Shredded chicken sandwiches are a popular menu item at many restaurants and fast food chains across Ohio. They typically consist of shredded chicken breast meat doused in some type of sauce and served on a bun. While these sandwiches can be found in other states, they seem to have developed a particular following and prominence in Ohio. This has led some to wonder – are shredded chicken sandwiches an Ohio thing? In this article, we’ll explore the history and popularity of shredded chicken sandwiches in Ohio to find out if they can be considered a true Ohio original.
The History of Shredded Chicken Sandwiches in Ohio
The exact origins of shredded chicken sandwiches in Ohio are unclear, but most food historians agree they became popular in the state starting in the 1980s. During this decade, several Ohio-based restaurant chains started offering shredded chicken sandwiches on their menus.
One of the first and most influential was a fast food chain called Arthur Treacher’s. Founded in Columbus, Ohio in 1969, Arthur Treacher’s was known for its fried seafood. However, in the early 1980s, the company wanted to expand its menu to remain competitive. It began testing a hand-breaded, fried shredded chicken sandwich that proved so popular it was added to menus nationwide by 1985.
Another Ohio-based chain that helped launch the shredded chicken sandwich was Cassano’s Pizza King. Starting in the late 1970s, Cassano’s added shredded chicken sandwiches to its menu as a way to differentiate itself from regular pizza places. The sandwiches consisted of shredded white and dark chicken tossed in a zesty dressing and were an instant success.
By the 1990s, shredded chicken sandwiches had become a staple menu item at Ohio restaurants and fast food chains. Regional chains like Skyline Chili, Swenson’s, and Handel’s Ice Cream featured their own unique shredded chicken sandwich versions. National chains operating in Ohio like Arby’s and KFC began offering shredded chicken sandwiches tailored to Midwest tastes as well.
What Makes Shredded Chicken Sandwiches Popular in Ohio
There are several factors that help explain why shredded chicken sandwiches became so popular in Ohio specifically:
The influence of Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati Chili likely helped pave the way for shredded chicken sandwich popularity in Ohio. This Greek-inspired meat sauce usually contains ground beef and a blend of spices and chocolate. It is served over spaghetti or hot dogs, but is also used as filling for “cheese coneys” – hot dogs topped with chili, cheese, onions, and mustard. Ohioans became accustomed to the concept of shredded meat as sandwich filling thanks to Cincinnati Chili.
The midwestern palate
In general, midwesterners tend to enjoy hearty, comforting foods. Shredded chicken sandwiches seem to appeal to these tastes with their soft buns, juicy chicken, and often creamy sauces. The mild flavors and textures make them an accessible option for Ohioans of all ages.
Poultry production in Ohio
As a major agricultural state, Ohio has a strong poultry production industry. This makes fresh and affordable chicken readily available to restaurants and consumers. Lean chicken breast meat – the most common filling for shredded chicken sandwiches – is especially plentiful and economical.
Restaurant innovation
Ohio has a rich history of restaurant innovation. Chains like Wendy’s, White Castle, and Skyline Chili got their start in Ohio and expanded nationwide. Similarly, Ohio-based restaurant chains like Arthur Treacher’s and Cassano’s had success testing shredded chicken sandwiches before taking them across the country. The combination of an innovative restaurant culture and readily available chicken made Ohio a natural place for shredded chicken sandwiches to thrive.
The Prominence of Shredded Chicken Sandwiches on Ohio Menus
To this day, shredded chicken sandwiches maintain a prominent place on many Ohio restaurant and fast food menus:
Regional chains
– Skyline Chili – Their “Shredded Chicken Sandwich” features cheddar cheese and signature chili sauce on a bun
– Swenson’s – Their “Galley Boy” sandwich consists of a fried shredded chicken patty with tartar sauce and other condiments on a bun
– Arthur Treacher’s – Shredded chicken sandwiches remain one of their signature menu items. Customers can choose among sandwich versions like the “Original Chicken Sandwich” and “Chicken Crunch”
National chains
– Arby’s – Offers shredded chicken sandwiches in multiple flavors like BBQ and Buffalo
– KFC – Their shredded chicken sandwich options include the “Classic Chicken Sandwich” and “Nashville Hot Chicken”
– Wendy’s – Wendy’s recently brought back their popular “Shredded Chicken Sandwich” in Ohio markets
– Burger King – Testing shredded chicken sandwiches in Ohio markets currently
Local restaurants
Many beloved local Ohio restaurants and bars feature some variety of shredded chicken sandwich, often with unique homemade twists on flavors and toppings. These help contribute to the perception of shredded chicken sandwiches as an “Ohio thing.”
Are Shredded Chicken Sandwiches an Ohio Original?
Based on the history and continued prominence of shredded chicken sandwiches at Ohio restaurants, a strong case can be made that they are an Ohio original. While chicken sandwiches themselves have long been popular in the U.S., the shredded style seems to have first caught on in Ohio in the 1980s.
Ohio’s poultry resources, midwestern tastes, and innovative restaurant culture provided the perfect incubator. Chains like Arthur Treacher’s, Cassano’s Pizza King, and Skyline Chili helped drive the trend and popularize shredded chicken sandwiches across the state.
Although shredded chicken sandwiches have since spread across the country, they remain an iconic menu item in Ohio. Long-running restaurant chains continue serving classic shredded chicken sandwich recipes largely unchanged for decades. Newer national chains launching in Ohio often develop shredded chicken options tailored specifically to appeal to local tastes.
So while shredded chicken sandwiches are no longer exclusive to Ohio, the state has a strong claim to being their historic homeland. Ohioans’ longtime love affair with shredded chicken between buns means they can be considered a true Ohio original.
Conclusion
Shredded chicken sandwiches have been a popular menu item at Ohio restaurants since the 1980s. Chains like Arthur Treacher’s and Cassano’s Pizza King helped drive their growth. Factors like the influence of Cincinnati Chili, Ohio’s poultry industry, and midwestern food tastes provided conditions for shredded chicken sandwiches to thrive in the state. Although now found nationwide, shredded chicken sandwiches remain prominent at chains like Skyline, Swenson’s, and Arby’s in Ohio to this day. Their long history and continued iconic status for Ohio fast food make a strong case for shredded chicken sandwiches being considered a true Ohio original.