Shredded Chicken (The Easy Way!)
Here’s how to make shredded chicken: the easy way! Shred it up for using in soups, casseroles, enchiladas and more. See alternate methods in the notes!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Rest Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chicken
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound, organic if possible), butterflied or cutlets
- 6 cups water*
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon peppercorns
- Celery ribs, chopped (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed (optional)
- 1 handful fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- If the chicken is not already butterflied, place your hand over the top of each chicken breast. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the breast horizontally, leaving the edge intact so it can open up like a book (or butterfly!). Unfold the breast like a book, then cut along the fold to separate the two halves.
- Add the water to saucepan. Stir in the salt, peppercorns, and optional celery ribs, garlic cloves, and fresh parsley.
- Bring to a boil and add the chicken breasts. Boil until the internal temperature is 160°F or the center is no longer pink, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove to a plate and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cool enough to touch, use your fingers to tear the chicken into shreds. (Alternatively for large amounts of chicken, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on low speed until shredded, about 20 seconds; do not shred too long or on higher speed or it will form very small shreds.)
- Season according to the recipe you’re using it for (it will need 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt added to taste seasoned). To store, add 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid in with the shredded chicken to maintain juiciness.
Notes
*Or, substitute chicken broth and use 1 teaspoon kosher salt and omit the seasonings.
Instant Pot method: Go to Instant Pot shredded chicken.
Crockpot method: Go to slow cooker shredded chicken.
Find it online: https://www.acouplecooks.com/shredded-chicken/
