How to Make Shredded Chicken
on Nov 03, 2023, Updated Mar 27, 2024
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Shredded Chicken is a favorite in many households because it’s tasty, versatile, and can be used in lots of different dishes. Whether you want to make tacos, sandwiches, salads, or even use it as a pizza topping, shredded chicken is a fantastic choice.
Shredded chicken recipes often use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, which are typically more affordable than other cuts of meat. These cuts are readily available in most grocery stores and are budget-friendly options.
Making shredded chicken in larger quantities and freezing portions for later use can be a cost-effective strategy. Buying chicken in bulk can often be cheaper per pound, and you can take advantage of sales and discounts.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s Tasty: Shredded chicken is not just any chicken; it’s super tender and flavorful. The slow cooking process helps the chicken soak up all the delicious flavors in the recipe.
- Versatility: Shredded chicken is like a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. You can use it in so many recipes, from tacos and sandwiches to soups and casseroles.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is super easy to follow, and you only need a few ingredients to get started. It’s perfect for beginners and kids who are starting to explore cooking.
Recipe Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy, boneless chicken thighs – the heart of a delicious meal!
- Olive Oil: The golden elixir that adds flavor and richness to your dishes.
- Chicken Broth (Optional): A savory secret ingredient for extra depth.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Popular Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken Breasts: If you don’t have chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts instead. They work just as well.
- Different Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or even some herbs like thyme and rosemary.
- Salsa: Instead of chicken broth, you can use salsa to cook your chicken. It will give it a spicy kick and a unique flavor.
- Slow Cooker: If you have a slow cooker at home, you can use it to make shredded chicken. Just place the chicken and seasonings in the slow cooker, set it to low heat, and let it cook for 6-8 hours. It will be super tender!
How To Make Shredded Chicken
Step #1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Step #2. Heat a flat-bottomed pan or iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
Step #3. Once the oil is hot, place the seasoned chicken thighs in the pan.
Step #4. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through.
Step #5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat source and let it cool for a few minutes in a large bowl.
Step #6. You can shred a few different ways. You can choose to shred using 2 forks. Begin shredding the chicken by using a gentle pulling and tearing motion with the forks.
Step #7. You can also shred the chicken using a hand-held mixer or a stand mixer.
Step #8. The shredded chicken can be seasoned with several different seasonings, salt and pepper, taco seasoning, BBQ.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead. However, chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and moist.
Yes, shredded chicken freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Shredded chicken is versatile and can be used in tacos, sandwiches, salads, soups, and more. It’s a great addition to many dishes.
Expert Tips
- This method also works with boneless skinless chicken breast though then tend to dry out a little easier. I prefer the chicken thighs but feel free to use the cut of meat that you like or have on hand.
- If your chicken thighs are very large or very thick, they’ll take longer to cook than instructed. The chicken is cooked through when the center reaches 165 degrees F. on an instant read thermometer.
What Can I Do With Shredded Chicken
Shredded chicken can be used in various dishes, including tacos, burritos, sandwiches, salads, soups, quesadillas, enchiladas, and more. It can also be used as a topping for easy pizza or baked into casseroles.
Can Shredded Chicken Be Made In Advance?
Yes, shredded chicken can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. It’s a convenient way to have a ready-made protein source for quick meals.
More Chicken Recipes To Consider
Pasta Dishes
Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Baked Pasta
Soups, Stews & Chowders
White Chicken Chili
Chicken Recipes
Kung Pow Chicken
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How to Make Shredded Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth, optional
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Heat a flat-bottomed pan or iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the seasoned chicken thighs in the pan. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through. If chicken begins to stick add a bit more oil or a splash of water.
- If desired, add chicken broth to the pan, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat source and let it cool for a few minutes in a large bowl. You want it to be cool enough to handle comfortably but still warm.
- Reserve some of the pan juice to add back to the shredded chicken if it becomes dry.
- There are a few different methods you can use to shred:
Use Two Forks to shred.
- Hold one fork in each hand, like you’re holding drumsticks. Make sure the tines (the pointy parts) of the forks are facing away from each other.
- Begin shredding the chicken by using a gentle pulling and tearing motion with the forks. Insert the tines into the chicken meat, and then pull them apart in opposite directions.
- Keep pulling it apart with the forks. You’ll notice that the chicken starts to break into small, shredded pieces. Repeat the process for the remaining chicken thighs, one at a time, until all of them are shredded.
Using a Hand-Held Mixer:
- Place the cooked chicken in a deep bowl or container.
- Use a hand-held mixer on low speed to shred the chicken. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as it’s shredded to your liking.
- Estimated time: 2-3 minutes.
Using a Stand Mixer:
- Place the cooked chicken in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.On low speed, mix the chicken for approximately 2-3 minutes until it’s shredded to your desired consistency. If the chicken looks too dry add in the reserved chicken juice Avoid overmixing.
- The shredded chicken can be seasoned with several different seasonings, salt and pepper, taco seasoning, BBQ
Notes
- This method also works with boneless skinless chicken breast though then tend to dry out a little easier. I prefer the chicken thighs but feel free to use the cut of meat that you like or have on hand.
- If your chicken thighs are very large or very thick, they’ll take longer to cook than instructed. The chicken is cooked through when the center reaches 165 degrees F. on an instant read thermometer.
