Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Shredded Chicken Recipe
This easy guide will teach you everything on how to make Shredded Chicken at home, in 5 different ways. Quick, fast and simple to make, tender pulled chicken is packed with protein and flavors. So versatile for many dishes!
25 minTotal
4servings
142
kcal
- 2 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breast about 1.1 lb (500 g) in total
- salt and pepper to taste
Cook chicken breasts
- Remove any excess fat and skin from the chicken breast, using a sharp knife or clean scissors.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Arrange the chicken breast at the bottom of a large pot, in a single layer. Little overlapping is fine, but do not stack the chicken breasts or they won't cook evenly. If they do not fit, use a larger pot.
- Cover the chicken breast with cold water or broth completely, by about 1 to 2 inches. You can add extra salt, pepper and seasonings such as garlic, onion or bay leaves to further enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Place the pot on the stove and cook on high heat until the water begins to boil. Reduce the heat, then cover the pot with a lid and simmer for about 6 minutes. After 6 minutes, flip the chicken, cover with lid, and cook on the other side for about 7 to 10 minutes more. The chicken breast is ready for shredding when it reaches an internal temperature of about 165°F (74°C) and is no more pink inside.
- Using tongs or a fork, remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and place into a large bowl. Allow the cooked chicken to cool for 10 minutes before shredding. You should shred chicken when it is still warm, but not overly hot. Warm chicken is easier to shred.
How to shred chicken with two forks
- Hold the chicken with one fork and use the other to pull it apart. Repeat the process until all chicken is fully shredded.
How to shred chicken with a hand mixer
- Add the chicken to a large bowl and pull it apart with the help of a hand mixer, on low speed.
How to shred chicken with a stand mixer
- Place the cooked chicken into the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachments. Process at low speed (I recommend level 2) in 15 seconds intervals, until completely shredded.
How to shred chicken with a food processor
- Cut the chicken into chunks, then add it to your food processor. Carefully pulse until shredded, but don't process it too much or the meat will turn into powder.
How to shred chicken with your hands
- Start with warm chicken, you don't want to burn your fingers. Wash your hands very well, then use your fingers to pull apart the chicken.
Use or store shredded chicken
- Use pulled chicken for your recipes or place it into an airtight container and refrigerate for a maximum of 4 days.
142
kcal
Per serving, estimated automatically, not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
How to store shredded chicken
Homemade shredded chicken can be used immediately for other recipes, or it can be made ahead for the week. You can either keep it in the fridge, or you can freeze it for a longer storage.- To store. Let the pulled meat cool completely, then transfer to an airtight food container, seal tightly with the lid and refrigerate. In the fridge, it will last for up to 4 days.
- To freeze. Let the meat cool completely, then transfer to an airtight food container or to freezer-safe zipper bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you plan to use it, remove frozen shredded chicken from the freezer and allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge.