Shredded Chicken
This shredded chicken recipe is a quick, versatile, and healthy base perfect for a variety of meals from tacos to salads. It features simple seasonings, cooks in minutes, and can be easily customized with different flavors or sauces to suit any palate.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (stove) or 3-4 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 20 minutes (stove) or up to 4 hours (slow cooker)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups chicken broth or water (enough to cover halfway)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Prepare the Chicken: Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Lightly season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a simple base flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in a pot or slow cooker and add chicken broth or water to cover halfway. Bring to a gentle simmer on the stove and cook for about 15 minutes, or cook on low heat in a slow cooker for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the cooking liquid and let it cool slightly. Use two forks or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to shred the meat into fine, juicy pieces.
- Season and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the broth or pan, add olive oil or butter, and stir to combine. Adjust seasonings to taste. Prepare to use in your favorite dishes!
Notes
- Choose thighs for juicier results or breasts for a leaner option.
- Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to keep it moist and tender.
- Shred the chicken directly in warm broth to retain moisture and flavor.
- Allow the chicken to rest briefly before shredding to avoid overly fine or uneven shredding.
- Make extra shredded chicken and freeze portions for convenient future meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces (about 114 grams)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: shredded chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, healthy chicken, versatile chicken