Easy Shredded Chicken Recipe

This easy shredded chicken recipe is one of the best things to keep on hand. The chicken turns out juicy, tender, and flavorful with very little effort. You only need a few pantry ingredients and about half an hour to make a batch that can be used in countless meals throughout the week.

Main Essence of This Dish

The beauty of shredded chicken is its versatility. It absorbs flavor beautifully, stays moist when cooked properly, and can instantly make everyday meals more filling and satisfying. This recipe focuses on creating tender chicken that is seasoned lightly enough to work in many dishes while still tasting delicious on its own.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 bay leaf

Also Read: Marry Me Chicken Soup

How to Make Easy Shredded Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Liquid

Place a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, sliced onion, and smashed garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes until lightly fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth or water and add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken breasts to the pot in a single layer. The liquid should mostly cover the chicken. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for 18 to 25 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Step 3: Rest the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest on a plate for about 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices stay inside the meat so the chicken stays moist after shredding.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Use two forks to pull the chicken apart into thin shreds. You can also use a hand mixer for quicker shredding if you are making a larger batch.

Step 5: Add Moisture Back

Spoon a few tablespoons of the warm cooking liquid over the shredded chicken before serving or storing. This keeps the chicken flavorful and juicy.

Best Ways to Use Shredded Chicken

• Stuff inside tacos or burritos
• Add to chicken salad sandwiches
• Mix into pasta dishes
• Use for soups and stews
• Top over salads and grain bowls
• Fill quesadillas or wraps
• Add to casseroles
• Make quick barbecue chicken sandwiches

Storage Tips

Store shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in sealed freezer safe bags for up to 3 months. Add a little broth before reheating to keep it from drying out.

Also Read: Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Helpful Tips for Tender Shredded Chicken

• Do not boil the chicken aggressively because it can become tough.
• Use chicken broth instead of plain water for extra flavor.
• Shred the chicken while it is still warm for the easiest texture.
• Save the cooking liquid for soups or reheating leftovers.
• Chicken thighs can also be used if you want richer flavor.

Also Read: Green Goddess Grilled Chicken

Nutritional Information

The nutritional values below are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.