This traditional Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe is a classic. Perfect for large gatherings and easy weeknight meal prep thanks to the crockpot!
Classic Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe
My sister has made a Sloppy Shredded Chicken Sandwich recipe for years (usually for the big family summer vacay trip)! It is not a chicken sloppy joe recipe- they are shredded chicken sandwiches without a tomato/barbecue base. I decided to google it recently and found that is is a very regional recipe… meaning if you aren’t from Ohio- you probably have never heard of this recipe (let alone eaten it). But I wanted to introduce you to this family fave.
The Infamous Ohio Chicken Sandwich
This total comfort food is so basic. With only a few ingredients and easy slow cooker prep, I can see why it has become a regional favorite. One article I read said it was often served in prison and should stay there. LOL! Another mentioned it’s church potluck history – easy to serve a crowd. I have loved hearing where you all have found this hot chicken sandwich recipe over the years; from the concession stand to being on the menu as the Dairy Queen shredded chicken sandwich (read all the comments below and add yours!) Overall, like Chipped Beef on Toast, this meal is all about memories, nostalgia and regional tradition.
Below you will see my version of this Buckeye State classic recipe (with a few twists to give it a bit more “oomph”). The classic recipe calls for saltine crackers, but my sister has always used breadcrumbs. I decided to do a mix of breadcrumbs and a stockpile pantry staple croutons. I think the croutons give it a nice texture and added flavor.
And in the numerous comments on this post you will see the variations on this recipe. I think potato chips are my next try as filler. Lots of you mentioned using canned chicken for the base (specifically this one) but I don’t think hubs will let me try that variation. 😉
UPDATE: I used to shred my chicken by hand … but I tried that Shredded Chicken Hack, and it worked! (Game Changer!, see video here)
(Did you make this Shredded Chicken Sandwich recipe? Come back and give it a rating! Tap the stars to rate or give a rating the comments section below. THANKS!)
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can cream of chicken soup can substitute can of chicken broth - just add a little more breadcrumbs
- 1-1 1/2 C seasoned breadcrumbs, saltine crackers, croutons or mix
- dash of seasoned salt and garlic powder to taste
Instructions
- Cook chicken breast with chicken soup in crockpot for a few hours on low.
- Then add your choice of filler: breadcrumbs, crackers, croutons, or chips and the seasoning. Cook another couple hours.
- Pull chicken out of pot and shred. Mix back into crockpot, cook another hour.
- Serve on buns with optional cheese.
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Have you ever eaten this shredded chicken sandwich? Are you from Ohio? Would love to hear your comments below!
Do you have some leftovers from this classic meal? How about turning them into another comfort food recipe? Check out how I made one meal last for two with this Shredded Chicken Noodle Soup recipe!
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From Ohio and yes we have had this sandwich at many times at many places during my lifetime. We even had them in our school cafeteria but most of the little dairy Queen type places have them and we recently found them at a sandwich shop in Urbana Ohio also. We actually call them “chicken jelly” sandwiches because in this chicken has stewed for a long time It creates a sort of delicious brothy texture that causes the bread to be really soft and soaked with goodness. We’ve never tried to make them ourselves but we will try this recipe soon. Thank you for posting it! We love our chicken jelly!
Even though this is an Ohio original recipe I have always considered it the “Methodist Women’s” version. 3 med cans chicken (Kirkland or any canned will do), Zesta saltines, chicken broth and the SECRET is the electric roasting pan. Cook down and scrape sides when the mixture gets browned and crunchy. Tonight I’m using potato chips as the daughter is gluten sensitive. Thanks for the other suggestions as I might need to add oatmeal and/or crunched tortilla chips!
In Central Ohio, we only use Ritz crackers (about 30) for the filler. It gives a slightly sweet taste. Saltines are too salty and taste like flour. Also, cream of chicken soup provides no flavor contrast, so we use cream of celery soup. It give a small leafy/earthy undertone. As for the chicken, it must be a can of Brinkman’s or Keystone chicken. Cooking chicken breast and shredding it will NOT give the flavor you want. Use canned chicken. The best way to warm this is on low in a crockpot—for a few hours. Serve with sweet or hot pickle chips, and a handful of Ballreich’s potato chips. Now that’s a Buckeye sandwich!
I also use ritz crackers- but not canned chicken. I just use leftover chicken-or turkey from Thanksgiving leftovers). We arr actually on our way to Tiffin, Ohio right now for a small family reunion and planning to stock up on a supply of Ballreights 😋
I’m from Findlay, Ohio area (Jenera) and grew up on the Chicken Sandwiches – canned chicken from Brinkman’s for sure!! I’ve lived in Milwaukee, WI for over 25 years and look forward to the Chicken Sandwiches when I visit my Aunt in Arlington. I didn’t realize that Chicken Sandwiches was an Ohio meal until I moved to Milwaukee and learned that no one had ever heard of it and that Milwaukee’s go-to meal is Ham and Rolls on Sundays.
I’ve lived on the lake 30 miles west of Cleveland in Amherst my whole 63 yrs and never heard of this. I’m hosting my family reunion this Sunday. Everyone brings a dish and I provide the meat. I was at a loss of what to make. My 26 yr old daughter said “why don’t you make Ohio Shedded chicken sandwiches?” So here I am looking up the recipe. Didn’t realize there would be so many variations. I think I’ll stick with yours for the trial run. Wish me luck! I’m not much of a cook:)
I’m originally from Tiffin, OH and my mom made (what we called) sloppy chicken sandwiches quite often as a way to usr leftover chicken. I also make them using leftover thanksgiving turkey Deliciousness!!
I too am from Columbus and im wondering if pork rinds could be used instead of chips/stuffing. Trying to watch carbs for pre-diabetic purposes.
With this recipe and all the variations, I’d say give it a try! Might add a nice little flavor to it too. Let us know how it turns out.
I used to go to Camp Fitch on Lake Erie both as a camper and also as a leader. So many fond memories, one of which was stopping for these chicken sandwiches on the way there and back. Just thought I would google it tonight and found out it is an Ohio recipe. Have been living in BC Canada since 1970 but have never forgotten that memory. Now I’ll try it up here.
My Grandmother Grace made tons of these for the county fair for years to support Howard Methodist Church in Findlay, Ohio
Her secret was to thicken with a bit of oatmeal… Delicious. We still have her stained recipe card. Family treasure !
Thank’s for sharing your variation. I LOVE stained recipe cards- the sign of a well-loved favorite!
This is not the real thing – cream of chicken soup is not used. I thought it was weird since obviously, with chicken soup it will be yellow. This recipe has NEVER been yellow but more a grayish/beige. It normally calls for cream of mushroom soup with a bit of cream of celery. My son who is a chef, had to fix this incredibly bland recipe. Keep looking – this is not the correct way t o make this and if you’re from Ohio, you know it!
Susan sorry to hear you didn’t care for my version of this nostalgic recipe. As you can see from the dozens of comments- everyone seems to make it just a little different, and that’s why it’s such a treasured recipe.
My mom ALWAYS used cream of chicken. And she’s 80 yeas old and grew up in northwest ohio as well as raised all four of us kids there 🤷♀️
Excellent recipe and interesting comments.
I grew up in Lima, Ohio, and still get these sandwiches at the DQ whenever I return.
The Lima recipe (sold in most of the food tents at the Allen County Fair) — had no crackers, no potato chips, and no bread crumbs. But it called for 2-3 “torn apart” hamburger BUNS, plus a can of condensed mushroom soup, and canned chicken breast. Simmered . . . to perfection and put on the remaining buns.
Lima also is the home of the Kewpee restaurant. The Kewpee, complete with Kewpee dolls, was the source of the Wendy’s Restaurant chain which started in Ohio. The Kewpee was, and still is, famous for: square hamburgers, frosted chocolate “malted,” and chili –but no fries for many years. Cf Wendy’s….
Hi! My daughter & I were talking about these over the holidays, as we’re in Arizona (since 1995) now, but we’re native Buckeyes. I’ve only found these sandwiches in Ohio (Dairy Queen, baby showers, sporting events) & miss them so much. Thank you for posting this. I like reading everyone’s replies with the variations. I like to keep it simple. 🙂 Have a great day!
Lol… it is an Ohio thing! Funerals, sporting events, church functions…always on the menu but not so much in restaurants. I’m making them today for a cookie bake off and a meal to drop off to friends. Thanks for the stuffing tip! Gonna try it!
Yep. My mom cooked the food for my wedding almost 34 years ago and sloppy chicken and sloppy joes were on our menu
I grew up in Moline, a little town east of Perrysburg. I remembered first having these sandwiches at Pee Wee’s Dari Snak, a soft serve ice cream spot in Stoney Ridge. They just completed their 58th season! I remember having them at church potlucks and funerals, too. My sister in law, who grew up in Walbridge, lives in Curtice and she uses Root’s. I enjoy reading all the comments and shared memories. Thank you.
I’m Ohio born and raised every wedding or reunion or graduation had to have shredded chicken or it just wasn’t complete but we just used Root’s shredded chicken out of Fremont, so when I left the state I would stock up on it whenever I came home then I found out you could order it online and get it sent nationwide it was like Christmas I’m here to tell ya. but before that happened this is very close to what I made I just didn’t use soup I used chicken broth.
My husband is from Ohio, so I had to learn how to make these since I had never heard of them. I just wanted to comment on the use of canned chicken. The one referenced in the story preceding the recipe is not just canned chicken, it is a chicken in a can. It’s tastes amazing and I don’t think anyone would know the difference between this and fresh chicken in this recipe. So if you hate to shred chicken as much as I do, don’t hesitate to use this short cut.
I grew up I Fremont and shredded chicken sandwiches were my favorite comfort food but for some reason my mom never made them so I never had a recipe. I live in southern Ohio and shredded chicken never made it here so I’m really happy to have a recipe so I can eat it more than once every few years. In Fremont I think people can buy the chicken pre- shredded from Root’s.I also grew up with Ballreich’s potato chips but have not been able to retain any fondness for them. I feel like they taste like fried Crisco. I’ve become a Mike-Sells girl.
Someone up thread said these weren’t heard of in Cincinnati, Ohio. Wrong!!! Spent my childhood in the 60s-70s being dragged around to auctions by my mom. The only thing that made it tolerable was knowing I’d get a shredded chicken sandwich from the concession trailer at lunch time. Thanks for the reminiscing!
As a transplant TO Ohio, I can attest to no one outside of the Buckeye state knows much about this awesome sandwich. I like to use stuffing mix in mine. The seasoning packet adds some additional flavor.
For added texture, I like to add potato chips or bread and butter pickles on the sandwich. Those are good but try potato sticks instead of chips. AWESOME. I’m making these for an office beach day and thinking of offering a variety of sandwich toppings. Think I’ll try french fried onions. I bet they would be good as well.
Born and raised in a little town called Risingsun, but live in Texas now. The recipe is almost the same but I remember it at county fairs from the church’s booth and church functions. My aunts used the whole chicken if they couldn’t get their hands on the canned chicken. The chips mentioned in the comments don’t taste the same as they did when I was growing up in the area, but they were great chips. Bread crumbs and chunks of bread were used in our recipes. Make it all the time for potlucks for my new school and they love it. Reading all the comments reminds me of home. I sure do miss home. Thanks for the memories, everyone.
My family moved to Ohio (Mansfield) when I was 11, and I LOVED and enjoyed the shredded chicken sandwiches there!! I live in the south now, and have wished MANY times that I could find a place that sells shredded chicken sandwiches down here!! I have long been amazed that Ohio-style shredded chicken sandwiches haven’t become widely popular throughout the country!! They’re so good, I guess I’ll just have to start making my own!! They are the BEST!!! 😃
My Dad was from Bucyrus, and he taught us this recipe. We stewed a whole chicken and used chicken broth and flour to thicken a gravy. Salt and pepper and a buttered bun were mandatory, other seasonings optional. My husband always has homemade seasoned chicken stock in the freezer, so we can use that to up the seasoning.
I made this as I was looking for something that would be close to what my aunt used to make. She recently passed away and she never wrote down her recipe. I did add chicken broth to the recipe as the soup was not enough. But in the end it was delicious!! Better the next day even. It freezes well too! My daughter made it and she loves it too! Hit the spot and it wasn’t my aunts but dang close!
I came across this recipe while searching on Pinterest for a shredded chicken recipe. I’m from the south and had never heard of this. Tried it tonight and loved it!
Thanks so much for leaving your comment. I love hearing all the stories people have with this recipe. But I also love when people experience it for the first time!
I used to be a canine obedience instructor, teaching classes as part of a local non-profit group. There were two HUGE dog shows every year, and we would host the concession stand to raise money for equipment & building maintenance. There was a woman who worked it twice a year with me that would bring in a couple of crockpots of this for us to sell as sandwiches. Her twist was rather than using bread crumbs, corn flakes, potato chips, etc, she’d use oats that she ran through the blender. They weren’t visually noticeable, but they added a little something to the flavor, and kept them moist and helped to hold them together on the hamburger buns. So delicious. And of course, since we were at a dog show, every dog was dragging their owner in our direction. LOL
Grew up in St. Mary’s, Ohio. We would drive out by the lake and go to the A&W for a hot chicken sandwich and a root beer in a frosted mug. What a memory!
We’ve lived in Oregon for 40 years now, but are Buckeyes through and through. Traditionally, we have had homemade noodles with mashed potatoes every year for Thanksgiving, since we have lived here. People say, “Whaaaat? Noodles and mashed potatoes.” Then the next year they say, “I hope you made those noodles.” Ohio lives on in so many memories and the food we eat. Can’t get anyone to go for fried bologna sandwiches, though!! LOL
Oh yes! We have noodles and mashed potatoes at every get family get together. Especially Thanksgiving!
Oh my Brenda, I’m from St.Marys, Ohio! Lived here most of my life. The A&W rootbeer stand was before my time. But, I’ve heard that they made a great shredded Chicken sandwich! How funny that I came across your comment in regard to the beloved Ohio sandwich!
Hi Brenda! Did you happen to know my parents? They grew up in St. Mary’s, they are both now deceased and buried there. Jane Parker was my Mom and my Dad was Michael Lynch. Just thought I’d ask 🙂
[email protected]
Jackie Lynch-Taverna.
Thanks for the recipe and Ohio memory comments! I grew up in Upper Sandusky, OH – Wyandot County (NO, not Cedar Point) and I loved the Dairy Snack’s and Mike’s shredded chicken sandwiches. During this COVID time, I was looking for a little comfort food. I have lived North of the Ohio border for 30 years. Still love my Ohio family. They haven’t disowned me.
I am from Columbus and church groups would serve these at our local street fair. One of the easiest and best comfort foods. I am not sure what they used but I use potato chips. I have to try Ritz!
Local Dairy Queen makes the best shredded chicken sandwich. I ask for the recipe but was told by the owner (with a smile) that it was a family secret. Have been trying to figure out what is in it for years!! Now I have your recipe to try. Thank you!!
Can’t wait to hear how it compares!
Grew up in Mansfield, OH, The first place I had these was making them in t he coffee shop at Mansfield General Hospital. Had them at my wedding reception, but made with flour like you remember. They came out at every church supper and picnics.
Oh my goodness, I had many a snack from the coffee shop at MGH! I graduated from their nursing school many moons ago, I don’t recall them having the chicen sandwich, but I mostly lived on Twix candy bars and cokes. LOL!!
I’m originally from Tiffin, Ohio, in Seneca County, where the shredded chicken sandwich remains a staple. They’re served at all the drive-in restaurants, and at every pot luck (my favorite comes from Jolly’s Root Beer Stand, served with a bag of Ballreich’s Potato Chips!). There are a million versions of the recipe, and all of the above are good. I just want to add that this isn’t familiar to all Ohioans. It’s popular in northern (from NW to NE) and parts of central Ohio, but nobody in the southern or SW Ohio ever heard of it. It’s not on a menu anywhere that I’ve seen, and I’ve lived in this area for a good 35 years.
Some Dairy Queen restaurants serve them 🙂
Oh wow, do you know where? We have two DQ’s in our immediate area and neither one offers this sandwich. I would gladly go to any DQ that has it!
You can get a “sloppy turkey” sandwich at Dip n Sip in McConnelsville. We’ve had sloppy chicken in Morgan County all my 50 years of life.
Oh my! I’m originally from LIma, Ohio and loved these so much. I always ordered them from the various ice cream shops and the most recent from Happy Dayz. No one here in Atlanta has a clue. We used Keystone in Lima for our chicken and always had brought some home whenever I visited. They have been closed recently. The best I ever had was a mix. It was a funeral unfortunately but someone made the traditional chicken and someone else used turkey. So we put them together to serve and they were amazing. I agree with some dill pickles are great. The chips I’ve heard are no longer available and/or were changed.
Ohio girl here as well! I love shredded chicken sandwiches and have been making them for years. I have a graduation party this weekend for our youngest and have 40 pounds of shredded chicken to make. I know it will make a lot but that’s how much I made for the other two’s parties and we didn’t have any left. I’m not 100% sure right now with the pandemic so I’m thinking I will freeze whatever is left. I’ve done this in the past and it is the perfect start to chicken & noodles! Also another Ohio thing, making chicken & noodles, mashed potatoes, and corn! ENJOY!
Deanna- yes it does freeze well! I use mine for the more universal Chicken Noodle Soup (see link to recipe above). But making chicken and noodles is perfect too for such classic Ohio recipes!
I’m so excited to try this recipe. I grew up near Zanesville and remember these from church potlucks and family get-togethers. I live in New York now, and the last time I had these sandwiches was when I went back to OH for my dad’s funeral about five years ago. There was a meal at the church afterward with so much delicious food, including a big pile of buns and a big dish of the chicken mix. All that comfort food gave me something to focus on instead of crying. 🙂
I’m sorry for your loss Kristin. But isn’t is interesting how food can comfort the soul.
No one has mentioned the hot chicken sandwiches at the Lions tent-Loudonville Free St Fair?
Simply the best
Yes! I grew up in Ohio as well. This was a staple at pretty much every gathering. My mom taught me to make it with potato flakes though, as a thickener, but a lot of people I know used crackers. Maybe that was just her thing and something she generally had on-hand. I like it that way.
Back in the late ’60s, early ’70s, a little block building on the side of an ally in Loudonville. Jones Potato Chip factory. Couldn’t have been 10′ sq. We use to get the chicken sammich from the A & W in Ashland.
Love these, I am from Dover, OH (near Canton and next to New Phila). We use to eat these at the DQ. Your recipe is yummy! thanks
Deb thanks for rating my recipe! Means so much coming from someone who has rich memories with it!
I grew up in Galion, OH…I’ve lived in FL since 1985. It’s a perfect cool winter day for some comfort food. p.s. I’ve never tried making this with chips or crackers or croutons.
Yes, perfect for cool/cold days. And if you try a new “filler” ingredient- let us know which one.
Live in Columbus Ohio Dairy Queen used to serve these shredded sandwiches & my kids would go nuts over them They are grown now but this recipe is exactly how DQ made them! It is great that it is so simple!! Thanks again!! My future son in law loves this!!!
Yay a Columbus neighbor! Thanks so much for sharing, I really do love reading all these personal stories!
I always use chicken stove top stuffing and cream of chicken soup. The stuffing adds wonderful flavor!
Classic way to make this!
Was raised in Newark, OH. I remember them serving shredded chicken sandwiches at school for lunch, occasionally. Was always one of the better school lunches we were served. My mother used to crush up bags of oyster crackers to mix in, and would add a dollop of sour cream for a little added zip and creaminess. Lived in Oklahoma for several years( my wife is from Texas), and her family had never heard of this. My father-in-law, who was a “meat and potato’s guy”, always liked when I fixed this for football Saturday’s, or any night for quick and easy meals. Works great in a slow cooker with frozen chicken breast.
Ooo, sour cream would add a nice little zip.
what a coincidence. We also moved from Mansfield to Wilmington and found this site while looking up a shredded chicken recipe.
My family and I moved from the Mansfield OH area to Wilmington nc! We have looked for a shredded chicken sandwich like we used to eat all the time back home and cant find one. I tried this recipe and my family loved it! We will be making it again and again.
YAY! (and you seriously made my day!)
I used to slam these sandwiches. I would love going places with concession stands because you knew there’d be shredded chicken sandwiches. Well, then I went vegan… I miss these sandwiches, so I am veganizing your recipe. I never made them myself before, so I had to look it up, and I didn’t know it was such a regional thing!
Thanks!
a vegan version would be quite interesting. Thanks for sharing your memory of this recipe.
I am from Knox County Ohio. Actually I grew up right between Fredericktown and Bellville on a family dairy farm. I used to go to Mount Vernon and Mansfield growing up. Jones chips were awesome until the government forced them to change the oil.
The origin of these chicken sandwiches from what I have been told is that it is a depression era dish. That would make sense with the limited ingredients in them as people had access to limited items. They started with chickens that would be cooked down until the meat fell apart. Then you could use milk and limited other ingredients which were all available to farmers thus the Ohio roots of these sandwiches. Most Ohio farmers had chickens and when hens get older they stop laying eggs and their meat is tough. Cooking them down this way would allow a farmer to get one last use of the chicken and enjoy a meal. Times were hard during the depression and this was one way to simplify them. Over time the sandwich has changed with slow cooking or pressure cooking (my preferred method) the chicken and then adding soup. The crackers are there to dry up the sandwich. You may notice keeping to tradition they rarely have any condiments on them. This points back to the depression era where they would have been unavailable. Thanks for reading and hopefully these become more popular nation wide. When I left Ohio for the military I was shocked and disheartened to learn these sandwiches were regional to Ohio. Great memories of the Buckeye State.
Go Buckeyes!!!!!!!!
Brice, Thanks so much for sharing your memories and info on this iconic recipe!
I was born and raised in Coshocton, Ohio from the late 1940’s to mid 60’s. When I was a kid, we would go to area small town festivals and at every one there were hot chicken sandwiches and also homemade noodles alon with other favorites. Yum! My family made these, and I still do, by cooking a whole chicken or breasts and and thighs with bone in and skin on to make a rich broth. Add onion, celery, carrots,salt and pepper to flavor the stock. Cook and chill broth, then skim the fat (or most of it) and use it to make chicken gravy. Pick the chicken (let it cool a bit so you don’t burn your hands) being careful to remove all bones and skin. Put shredded chicken in a large pot and add gravy. Heat and let cook to mix flavors. Amount depends on how much chicken you have. You can add bread crumbs or Ritz crackers to thicken if too runny or make more gravy if too stiff. If needed, use a good quality chicken stock to make gravy. Serve on good quality buns. Can make a few days ahead and refrigerate; be sure it is room temperature before you put a lid on it and stick it in the fridge. Homemade is delicious and much healthier than using canned soup – especially if you are watching salt content. No preservatives used. These are a real treat, and along with ham loaf, are typicaliy Ohio farm country eating! Try it! Leftovers mixed with cooked noodles make a great casserole. Put crushed potato chips or ritz crackers on top.
I grew up in Sidney, OH. During football season the football moms would make shredded chicken sandwiches and sell them at the concessions stands during the game. Being a player, we weren’t able to get them during the game; however, the moms would always deliver us a huge box of leftover sandwiches after the game! This was the shinning moment in an otherwise lackluster season. I now live in St. Louis with my family and have brought the nostalgia of shredded chicken with me! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Andrew, thanks so much for sharing your story with this recipe!
I am going to try this recipe. I remember having these sandwiches in the school cafeteria. I am going to use Brinkman’s (from Findlay, Ohio) shredded chicken.
For this recipe, is the cream of chicken the 10.5oz can?
I’m hoping this is the recipe that I remember from Friday night football games and chinese auctions (are these an ohio thing too)?
Yep, that’s the size. And Chinese auctions I have never heard of… hmm…
I’m from central Ohio and we have 2 real versions… shredded chicken with cream of chicken soup OR the same with crushed Jones Chips.
Somewhere along the line, this was changes and some started adding boxed chicken stuffing. To me its gross tasting and can’t figure out why anyone would want to eat chicken filled with “bread” on a bun. To me all you taste is stuffing.
I still need to try the chips way.
Hi -I grew up in Perrysburg then moved to Port Clinton. I aleays had Rootschicken in stock. Now we live in Tennessee and I was happy to be reminded of this recipe- we live it and have made t for family gatherings lately. Tired of barbecue. I use to be Patches on the Patches and Pockets show so traveled all over Ohio..Thanks,
I remember my sisters and I watching Patches and Pockets! We lived in Findlay.
Patches and Pockets was a show I always watched. I was reading all the comments on shredded chicken sandwiches and saw your post. Also Carol O from OLC school makes the BEST chicken sandwiches around.
I’m a Cincinnatian and this yummy sandwich was at every church potluck growing up. Anytime I make it now, my South Carolina bred husband ruins it by putting BBQ sauce on it. He’s crazy! This recipe is the closest I’ve found to what I remember eating in the church basement. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Oh no BBQ! LOL! (Kind of like putting katchup on eggs!) I’m so glad my recipe matches your memories!
I’m using Turkey for mine and also use stuffing mix. We have made these for years, always good. And no not from Ohio
I love the “Thanksgiving” twist on yours. Thanks for sharing! (and it’s ok if you aren’t from Ohio! 😉 )
Thank you for posting this recipe. It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. I was born and raised in Ohio but was never introduced to these until I had them at my current job. My boss makes this sometimes for our birthday carry in lunches. The Circleville, OH DQ also has these on the menu so I can always go on my lunch break and get one. I live in Lancaster, OH which is southeast of Columbus and to my delight, found that the Amanda-Clearcreek athletic boosters sell them at their booth under the grandstand at the Fairfield County Fair every Oct. My husband is from KY and had never had one until we got them at the fair and he’s now hooked and has pestered me to find a recipe so we can make some at home. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
You’re welcome, You’re welcome, You’re welcome! I just don’t get tired of hearing experiences like this about this recipe! Thanks for sharing!
I made these chicken sandwiches for our Christmas eve get together. I used a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, cream of chicken soup, Ritz crackers and lots of pepper. I served them slider style on Kings Hawaiian rolls. They were excellent and easy to eat. I am from Ohio but now live in South Carolina.
Perfect! I love the idea of serving them on Kings Hawaiian rolls. Thanks for sharing.
I’m a western NY gal, my first time making this..,6 chicken breasts spent overnight in crockpot on low with chicken stock, perfect for shredding 6 hours later..now happily in cream of chicken soup and stuffing mix..off to church event today…thinking if I want any for myself, I’d best leave a bowl home! Love it! And it’s sooo easy! Betting it will become a requested fellowship dish! Thsnks!
Yay! Love introducing this recipe to friends from all over the US. And I especially love you calling it a “fellowship dish”. Such a fitting name. Thanks for stopping by to leave your comments!
Vicky How much chicken stock do you use to the 6 chicken breasts to cook the chicken, and how many cans of cream chicken soup if I use ritz crackers would 3 sleeve’s be enough. How many will this serve. possible serving 75 for a graduation party, also having barbecue beef. 2 large crock pots of each.
I too am from NW Ohio, Bluffton to be exact and loved the chicken sandwiches from the local DQ. I moved to the west coast for about 35 years and could never find anyplace that served them so I made my own. Now I live in Florida and the same thing here…no one makes them. I’ve made them different ways but stick to cream of chicken soup, Panko, Johnny’s seasoned salt, black pepper and a bit of horseradish
Oh my hubs would love the addition of the horseradish. 😉
I am from Southeast Ohio – Quaker City/Salesville area and we called them Pressed chicken sandwiches. They are in our family cookbook. Always brought to family reunions and sold at football games. We always used potato chips and some bread. Still make these and they are good deep fried too! It gets crispy on the outside.
First time I’ve heard them called that. And deep fried- that one to try! Thanks for stopping by to share your story with this recipe!
I live in the Toledo area…My absolute favorite sandwich!!! My gram made them for my wedding at my request. Delicious!!! I pass by Root’s on Rt 20 several times a week. I will have to stop soon.
What a great recipe. A true family favorite!
Thanks for the recipe rating Melissa. It really is great family, comfort food.
I used to live in Paulding county Ohio. I remember buying these at auctions
I am a IL transplant from NW Ohio, Defiance Co. No one makes pulled chicken sandwiches around here! I grew up eating them, especially at church gatherings. My sister, who lives in Ohio, often makes the pulled chicken for family gatherings. I didn’t realize that pulled chicken is totally a Buckeye tradition!!!
Isn’t it fun to see all the memories around a simple shredded chicken sandwich! Food, family and friends- I love it!
Question for you. It says to cook the chicken for a couple of hours and then add the other ingredients. So when you cook the chicken in a crockpot you don’t need to add any liquid to it for the first couple of hours? I’m thinking it would get crusty and stick to the crockpot.
I almost always am cooking my chicken from frozen, so there is some extra “juice” along with it and I have no problem. And honestly, you will find the same when cooking from fresh. But if you are worried about it, you can always add in some of the soup/broth from the start.
My husband is an Ohio native. I am not. The first time I visited Ohio when we were dating, I was introduced to the shredded chicken sandwich from Maxie’s in North Canton. It was okay but still remains on my not so favorite list. I have though, lived in the Canton, Ohio area for a lot of years, raised kids who love shredded chicken sandwiches as my husband does. Maxie’s is gone so now the spot is Woody’s for their shredded chicken sandwich. I plan to shock ’em all and serve them up your recipe some evening for dinner. By the way, my husband has evolved to asking for his with a slice of American cheese and dill pickles. That is now his favorite shredded chicken sandwich. Thanks for the recipe!
I never get tired of hearing the stories with this recipe! Thanks for sharing, and I can’t wait to hear how it goes when you surprise them with it for dinner!
How many sandwiches does this recipe make? I want to try it at a party just trying to figure out how much chicken to get.
Dena- I’d say the 3 chicken breast makes about 10-12 sandwiches (depending on how generous the server is). Hope that helps. And have a great party!
I use stovetop stuffng instead of crackers or chips! I also use chicken breast….I boil it with salt and pepper, then throw in in my kitchen aid mixer and shred it…takes about 45 seconds…so easy!!!
I just started using the mixer hack to shred the chicken- game changer!
I grew home in Fremont, Ohio home of Roots Shredded Chicken. They are some of the best you’ll ever have and u believe that will ship anywhere.
You won’t be disappointed!
Ship it wow! (or you could just make this recipe! 😉 )
I’m originally from Findlay and am using Brinkman’s shredded canned chicken.
Enjoy reading everyone’s comments and memories of this sandwich.
YES KW! So much this! I love reading them too! So keep them coming everyone!
I grew up in Ohio and my grandma made these in the 60’s and 70’s. Now I’m a Hoosier and my sister-in-law tried was experimenting with the recipe and used Stove Top stuffing instead of crackers. Yum! That’s the only way I make it now. Also, around thanksgiving when turkey is cheap, you can substitute turkey for the chicken. No one ever knows at big family gatherings.
I love to see all the variations on this classic! And trying turkey would be great with Thanksgiving deals/leftovers.
I live in Sidney, Ohio and we buy them from the Chilly Jilly’s. They use oatmeal in theirs. It is delicious and sell it by the quarts as well! I want to try yours and see if it is as yummy as it sounds. I bet it has more flavor!
Thanks,
DeLoris
Oatmeal, huh. Now that’s a new one. Thanks for commenting!
My grandmother’s recipe used oatmeal too.
This recipe was served every summer at the fair in Findlay. Just awesome !
I grew up in Sidney! I didn’t know they sell them!!! And OATMEAL? How interesting! I’m going to have to pick some up.
I was born and raised in Fremont, Ohio. If we didn’t have time to make our own, we’d go to ROOT’S POULTRY on Route 20 and buy what we needed. They make and sell the BEST !! Now, when we go back on vacation, we stock up, freeze it and bring it back to California with us !!
My family loved chicken sandwiches. Whenever they we on the menu, my sisters and I were very excited. We grew up with the broth and fresh bread crumbs to thicken recipe. Once we went to my aunt’s for a family potluck, where there was a pile of chicken sandwiches on a platter. We were happy until we bit into our sandwiches, then didn’t want to finish them. My aunt was old-fashioned and very frugal. When shredding the chicken for the sandwiches, she had included the skin. Our Mom took the sandwiches away, took out all the skin, then we enjoyed our sandwiches.
I’m frugal, but yikes I wouldn’t want to bite into the skin either! LOL! Thanks for sharing your story of these infamous chicken sandwiches.
Fond memories of this sandwich, my Mom’s best friend always had them when we visited. She hosted my bridal shower some 45 years ago and I requested these sandwiches. I tried recreating them many times, years ago to no avail. I know Marilyn said she used a sleeve of saltines. I followed your recipe cooking in just chicken broth, seasoned salt and garlic powder. I didn’t have crackers or chips in my pantry so I used seasoned stuffing bread crumbs. It tasted as I remembered and my husband and son gave 2 thumbs up. Nice to bring a recipe from my childhood in Ohio to Colorado.
It is such a pleasure to read all the comments with personal experiences with this funny little recipe. I’m so glad you have brought it to CO! Thanks for commenting to. Made my day!
If you have a GFS (Gordon Foods Service) nearby. We use 3 of the large cans of pulled chicken and one large can of cream of chicken. Nothing else! Let it cook down for about 30 minute and you have enough for about 50 sandwiches. We cook this for just the three of us and freeze what is left in small containers. We always have some in the freezer for quick meals… Best served with potato chips and a root beer float.
I love the drink pairing, root beer float- Perfect!
Thank you for this recipe. I was raised in My. Vernon, Ohio and now live in Louisiana. It brings back memories of playing softball and family reunions. I’m going to have to order some Jones chips and have them shipped. You wouldn’t believe some of the stuff they can come up with down here when you ask for shredded chicken sandwiches.
West Unity, Ohio (up in the northeast corner about halfway between Fort Wayne, Indiana and Toledo, Ohio) here, GO HILLTOP! Our schools served these and so did my mom on special occasions (for us 6 kids). Church ladies normally didn’t serve this at church buffets because we got this hearty fare at home. You can only use Ritz crackers and cream of chicken soup, you need a buttery cracker.I beleive my mom tried to sneak in some cream of Mushroom soup once and there was revolt and on my part revulsion (save that mushroom soup for green bean casserole! I’ve brought this recipe to Spain and everyone loves it here. I do a whole chicken in a pressure cooker, de’bone and shred the chicken and add it back to the stock add the cream of chicken soup and our version of Ritz crackers until it turns into a solid mass. You want the texture to be solid, you need it to hold its shape in a hamburger bun but to give when you bite into it. It’s simple comfort food and I’ll be doing it this Christmas and New Years
Tonite I pressure cooked a whole chicken + 2 skinless breasts, in one small can of chicken stock w/ an equal amount of water, 2 sliced onions, 2 stalks of celery sliced, 3 large cloves of garlic, and a tablespoon each of dried thyme, parsley, and sage, and 1/2 a tablespoon of rosemary, for about 45 minutes at 15lbs of pressure – and I let it cool naturally.
Afterward I deboned, de-tendoned, and deskinned the the bird and put all that mess back into the pressure-cooker and covered it with the stock it was cooked in previously. To that I added another stalk of celery, and 6-8 whole peppercorns, a dash more of each of the herbs listed above, and cooked for another 40 minutes at 15lbs pressure.
When the cooker cools down, I’ll strain all the liquid off through a permanent coffee filter though any micro-mesh will work though. I’ll cut any large chicken pieces down to 2 inches max, but won’t shred it, it falls apart as it’s cooked and stirred. I’ll add the chicken back to the pot and add enough stock so that there’s a half inch or so before the meat is covered. Add a couple tablespoons of sour cream and stir in, though cream cheese would also work and be thicker. Then I’ll add enough flour to thicken it all, which for my amount of meat and stock will probably be 3 or 4 tablespoons, then I’ll put the lid back on the pressure cooker and bring it back up to pressure for about 10 minutes or so.
Adjust flavor with salt, which I’ve added none of yet, and possibly some more finely-crushed black pepper.
If it’s not ‘there’ yet, it’s probably because of the thickness of the liquid, which is adjustable with a bit more flour (but it would need to be cooked again to not taste like raw flour) or I’ll use a small bit of cornstarch which only takes a second to thicken up in hot liquid and is neutral in flavor.
*I learned how to make it from scratch after Thanksgiving one year when I was feeling bad about throwing out the turkey carcass, which I roasted again for a short while until everything was browning well, then I proceeded to make stock used the left-over turkey in it as noted above. One bird is just as tasty as the next.
Another good reason for learning to make it from scratch is god-forbid if we ever find ourselves without ritz crackers or Jones’ chips or Stove-Top stuffing or anything else manufactured. Learning to do it from scratch is insurance that I’ll never lose my favorite chicken sandwich. 🙂
WOW! Thanks so much for the detailed comment. Sounds like you have it down to a science! Great tip!
Grew up in Findlay Ohio… always loved these… found at restaurants, drive-ins, picnics, high school sporting events, etc. Live in Southern California now. Just got back from a trip to Findlay (first time in 20 years)… specifically to visit relatives AND the county fair. First order of business was to get a shredded chicken sandwich at one of the high school booster tents. Was not disappointed… SOOOO good… and cheap! $2.50 for a sandwich! Right before I left, my aunt gave me a can of Brinkman’s chicken to try & make it. Unfortunately, the TSA at the Columbus airport confiscated it… DENIED! Will try making it with rotisserie chicken.
How terrible that TSA took your Brinkman’s! I too am from Findlay and just stocked up on my last trip home.
Excited to try this recipe this weekend. What do you cook the chicken in before adding the soup? Just water or broth? Thanks
You can cook it in a can of cream of chicken soup or broth.
I grew up in Knox County, Ohio and you can find these sandwiches at almost every concession stand, especially during a baseball game! I live wyoming now. I have great summer memories that involved eating shredded chicken sandwiches :). I live in Wyoming now and can’t find them anywhere!
Lol did I mention I live in Wyoming now? Didn’t mean to say that twice…oops!
I grew up in Knox too! Mount Vernon. I live in North Carolina now.
Can you substitute turkey breast for the chicken?
Sure, I don’t see why not. If you try it, let me know how it turns out!
Yes! Our Bettsville basketball boosters used to roast turkey, debone it and make shredded turkey sandwiches for the basketball teams after games. We used Stove Top stuffing mix with cream of chicken, and the broth from roasting the turkey. The home and visiting teams loved them. Turkey broth just seems to have a richer flavor.
I have seen several of the comments mention using turkey. Going to try it next time. Thanks for sharing your experience with this recipe.
I live in Indiana now; but grew up in Ohio. A crockpot full of this stuff is a huge hit here every time! People always ask for the recipe. Lol. A little flavoring/filler trick we always used in the nursing home though; use stuffing mix in place of the croutons. Adds great flavor, and makes it more filling! I’ve mostly used the chicken stuffing; but have replaced it with turkey stuffing for thanksgiving parties.. 🙂
Thanks for commenting Brandi. There are definitely lots of different “filler” ingredients to try, with different flavors.
My daughters favorite meal!! We have them about twice a month. Born and raised in small town Ohio – Millersburg to be exact. I always use Jones potato chips in mine. I really had no idea this was an Ohio thing, had it all my life so assumed everyone eats it. I’ve never tried with bread crumbs or croutons so might have to give it a try.
Everyone keeps talking about the chips! 😉 I’ve got to try that next time.
I’m from Ohio and grew up with this sandwich that I love so much. It can really be made in less than 1/2 he to be honest. 2 LG can of cooked chicken (48oz each) 3 cans of cream of chicken (10 1/2oz each) and Ritz crackers for the buttery flavor that is very distinct. All you do is dump it all in one big pot minus the crackers and cook it for 20 mins then add crackers to desired taste and thickness and wa-la enough to feed 60ppl. This is popular way to make it in the Zanesville to Newark areas of Ohio all the way south to Corning and all the way north to millersburg. Throw some Conns potato chips on the plate with the sandwich and you got a group of happy ppl. (Conns potato chips can only be bought in Ohio and are made in Zanesville Ohio)
I am living in Crooksville and I am from Rushville Ohio a ways down the road. Love to see a neighbor.
I grew up in Cass County, Indiana. At our 4-H fair, the homemakers club had a booth and sold these sandwiches! The ladies included diced celery in the recipe. People lined up for them and they sold out every day. I was so happy to find this recipe!
YAY! I’m glad you found it too. 🙂
I am from Fostoria, OH- Seneca Co. I grew up on these! My mom and sister worked at an ice cream shop when I was growing up and this was my favorite thing to get! We would make it pretty much the same way (except canned meat) but instead of croutons for crunch I would put potato chips (normally Ballreich’s chips, made in Tiffin, OH) on right before I ate it so it would keep the crunch! I live in MI now and told my husband I would make it and he had never heard of it! I live some of the jewels of my home state!
Ha. From Tiffin. Loved these too! Oh those chips were so good!
I lived in Tiffin until my family moved when I was in the 6th Grade. I remember they used to serve these occasionally at school for lunch. Definitely my favorite sandwich. We moved to southern Indiana and people never heard of it there. Mom saved the day, however, when she created a reasonable facsimile. Yum!
Forgot the link: chickensandwich .info/index.html
I have fond memories of these sandwiches growing up in Ohio. I am now in Florida and sometimes get a craving for these. Here is another site I came across you may be interested in. Lots of recipes but they nearly all the same. I plan on making your recipe this week! Two more things I miss from Ohio: pizza and Coney dogs
Dave, I miss a good pizza burger. Can’t find a good one here in North West Ohio anywhere.
Vargo’s Drive In in Norwalk, Ohio has the best and only original Pizza Burger left, anywhere. I’m from Huron County, Ohio and we used to be able to purchase the shredded chicken from a place called Millers, just over the Erie County line but they have gone out of business now, unfortunately. We had their hot chicken/turkey sandwiches for every graduation and wedding reception. Sure do miss them! Sue D., Summertown, Tennessee
Hello Mary, Oh my gosh, I remember eating these sandwiches at my Grandma’s. My sister’s and I have made them too! They are simply delicious!
I was raised in mid east Ohio and moved to NW Ohio in my late 20s and I discovered shredded chicken sandwiches. I make mine with thighs because they shred better. I crush a sleeve of buttery townhouse crackers add that to the chicken, add cream of chicken soup and a teaspoon of poultry seasoning.
Good tip on the thighs. Thanks for sharing your connection to this recipe!
Just wondering how well this freezes? I need to make enough for 50 people. The party isn’t until the end of April and the food needs to travel 7 hours to get there. Consequently, I need to prepare things ahead of time and freeze them. I am from Perrysburg, now living in Texas. I don’t remember these sandwiches, most likely because I was a VERY picky eater!! 🙂 Thanks for the recipe!
Barbara- My sister has frozen this before (to travel to Canada for our annual vacation). You may need to add a little more of your crackers/chips/breadcrumbs when you thaw it because it might get a little watered down. Sounds like you are preparing for a great party! Good Luck!
Wow, Mary, thank you for such a quick reply!! So glad I can freeze this! I think this recipe will help to make this party a hit!! Thanks, again! BTW- love Zaycon meats and will be using their chicken for the party!!
YES! Zaycon is the best!
We’ve made this for years…..using plain potato chips…delicious!!! Making for Superbowl….go Falcons!! Got the recipe from my sister-in-law….she’s from Barnesville, Ohio.
Perfect for the Super Bowl!
How long is a few hours too cook the chicken before shredding?
2-3 hours just chicken, 2-3 hrs with soup and bread crumbs/chips/crackers, 1 after shredding. That is a basic timeline. You will need to adjust for how your crockpot cooks. I have one pot that cooks hotter than another. Also depends on if the chicken is fresh or frozen. Hope that helps.
What temperature should I put my crockpot at??
I cook mine on high. But each crockpot will cook a little different, so just watch it. Hope that helps.
WOW! Was looking for something different to do with chicken because it’s just the 2 of us now – trying not to make huge dinners and go with sandwiches and soups. This was spectacular! I did mine with 1/2 chips (cause I had crumbs in the bottom of the bag!) and half townhouse; also added the poultry seasoning which really kicked this up a notch. Lots of black pepper and I sliced tomatoes to go on the top – one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in ages. Thanks for the recipe and the other folks for the additions. Definitely on our rotation now. Happy New Year!
Yay! So glad you liked it. And I love all the comments too! Great ways to customize the recipe for your taste. Everyone keeps mentioning the chips- I think I have to try that one next time too!
I’m from Piqua, Ohio and I used to have to wait for our local BK rootbeer stand to open so I could enjoy a shredded chicken sandwich. My grandmother used to make shredded chicken quite often but I never really cared for hers. Hers was to wet and she used bread or saltines and I just didn’t like it. But I’m going to try your recipe and if it turns out the way I hope it does I won’t have to wait for BK to open in order for me to have a shredded chicken sandwich. I love mine with mustard and pickles 🙂
Debbie, thanks for sharing your connection to this recipe. Can’t wait to hear what you think of my variation (no pressure! 😉 )
We moved from Piqua, Ohio 3-1/2 years ago to Florida. I tried to think what I could fix for lunch and suddenly thought of “hot shredded chicken sandwiches”. We have not seen any place in Florida that serves these sandwiches. I loved the sandwiches also from the B&K Rootbeer Stand and George’s Dairy Queen which is now out of business. I too had no idea that this was an Ohio dish. I will be one happy lady tonight when I eat these for after all of these years. This will be almost as exciting as eating “Maidrites” in Greenville.
And I am one happy gal reading this. I love to hear everyone’s stories on this recipe! Who would have guessed!?
I would love to find the recipe for Maidrites. Anyone have it?
I’m not sure I’ve heard of that one.
It’s Saturday morning in Franklin County, MO, an hour SW of St Louis. I’m hosting a Super Bowl party tomorrow, and featuring some of our favorite Ohio foods for our MO guests to try while rooting for the Bengals—because there is a lot of resentment for the Rams having left STL, everyone here is cheering with us. We grew. Up in Wapakoneta, Auglaize County, OH. We were on the border of chip regions, so it was Seyferts or Mikesells for us.
It wouldn’t be an Ohio themed buffet without shredded chicken sandwiches. It was always the FAVORITE school cafeteria lunch—no one packed on chicken sandwich day. The local ‘custard stands’, including the DQ often ran out in the evenings. Back when weddings were more modest, and caterers were few, you always had the church ladies cater your reception, and none complained or left hungry. The men always took two, chicken sandwiches and went back for more. If you managed to have the ladies who made their own noodles with fresh farm eggs, well, your reception got rave reviews.
After having a cold or flu, it was the first food you wanted, after saltines and 7up—our version of chicken soup. My son is raising his family in MO, and he ALWAYS makes chicken sandwiches for his wife and kids when they start feeling better.
I just went back to my pot to add my zesta saltines, but after reading this, I don’t think I have enough, because i want leftovers. I need to make my Skyline Chili dip, and my Church Lady No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake—torn between the pretzel crust and the straight-up graham cracker crust. 😉
Who Dey. Who Dey. Who Dey Think Think Gonna Beat Dem Bengals!
Oh my word… Of the dozens of comments on this recipe- THIS ONE might be my favorite! You just made my “DEY”! GO BENGALS! Rule the Jungle!
Making this weekend to serve with chilli. Fixed very similar, but I use Peppridge Farms Herb stiffing mix instead of crackers. Love the flavour the stuffing adds. Usually add the cream of chicken soup and also some chicken stock / base. Yummy !
Thank you so much! I used to date a guy from alvada/new riegel ohio and these sandwiches were awesome. They are served at all family gatherings and community events. They safeguard their recipes and would never tell me the recipe. Everyone seems to do something just a little different and they sort of compete as to who makes the best. I cannot wait to try these recipes!
It is funny how some like to keep their version too secret. ? Let us know how it turned out for you.
I’m from Mansfield,Ohio and don’t remember any crackers or chips in this recipe. Got mine at the local Dairy Land ice cream stand. Yummy yummy. Live in Florida now and people think I’m nuts when I mention this.
I’m from Mansfield, too and everyone I know that makes these sandwiches says no to the crackers or chips. I’m going to try without when I make them. I love Shredded Chicken Sandwiches. (I live in Florida now, too!)
I grew up in Bellville and always got these at the A & W Root Beer drive in! As well as all the fairs, ice cream socials, etc. Difference being if we didn’t use Sweet Sue we stewed a whole chicken, not just the breast. The canned chicken was already thickened; if you used your own whole chicken you needed to thicken it with something so lots of people used Town House or Ritz crackers or just a little flour. No one ever knows what I’m talking about when I say I miss these yummy sandwiches!!
Wait. Why are all we Mansfielders moving to Florida? ? I did the same thing. So who’s up for a meet-n-greet down here with some shredded chicken sandwiches and sloppy joes?
From Mansfield also. In Wilmington,NC now. Grew up with these at home and at Stewart’s root beer. Always made without the crumbs but will try it this time. The Mention Of Jones’ Chip nearly brought a tear to my eye (they just are not the same anymore).
Thanks for the comments Brian!
I made this recipe for the Mansfield High Soccer concessions for a few years. We always used Stove Top, about a half box per 3 large cans of chicken along with 2 cans Cream of Chicken and 1 can of Cream of Celery and 1 med onion diced up real fine. There was never lefty over!
I’m from Mansfield area too! Lived in Butler during high school and college. My dad is from Bellville—part of the Snyder family. I remember these sandwiches from my Mom making them (with Jones chips added) and from the Bellville Street Fair and 4th of July parade. Served them at the firehouse!! I live in Florida but headed home on Sunday for Christmas. Want to make these sandwiches for Christmas Eve.
I love the idea of making a family fave comfort food for Christmas Eve! Let me know how they turn out. And Merry Christmas!
I remember the shredded chicken sandwiches from the Fayette County Fair (W.O.G.S. – White Oak Grove Sandwiches) – also no chips or crackers, but one of the best and sloppiest sandwiches ever! Making them this weekend 🙂
About how many does this serve?
Rebecca- great question! I usually make this for my family and we get at least two meals out of it. So I would say around 12 sandwiches.
I grew up in Ada, Ohio. These were and still are, one of my favorite sandwiches (add dill pickle slices, please). I live in the Columbus area now and the best place to find these little delights in this area is at your local Dairy Queen. Yummy. Guess where I’m going for lunch today!
(At home, we used Keystone, Sweet Sue, or Brinkman’s from Findlay).
I never knew DQ had these on the menu! I’m check next time for sure! Thanks for stopping by to share your “shredded chicken” story! 😉
DQ is where I had my first shredded chicken sandwich.
For some reason it just makes me smile every time someone mentions eating this at a DQ! I mean comfort food meal ended with ice cream- what could be better!?!
Me too. I worked in Bowling Green and my favorite lunch was DQ chicken sandwich & rootbeer float.
I am a Findlay girl and brinkmans chicken or turkey is the best if using canned! We always have made it with the cream soup…mushroom or chicken and stove top stuffing breadcrumb mix.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I have not heard of that canned chicken, will have to look for it. Thanks!
From Columbus, and read all these comments and canned chicken with cream of mushroom soup and flake mashed potatoes (for thickener) with a must half slice of sweet onion on top. I tried shredded breast but it isn’t the same, too chewy. Can bet that DQ used canned chicken, but hey they might have spent hours and hours preparing? (doubt that from a quick serve) Does anyone know?
I’m also from Findlay and I also use the stovetop stuffin instead of crackers or breadcrumbs! Must be a Findlay thing ❤️
This regional fave even has regional differences. 😁
Also from Findlay and using Brinkman’s!
That’s how I was taught to make it. Findlay girl from Tennessee!!
YAY! 🙌🏼
I am a Findlay girl, now living in Indiana. We always used Brinkman’s canned turkey or chicken for our ‘Hot Chicken” sandwiches. Additions were canned cream soup (chicken or celery and occasionally mushroom) and Ritz Crackers. Season as desired. I will try adding potato chips the next time I make them. We do get Ballreichs Potato Chips from time to time. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Judy Ault Billings
I’m from around the Findlay/Bowling Green area and we used to use Brinkman’s too when we made them at home. I’m now down in Cincinnati and no one here knows what I’m talking about when I say “shredded chicken sandwiches.” They ask if I can’t just order a chicken sandwich from City BBQ without the sauce. Uhh…no. So I make crockpots full for myself and eat it all week! I use fresh chicken though, cream of chicken (sometimes I do some cream of mushroom or cream of celery too) and crushed Ritz crackers. Different families have their own version. I know of one who uses the chicken stuffing mix. All variations = good!
Hi- I am Also from Findlay and I remember Brinkmans recipe had oats as the filler. I loved those sandwiches!
Over the years it appears shredded chicken is more common north of I-70 than south…100% of people in my hometown area of Lima know what this is…maybe 50% in the Columbus area….maybe 10% in Cincinnati. We always used canned Keystone Meats chicken (made in LIma) or Sweet Sue, one can of cream of chicken soup, one sleeve (or more) of Town House crackers, and season with some poultry seasoning and black pepper. Yum! Also good on a plate w/o the bun!
I love hearing all the variation on this recipe. Although I think my husband would revolt if I used canned meat (he say he can taste the difference) 😉 I also use any leftovers to make creamy chicken soup with it.
I agree, canned chicken is not the same flavor or mouth feel.
I’m in Clark county Ohio.
I remember going to Kone Korner on upper valley Pike to get these. Mmmm
So good. Trying this recipe tonight.
Seems like the ice cream shops are a popular place to serve these. And let me know if this version holds up! 😉
The recipe says cook chicken in crockpot then add ingredients…..what do you put in with the chicken to cook it?
Lisa- Thanks for that question. I clarified the instructions- first cook with the soup (or broth), then add in the filler and seasonings. Hope that helps.
This recipe is the closest to the one that my mom has made for years. She makes it for all of the family parties. It is very common to see these sandwiches served at the concessions for sporting events as well as local ice cream stands, I had no idea this is a regional treat. I guess I should start appreciating them more. Thanks Mary!
Another great personal experience with this recipe. I love it! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for this recipe. Shady Grove in Findlay Ohio was our favorite sandwich spot. A real Buckeye recipe!
A Buckeye recipe for sure!
Oh no it is very popular in southern Ohio. In Bremen the Fire Dept. will make it to sell to help the Fire Dept. and some farmers markets etc will sell the. There is a recipe in Bremen bank cookbook they sell. I love them and a Buckeye through and through.
I’m from Vaughnsville now living in Fl. Retired. Left Ohio in 1966 after college ONU. Great memories of eating Ohio chicken sandwiches at church suppers. .
My husband is from Paulding County, the metropolis of Grover Hill. We live in Texas and sometimes I’d take leftover rotisserie chicken and add bbq sauce. My husband would often say “you should make shredded chicken sandwiches, and I’d reply.. this is. but he’d say no. I finally asked his mom and found several recipes on pinterest. I chose yours because you mentioned Ohio. Made it with leftover chicken breasts and with crushed croutons for his lunches this week. He’s a happy Buckeye!
Shelly- thanks so much for stopping by to comment. It really made my day! Always happy to help another Buckeye have a great day! 😉 Thanks for indulging him with this regional fave.
That’s just too funny. We lived on the Van Wert-Paulding Co. Line Rd by the old Gudakunst Airport. My older siblings started school @ GH. We move the year I started Kindergarten into VW Co. just about 1 1/2 mile from the Co. line (Rd. 199/ Converse/Roselm) so I started at Lincolnview. I know and have worked with Gribbles from GH, but time has taken their names from my memory. The internet and I find someone from home….Imagine…..
Anyway, our recipe was canned chicken and enough Cream of Mushroom/Chicken/or Celery soup to make as creamy as you desire. I sometimes will soften some celery and onion in butter and add to this recipe.
Envy you living in TX. It’s been in the teens up here.
Originally from Clyde, Ohio in Sandusky County. Remember taking my Great Grandma (Ole Granny) to ice cream socials. These where the staple at them with a bowl of homemade ice cream. Nothing but shredded chicken sandwiches and cracklins say Ohio more to me.
This takes me waaay back . I have relatives from GH IM FROM Vaughnsville in Putnam Co. left after college in 1962, but the chicken sandwiches served at church suppers are one of my best memories. Now I can make them and will enjoy. Elizabeth Hall
That was my uncle Woodrow’s place. I was Merlyn’s daughter.
im a mawhorter…. erin my grandma carol was from toledo ohio. are we related????
I am a Buckeye living in Willis, Texas. Moved to Houston in 1995. I remember visiting family shortly after my move and learning about ‘ Shaw Shank Redeemtion’. I watched it as soon as I made it back to Texas, over & over again. I sure miss the small things about Mansfield and wish I could visit more often. Needless to say…..I appreciate whoever came up with the Mansfield FB and love it when there is a new posting.
My uncle had a deli Ohio. Shredded chicken sandwich was on the menu. All ingredients were the same except he Jones’ potato chips (another Ohio exclusive 🙁 ) instead of ritz crackers bread crumbs. The best sandwiches I have ever had!
Connie-
Thanks for stopping by to comment. I love that he used an Ohio brand for this Ohio classic! I just might have to try using Jones next time I make it. 🙂
Today’s Jone’s Potato Chips taste nothing like the ones we had back in the days………the government made them change the oil for deep frying so everything is different…
You are right with that, but have you tried Ballreich chips? Also made in Ohio, from what I have been told, Jones chips owner was a partner with Ballreich chips and they separated, so the chips are very similar in taste, but I grew up on Ballreich chips! Made in Tiffin Ohio!
They sure don’t make jones the same or ballridge ! Love these sandwiches and grew up eating them in the buckeye state. After a long day at work I pick up a rotisserie chicken skin it shred it and make it in a pan.
I have had the sandwich with potato chips ( 2 cups crushed ) and cream of mushroom soup. I had a friend who’s father managed a PDQ in Canton, Ohio and we would drive across town ( 6 miles) to get them for lunch when I was in high school, that is the recipe I remember and enjoy.
I was looking for a recipe that mimicked the hot shredded chicken sandwiches that Max’s drive in North Canton served. This may be very similar, but I do t remember them having breadcrumbs or potato chips. Anyone know?
You probably wouldn’t notice the “crumbs” when you eat it. I grew up in Ohio and this was one of my very favorite foods that I can never get anywhere else. Ask for one outside of Ohio and you get an open face chicken sandwich with gravy on top!! Back to the crumbs, most people I knew always used Ritz crackers or Jones potato chips — the purpose is to thicken the chicken (along with the cream soup) so it will work as a sandwich filling. Go ahead — make it, you’re gonna love it!
I use canned chicken as many cans as you want, drain most of the juice, put it in a pan break it up with a fork, add dried minced onion, garlic powder or garlic salt to taste, fine black pepper, parsley flakes,and dried onion chives, add canned cream of chicken and cream canned cream of celery. I use corn flakes, I crush them before adding them them. Use as much as you want to thicken. I like mine thick but you can add more broth if you want it softer. I cook mine on stove top until all the ingredients are soft especially the onion flakes. Also makes a great open face sandwich, add your favorite toppings, enjoy.
Ballreich’s Potato Chips is where it’s at.
I have to find these to try them!
Ballreich’s are the best. Grew up in Fremont, Ohio and only chips allowed in our house.
Maxie’s……not Max’s.
My personal favorite!!
If you liked the ones when we had a Maxies in North Canton. You should try the one down in New philly called Fundays. Their amazing and so close to Maxie’s!
Looove fundays!!! Im originally from Nee Phila!!!
The creamed chicken sandwiches I remember were thicken with flour and either cornstarch or water mixed. I was born in New Philadelphia, Ohio……..A great family favorite!
Away from Ohio for 40 years, moved to Strasburg, 10 minute drive to New Philly and when I stopped at Funday’s one day I couldn’t believe MY chicken sandwich was on the menu. Oh how I missed those! And it’s true, nowhere in the world (and I’ve been around it a couple times) can you find this great Ohio native sandwich. Good to be home.
I grew up in North Canton, now live in Wisconsin. I was so upset when they closed Maxie’s. Yes, they had the best hot chicken sandwiches and would love that recipe! Whenever I would go home for a visit, that was the first place I wanted to eat!
I also had them at Maxie’s back in the 70’s and 80’s. I also don’t remember the breadcrumbs in them either. They were so good! Heggy’s in Canton has a version that is very close to Maxies, FYI.
Was that the PDQ at Route 62/Harrisburg Road, Wise Ave in North Canton
or the original Route 30 by Central Catholic HS? Remember what it stood
for?
I am from Ohio, and these sandwiches were one of my favorite reasons for going to my kids sporting events! 😋
True Deb , I raised 3 boys in a small Ohio town and this was always at sporting events! Football friday nite this was my favorite food…thanks for the memory……
I saw a recipe for these chicken sandwiches but they used boxed stuffing mix and cream of chicken soup and canned chicken. I want to try making this for my family. It sounds good.