The Versatility of Shredded Chicken
If I were to choose one protein to have in the fridge at all times it would be chicken, and if I were to get more specific it would be cooked shredded chicken, the most versatile protein I know, and a crazy great springboard to all kinds of dishes.
You can shred any kind of cooked chicken: breast, thighs, drumsticks, whole legs…wings are probably best saved for nibbling or to make stock, since getting the meat off of those little bones is more labor than it’s worth.
You can shred chicken that has been poached, boiled, grilled, broiled, roasted, baked, sautéed, or steamed. But if you are looking to cook chicken from scratch in order to make shredded chicken, my favorite methods are roasting, poaching, or cooking in the slow cooker.
And for making the most tender chicken for shredding, the slow cooker, or crock pot, is a terrific cooking method. Almost completely hands off, set-it-and-forget-it, and resulting in super moist and soft chicken every time.
Ratio of Liquid to Chicken
Use about ½ cup of liquid for every pound of chicken. This is a good ratio no matter what kind of chicken you are using, boneless or bone-in. Use chicken broth if you have it, which will result in a richer cooking liquid with deeper flavor, as well as chicken with a boost of additional flavor. However, if you just want to use plain water you will still get a lightly flavored chicken broth after the chicken cooks and is removed from the slow cooker.
Leftover Broth
Don’t throw out the cooking liquid! Whether you used water or chicken broth, you’ll want to keep it for use in future recipes. Strain the broth before using in soups and stews, or any recipe of your choice. The broth may be frozen in airtight containers for up to 6 months.
What Kind of Chicken to Cook in the Slow Cooker for Shredding
Your call, any kind works, BUT for the absolute easiest-to-shred- results, I recommend boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs. Once they are cooked you can shred them right away, without having to discard any skin or bones.
The one advantage to using chicken pieces with skin and bones is that they enrich the liquid with even more flavor, so you end up with a richer broth, which can be used in all kinds of ways. You can even use a whole chicken instead of pieces.
How to Make Shredded Chicken in the Slow Cooker: For making the most tender chicken for shredding, the slow cooker is terrific. Set-it-and-forget-it, resulting in super moist, soft chicken every time.
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How to Shred Cooked Chicken
You can shred chicken while it’s still warm, once it’s cooled to room temperature, or when it’s cold from the fridge. Warm is the best, because it shreds the most easily, and if smaller shreds are what you are after it easier to achieve this when the chicken is still warm. You can use your fingers, which is the easiest way to shred chicken, or you can use two forks to pull apart the meat, especially if it’s hot.
And, you can shred the chicken as roughly or as finely as you like, in pieces large or small, depending on the texture you are looking for and how you’re using it. I like smaller pieces for soups and enchiladas and burritos, and larger chunks for stews and salads.
And now, to put that chicken to use, please see 10 Things to Make with leftover Shredded Chicken!
Shredded Chicken Recipes:
- Indonesian Chicken Salad
- Thai Chicken Noodle Soup
- Smoky Chipotle Chicken Salad
- Pasta Salad with Chicken, Green Olives, and Ramp Vinaigrette
Other Kitchen Tips:
- How to Safely Thaw Frozen Chicken
- 10 Things To Make With Leftover Ground Beef
- 10 Essential Cooking Methods Everyone Should Know
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How to Make Shredded Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken pieces any kind, but boneless skinless breasts or thighs are the easiest to shred
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth preferably less-sodium
Directions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in a slows cooker, and pour in the broth. Either cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 6 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then use your fingers or two forks to pull the chicken in shreds or chunks as desired.
- Strain the broth and reserve for any recipe calling for chicken broth.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition values are provided as an estimate. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
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