Easy Shredded Chicken Recipe

This shredded chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves delicious, easy-to-make meals. Chicken breasts can be cooked in a slow cooker, instant pot or on the stove until they are tender and juicy.

Then, the chicken is shredded to create tasty and versatile meat that can be used in a variety of recipes including our crockpot buffalo chicken dip, a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup or a flavorful chicken taco salad.

Shredded Chicken Recipe

If you're looking for a quick and easy protein source for your meals, flavorful shredded chicken is a great option. Not only is it versatile and delicious, but it's also simple to prepare. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or need a last-minute dinner idea, shredded chicken can be a lifesaver.

One of the best things about shredded chicken is how many different ways you can use it. Toss it in a salad for lunch, mix it with some veggies and rice for a hearty dinner, or use it as a topping for nachos or tacos.

The possibilities are endless! Plus, since it's a lean protein, it's a healthy choice that can help you stay full and energized throughout the day.

Choose the Right Chicken

When it comes to making shredded chicken, choosing the right type of chicken is important in order to get the best results.

When selecting your chicken at the grocery store, look for fresh, high-quality meat. Check the expiration date and the appearance of the meat.

The chicken should be firm to the touch and have a pinkish color. Avoid chicken that looks slimy or has a strong odor.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting your chicken:

• Chicken Breast or Chicken Thighs - Boneless chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs are the most commonly used cuts of chicken for creating tender shredded chicken. Both are lean cuts of meat that are easy to shred and absorb flavors well. Chicken breasts are slightly leaner than chicken thighs, but both are great options.
• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken - If you're short on time, using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great option! Simply shred the cooked meat and use it in your recipe. Just keep in mind that pre-cooked chicken usually has added salt, preservatives and flavors that will change the taste.

Can I Shred Frozen Chicken?

Yes, but it's important to thaw it properly before cooking. Thawing chicken in the refrigerator overnight is the safest method. Avoid thawing chicken at room temperature or in warm water, as this can lead to bacterial growth.

How To Cook The Chicken

No matter which method you choose, shredded chicken is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. There are a few ways to cook the chicken, with the instant pot being my personal favorite.

Full details for cooking chicken are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

SLOW COOKER - Slow cooking is one of the most popular methods as it allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of other ingredients you use. The chicken becomes tender and juicy when cooked in a slow cooker, making it perfect for shredding.

You can easily prepare shredded chicken in a slow cooker. Just put the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, add your preferred seasonings, and let it cook for a few hours.

INSTANT POT - This method is perfect for busy days when you don't have time and want to set it and forget it. Add the chicken, broth and seasonings to the instant pot and cook on high until the chicken is tender and juicy.

STOVETOP - Cooking on the stovetop allows you to control the temperature and cooking time, ensuring that the chicken is cooked to your desired level of doneness. You can also cook the chicken until it is crispy and golden brown, which cannot be achieved in the slow cooker or instant pot.

This can add a nice texture to your recipes. You can cook the chicken in a skillet or a pot with a little bit of broth and spices.

How To Shred Cooked Chicken

No matter which method you choose to shred, be sure to remove any bones or skin before shredding chicken. Here's how you can make it at home:

• USE A HAND MIXER - This is my personal favorite way to shred chicken! If you have a hand mixer or stand mixer, you can use it to shred your chicken quickly and easily. Simply break the cooked chicken into a few medium chunks then add it to a large bowl and shred the chicken on a low speed.
• USE TWO FORKS - The most common and easiest way to shred chicken is by using two forks. Simply place the cooked chicken on a cutting board or plate and use two forks to pull the meat apart. Use one fork to hold the chicken in place and the other fork to shred the meat into small pieces.
• SHRED WITH HANDS - If you don't mind getting your hands a little messy, you can use your fingers to pull the meat apart into small pieces.
• FOOD PROCESSOR - Simply place the cooked chicken in the food processor and pulse it a few times until it's shredded to your liking.

Storing Leftovers

Personally, I love to make a big batch of shredded chicken and freeze it in smaller portions to use in my meal prep. Here are some tips for storing your leftover shredded chicken:

FRIDGE - If you plan on eating your leftover shredded chicken within the next few days, the fridge is the best place to store it. Make sure to put it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to keep it fresh. It should last in the fridge for up to 4 days.

TO FREEZE - If you have more than you can eat, you can freeze shredded chicken it for later. Put it in an airtight container or a freezer bag, and make sure to label it with the date so you know how long it has been in the freezer.

Be sure to let the chicken cool completely. Remove as much air as possible as this can cause freezer burn. It should last in the freezer for up to 6 months.

TO THAW - The best way to thaw chicken is to put it in the fridge overnight. You can let the bag sit in a bowl of cold water in the fridge to help it thaw faster.

TO REHEAT - Once your shredded chicken is thawed, you can reheat it in a variety of ways. You can microwave it, heat it up on the stove, or even put it in the oven. Just make sure to reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it's safe to eat.

What are some tips for keeping shredded chicken from drying out?

If you find the chicken is too dry, there are a few things to help out with this:

• Use skin-on bone-in chicken - This type of chicken takes a little longer to cook and prep as you have to remove the skin and bones before shredding. However, the skin acts as a barrier, trapping in moisture, and the bones help to conduct heat evenly throughout the meat. This will retain moisture and help prevent it from drying out.
• Use a slow cooker - Using a slow cooker is an excellent way to keep the shredded chicken moist and tender. Slow cooking allows the chicken to cook in its juices, resulting in juicy and flavorful meat.
• Cook in broth - Adding liquid, such as chicken stock or water, to the cooking process helps to keep the chicken moist. The liquid also adds flavor to the meat, making it more delicious.
• Don't overcook - Overcooking chicken is one of the main reasons it becomes dry and tough. It's important to cook the chicken until it's just done, and no longer. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

Shredded Chicken Recipe Tips

• KEEP CHICKEN MOIST - To keep your chicken moist, make sure to cook it on low heat for a longer period of time. This will ensure that the chicken doesn't dry out and becomes tender enough to shred easily.
• ADD FLAVOR - To add more flavor, consider marinating the chicken for a few hours before cooking. This will allow the meat to absorb all the flavors and spices, making it more flavorful.
• USE THE RIGHT CUT OF CHICKEN - The easiest chicken for shredding is boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This cut of chicken is lean and will shred easily once cooked.
• SHRED WHILE IT'S WARM - Shredding the chicken while it's still warm will make the process much easier. The chicken will also absorb more of the juices, making it even more flavorful.

Shredded Chicken Recipes

Shredded chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of meals. Here are a few ideas for using shredded chicken in your meals:

• MEAL PREP - It's easy to make a large batch of shredded chicken and use it throughout the week in different meals. Simply cook the chicken, shred it, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
• SOUPS - Shredded chicken adds protein and texture to soup recipes, making it more filling and satisfying. You can use it in any type of chicken soup, from classic chicken noodle to creamy chicken taco soup.
• SALADS - Sprinkle shredded chicken on top of taco chicken salad,
• CHICKEN TACOS + WRAPS - It's the perfect addition to add to tacos or in chicken wraps for easy lunches or dinners.
• CHICKEN CASSEROLE - A classic chicken salad or the shredded barbecue chicken casserole are easy choices because they're uncomplicated and make a large serving – enough to feed most families for two nights.
• NACHOS - Sprinkle on top of easy sheet pan nachos and serve them for a fun dinner one night!
• RICE - Use it in your favorite rice recipe or add it to a stir fry like chicken fried rice.
• CHICKEN SALAD - Chicken salad is easy to make and perfect in sandwiches or as a topping for salad. Just mix mayo and chopped veggies with the shredded chicken.
• PULLED CHICKEN - Cook the chicken in a slow cooker with BBQ sauce. Shred it and serve it on a bun. It's a great option for a quick and easy dinner, picnic, or family event!

This shredded chicken recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. It's a great way to add some variety to your weekly meal plan, eat healthier and save time while you do it.