Description
Shredded chicken is a quick, versatile, and flavorful dish that offers tender, juicy meat perfect for tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe delivers maximum taste suitable for family meals or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts or thighs. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors before cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken in a pot or slow cooker with chicken broth, chopped onions, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently on the stove for 15-20 minutes or cook on low in a slow cooker for 3-4 hours until the meat is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. The meat should pull apart effortlessly and be tender.
- Add Flavor: Return the shredded chicken to the pot to soak up the remaining juices and spices. Stir in fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavor.
- Serve or Store: Use immediately in your favorite recipes or allow the chicken to cool completely before storing in airtight containers to preserve freshness and taste.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier shredded chicken.
- Cooking chicken in broth adds natural richness and moisture.
- Shred chicken soon after cooking for easier shredding and to avoid dryness.
- Freeze shredded chicken in meal-sized portions for convenience.
- Season the chicken both before cooking and after shredding for layered flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (stove) or 3-4 hours (slow cooker)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: shredded chicken, easy chicken recipe, versatile chicken, meal prep chicken, chicken for tacos, healthy chicken