This simple cooking technique will show you how to make the juiciest shredded chicken imaginable in a single pot. It's super easy. Here is the recipe.
Have you ever noticed how some Mexican restaurants serve up the juiciest, best tasting chicken tacos around? And some just aren't so great? I've had chicken tacos all over the U.S. and in Mexico and it's amazing how much they can vary.
There is a place in town nearby that I've stopped frequenting because their chicken is just so dry. No amount of delicious hot sauce can take away that dry texture.
It's pretty simple for me. When it comes to shredded chicken, I want it to be juicy! The moisture needs to permeate the meat, which is why I'm sharing this particular recipe that always works for me.
It's super simple, and with it, you'll be making juicy, moist shredded chicken in no time.
Making Moist Shredded Chicken Takes Time
Don't get me wrong. It does take TIME, but you'll save yourself a lot of time later by making large batches of this shredded chicken for quick and easy meals. I like to cook up a few pounds at a time, then portion them out and freeze them.
This way, I can yank one out of the freezer and thaw as needed. It's perfect for your weekly meal prep.
It can be heated and eaten just as it is, or you can add in your own preferred seasonings and use it for making homemade tacos, sandwiches, and so much more. Swirl into your soups and stews. Serve it over rice for a nice chicken taco bowl.
Satisfy that chicken craving.
Let's talk about how we make this juicy shredded chicken.
How to Make Shredded Chicken
- First, start off with chicken thighs. I use boneless skinless chicken thighs. They have more fat content than chicken breast, so this is my preferred ingredient. However, the technique does work well for chicken breast also. Or use a combination of chicken thighs and chicken breast for the best of both worlds.
- Next, toss the chicken with your preferred seasonings then sear them a few minutes in a large pot. I used my Dutch oven for this. It's a simple and effective one-pot cooking recipe. You can use any seasoning you'd like before you cook the chicken, even just a bit of salt and pepper. More on that below.
- Once you've seared the chicken, add chicken broth and reduce the heat to low.
- Next, cover the chicken and simmer the whole pot with the lid placed slightly askew on top. Your cooking time is 3 hours. Sorry, this isn't a simple 20 minute recipe. It takes a while to make super juicy shredded chicken. The fats will emerge and the chicken will cook low and slow in those fats until they are deliciously tender and very juicy.
- Finally, shred the chicken with a couple forks and you're good to go.
How to Shred Chicken
Shredding the chicken is easily done with a couple of forks. Simply insert the fork ends into the chicken and gently pull them apart. Repeat the process until the chicken is shredded to your liking.
There are tools available for purchase that look like bear claws. They work nicely as well for large batches. Forks are just fine for smaller batches, I've found.
You can shred the chicken right in the pot, or remove the chicken and shred it in a separate bowl.
Very easy, right? I love easy recipes.
Can I Make This in a Crock Pot or a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make shredded chicken in a crock pot or slow cooker. I think slow cooker shredded chicken is great. Just make sure you are able to season and sear the chicken in a hot enough pan, then transfer it to the crock pot for slow cooking.
The key is low and slow. Don't use the high heat setting, unless you know your crock pot very well.
About the Seasonings
You can use a LOT of seasoning here if you'd like. I vary up the seasonings that I use, depending on how I'm going to eat the shredded chicken.
The recipe calls for a quarter cup, which sounds like a lot, but I often find myself adding even more sometimes, again, depending on my taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with your seasoning ratios.
Shredded Chicken Recipes
You can use your cooked shredded chicken in a number of recipes. Use it to make juicy chicken tacos or burritos. Make a chicken torta with refried beans and avocado.
Stir it into soups or stews, or include some in a stir fry. It also freezes nicely for those who want to use shredded chicken in their weekly meal prep. The serving size is about 4 ounces.
Here are some recipes you can try:
- Chicken Tinga (Shredded Chipotle Chicken)
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers with Shredded Chicken and Cheese
- Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Chicken Taquitos (Baked or Fried)
- Chicken and Cheese Stuffed Anaheim Peppers
- Chicken Enchiladas Rojas
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Super juicy, my friends! Eat some, freeze some, make life easy on yourself! I hope you enjoy it! Let me know how you like it if you make it. -- Mike H.
Try Some of My Other Popular Dishes
- Chicken Tinga (Shredded Chipotle Chicken)
- Grilled Harissa Chicken Legs
- Korean Chicken
- Chicken Vindaloo
- Chicken Enchiladas Verdes with Cheese
Got leftovers? Try my friend Stephanie's recipe, from the Cozy Cook, for Creamy Tortilla Soup!
If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you'll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don't forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I'll be sure to share! Thanks! -- Mike H.
The Juiciest Shredded Chicken – Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup Cajun seasoning blend Taco Seasoning blend, or Spicy Chili Powder blend (or more as desired)
- 1 tablespoons granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon ghost pepper powder optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Toss the boneless chicken thighs withthe olive oil and seasonings in a large bowl. Make sure to get them nice and coated.
- Heat a large pot to medium heat. I used my Dutch oven for this. Add the chicken thighs and sear them for a few minutes per side, stirring them up a bit as you go.
- Pour in the chicken broth and reduce the heat to a simmer. Top the pot with the cover just slightly askew and cook low and slow for 3 hours. Check it every now and then after a couple hours. If you need to add a bit more chicken broth, you can do so.
- When the chicken is super fork tender, remove it from the heat and cool it slightly. Use a couple forks to shred it.
- Use as desired!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Keto Friendly and Gluten Free.
Sam says
How do you cook this in instant pot?
Mike Hultquist says
Sam, you can season and sear, then pressure cook 10-15 minutes with natural release. Then shred. Enjoy!
Tammy Jarrett says
My camping group (at Renaissance-style festivals in Texas) is having a Tex-Mex type of Saturday night dinner. Our "food leader" says she's making taco salad ... I love the idea, but of course I need my own version. I knew you wouldn't let me down, Mike! Gonna make this chicken ahead, at home, and take it to camp to reheat the meat there. I will use the taco seasoning I customized from your recipe, and will likely keep some of the broth/liquid in that bag so it stays moist when I reheat it. (Forgive me, I'm thinking out loud while typing!)
I would do the chicken tinga, but I'm pretty sure we have some peeps in camp that can't handle the heat. Heat will be available to add on the side!
Mike Hultquist says
Awesome, Tammy! Let me know how it all goes. Great plan! I'm sure this will be perfect to heat up!
Jeff says
Mike,
Would this recipe work well using a Insta-Pot pressure cooker?
Jeff
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Absolutely, Jeff.
Dan says
Great and simple recipe. To make this with buffalo sauce would you sub sauce for broth? Or would you just add it at the end?
Thanks,
Dan
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Dan. I would either just add the Buffalo sauce after it is done and shredded, or add a 1/2 cup to the existing recipe for slow simmering, then also add some at the end for extra Buffalo flavor. Let me know how it turns out for you.
Morgan Eisenberg says
Loving the ghost pepper, but if I have to modify for a guest who can't take the heat, is there something specific you'd recommend?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Morgan, you can omit ghost pepper, and use a milder chili powder for guests who prefer milder heat. Enjoy!
Stephanie says
Loving how juicy this looks. Great tips for making really juicy tasty shredded chicken that's perfect for tacos and a lot more.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks so much!
Traci says
Chicken thighs are the way to my heart! Cajun seasoning too! I'm in love with this recipe...boom! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
BOOM! Thanks, Traci.
Anna says
What a great recipe! The texture of that chicken looks incredible, and so spot on! I love the fact this can be made in a big batch and then frozen, super convenient! Thank you for sharing.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Anna. I have another batch coming up soon so I can freeze some more. So good!
Katie says
This looks so good and simple, which is perfect for busy week nights! Love it!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Super easy, yep!
Jessica Formicola says
This shredded chicken would be great for tacos! Saving this for our next taco night!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
So PERFECT for tacos, that's for sure!
Carol says
The chicken was delicious! Because of time constraints I only simmered the chicken for 2 hours and it shredded easily. Thank you, I’ll be using this recipe a lot.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Great, Carol. Thanks!!
Jeff Moore says
Can I prep this and throw it in the crockpot to cook while I'm at work, or will that be too long?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Jeff, yes, you can. I would keep it low, though, and make sure there is enough liquid. Let me know how it turns out for you.
Shaun says
I don't have a Dutch oven surely I will get the same results from a Pyrex dish?
REPLY: Shaun, you can use any large cooking pot for this. Sure thing! -- Mike from Chili Pepper Madness.
Tony says
Really tasty, juicy pulled chicken. The only difference I made was doing it in my pressure cooker for 45/50 minutes. keep 'em coming mate.
Dave says
Do you have any Habanero recipts for hot sauce maybe with mango's
REPLY: Dave, absolutely. See the Hot Sauce recipes section, but here is one: https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-recipes/hot-sauces/caribbean-style-mango-habanero-hot-sauce-video -- Mike from Chili Pepper Madness.
ida says
Thank you,we read your awesome recipes in Russia too
REPLY: Thanks, Ida!! -- Mike from Chili Pepper Madness.