Shredded chicken is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes, from tacos and salads to soups and pasta dishes. It’s a great way to add protein and flavor to your meals, and it’s easy to prepare at home. In this article, we’ll instruct you how to make shredded chicken properly
1. What Chicken is Best For Shredding?
The best type of chicken for shredding is boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. They are lean and tender, and their texture makes them perfect for shredding into small pieces.
2. How To Make Shredded Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- Optional: 1 bay leaf or 1 sprig of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
Instructions
Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cumin. Rub the spices into the chicken to ensure even coating.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and swirl to coat.
Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Alternatively, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker or pressure cooker. To do this, add the chicken to the cooker along with 1 cup of chicken broth or water and a bay leaf or fresh herbs if using. Cook on high for 2-3 hours in a slow cooker or 10-12 minutes in a pressure cooker.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes until it’s comfortable to handle then shred the chicken by two forks or stand mixer. Note warm chicken is easier to shred than cold chicken, so it’s best to shred it as soon as it has cooled enough to handle.
Use the shredded chicken immediately in your desired recipe, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
3. How To Shred Chicken Properly
Fork Method
- Cook the chicken until it’s fully cooked through and let it cool for a few minutes until it’s comfortable to handle.
- Hold the chicken breast with one fork and use another fork to shred the chicken, pulling the meat apart in the opposite direction of the grain.
- Repeat until all the chicken is shredded to your desired size.
Stand Mixer Method
- Cook the chicken until it’s fully cooked through and let it cool for a few minutes until it’s comfortable to handle.
- Cut the chicken into smaller pieces that will fit in the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Attach the paddle attachment to the stand mixer and add the chicken to the bowl.
- Turn the mixer on low speed and mix until the chicken is fully shredded, about 1-2 minutes.
- Be careful not to overmix the chicken, as it can become too fine and mushy.
4. What To Do With Shredded Chicken
Use the shredded chicken as a filling for tacos or enchiladas. Season it with your favorite spices and serve with tortillas, salsa, cheese, and toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream.
Make a delicious chicken salad by combining shredded chicken with mayonnaise, diced celery, chopped onions, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs. Serve it on bread, in a wrap, or over a bed of greens.
Add shredded chicken to your favorite soup recipe, such as chicken noodle soup or creamy chicken and vegetable soup. It adds protein and flavor to the soup and makes it more filling.
Spread shredded chicken and cheese between two tortillas and cook them on a griddle or in a skillet until the cheese melts and the tortillas are crispy. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Incorporate shredded chicken into casseroles like chicken and rice casserole, chicken and broccoli casserole, or chicken pot pie. Mix it with other ingredients like rice, pasta, vegetables, and sauces, and bake until the casserole is bubbly and golden.
Use shredded chicken as a filling for wraps or sandwiches. Add your preferred toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and condiments like mayonnaise or barbecue sauce.
Top a pizza crust with shredded chicken, barbecue sauce or tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Mix shredded chicken with cooked rice, diced vegetables, and cheese. Stuff the mixture into bell peppers and bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Knowing how to make shredded chicken is a useful skill that can help you create a variety of delicious and healthy meals. With our simple instructions, you’ll be able to make shredded chicken like a pro and enjoy it in all of your favorite recipes.
