Hey there, sandwich lovers! Today I’m gonna share with you my absolute favorite comfort food recipe – cream of chicken sandwiches! These warm, creamy sandwiches are basically heaven between two slices of bread. Whether you need a quick lunch, easy dinner, or something to feed a crowd at your next potluck, this recipe is gonna be your new go-to.
I’ve been making these sandwiches for years, and trust me when I say they’re a total crowd-pleaser. In Ohio, these sandwiches are practically legendary – you’ll find them at every gathering from church potlucks to baseball games to family reunions. Let’s dive into how you can make this classic sandwich at home!
What Makes a Perfect Cream of Chicken Sandwich?
Before we get to the recipe, let’s break down what makes these sandwiches so special:
- Tender shredded chicken that’s moist and flavorful
- Creamy sauce that holds everything together
- Perfect bread that can stand up to the filling without getting soggy
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry
- Quick preparation – ready in about 15-20 minutes!
The beauty of cream of chicken sandwiches is their simplicity. With just a few ingredients you can create something truly delicious that’ll satisfy your hunger and warm your soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the basic version you only need
- 2 cans (12 oz each) of chicken breast, drained
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sandwich buns
That’s it for the most basic version! But if you want to elevate your sandwich game (which I totally recommend), here are some add-ins that many Ohio cooks swear by:
- 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup of chicken-flavored stuffing mix
- A splash of chicken broth if needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Method 1: Quick Stovetop Version
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Prep your chicken: Open your canned chicken and drain it. Using a fork or your fingers, shred the chicken into smaller pieces in a medium saucepan.
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Add your other ingredients: Pour in the cream of chicken soup. If you’re using crackers or stuffing mix, add those too.
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Heat it up: Turn the heat to medium and cook everything together, stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated through (about 10-15 minutes).
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Check consistency: If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or add more crackers.
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Season to taste: Add salt and pepper according to your preference.
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Serve: Spoon a generous portion onto sandwich buns and enjoy!
Method 2: Slow Cooker Version
If you prefer using fresh chicken or want to make a bigger batch:
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Cook the chicken: Place 3-4 chicken breasts in your slow cooker along with the cream of chicken soup.
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Slow cook: Let it cook on low for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
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Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
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Mix it all together: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add your crackers or stuffing mix. Let everything cook together for another 10-15 minutes.
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Adjust as needed: If it’s too dry, add a bit of chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
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Serve: Spoon onto sandwich buns and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cream of Chicken Sandwiches
After making these sandwiches countless times, I’ve picked up some tricks that make a big difference:
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Toast your buns: This creates a barrier that prevents the bread from getting soggy.
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Don’t overshred the chicken: You want some texture in there, not chicken paste!
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Let the mixture rest: Giving it 5 minutes to cool slightly after cooking helps the flavors meld together.
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Seasoning matters: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. Some folks also add garlic powder, poultry seasoning, or a dash of hot sauce.
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Storage solution: This filling freezes beautifully! Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick meals later.
Variations to Try
One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some variations that my family and readers have tried:
1. Texture Variations
- Crunch factor: Add diced celery or water chestnuts for extra texture.
- Chip alternative: Instead of Ritz crackers, try crushed potato chips (Ballreich chips if you’re in Ohio!).
- Breadcrumb substitute: Use Italian breadcrumbs instead of stuffing mix.
2. Flavor Boosters
- Aromatics: Add diced onion or minced garlic for depth of flavor.
- Cheese please: Mix in some shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
- Herb it: Fresh or dried thyme, parsley, or dill can add wonderful flavor.
3. Serving Styles
- Open-faced: Serve on a single slice of bread with a fork and knife.
- Beyond the bun: Try it on mashed potatoes, biscuits, or over cooked noodles.
- Fancy it up: Serve on croissants or Kings Hawaiian Rolls for a sweeter twist.
- Pickle topper: Add sweet or dill pickle chips on top for extra zing.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get lots of questions about this recipe, so let me answer some common ones:
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of canned?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great and adds extra flavor. Just shred it off the bone and proceed with the recipe. You’ll need about 3 cups of shredded chicken to replace the two 12-oz cans.
How do I prevent my sandwich from getting soggy?
Toasting your buns is key! Also, make sure your filling isn’t too runny. The crackers or stuffing mix helps absorb excess moisture.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! The filling freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Can I make this healthier?
Sure thing! Use low-sodium soup, skip the crackers, and serve on whole grain bread. You can also use chicken breast that you’ve cooked yourself instead of canned.
What sides go well with cream of chicken sandwiches?
In Ohio, potato chips (especially Ballreich) are the classic side. Other great options include coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, or a simple green salad. For a true Ohio experience, serve with a cold root beer in a frozen mug!
Why This Recipe Works
I think what makes this recipe so popular is its simplicity combined with how satisfying it is. It’s:
- Budget-friendly – uses pantry staples and stretches your chicken
- Quick to make – ready in about 15 minutes with canned chicken
- Crowd-pleasing – even picky eaters love these sandwiches
- Versatile – can be customized in countless ways
- Comforting – warm, creamy, and filling
The Regional Connection
It’s interesting that these sandwiches are such a big deal in Ohio (especially Northwest and Central Ohio), but not widely known elsewhere. In Ohio, you’ll find these at concession stands, church potlucks, family reunions, and even restaurants. Some believe Root’s Poultry in Fremont, Ohio is where this recipe originated.
If you’re not from Ohio, making this sandwich is like getting a taste of regional Midwestern cuisine that has been bringing people together for generations.
Final Thoughts
The best part is how easy it is to adapt to your own tastes. Play around with the ingredients, find your perfect balance, and make this recipe your own. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick comfort meal, cream of chicken sandwiches never disappoint.
Now excuse me while I go make myself one of these sandwiches – all this writing has made me hungry!
