Shredded Chicken Sandwiches Delight

Meaty shredded chicken mixed with a comforting blend of creamy soups and savory stuffing mix makes these shredded chicken sandwiches a cherished dish, especially when feeding a crowd. This recipe, a nod to Ohio’s classic concession stand fare, is simple to prepare and offers satisfying flavors perfect for family dinners, fundraisers or potlucks.

I first discovered this recipe at a large family reunion and now it’s a go-to for events because it tastes just as good hours after cooking. The creamy texture and savory stuffing keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

• Canned chicken breast: drained for ease and fast cooking plus white meat offers a mild, juicy flavor opt for high-quality brands for best taste
• Cream of chicken soup: adds rich creaminess and a classic flavor foundation Campbell’s is smoother but store brands work well too
• Cream of celery soup: brings subtle vegetable notes balancing the creaminess look for soups with simple, natural ingredients
• Stove Top chicken flavored stuffing mix: provides all the seasoning and heartiness without extra effort choose your favorite variety but chicken or turkey blends complement best
• Chicken broth: to moisten and thin out the mixture allowing you to control consistency fresh or boxed work fine but keep extra handy for adjustments
• Small to medium buns: like sesame seed or honey buns complement the filling by being soft yet sturdy and slightly sweet enhancing the sandwich experience

Instructions

Scoop and Drain the Chicken:

Open the cans of chicken and pour into a strainer or colander to drain the juices completely. Using a fork, fluff the chicken in the strainer to help separate larger chunks. This ensures an even mix later and prevents sogginess.

Add Chicken to Slow Cooker:

Transfer the shredded chicken to a greased or lined 6 to 7 quart slow cooker. Distribute evenly to prepare for mixing and slow cooking.

Combine Soups and Broth:

Pour the cans of cream of chicken and cream of celery soups evenly over the chicken. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all chicken pieces in the creamy soup mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and mix again to incorporate fully, making sure there are no dry spots.

Mix in Stuffing:

Sprinkle the stuffing mix over the chicken and soup mixture. Stir well so the stuffing absorbs liquids and flavors. This step creates the savory, thickened base for the filling.

Cook Low and Slow:

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Stir the mixture every 45 minutes to an hour to promote even cooking and prevent the edges from browning or drying out. Add additional chicken broth as needed to keep the mix moist and creamy.

Serve on Preferred Buns:

Once cooked, spoon the warm shredded chicken mixture onto prepared buns such as sesame seed or honey buns. These choices hold up well and enhance the flavors. Serve immediately or keep warm for guests.

I have a soft spot for the Stove Top stuffing because it gives this simple dish so much character. I remember serving this at my nephew’s birthday where every sandwich disappeared within minutes, and guests asked for the recipe right away.

Storage Tips

Store leftover shredded chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat adding a splash of chicken broth to restore the creamy texture. This also freezes well for up to two months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer not to use canned chicken, shredded cooked chicken from rotisserie chickens or poached breasts works beautifully just add slightly more broth to maintain moisture. Cream of mushroom soup can substitute the cream of celery for a richer, earthier flavor. Gluten-free stuffing mix or homemade seasoned breadcrumbs can replace boxed stuffing for dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sandwiches with classic sides like potato chips, macaroni salad or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Coleslaw or baked beans also complement the creamy chicken well and add nice texture contrast. For a party, slider buns can be used to make bite-sized sandwiches perfect for easy snacking.

These shredded chicken sandwiches are a simple, crowd-pleasing comfort food that hold well for events. Keep extra broth on hand to adjust consistency when reheating.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What is the best type of chicken to use?

White breast meat is preferred for a mild flavor and lean texture, but mixing white and dark meat adds richness.

→ Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?

Yes, shredded cooked chicken works well though canned chicken offers convenience and consistent flavor.

→ How do I keep the mixture moist during cooking?

Stir every hour and add small amounts of chicken broth as needed to maintain moisture and prevent drying.

→ What buns complement the shredded chicken best?

Sesame seed buns and honey buns are ideal as they hold moisture well and complement the creamy filling.

→ How can I thicken the shredded chicken mixture?

Add crushed crackers, dried bread cubes, or extra stuffing mix gradually until the desired thickness is achieved.

→ Is it better to cook on low or high heat?

Cooking on low heat for 4-5 hours allows flavors to blend more deeply and reduces the risk of burning edges.