My Famous Shredded Chicken
Try this My Famous Shredded Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this My Famous Shredded Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 230 mg
- Fat 46.184 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 57.04 g
- Saturated Fat 13.2173333333333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 Units US (307g)
- Sodium 214.666666666667 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 3.92533333333333 g
- Calories 659 calories
Step-by-step
- Place chicken breasts in pan with broth (I have used frozen, as well as fresh- frozen adds to your cooking time).
- Bring to a boil.
- Turn heat to medium, and let simmer covered for 15-20 minutes (around 10 minutes if yours are defrosted), turning occasionally.
- Then turn to medium low and let cook covered for another 60 min (or until shreds with a fork). You may need to add more broth during that hour if yours cooks down.
- I have let it cook for even longer with great results.
- Let rest in pan for at least 10 minutes, or until you can shred the meat without burning yourself.
- If you are saving the chicken for later, place it in a ziplock with the excess broth from the pan.
- Enjoy in any recipe that calls for shredded chicken.
- You can also add spices/onion/garlic to the meat while cooking, but I like to make mine plain so it will go with any recipe.
My Famous Shredded Chicken: A Simple Recipe for Endless Possibilities
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. That's why I rely on simple, versatile recipes that can be used in a variety of dishes throughout the week. My "famous" shredded chicken is one of those recipes – a cornerstone of my meal planning strategy. It's incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and provides a blank canvas for culinary creativity.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. I start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts – often the pre-frozen halves from the grocery store, a real time-saver. A cup of chicken broth (I use whatever I have on hand) is all that’s needed to create succulent, tender chicken. I don't usually add extra spices or aromatics during the cooking process; I prefer to keep the chicken flavor profile clean, allowing it to adapt perfectly to any dish I'm creating. This approach allows maximum versatility – sometimes I’ll use it in tacos, other times it stars in a creamy pasta dish or a hearty salad. Its adaptability makes it the perfect weeknight staple.
The cooking process itself is incredibly straightforward. I simply place the chicken breasts in a pan with the broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. The exact cooking time varies depending on whether I'm using fresh or frozen chicken, but generally, it takes around an hour to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and easily shreds apart. I often let it rest for a bit longer after cooking to make the shredding process even easier, saving me time and effort when I prepare it for another recipe.
Once the chicken is cooked, I let it cool slightly before shredding it with two forks. Then, I store it in a zip-top bag with any excess broth, ensuring the chicken stays moist and flavorful for several days in the refrigerator. This allows me to quickly whip up a meal on a busy weeknight or to prepare elements of lunches ahead of time. The storage method ensures the chicken remains delicious and convenient for quick meal preparation later in the week. This efficiency is particularly important when balancing work and family life.
The possibilities for this shredded chicken are truly endless. It’s fantastic in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, salads, soups, or as a topping for baked potatoes. I’ve even used it in creamy pasta sauces and casseroles. It’s the perfect base for quick and easy weeknight meals, allowing me to create a satisfying and delicious dinner even on my busiest days. The adaptability of this recipe is what makes it a true kitchen essential.
Beyond the convenience, I love that this recipe allows for a little bit of creativity. While I typically keep it simple, you can easily customize it to your liking. Add some garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of paprika for a subtle flavor boost. The possibilities are endless! However, for me, the simplicity and versatility of plain shredded chicken are exactly what makes it so useful and dependable in my weeknight meal planning.
This simple recipe for shredded chicken has become a mainstay in my kitchen. It's quick, easy, adaptable, and consistently delicious. Give it a try, and I'm sure it will become a valuable addition to your repertoire of go-to recipes, too! So, ditch the complicated recipes and embrace the simple elegance of this versatile chicken dish – your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you.
