This juicy, easy Shredded Chicken is a game changer, made in less than 25 minutes and can be used hundreds of ways!
This Shredded Chicken recipe (also known as pulled chicken) is a back pocket culinary must for on demand tender, juicy chicken โ no planning ahead or buying a rotisserie chicken needed! This recipe is quick and easy to make in under 25 minutes on the stove with just chicken breasts, a drizzle of olive oil, chicken broth and whatever seasonings you like (slow cooker and instant pot recipes also included). Best of all, you will be amazed at how tender, juicy and flavorful the chicken is – you will be eating it plain! This shredded chicken is ideal for meal prep, soups, salads, sandwiches, bowls, wraps, enchiladas, casseroles, pasta and so much more!
We love chicken recipes, especially shredded because it’s so juicy and flavorful! Don’t miss Crockpot Mexican Shredded Chicken, Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken, Shredded Chicken Tacos or Crockpot Mongolian Chicken.
How to Make Shredded Chicken Video
Why you’ll love this Pulled Chicken Recipe
Shredded Chicken Recipe ingredients
Whether you plan on making shredded chicken in the Crockpot, Instant Pot, or on the stove, the ingredients list remains the same. I kept the spices to a minimum so the chicken can be used in any recipe youโd like. Here’s what you’ll need (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
Can I use Another cut of chicken?
This shredded chicken recipe is intended for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, however, it will also work well with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or bone-in chicken breasts. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For bone-in chicken breasts, extend the cook time; for thighs, check them early.
Whatโs the best way to make shredded chicken?
There are three easy ways to make shredded chicken: on the stovetop, in the slow cooker, and in the Instant Pot (or pressure cooker). Pick whichever cooking method works best for you! However, the stovetop method is my absolute favorite for the most flavorful shredded chicken.
The chicken first sears on one, creating a crust of flavor that seals in the juices and keeps your chicken tender while cooking. This golden crust is the result of the Maillard reaction, also known as the flavor reaction, in which amino acids and reducing sugars produce browning and complex flavor that canโt be achieved any other way.
After the chicken is seared on the first side, itโs flipped, and allowed to sear on the second side along with chicken broth. This creates a half poach/steam method, which cooks the chicken gently, without losing any moisture, creating incredibly juicy chicken.
HOW TO MAKE Shredded Chicken
Hereโs how to make shredded chicken with step-by-step photos using my favorite stovetop method (full recipes of all methods in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
1. season THE CHICKEN
First, pat the chicken dry with paper towels so the seasonings stick and to ensure a beautiful sear. Next, season the chicken with desired seasonings. You can go simple with salt and pepper, or I always like to add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and oregano, no matter what Iโm using the chicken for.
2. sear THE CHICKEN
You will want to use a nonstick skillet for this recipe (this one is my absolute favorite, pictured). It allows the chicken to brown on the bottom without any chance of sticking, tearing, or drying out. Youโll start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in the pan over medium heat. Add the chicken in s single layer, then cook for 5 minutes. The bottom of the chicken should be golden brown at this point.
3. COVER AND steam
Flip the chicken over, then add one cup of chicken broth to the skillet. Cover, and cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160 degrees F. This can take as little as 7 minutes or as long as 15 minutes depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, so I always suggest an instant read thermometer. This is the digital probe thermometer I use and leave in the chicken breast the whole time, for perfectly cooked chicken every time.
4. let the chicken rest
Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before shredding. This gives the juices that have pushed to the outside of the meat time to redistribute throughout the chicken. It is also crucial for carryover, allowing the internal temperature of the chicken to rise to 165 degrees F.
How to Shred Chicken โ 2 Ways
Now that your chicken is tender and ready shred, you have two options to choose from:
Option 1: Use two forks. Pierce the thickest portion of the chicken breast with one fork (I typically use my left hand for this since Iโm right-handed, and the right hand will be doing the shredding). Then, gently but firmly, use the other fork to shred the chicken. If the chicken was cooked until tender, it should pull apart very easily.
Option 2: Using a stand mixer. This option literally takes seconds! To shred the chicken, place it in bowl of a stand mixer. Attach a paddle attachment to the mixer, then turn the mixer to low speed to shred the chicken. A stand mixer will shred the chicken for you in about 20 seconds. You can run the mixer for more or less time depending on how finely shredded you want the chicken.
Easy Shredded Chicken tips
Pulled Chicken Recipe variations
You will LOVE how versatile this shredded chicken recipe is! Use any combination of spices or spice blends to mix up the flavor profile. Use taco seasoning for Mexican-inspired shredded chicken, Italian seasoning for Italian and jerk for Caribbean, and so on. Other tasty variations include tossing the chicken in a sauce like salsa verde or buffalo sauce once itโs been shredded. Here are some ideas to choose from:
Spice Blend Variations:
Sauces and Add-Ins
Toss the shredded chicken with anything! Add just a drizzle, make it saucy, or add green chilies, diced tomatoes, etc. Here are a few ideas:
How to use this Shredded Chicken Recipe
This shredded chicken recipe is seasoned simply, but itโs flavorful and will work in any recipe that calls for shredded chicken. Some of my favorite ways to use shredded chicken include:
How to store Pulled Chicken
Store shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last up to 4 days. Freeze if saving beyond that.
How do I reheat Shredded Chicken?
Microwave: Warm individual portions of shredded chicken in the microwave for 30 seconds, then at 15-second intervals until warmed through.
Stove: Simmer larger portions of chicken gently on the stove with a splash of broth until warmed through.
Crockpot: This method works well if reheating a large batch of shredded chicken for using in a taco bar, salad bar, or similar. Place the chicken in the crockpot with a splash of broth and cook on low until warmed.
can shredded chicken be frozen?
Yes! Shredded chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months in airtight containers. Hereโs how:
1. Let the shredded chicken cool completely.
2. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or portion it into smaller containers.
3. Freeze for up to 3 months.
4. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to use.
5. Reheat as instructed above or add directly to a recipe.
Shredded Chicken FAQS
A good rule of thumb is every 8 ounces of boneless chicken breasts will yield about 1 ½ cups of cooked, shredded chicken. So, this recipe will make 6-7 cups of shredded chicken. You can adjust the recipe to make more or less by using the arrows next to the serving size in the recipe card. If making less, use a smaller pan, 8 to 10-inches wide.
Both boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs are the best for shredding. Chicken breasts are leaner white meat and tend to be preferred over dark meat, and still emerge incredibly juicy when made according to this recipe. If you like chicken thighs, then boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fabulous choice because they are inherently richer tasting than breasts due to the extra fat. Bone-in chicken breasts or thighs can also be used, however, they are more tedious to shred. With all cuts of meat, make sure to use an instant read thermometer so the chicken is not overcooked which will make it dry.
There is no difference between shredded chicken and pulled chicken; both terms can be used interchangeably. Both refer to meat cooked until tender, then โpulledโ or โshreddedโ along the meatโs grain. Shredded and pulled chicken are popular in sandwiches, soups, pizzas, tacos, enchiladas, and casseroles.
You can either shred chicken with two forks or use the paddle attachment on your stand mixer. The mixer option is the quickest and easiest, it literally takes seconds!ย You just have to decide if you want to spend the elbow grease cleaning your mixer in this method, or shredding the chicken by hand.😉. ย
Shredding chicken creates, thin, wispy pieces, perfect for melt-in-your mouth chicken that melds beautifully with other ingredients. It’s ideal to be cocooned seamlessly in soups, creamy pastas, chicken enchiladas or with sauces. Chunkier pieces of chicken, on the other hand, are meant to be pronounced front and center, and wont’ have the same subtle mouthfeel. Think stir-fries, salads, nuggets, etc.
It’s best to shred chicken when it is still warm because the chicken will pull apart easily. As the chicken cools, the muscle fibers start to tighten up, which makes it a little tougher to shred
Let cooked chicken rest for 10 minutes before shredding. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that it remains moist and flavorful. Additionally, allowing the chicken to cool slightly makes it easier to handle and shred without burning yourself.
Looking for more EAsy Chicken Recipes?
Best Chicken Marinade
Greek Chicken Marinade
Buffalo Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Cajun Chicken
All of my chicken recipes!
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Easy Shredded Chicken
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Ingredients
Instructions
STOVETOP (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
- Place the chicken breasts on a flat surface and pat dry with paper towels. Whisk the seasoniongs together in a small bowl, then evenly season both sides of the chicken.
- Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet with a tight fitting lid over medium heat (this is my FAVORITE skillet, pictured). Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5 minutes (uncovered) or until golden brown on the bottom.
- Flip the chicken over and add 1 cup chicken broth. Cover the skillet and continue to cook an additional 7-14 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature of the chicken registers 160 degrees on an instant read thermometer (this one is my fav). (You may have to remove the chicken breasts at differnt times.) A 10-ounce chicken breast will need to cook for about 12 to 14 minutes, smaller chicken breasts will cook in less time. While the chicken is steaming, add additional broth, ¼ cup at a time, if the liquid evaporates too quickly.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet. DON'T discard the leftover broth/juices from the pan. Let the chicken cool for 5 minutes before shredding.
- To shred chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken or place the chicken in the bowl of your stand mixer (may also use bowl with hand mixer). Use the paddle attachment and mix on low speed for about 20 seconds. Stir in the remaining broth/juices from the pan.
INSTANT POT
- Place the chicken breasts on a flat surface and pat dry with paper towels. Whisk the seasoniongs together in a small bowl, then evenly season both sides of the chicken.
- Add the broth to the bowl of your pressure cooker, followed by the chicken, spread in an even layer.
- Cover and set the pressure cooker lid valve to โsealing.โ Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, followed by a 5 minute natural release, followed by a quick release (carefully flip the valve to โventingโ) to release whatever pressure remains.
- To shred chicken: Remove the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding. Use two forks to shred the chicken OR place the chicken in the bowl of your stand mixer (may also use bowl with hand mixer). Use the paddle attachment and mix on low speed for about 20 seconds. Stir in some of the remaining broth/juices from the pressure cooker.
SLOW COOKER
- Place the chicken breasts on a flat surface and pat dry with paper towels, then rub with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Whisk the seasoniongs together in a small bowl, then evenly season both sides of the chicken.
- Place the chicken in an even layer on the bottom of a lightly greased slow cooker. Pour the broth over top. Cook on low for 5-7 hours (check early), until the internal temperature of the chicken registers 160 degrees on an instant read thermometer (this is my fav).
- To shred chicken: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before shredding. Use two forks to shred the chicken or place the chicken in the bowl of your stand mixer (may also use bowl with hand mixer). Use the paddle attachment and mix on low speed for about 20 seconds. Toss the shredded chicken in the remaining juices in the slow cooker.
Notes
- This recipe is a guide, play with the seasonings! Add whatever seasonings you love to the current spices like cumin, chipotle, chili powder, cayenne, etc. or use your favorite spice blend such as fajita seasonings, Caribbean jerk seasoning, etc.ย See TONS of variations in the post!
- Toss the shredded chicken with sauce:ย buffalo hot wings sauce, salsa verde, barbecue sauce, pesto, warmed chicken gravy, etc.ย See post for lots of ideas!ย
- Storage:ย Store shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze in portion sized baggies for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to use.ย
- How to reheat:ย Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds, then at 15-second intervals until warmed through or simmer gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
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Leave a Review, I Always Love Hearing From You!
sarah says
I feel like you are the queen of these basic/simple but well-thought out recipes that end up as staples for me. Thank you for the work you put in to your work. This will be a keeper for sure!
Jen says
Thank you so much for making my day Sarah! I’m honored my recipes have become part of your everyday cooking! xo
Hannah says
I’m curious how you add broth and steam the chicken, but you don’t want to boil the chicken or it will be rubbery. Do you keep the broth from boiling?
Jen says
Hi Hannah, the broth will simmer and create a moist environment which is just what you want. Boiling the chicken would be at a higher temperature. Hope this helps!
Sheryl says
I couldnt agree more!!
Jim says
I made this recipe tonight and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. I used chicken wings and grilled them. They were very moist and full of flavor. My wife enjoyed them too. I will definitely be making these again. So glad that I came upon your website!!!!
Jen says
Yay, I’m so happy that you found a repeat recipe! I’m glad you’re here!
Tina says
My new go to for cooking chicken breast to keep in the fridge. Thank you! Your recipes are always dependable and yummy. Thank you,!
Jen says
I’m so happy to hear that! So glad that you have found many recipes to enjoy!