Super easy stove top method to make shredded chicken at home in only few minutes.
Today is not about any particular dish but a technique or rather a simple method to cook chicken to turn it into shredded chicken in only few minutes. I like to keep chicken on hand most of the time but there are days we end of eating no chicken for almost a week and so I like to freeze it. But I have realised frozen chicken breasts are always required to be thawed before I use them in any meal so I find keeping frozen shredded chicken a wonderful time saver as I can add it directly to soups, enchilada fillings and what not.
Possibilities are endless. I know there are lot of ways to make shredded chicken more flavorful by cooking it slowly over a period of few hours in slow cooker or oven and I have done it myself with wonderful results. But this methos to cook it in a pot with water or your favorite broth on stove top in straight 5-10 minutes or until fully cooked beats every method! So easy and is a lifesaver when you are short on time but still trying to make a comforting home cooked meal.
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- 1 pound chicken (I usually like using chicken breast but you can use thighs or whole chicken)
- Water or broth, enough to cover the chicken
- Pinch of salt if using water
- In a pot, heat water or broth. Add chicken pieces and make sure they get submerged under water or broth.
- Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes or until chicken turns pale white inside and out.
- That means it;s fully cooked but you don't want to overdo the simmering part too or it will leave you with chewy chicken.
- Take it out. Strain and using two forks shred the meat.
- Store once cooled in ziplock bags or airtight containers.
- I like to write the date on top as well so I know when I made it.
- It lasts for 2-3 days in refrigerator and upto 1-2 months in freezer.
Looking for some ideas to use shredded chicken you just made?
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
May 19, 2015 at 2:08 PMOne of my favourite things about shredded chicken is that there is so much that you can do with it. It goes well in so many dishes.
naivecookcooks says
May 22, 2015 at 11:12 AMAgreed!!
Justine | Cooking and Beer says
May 19, 2015 at 2:15 PMI LOVE when bloggers post recipes like this! I think this is such a great thing to know, and I love this technique, Ami! Pinned!
naivecookcooks says
May 22, 2015 at 11:11 AMAwwww thanks for pinning!!
Sharvari (Mumbai to Melbourne) says
May 19, 2015 at 3:59 PMHey this is such a quick recipe will b trying this for sure
Sharvari
http://www.mumbaitomelbourne.com/food-and-health-blog-posts
naivecookcooks says
May 22, 2015 at 11:11 AMThanks girl!
Lynn | The Road to Honey says
May 19, 2015 at 4:41 PMShredded chicken is something that I cook each and every week to make chicken salad or to sprinkle on the top of salads. I also find that boiling it with a quartered onion gives it just enough extra flavor. I’m loving the recipes that you showcased to use with it.
naivecookcooks says
May 22, 2015 at 11:10 AMOoh will be doing it next time!!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
May 20, 2015 at 7:33 AMI love this technique of shredding chicken, Ami! I never thought to do it this way before. Love how easy it is! Thanks for sharing!
naivecookcooks says
May 22, 2015 at 11:10 AMGlad you liked it Gayle!
Leanne says
January 17, 2016 at 11:56 PMFunny, in the turmeric broth soup at the link in this post, it says to simmer the chicken for 25-30 minutes.
Inci @ Bella's Apron says
October 17, 2016 at 1:25 PMI added some veggies into my broth and it gave it a great flavor. Shredded chicken is so great to have on hand!
Teetine says
August 22, 2020 at 3:41 AMI’ve always liked chicken dishes. it’s my favorite food. Your recipe is special. very delicious and different from what I ate before. Thanks for sharing this wonderful thing.
Lesslie says
September 6, 2020 at 7:57 AMso easy and DELICIOUS! I love this recipe! It’s my third time making them and I swear they get better each time!
Lesslie says
September 17, 2020 at 1:52 AMSO EASY and DELICIOUS! I love your recipe! Thanks for sharing!
Lesslie says
September 17, 2020 at 1:54 AMSO EASY and DELICIOUS! I love your recipe! ! I’ve made this twice now, it’s definitely a keeper . Thanks for sharing!
Angelica says
September 17, 2020 at 9:33 PMI love it shredded, instead of dicing it. I use it to make chicken salad, chicken enchiladas and chicken and rice. Thanks for posting. ? It just taste better shredded instead of dicing it. I have been using more water than your method, but I’m going to try your way. Thanks.
Lisa says
September 29, 2020 at 4:42 AMPerfect shredded chicken, I just added a few sprigs of fresh thyme and salt and pepper.. delicious.
Kenny says
August 1, 2021 at 8:22 PMThank you so much for teaching us this method! Seems like such a basic culinary skill, yet I hadn’t done it until this evening! I really appreciate you sharing this with your readers. Now I have cooked chicken ready-to-go for next week’s lunches.