This Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food! It’s packed with tender chicken, smothered in a tasty barbecue sauce, and served on a soft bun.
It’s so simple to make—just throw everything in the slow cooker, and let it do its magic! I love topping mine with pickles for an extra crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean meat. If you’re looking for a faster option, you could use rotisserie chicken; just shred it and skip the boiling step!
Mayonnaise: Standard mayo gives creaminess, but you could use Greek yogurt for a lighter option. It adds a slight tang too! If you want something with a bit of kick, try spicy mayo or chipotle mayo instead.
Celery: This adds crunch to the sandwich. If you’re not a celery fan or don’t have it, chopped apples or carrots can give you that crunch while adding a different flavor.
Sweet Pickle Relish: The sweetness balances the flavors. If you prefer less sweetness, try dill pickle relish or even chopped pickles. You could also leave it out and add extra mustard for tang.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can work, but you’ll miss that smoky touch.
What’s the Best Way to Shred Chicken?
Shredding chicken can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the technique. Here’s how to do it easily:
- After cooking, allow the chicken to cool just enough to handle. It will be easier to shred when it’s not steaming hot!
- Using two forks, hold one fork steady while you pull the chicken apart with the other fork. This helps you get nice, fine shreds.
- For an even faster method, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Just toss in the cooked chicken and mix on low speed for a few seconds!
Don’t worry about being perfect with the shreds; the flavors will come together beautifully in the mixing process!
How to Make Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 sandwich buns
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
- Pickle slices (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need approximately 30 minutes to prepare this dish. This includes about 20 minutes for cooking the chicken and 10 minutes for mixing the ingredients and assembling the sandwiches.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Let the chicken cook for 15-20 minutes, or until it is completely cooked through and no longer pink inside.
2. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. After it has cooled enough to handle, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place the shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl.
3. Mix the Chicken Filling:
In the bowl with the shredded chicken, add the mayonnaise, chopped celery, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed—feel free to add some extra paprika for more smokiness if you like!
4. Assemble the Sandwiches:
If desired, lightly toast your sandwich buns for extra texture. Place a leaf of lettuce on the bottom bun for a nice crunch. Generously pile the shredded chicken mixture onto each bottom bun. Sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika on top for a finishing touch.
5. Serve:
Top with the other half of the bun and enjoy! Serve the sandwiches with pickle slices on the side, and complement with your favorite sides like chips or fries for a hearty meal.
This Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich is creamy, tangy, and full of flavor! It makes for a delightful and comforting meal any day of the week.
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Sandwich?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken will work perfectly. Just shred it and mix it with the other ingredients for a speedy meal!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Shredded Chicken?
You can store any leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before using!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes! If you prefer a spicier flavor, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture. If you enjoy a milder taste, you can simply reduce the amount of smoked paprika or completely omit it.
What Can I Serve with These Sandwiches?
These sandwiches pair well with a variety of sides! Classic options include potato chips, fries, or a fresh salad. You could also add coleslaw for an extra crunch!
