An easy, fast and flavorful shredded chicken recipe that’s incredibly versatile. It’s my favorite method because it keeps the chicken moist, shreds in seconds and infuses more flavor than other methods, such as boiled or poached chicken.
Shredded chicken (also known as pulled chicken) is one of those recipe basics that everyone should learn to master. Many recipes call for it, but they never tell you how to make it. It’s used in salads, appetizers, and main dishes. They just tell you you need 3 cups of shredded chicken.
Of course, you could easily buy a rotisserie chicken at the supermarket (or make one yourself) and shred that chicken with two forks. But you don’t have to after I show you how easy it is to make shredded chicken at home.
Chicken that has been shredded can be used in a lot of different dishes, from tacos and salads to casseroles and chicken salad. But where can you buy it? There are so many options that it can be hard to figure out where to find the best shredded chicken. In this detailed guide, we’ll show you where to find the best pre-shredded chicken, the different kinds that are available, and important things to think about before you buy.
Understanding Shredded Chicken
First, let’s clarify exactly what shredded chicken is. Shredded chicken refers to chicken meat that has been cooked typically by roasting or poaching and then shredded or pulled apart into stringy, bite-sized pieces. This allows for an easy-to-eat chicken product that can be incorporated seamlessly into recipes. The shredding is usually done by hand with two forks or in a stand mixer using the paddle attachment.
Pre-shredded chicken offers convenience by saving you time and effort. It also lets you shred the same amount of food every time, which can help with some dishes. The chicken is already cooked when it’s shredded, so all that’s left to do is heat it up before eating.
Grocery Stores – The Primary Stop
For many people, the local grocery store will be the first place to look when buying shredded chicken Most major supermarkets will carry it in the following forms
Freshly Prepared
This shredded chicken is found in the deli or prepared foods section. It’s usually rotisserie or roasted chicken that has been freshly shredded in-house for maximum flavor and quality. Since it’s prepared on-site, it will have minimal additives.
Refrigerated Pre-Packaged
Keep an eye out in the meat department near the ready-to-eat proteins and pre-cooked sausages for chilled, pre-packaged shredded chicken. It comes in bags or containers that are sealed, and preservatives are often added to make it last longer. Be mindful of sodium content.
Frozen
Shrimp that has been frozen can be found in the frozen meat section. Choose IQF pieces instead of a solid block of frozen chicken because they don’t stick together. This makes it easy to use just what you need.
When choosing pre-shredded chicken from the grocery store, compare prices and labels closely. Freshly prepared tends to be the most expensive but offers superior taste. Frozen is often the most budget-friendly.
Online Retailers – Delivered Convenience
Several online stores provide the option to buy quality shredded chicken from the comfort of home and have it shipped directly to your door. Consider the following:
Meat Subscription Services
Meat subscription boxes like ButcherBox allow you to get shredded chicken delivered as part of a recurring order. The chicken is usually humanely raised and organic.
Online Grocery Shopping
Many major supermarket chains now offer online grocery ordering and delivery. Simply add shredded chicken to your digital cart!
Specialty Retailers
Online stores specializing in natural, organic, grass-fed, or sustainably sourced products often carry shredded chicken. Delivery fees may apply.
When ordering shredded chicken online, opt for reputable retailers and closely inspect any provided information about sourcing, quality, sustainability, etc. Delivery times can also vary.
Beyond Grocery Stores
Believe it or not, you may also be able to source shredded chicken from some non-traditional spots:
Catering Companies
Contact local caterers about ordering shredded chicken in bulk for large events or meal prepping. This allows you to buy large quantities at once.
Fast Food Restaurants
Major chicken chains will sometimes sell their shredded chicken by the pound or family packs. Always call ahead to check availability.
Meal Delivery Services
Some meal kit companies like HelloFresh or meal delivery services like Freshly may offer shredded chicken in certain dishes.
Factors to Consider When Buying
Now that you know the top places to buy shredded chicken, let’s explore the key purchasing factors:
Type of Chicken
Shredded chicken can come from various parts of the chicken. Breast meat tends to be the leanest and most versatile. Thigh or leg meat offers more fat, collagen, and flavor. Consider your recipe needs.
Raw vs Pre-Cooked
Nearly all shredded chicken sold at grocery stores or online is fully cooked and just needs reheating. Raw chicken would require proper cooking.
Seasoning
Plain shredded chicken works for most recipes, but pre-seasoned options save seasoning steps. Popular flavors include Mexican, Italian, BBQ, Buffalo, and more.
Sodium Content
Check labels for sodium, as preservatives and seasonings can make sodium content vary drastically. Fresh deli chicken often has the least sodium.
Added Ingredients
Watch for pre-shredded chicken with unnecessary additives, fillers, sugars, oils, etc. Ideally, the ingredient list should be simple.
Organic & Hormone-Free
Organic shredded chicken comes from chickens fed an organic diet and raised without antibiotics or hormones. This is preferable for some.
Prices & Budget
Prices range from $3-$12 per pound. Sale prices and store brands can offer the best value for budget buyers. Buying in bulk also helps lower costs per pound.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can determine the best shredded chicken for your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pre-shredded chicken already cooked?
Yes, virtually all shredded chicken you purchase from a store or online retailer will be fully cooked during the shredding process. Always verify with the seller and double check when reheating.
How long does shredded chicken last?
Fresh deli chicken lasts 3-4 days, refrigerated pre-packed chicken follows use-by dates, and frozen shredded chicken keeps 2-3 months in the freezer before quality declines.
Can I freeze shredded chicken?
Absolutely! To prevent freezer burn, freeze shredded chicken in airtight containers or bags. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before use.
What are easy shredded chicken recipes?
Shredded chicken works great in soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, casseroles, chicken salad, pasta dishes, and more. Get creative!
Is shredded chicken healthy?
When made from lean chicken breast without unnecessary additives, shredded chicken can be a nutritious option loaded with protein. Limit fried and heavily seasoned versions.
Can I shred my own chicken?
You can easily shred rotisserie chicken or home-cooked chicken yourself with two forks. Use breast meat for a versatile end result.
What’s better: rotisserie chicken or pre-shredded chicken?
This depends on your needs. Pre-shredded offers convenience, while rotisserie chicken boasts superior freshness and flavor. Shred your own rotisserie chicken for the best of both worlds!
The Final Takeaway
From the grocery store to specialty online retailers, quality shredded chicken is widely available at a range of price points. Focus on chicken shreds without undesirable additives or high sodium. Buying pre-shredded chicken delivers convenience, but shredding rotisserie chicken yourself yields the freshest taste. Whichever you choose, incorporatе shredded chicken into your weekly meal routine for easy, protein-packed dishes the whole family will love.
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How to Store It
Shredded chicken is great for weekly meal prep. You can shred several chicken breasts on a Sunday, store them in a container and have healthy meals throughout the week. It will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge and up to 2 months in the freezer.
I frequently make a large batch, freeze it in small containers and then just thaw as needed. It makes my daily recipes a breeze.
How to Make Shredded Chicken
After testing several methods including boiling, poaching, slow cooker/Crockpot and Instant Pot, this stovetop method is my favorite. And here’s why – it’s far more flavorful (as you’re searing one side), it’s moist (as you do a half poach/steam), and it shreds in seconds (yes, seconds). So let’s break it down.
You’ll start by drizzling a little olive oil into a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and sprinkle salt and pepper generously on the top side. Let this cook for 5 minutes (it should be slightly golden), then use tongs to flip the chicken over.
Once the chicken is flipped over, add 3/4 cup of chicken broth to the pan and cover with a lid. This will keep the chicken moist while cooking it fast. Cook the chicken for another 7-10 minutes. Chicken thighs will require a little more time than chicken breasts. You can also use an instant read thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through (to 165 degrees Fahrenheit).