When it comes to uses for shredded chicken, the sky's the limit. Shredded chicken is easy to make and can be used for casseroles, pasta, sandwiches, and almost everything in between.
I've put together a list of my favorite shredded chicken recipes, and when you check them out, you'll see that you really can do almost anything with this easy method of cooking chicken.
How to Cook Shredded Chicken
Cooking shredded chicken is incredibly easy. It's nothing more than cooking chicken until it's done and tender, then shredding it up. There's nothing to it. You can cook chicken for shredding in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Both are quick and easy methods.
Slow Cooker Method
To make shredded chicken in the slow cooker, add boneless, skinless chicken breasts to a slow cooker, then add chicken broth. Cover and cook on high for 1 ½ to 2 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Shred the chicken while hot or at least warm.
Stovetop Method
To make shredded chicken on the stovetop, place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large skillet. Then, add chicken broth. Cover and bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes or until cooked through and tender. Shred the chicken while hot or warm.
How to Shred Chicken
Shredding chicken is incredibly easy. The only caveat is that you should shred it while it's hot or at least warm. Warm meat is more tender and will shred easily than cool or refrigerated meat.
To shred chicken, use two forks or shredding claws. Pierce the breast with the tools of your choice and pull the chicken apart along the grain. Work in small batches to ensure the chicken shreds rather than chunks.
Alternatively, you can shred chicken in a stand mixer or using an electric mixer. The spinning action of the mixer will quickly and easily shred the chicken.
Why Shredded Chicken Works So Well
Shredded chicken works so well in so many recipes for a few reasons. First, chicken breasts have a mild flavor, so they pair well with almost any flavor you can think of. They'll never overshadow the other ingredients, but they'll also never disappear into those ingredients.
Second, shredded chicken adds more texture and creates interesting dishes. All that flavor comes in a super tender, moist, shredded package, so it's ideal for everything from sandwiches to soups and pasta dishes.
Third, shredded chicken is freezer-friendly, so it's perfect for meal prep. Make a giant batch of shredded chicken, portion it out, and save it for future recipes.
Uses for Shredded Chicken
Shredded chicken can be used for sandwiches, wraps, snacks, breakfasts, casseroles, pasta dishes - almost anything, really.
The following recipes highlight just how versatile shredded chicken really is. From stuffed pot pie muffins to dips, casseroles, and so much more, these recipes take advantage of the flavor and texture of shredded chicken to create recipes that always leave everyone wanting more.
Explore All Kinds of Uses for Shredded Chicken
Shredded chicken is a key ingredient in all the recipes I've shared today, but you don't have to stop with these. Enjoy these delicious recipes, then get creative with your own recipes.
Substitute shredded chicken for almost any dish that calls for meat, and you'll quickly find that the uses for shredded chicken are almost limitless.
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