Shredded chicken is incredibly versatile--we can use it as a filling for tacos, marinate it in BBQ sauce, roll it in a taquito…shredded chicken is a chameleon in the poultry world. The plus is, shredded chicken is easy to make. Let's learn the simple steps to make it.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Preparing the Chicken for Shredding
Step 1. Buy a whole chicken or chicken pieces
In general, the best quality shredded chicken comes from whole chickens, as you can get both the white and dark parts of the meat. You can buy chicken pieces, but this could result in too much white/dark meat in your chicken. Remove the wrapping from the chicken after you buy it.
If you have little time, you can buy grilled chicken from the nearest grocery store. This will save the time it takes to cook the chicken and you can shred it right away. However, be aware that most roast chicken is already seasoned
Step 2. Wash the chicken under cold water (this is up to you, as washing will likely only spread bacteria [1], dry and then season
Do not use warm or hot water as this can lead to bacterial growth in raw chicken. Pat the chicken dry and use salt or pepper if you prefer.
If you cook a whole chicken. You may have to remove the unneeded parts that are located inside the chicken's body
Step 3. Cook your chicken
There are several ways to do this. Chicken should be cooked before shredding, as raw chicken will be difficult to shred.
- Boiling the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large saucepan. Marinate the chicken in water or chicken stock. The chicken stock will give it a saltier taste. Add salt and pepper according to your taste. Cover the pot and let the water boil. Once the water boils, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken soak for about an hour until the chicken is completely cooked through. Chicken is considered cooked when the meat is no longer pink and the meat is easily removed from the bone. If you are cooking chicken breasts, you will be able to remove the chicken parts easily with a fork.
- Boiling Chicken in a Frying Pan: (This method works best for chicken breasts) Put a tablespoon of olive oil in a 30cm diameter skillet and heat it on medium heat. Add the chicken breasts face up and cook for five minutes until the chicken breasts are golden brown. Add cup of water or chicken stock to the skillet and flip the chicken over. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer on medium heat for seven to ten minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. If the water or stock evaporates too quickly, add another cup.
- Using a Skillet: This method works especially well if you are cooking a whole chicken and have about seven hours before you are going to serve it. Put the chicken into the skillet. Add any seasonings you want, such as salt, pepper, paprika, etc. You don't need to add any liquid. Heat over medium heat, cover, and let the chicken sit for about seven hours.
Method 2 of 3: Shredding Chicken
Step 1. Remove the chicken from the broth or water
Place in a shallow pan to cool. It's best to let the chicken cool before you shred it, otherwise the chicken will be too hot for your hands when you remove it from the pot or skillet.
Step 2. Separate the meat from the bones
There are several ways to do this. Make sure you remove any skin and bones that are present.
- Using your hands: Shred the chicken with your fingers as you remove the meat from the bones. Using your hands will result in larger shredded chicken. Pull out the meat and tear it into small pieces with your fingers.
- Using a fork: Use one fork to hold the chicken. Skin and shred the chicken using the other fork. Using a fork will result in thinner shreds of chicken.
- By using a mixer: This method only applies to chicken breasts. Using a mixer is the quickest way to shred chicken and won't hurt your hands or wrists. Place the chicken breasts in the mixing bowl and turn on the mixer on low speed. You don't need to buy an expensive mixer. You can use an electric mixer. This method will take about a minute and a half to shred two chicken breasts.
Step 3. Place the shredded chicken in a bowl so you can use it to make your favorite recipe
See the 'Ideas section' below for uses for shredded chicken in a selection of recipes.
Step 4. Store the shredded chicken in an airtight container or Tupperware
Shredded chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for about three days. If the shredded chicken is not going to be used within this time, freeze the chicken and then reheat it before you use it.
Step 5. Done
Method 3 of 3: Some Ideas for Using Shredded Chicken
Step 1. Make your own homemade taquito
Taquitos are incredibly versatile and delicious; You can eat it as a main course, a snack, or take it to a friend's party!
Step 2. Make the chicken salad
Cut some vegetables, cup the bread, and you'll have a delicious sandwich.
Step 3. Make tacos that will surprise your friends
You may not buy these tacos, but they will surely earn you praise.
Step 4. Warm the atmosphere with chicken noodle soup
There are few other foods that can warm the atmosphere other than chicken noodle soup.
Step 5. Make your own BBQ chicken crescent
This chicken filled cake can be served as an appetizer at a party, BBQ event or other.
