Healthy Shredded Chicken Recipes Plus How to Make It
Shredded chicken is a versatile and convenient ingredient that is a staple in many kitchens. Whether you are meal-prepping for the week or need a last-minute easy meal, shredded chicken can be a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
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Skip the store-bought rotisserie chicken and make your own shredded chicken. It is an easy, healthy protein that is perfect to have on hand for a quick dinner or to toss into salads, stir-fry recipes, sandwiches, tacos, nachos or soups.
The benefits of shredded chicken
Having shredded chicken on hand can be a lifesaver when it comes to preparing quick and effortless meals. The best part is that you don’t have to wait for the chicken to cook from scratch when you’re under time constraints. With shredded chicken in your fridge or freezer, you can quickly put together a meal in just a few minutes.
Shredded chicken is a highly versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be added to salads, tacos, soups, and stir-fries, among other things, in just a few minutes. Shredded chicken is adaptable to a wide range of cuisines and dishes, whether you prefer Mexican, Asian, or comfort food. Its versatility is limitless.
Adding lean protein to your meals has never been easier! You can now say goodbye to unhealthy takeout and hello to the simplicity of crafting your own quick and healthy meals with this kitchen essential. Its convenience allows you to enjoy lean protein without the hassle of cooking it separately.
How to make shredded chicken
Instead of using a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, I like to make my own. It’s easy it is to make with just a few ingredients: chicken, water, and sea salt. In addition, there are several simple methods to prepare it, each of the methods are described below.
Crockpot shredded chicken – This method takes some hands-off time to make, but the chicken is tender and juicy with minimal shrinkage of the meat itself. If time is not an issue, this is a great way to make shredded chicken, especially if your slow cooker has a timer so that the chicken doesn’t overcook. Here is my slow cooker shredded chicken recipe.
Instant Pot shredded chicken – Instant Pot chicken or pressure cooker chicken, like the Crockpot version, is moist and tender, but the chicken has more shrinkage than the other methods. If you are looking for a quick way to cook shredded chicken that is juicy and tender, this is it! Here is how to make shredded chicken in an Instant Pot.
Stovetop shredded chicken – This method is the simplest way to make it, but it is not as moist as the chicken made in a Crockpot or Instant Pot. It’s an excellent option if you don’t have an Instant Pot or slow cooker. Making shredded chicken on the stovetop takes just a few minutes longer than it does in an Instant Pot. Here is my stovetop shredded chicken recipe.
Oven-shredded chicken – Shredded chicken is not as tender when cooked in the oven, but still flavorful. It’s a good choice if you are already cooking something in the oven. Try adding some chicken broth to the cooked chicken or a few teaspoons of olive oil or melted butter for extra moisture. Here is my recipe for making shredded chicken in the oven.
Shredded chicken tips
Since shredded chicken is a blank slate and can be used in so many recipes, I like to use minimal seasoning when I make it. If you prefer shredded chicken with more flavor, you can add a pinch of your favorite dried herbs to the water such as, thyme, sage, dill, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, garlic powder or onion powder.
In addition, each of the recipes mentioned above offers suggestions for adding flavor to your shredded chicken.
Before shredding your chicken, allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes, which will allow it to cool and the juices to redistribute through the meat.
How to Shred Chicken
Slow-cooked chicken tends to fall apart easily, and there are a few ways to make that process easier. Choose a method that works for you.
Mixer Method
Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer is a popular way to shred chicken, and it is ideal when you need to shred large amounts of chicken.
Place the cooked chicken into a mixing bowl and mix at low speed with a hand mixer or stand mixer until the chicken is shredded to the desired size. It’s a pretty straightforward process that yields excellent results.
Fork Method
I prefer making smaller batches of shredded chicken, and I find the fork method or using my hands to break it is the simplest and easiest way to shred chicken. It only takes a few minutes and gives control over the size of the shreds.
To shred chicken with two forks, place the chicken on a cutting board and hold a fork in each hand. Use one fork to hold the chicken steady and the other to gently pull the meat apart. You can also use your hands to break the chicken into smaller pieces.
Whichever way you choose to shred your chicken, allow the chicken to cool off before shredding.
How to Store and Freeze Shredded Chicken
Store shredded chicken in the refrigerator for three to four days in an airtight container or freeze it in an airtight container, freezer bag or a freezer-safe reusable bag for up to four months.
Thaw out frozen shredded chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
Measure the shredded and cooled chicken into serving portions, making it convenient for weekly meal prep or making smaller recipes.
Easy shredded chicken recipes
You can make many dishes with shredded chicken, from chicken tacos, chicken pot pie, chicken enchiladas, salads and so much more! Here are a few of our favorite and simple recipes made with shredded chicken.
Bbq Chicken Egg Rolls – Tasty and perfect for a dinner or appetizer, these egg rolls are made with chicken tossed in bbq sauce. They combine the flavors of barbecue chicken and cheese steak, and they are baked, not fried.
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls – These egg rolls are also baked and great for satisfying your craving for buffalo chicken.
Asian Chicken Pasta Salad – This is one of those easy pasta salads that can be served for dinner or a side dish.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Without Cream Cheese – A tasty dip that’s made healthier with Greek yogurt and cottage cheese.
Buffalo Chicken Flatbread – Another delicious buffalo chicken option! Shredded chicken is tossed in hot sauce and cooked on top of a pizza with blue cheese and cheddar cheese.
Savory Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt – An easy recipe that is a healthy remake of a classic chicken salad.
Grilled Chicken Quesadillas – Shredded chicken is folded in a tortilla, with cheese and veggies then grilled for a tasty appetizer or meal.
Mexican Chopped Salad – A refreshing chopped salad filled with fresh produce and tossed in a cilantro lime dressing.
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups – A unique and delicious twist on classic lasagna.
Five Ingredient Chicken Soup – A quick and simple soup that takes very little time to make.
Buffalo Chicken Dip – A tasty and healthier version of buffalo chicken dip made with cottage cheese and Greek yogurt.
Roasted Garlic & Chicken White Pizza A delicious copycat recipe from the California Pizza Kitchen.
Easy Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups – A hearty lasagna filled with chicken and cheese that everyone will love!
Mini Chicken Empanadas – Tasty and easy to make! Just perfect for a game day snack.
Slow cooking methods such as a slow cooker result in tender chicken that is moist and delicious.
To prevent freezer burn, make sure that the chicken is tightly sealed in an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
I use the stove top method most of the time and it does work well! Great tip about not adding too much water.