This easy shredded chicken recipe makes flavorful, moist and tender shredded chicken. It’s great for meal prep, salads, casseroles and more!.
Chicken that has been shredded is a tasty ingredient that can be used in many dishes. Learning how to cook and shred chicken the right way will make sure that the pieces are juicy, tender, and full of flavor. With just a few easy steps, you can make shredded chicken at home that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Choose the Right Chicken Cuts
The first step is selecting the right cut of chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for shredding. Chicken breasts tend to cook quicker and yield slightly drier shredded chicken. Thighs take a bit longer to cook but produce juicier, more tender shreds.
If possible, opt for free-range or organic chicken from humanely raised chickens. The higher quality chicken will lead to better flavor and texture when cooked.
Season the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like before cooking. Good choices are chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and more. The seasonings will add flavor to the chicken as it cooks.
Choose a Moist Cooking Method
To prevent dried out chicken, it’s important to use a cooking method that keeps the meat moist and tender. Here are some excellent options:
Poaching means cooking the chicken slowly in a liquid like water, broth, or wine. This is a foolproof way to cook moist, shreddable chicken.
Braising – Browning the chicken then cooking it in a small amount of liquid in a covered pot. The steam keeps it tender.
Stewing – Similar to braising but with more liquid. Chicken can be cooked in a flavorful sauce or gravy.
Steaming – Suspending the chicken above boiling water allows it to cook gently surrounded by steam.
Cook Until 165°F
Regardless of the moist cooking method used, cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures any bacteria are killed and the meat is safe to eat.
Use an instant read thermometer to check for doneness. If the chicken is overcooked, it will be dry and difficult to shred.
Let It Rest
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before shredding it. This resting period allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat. Skipping this step can lead to dry chicken.
Shred While Still Warm
For easiest shredding and best texture, shred the chicken while it is still warm. As it cools, the meat firms up and becomes harder to shred.
There are several fast, easy methods for shredding warm chicken:
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Hand Mixer – Use the paddle attachment on low speed to quickly shred chicken.
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Stand Mixer – Use the paddle attachment to shred chicken in larger batches.
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Two Forks – Pull chicken apart into shreds using two forks.
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Hands – As soon as cool enough to handle, pull chicken apart gently with fingers.
Season and Use Shredded Chicken
Once the chicken is shredded, add more seasonings based on what you want to use it for. Tacos or enchiladas? Add taco seasoning. Salad? Toss with dressing or mayo. The possibilities are endless!.
Shredded chicken works great in casseroles, soups, sandwiches, wraps, salads, and many other dishes. It’s also perfect for meal prepping.
Refrigerate and Freeze Properly
To store shredded chicken:
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Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
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Freeze – Portion into freezer bags or containers up to 2-3 months.
With these simple steps, you’ll be able to make tender, juicy shredded chicken for any recipe. Adjust cook times based on amount and size of chicken. Chicken thighs may take slightly longer than breasts. Use an instant read thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Here are some additional tips for great shredded chicken:
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Pound chicken to an even thickness so it cooks evenly.
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Add acid like lemon juice or wine to the poaching liquid for extra moisture.
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Use lower sodium chicken broth as poaching liquid to reduce sodium.
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Mix light and dark meat for well-rounded flavor.
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Use homemade chicken stock for fuller taste.
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Shred chicken by hand for large shreds or mixer for fine shreds as desired.
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For Mexican dishes, season with cumin, chili powder, garlic, and lime juice.
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For Asian flavors, use soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
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For Italian, add oregano, basil, parsley, and lemon zest.
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Store shredded chicken in single serving portions to grab and go.
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Allow chicken to cool completely before freezing for food safety.
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Defrost frozen chicken overnight in the fridge before using.
Now that you know the secrets behind deliciously tender and flavorful shredded chicken, you can start incorporating this versatile ingredient into all your favorite recipes. Impress your family and friends with homemade shredded chicken that rivals your favorite restaurants!
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This shredded chicken is perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch to use to make easy dinners and lunches throughout the week. Here’s how to store it:
- For up to three to four days, keep in the fridge in an airtight container.
- Cool completely, then put in a container that won’t let air in and freeze for up to two to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- Chickpea Thighs: Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts and remove the bones and skin. Cook the chicken until it reaches 165° F on the inside.
- Lemon and Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh rosemary or thyme and a few slices of lemon into the chicken broth while it’s cooking. The lemon and herbs will subtly flavor the chicken.
- Mexican: The shredded chicken can be used to make a Mexican-inspired dish like Chicken Enchiladas or Shredded Chicken Tacos. To make the dish taste even more Mexican, season the chicken breasts with Taco Seasoning.
How to Shred Chicken
Here are my 3 favorite ways to shred chicken:
- With a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. This method is very quick and easy. Make sure the mixer is on low speed so you can stop it when the chicken is shred enough for you.
- With two forks. Use two forks to pull the meat apart.
- With your hands. Put the meat in your hands and shred it when it’s cool enough.
See my post about How to Shred Chicken for more tips!
Easy and JUICY Shredded Chicken (stovetop) | The Recipe Rebel
FAQ
How long does shredded chicken take to cook?
This super fast Vegan Shredded Chicken comes together in just 10 minutes with 4 pantry ingredients and is incredibly versatile. Spice how you like and use it in any dish–it’s gluten-free and soy-free to boot. Skip to the Recipe! This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for details.
How do you make Shredded chicken?
Otherwise follow these simple steps to make shredded chicken. Add raw chicken breasts to a saucepan and cover with water. You will need about 2/3 of a pound. Bring the water to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, for 4 to 10 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
Can you make Shredded chicken ahead of time?
To make ahead, cool shredded chicken completely. Freeze in an airtight container up to 3 months. You’re going to love the sweet and savory flavor combination in our delicious Honey-Apricot-Glazed Chicken. Add a base of basmati rice to complement the honey glaze. Spend 20 minutes in the kitchen prepping this gorgeous, hearty sauce.
What is the best cooking method for shredded chicken?
It doesn’t get much easier (or more versatile) than slow cooker shredded chicken. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it superstar. You only need 2 ingredients. It requires just two ingredients – boneless, skinless chicken breasts and water or chicken stock.
How long does chicken need to cook to be shredded?
When I want to shred chicken, I don’t really check the temperature. Instead, I sear the whole breast in cast iron on both sides. Then I cover it with liquid (usually a mix of stock and milk) and braise it in the oven for about 30 minutes. This way, it’s cooked all the way through and soft enough to shred.
How long to boil chicken until it falls apart?
Place the chicken in a large pot with the onion, carrots, celery, and peppercorns. Add enough water to cover the chicken by 1 inch. Cover the pot and bring to a boil; reduce heat to a gentle boil and cook until meat falls off the bone, about 90 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and let sit until cool enough to handle. Shred or chop meat.
Should you boil chicken if you want to shred it?
To make shredded chicken, start by boiling chicken breasts until cooked through, and then grab two forks and start shredding. Super easy!Apr 28, 2025.