Learn how to make shredded chicken on the stove top or in the slow cooker or crockpot that is always moist and juicy, never fail, so easy to make!

Juicy Shredded Chicken in a bowl, ready to serve

Easy Shredded Chicken Recipe

Need Shredded Chicken? This is now you make it. Some people buy a rotisserie chicken from the store for their shredded chicken, but it's actually easy to make at home.

All you need is chicken, some optional seasonings, a bit of oil and chicken broth and you're good to go.

Let's talk about how to make shredded chicken.

Shredded Chicken Ingredients

Chicken. You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs or boneless skinless chicken breasts, or bone-in chicken. It works with any chicken, though chicken thigh and chicken breast are ideal.
Chicken Broth.
Seasonings. Use your favorites, or none at all, though I suggest salt and pepper with garlic powder at a minimum.

How to Make Shredded Chicken

Toss the chicken with oil and spices, then sear them in a pan or large pot, like a Dutch oven, a couple minutes per side.
Add chicken broth and simmer on LOW with the cover just slightly askew for 15 minutes. You can also transfer to a slow cooker or crockpot and cook the chicken on LOW with the lid on for 1 hour. You can simmer longer if desired, but chicken breast may become dry. Chicken thighs can simmer longer, up to 3 hours (but add more stock if needed).
Shred the chicken with forks and enjoy

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.

I've also used a hand mixer to shred larger batches of chicken, though it can get a bit messy if you're not careful.

Very easy, right? I love easy recipes. This is my favorite method for pulled chicken.

Recipe Tips & Notes

Chicken thighs made the most moist, juiciest shredded chicken. I love to simmer them on very low heat for up to 3 hours to make it extra tender. However, lean chicken breast can dry out, so don't simmer it for too long.
Seasonings are optional, but they will give your chicken extra flavor. Feel free to use your favorites. Try Some of these seasonings to spice things up.
Make large batches of shredded chicken and freeze them in your preferred serving sizes. You can easily pull one from the freezer and use as desired for quick and easy meal prep.

Storage Information

Store your shredded chicken in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in a sealed container.

Or, freeze it in batches in vacuum sealed bags or containers for up to 6 months.

Shredded Chicken Recipes

You can use your cooked shredded chicken in a number of recipes, not just for chicken salad. 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:

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

Spicy Chipotle Shredded Chicken (aka chicken tinga), in a pot

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.

Shredded Chicken Recipe (How to Make Shredded Chicken)

How to Make Shredded Chicken (Shredded Chicken Recipe)

Learn how to make shredded chicken on the stove top or in the slow cooker or crockpot that is always moist and juicy, never fail, so easy to make!

Save Recipe

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pulled chicken, recipe, shredded chicken

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 3

Total Time: 3 10

Calories: 278kcal

Author: Mike Hultquist

Servings:

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5 from 10 votes

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Ingredients

3 pounds boneless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Seasonings. Season your chicken with 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite blend, like Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, chili powder, garlic, etc.
1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

Toss the boneless chicken thighs (or breasts) with the 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 2-3 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 15 minutes. You can also transfer to a slow cooker or crockpot and cook on LOW with the lid on for 1 hour. You can simmer longer if desired, but chicken breast may become dry. Chicken thighs can simmer longer, up to 3 hours (add more stock if needed).
When the chicken is super fork tender, remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Shred the chicken with forks and enjoy.

Notes

Makes 12 servings. I like to freeze portions for future use.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 278kcal Carbohydrates: 2g Protein: 18g Fat: 21g Saturated Fat: 5g Cholesterol: 111mg Sodium: 163mg Potassium: 310mg Vitamin A: 1245IU Vitamin C: 1.4mg Calcium: 15mg Iron: 1.4mg

Did You Enjoy This Recipe?I love hearing how you like it and how you made it your own. Leave a comment below and tag @ChiliPepperMadness on social media.

Keto Friendly and Gluten Free.

Shredded Chicken Recipe (How to Make Shredded Chicken)