chicken in the cooking liquid with two forks. This guarantees that it will absorb all of the delicious tastes.
To get the sauce just right, add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs. Start with ½ cup and add more until it’s the perfect thickness. Not to make it too thick.
- Packed into a slow cooker or Instant Pot with 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1½ cups BBQ sauce, ½ cup water, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Cook the chicken until it’s tender and easily shreds, about 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low in the slow cooker, or 20-25 minutes in the Instant Pot.
- Shred the cooked chicken directly in the cooking liquid using two forks.
- Add ½ cup of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs to thicken the sauce, gradually increasing the amount until you reach the desired consistency.
- To suit your taste, add extra salt, pepper, or spices as necessary.
- Serve the shredded chicken on soft buns or rolls for the best homemade chicken sandwiches.
This easy recipe will give you the best chicken sandwich for any occasion. It’s perfect for gatherings, events, or a quick, delicious family meal. The make-ahead convenience of this homemade chicken sandwiches recipe is a big time-saver in the kitchen.
Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Cooking Methods and Timing
There are several ways to cook perfect shredded chicken for sandwiches. Stovetop, Instant Pot, or slow cooker options are available. The goal is to get tender, flavorful chicken that shreds well.
Slow Cooker Method
For slow cooking, place chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Add the sauce ingredients too. Cook on low for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
Replace the chicken in the slow cooker after shredding it. Add any leftover sauce ingredients like crackers and spices. Let it cook for 20-30 minutes more. This helps the flavors mix well.
Instant Pot Instructions
Chicken cooks more quickly in the Instant Pot. Fill the Instant Pot with the chicken and sauce. After 10 minutes of high pressure cooking, quickly remove the pressure.
Add any leftover sauce after shredding the chicken. For 20 minutes, use the “keep warm” option. This aids in the thickening of the sauce.
Stovetop Alternative
For stovetop cooking, combine all ingredients in a large skillet or pot. Use medium-high heat. This method works well with pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.
Warm the mixture well, adjusting the thickness as needed. The stovetop method is the quickest, taking about 30-40 minutes.
Each cooking method takes around 4-5 hours to prepare. The stovetop is the fastest. Make sure the chicken is cooked and shreds well before adding the rest of the ingredients.
Creative Ways to Customize Your Sandwich
Make your shredded chicken sandwich special by trying new things. You can add different flavors like cream of mushroom or celery soup. Sprinkle shredded cheese for creaminess or add minced onion, garlic, or celery for texture.
Try using leftover turkey for a Thanksgiving twist. Use potato chips or stuffing mix to make it thicker. For spice, add cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños.
Add coleslaw or creamy avocado to balance the flavors. These add color and a refreshing taste to your sandwich.
Customizing your sandwich is all about trying new things. It’s a great way to make a sandwich that’s just right for you. Whether you’re looking for something new or just want to mix things up, these ideas will help you create a delicious sandwich.
Shredded Chicken Sandwich
Best Side Dishes to Serve
Enjoying a shredded chicken sandwich is even better with the right side dish. Traditional choices in Ohio include Ballreich Potato Chips or wavy potato chips. For something more filling, try creamy mashed potatoes or mac and cheese.
For a fresh taste, coleslaw or a green salad are great picks. These options add a nice contrast to the sandwich.
At gatherings, easy sides like individual bags of chips or pre-portioned salads are perfect. Roasted veggies or fresh fruit and pasta salads offer healthy, tasty choices. These sides will make your shredded chicken sandwich even better.
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Honey Roasted Carrots | Effortlessly prepared with minimal ingredients like honey, carrots, olive oil, and seasonings. |
| Quinoa Spinach Salad | Incorporates ingredients like avocados, cheese, bell peppers, spinach, quinoa, and cucumber, often topped with lemon Dijon vinaigrette. |
| Creamy Mashed Potatoes | A highly favored side dish for shredded chicken, typically made with a medley of potatoes, sour cream, garlic, and butter. |
| Macaroni Salad | Prepared with mayonnaise and macaroni pasta, usually served cold and can be customized with ingredients like mustard, sour cream, or sweet pickle juice. |
| Sauteed Garlic Green Beans | A simple dish requiring olive oil, garlic, green beans, parsley, salt, and seasonings, often serving as a colorful addition to shredded chicken meals. |
These side dishes enhance the flavors of the shredded chicken sandwich. They offer a variety of options for different tastes and diets. Whether for a potluck, picnic, or family dinner, these sides will impress everyone.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Enjoying shredded chicken sandwiches doesn’t have to stop after one meal. With the right storage and reheating, you can enjoy leftovers for days. Let’s look at the best ways to keep and reheat your shredded chicken for great taste and convenience.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing is great for long-term storage of shredded chicken. Cool the chicken completely before putting it in airtight bags or containers. Make sure to remove air to avoid freezer burn. This way, the chicken can stay frozen for up to 3 months.
Leave the chicken in the refrigerator overnight to defrost. The texture and flavor of the meat are preserved by this gradual thaw. It can also be rapidly thawed in the microwave, but be careful not to let it overheat.
Proper Storage Methods
- For short-term storage, keep the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Don’t mix the chicken with buns for storage. Store them separately to prevent sogginess.
- Keep sauces or dressings in a separate container to avoid soggy buns.
There are several ways to reheat the chicken. On the stovetop, warm it gently over medium heat with a bit of chicken broth. In the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot. Avoid overcooking for the best texture.
By using these simple tips, you can enjoy shredded chicken sandwiches for days. Meal prep and leftovers become easy. Get ready to enjoy this Ohio-style sandwich again and again!
Conclusion
The Ohio-style shredded chicken sandwich is a must-try in your kitchen. It’s perfect for any family dinner or gathering.
You can cook it in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop. This recipe fits your cooking style. It’s versatile and delicious.
You can customize it by adding your preferred toppings. Sample the creamy jalapeño queso sauce, spicy coleslaw, and crispy fried chicken. Every bite is delightful.
This recipe is popular throughout the nation and in the Midwest. It’s a comforting and tasty meal. Try it and make it your new favorite dish.