Description
Quick and versatile shredded chicken that’s tender, flavorful, and perfect for tacos, salads, sandwiches, and soups. This easy recipe uses simple staple ingredients and minimal prep time to deliver a lean protein boost adaptable to many cuisines and meal ideas.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless (about 1.5 to 2 lbs)
- Chicken broth or water (enough to cover chicken halfway)
- Salt (to taste, about 1 tsp)
- Black pepper (to taste, about 1/2 tsp)
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic (1/2 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves minced)
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp)
- Olive oil or butter (optional, 1-2 tbsp for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts or thighs. Season lightly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder (or fresh garlic), and onion powder to build flavor from the start.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken into a pot or slow cooker. Add enough chicken broth or water to cover the chicken halfway. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the liquid and let it cool slightly. Use two forks or your hands to pull the meat apart into thin, even shreds.
- Optional Sauté: For extra flavor, heat olive oil or butter in a skillet. Briefly sauté the shredded chicken with any remaining seasoning or sauce to warm through and enhance texture.
Notes
- Use warm chicken broth for more even cooking and moist chicken.
- Do not overcook the chicken to prevent dryness; watch the internal temperature closely.
- Shred the chicken while warm for easier pulling apart.
- Double the recipe and freeze portions for quick future meals.
- Add moisture such as broth or sauce when reheating shredded chicken to keep it juicy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering / Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Universal / Adaptable
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: shredded chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick chicken, meal prep chicken, lean protein, versatile chicken
