Learn a few different ways to cook chicken and then make perfect shredded chicken. Cooked, shredded chicken is a great start to a lot of yummy recipes like enchiladas, chicken salad and chicken noodle soup!
OVEN: preheat your oven to 375°F. Drizzle a little olive oil or canola oil over the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Place the chicken breasts and/or thighs on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (breast) and 170°F (thighs). Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before shredding.
POACHED:Poaching chicken breasts is another great method for cooked chicken that doesn't have additional flavor. Great for chicken salad! Cover the chicken with cool water or broth by about an inch. Place over medium heat bring the water to a light simmer, not a full boil.Once it simmers turn the heat to LOW and cook the chicken in the hot liquid for about 10 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let the chicken sit for 5 minutes in the warm water.Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before shredding.
SLOW COOKER: Place the chicken breasts and/or thighs in the slow cooker and add enough chicken broth to cover the chicken. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before shredding.
INSTANT POT: If you're short on time, using an Instant Pot is a great option for cooking chicken for shredding. Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot and add enough chicken broth to cover the chicken. Cook on high pressure for 7 minutes, then do a 6 minute natural release.
Shredding Chicken
With any of these methods the chicken will be easier to shred if it is warm or hot.
STAND MIXER METHOD: This is my preferred method for shredding chicken, ALWAYS! Pro Tip: make sure the chicken is hot or warm or this method will not work! Place the cooked chicken breasts in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Turn the mixer on to low speed and let it run for 20-30 seconds, or until the chicken is shredded to your desired consistency.
HAND MIXER METHOD: Just like the stand mixer, make sure the chicken is warm or hot. Then place the cooked chicken breasts in a bowl and use a hand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken. This method is best for small batches of chicken.
FORK METHOD: Using two forks to shred chicken is the most common method. This method works best with super tender chicken, like rotisserie chicken.To do this, place the cooked chicken breasts on a rimmed baking sheet (it helps catch the juices). Use two forks to pull the chicken apart into small shreds. This method takes a bit longer than using a mixer, but it's a good option if you don't have a mixer.
Storing Shredded Chicken
Shredded chicken can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.For longer storage keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to label your storage container so you know when you need to use it. Pro Tip: freeze the shredded chicken in 2 cup portions so you don't have to thaw the whole batch at once.