How to Shred Chicken for Juicy, Flavorful Results Every Time

Shredded chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in all kinds of delicious recipes From chicken salads to tacos, enchiladas, soups, and more, having cooked, shredded chicken ready to go in your fridge or freezer is a great way to cut down on prep time for quick weeknight dinners. But before you can use shredded chicken in recipes, you first need to know the best techniques for shredding cooked chicken.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to shred chicken, including the best chicken cuts to use, tips for cooking chicken that shreds easily, different methods for shredding, how to store shredded chicken, and some of our favorite recipes that use this handy kitchen staple.

What Chicken Cuts Are Best for Shredding?

It’s possible to shred any cooked chicken, but some cuts and methods will make it easier and give you better results.

The best cuts of chicken for shredding are:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Because they have a bit more fat and connective tissue, chicken thighs tend to shred a little easier than breasts. But boneless breasts work very well too.

Good quality chicken, like free-range or organic when you can, will taste and feel the best. When you make shredded chicken, the better the raw chicken, the better it will taste.

Tips for Cooking Shreddable Chicken

The cooking method you use can make a big difference in how easy it is to shred the cooked chicken. Here are some tips:

• Poach—Slowly poaching chicken in liquid makes the meat very moist and tender, and it’s easy to shred.

• Don’t overcook – For easy shredding, it’s important not to overcook the chicken to the point it dries out. Cook just until the minimum safe internal temperature of 165°F is reached.

• Rest the chicken – Letting the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before shredding allows the juices to redistribute so the meat stays moist.

• Cook with flavor – Season the poaching liquid boldly so the chicken has lots of flavor. Try garlic, thyme, peppercorns, onions, and wine.

Following these tips will make the chicken easier to shred as well as more flavorful and juicy.

4 Easy Ways to Shred Chicken

Once your chicken is cooked, there are a few different easy methods you can use to shred it.

By Hand

Using your (clean!) hands is one of the easiest ways to shred cooked chicken into bite-size pieces. Simply pull the chicken apart with your fingers, removing any bones or large pieces of fat when working with bone-in chicken.

With Two Forks

Using two forks to shred chicken helps tear the meat into shreds without having to touch it with your hands. Simply place the chicken on a cutting board and use the two forks to pull it apart.

With a Stand Mixer

A stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment makes quick work of shredding chicken in large batches. Working in batches, shred for 10-15 seconds until the chicken is evenly shredded to the desired size.

With a Hand Mixer

For smaller batches, a handheld electric mixer does the trick too. Place the chicken in a deep bowl and use the beaters on low speed to break down and shred the chicken until evenly shredded.

How to Store Shredded Chicken

Shredded chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Portion it out into recipe-sized amounts so you can thaw just what you need.

Pro tip: Mix a little of the cooking liquid in with the shredded chicken to keep it extra moist.

15 Delicious Ways to Use Shredded Chicken

Shredded chicken is handy to have around because it can be used in so many quick and easy recipes. Here are just a few delicious ways to use it:

• Chicken Salad – Mix with mayo, lemon juice, celery, and seasonings for an easy chicken salad.

• Tacos – Pile shredded chicken into tortillas along with avocado, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and Mexican crema.

• Quesadillas – Mix shredded chicken with cheese, salsa, and cilantro for easy cheesy quesadillas.

• Enchiladas – Stuff tortillas with shredded chicken and enchilada sauce, then bake until bubbly.

• Chicken Noodle Soup – Shredded chicken adds lots of extra flavor and protein to homemade chicken noodle soup.

• Casseroles – Fold shredded chicken into rice casseroles, pasta bakes, or tortilla casseroles for an easy weeknight meal.

• Stir fries – Sauté shredded chicken with veggies and sauce for a quick and healthy stir fry.

• Sandwiches – Pile shredded chicken onto rolls with BBQ sauce for easy pulled chicken sandwiches.

• Chicken Pot Pie – Mix shredded chicken into a creamy sauce with veggies and bake in a flaky pie crust.

• Flatbreads – Top flatbread or naan with shredded chicken, veggies, and cheese for an easy lunch or dinner.

• Meal Prep Bowls – Layer shredded chicken with grains, veggies, sauce, and greens for healthy make-ahead lunch bowls.

• Salads – Toss shredded chicken with mixed greens, veggies, nuts, and a vinaigrette or creamy dressing.

• Nachos – Mix shredded chicken into cheesy nachos loaded with all your favorite toppings.

• Omelets – Add shredded chicken to an omelet with veggies and cheese for extra protein and flavor.

• Wraps – Stuff a tortilla or lettuce wrap with shredded chicken and healthy fillings for an easy packed lunch or dinner.

As you can see, the possibilities are truly endless when you have shredded chicken ready to go. It’s one of the most versatile ingredients to make in bulk and have on hand for easy, delicious meals all week long.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much raw chicken do I need for shredded chicken?

• 1 pound of raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs will shred into approximately 2 1/2 to 3 cups of shredded chicken.

Can you shred chicken that’s already cooked?

• Yes, you can shred chicken after it has been cooked and cooled. It may take a bit more effort than shredding warm chicken, but using two forks or your stand mixer makes it easy.

How do you shred chicken from a rotisserie chicken?

• Rotisserie chicken shreds very easily by hand after removing from the bones. Simply pull or cut the meat into smaller pieces, being careful to discard bones, skin, and cartilage.

Is shredded chicken the same as pulled chicken?

• Yes, shredded chicken and pulled chicken are the same thing – chicken that has been cooked and then shredded or pulled apart into smaller pieces by hand or using tools like forks. The terms are interchangeable.

Can you freeze shredded chicken?

• Yes, shredded chicken freezes very well for up to 3 months. Portion it into recipe-sized amounts and freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Get Shredding!

Now that you know the best practices for cooking and shredding juicy, flavorful chicken, you can start stocking your kitchen with this handy staple ingredient. With shredded chicken at the ready, you’ll be able to quickly pull together all kinds of delicious, protein-packed meals for your family. Get creative with the many ways to enjoy it in recipes from tacos to casseroles, sandwiches, salads and beyond.