Description
This Easy Shredded Chicken recipe provides a simple and flavorful way to prepare tender, juicy chicken breasts. Poached in a seasoned broth with onion, garlic, and bay leaves, the chicken is then shredded and moistened with the cooking liquid to keep it juicy. Perfect for meal prep or quick meals, this versatile shredded chicken can be used in salads, sandwiches, tacos, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 onion, peeled
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
- 2 bay leaves
Broth
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Water, as needed to cover chicken by 1 inch
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with salt and ground black pepper to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Combine Ingredients in Pot: Place the seasoned chicken, peeled onion half, crushed garlic cloves, bay leaves, and chicken broth into a large pot. Add enough water to ensure the chicken is covered by about 1 inch.
- Poach the Chicken: Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Poach the chicken for 20 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked through.
- Remove and Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the broth without discarding the broth. Shred the chicken using two forks or place it in a high-sided bowl and shred with a hand mixer on low speed for quicker shredding.
- Moisten the Shredded Chicken: Spoon about ½ cup of the reserved warm broth over the shredded chicken. Stir well to help the chicken absorb the broth and maintain moisture, ensuring tender, juicy meat.
- Store or Use: Use the shredded chicken immediately in your favorite recipes, or allow it to cool for 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Notes
- Use fresh chicken breasts for best flavor and texture.
- Do not discard the broth; it can be used to keep the chicken moist or as a base for soups and sauces.
- Shredding with a hand mixer saves time and effort compared to using forks.
- Cool the chicken before refrigerating to maintain food safety.
- This shredded chicken is versatile and works great in tacos, sandwiches, salads, casseroles, and more.
