How to Make Shredded Chicken

4.64 from 11 votes

Meal prep for chicken! Learn how to make shredded chicken using FOUR METHODS for casseroles, tacos, sandwiches and more.

Prep Time5

Cook Time30

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 173kcal

Author: Julie Clark

Ingredients

4-5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (family pack)
salt and pepper (as desired)
1 cup chicken broth (or water)

Instructions

In the slow cooker.

Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker. Sprinkle with seasoning. Add at least 1/2 cup chicken broth for 4 chicken breasts, but with more chicken, I usually add up to 1 cup.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It should be perfectly shreddable at this point!

In the Instant Pot.

Place chicken broth or water in electric pressure cooker. Add the chicken and seasonings to taste.
Seal the electric pressure cooker with the lid and turn the vent valve to sealing. Program the electric pressure cooker to cook on “manual” or “pressure cook” for 12 minutes.
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before quick release. Remove the lid and remove chicken to a large bowl or cutting board. Shred the chicken breasts.

On the stovetop.

Place the chicken in a dutch oven or large pot. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour enough water over chicken so that the water is 1" above the chicken. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
After the water is at a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium low. The exact time it will take to cook depends on how large the chicken breasts are. Plan for about 10 minutes. Larger breasts will take a little longer and smaller breasts may take a minute or two shorter.Make sure the chicken has reached 165º Fahrenheit internal temperature. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred.

In the oven.

Preheat the oven to 400º Fahrenheit.
Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet or 9x13" pan. Brush with olive oil and season as desired. This helps protect the chicken from drying out.
Bake for around 20 minutes. The exact timing will depend on how large the chicken breasts are. Make sure the chicken has reached 165º Fahrenheit internal temperature. Slice and shred.

Notes

**Please note. The exact timing for all methods will depend on the size of the chicken breasts, which can vary greatly. Adjust accordingly based on the chicken breasts that you normally buy.**

When we are making basic shredded chicken, we season the chicken with salt and pepper for use in just about any recipe. Other simple seasonings to add are garlic powder and onion powder. You can always add Italian or Mexican seasonings for different flavor.

You should always refrigerate cooked chicken right away. It can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Shredded chicken is great in our chicken wraps!

You can freeze cooked chicken for 2-3 months according to the FDA. Place in the freezer in small amounts for casseroles, tacos and soups. You can also follow our guidelines for freezing pork and do the same with chicken.

Nutrition