Learn how to boil chicken to shred in easy steps, this recipe is very simple, quick, and flavourful. Boiled shredded chicken breast is versatile and can be used in many recipes such as salads, appetizers, sandwich spreads, and many more.
Boiled chicken breast recipe
For boiling chicken, I prefer using chicken breast since it is simple to shred with hands, forks, or a chopper/mixer. Having pre-cooked shredded chicken on hand for a variety of meals is a big time saver.
Not only is it handy, it can be kept in the freezer for up to six months or for a few days in the fridge and it will still taste fresh. You can use fresh or frozen chicken to make shredded chicken.
This blog post will teach you how to boil chicken breast and how to shred it in 3 ways. That is, on the stovetop, instant pot (pressure cooker), and crockpot (slow cooker). You can easily opt from these methods for one that best fits you.
This step-by-step recipe will answer your question and my easy simple methods will guide you for all the delicious recipes which need shredded tender chicken.
Why you need shredded chicken in your fridge at all times
- Shredded chicken is great for meal prepping and an easy way to make a quick meal, whether it's, salad, quesadilla, soups, tacos, burritos or even sandwiches, and the list goes on!
- It's easy to make - just cook the chicken and then use two forks to pull it apart
- It is healthy and high in protein content, you'll feel fuller for longer than if you were eating other types of meat or dairy products
- It is economical if you make it yourself at home from scratch.
Related posts: How long does ground beef last in the fridge and how long does tomato paste last in the fridge.
What You Need
Chicken breast (boneless and skinless)
Salt
Black pepper
Onions (optional)
Smoked paprika (optional but recommended for flavour and colour on the chicken)
Dried thyme substitute with dried parsley or cilantro
How To Boil Chicken Breast On The Stove Top
The stovetop method is the most common and the best way to cook boiled chicken. It gives the chicken the right time to get tender for delicious meal prep. This technique will also allow you to verify that the chicken isn't overcooked or undercooked. Check the internal temperature which should be 74℃/165℉ with the meat thermometer.
Add the chicken breast to a large saucepan, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, chopped onions.
Add enough water to cover the chicken by 1-2 inches.
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-30 minutes on medium heat or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature registers 74℃/165℉. The amount of time it takes to cook chicken breast is determined by its size, however, be careful not to overcook it, or the meat will become rubbery.
Remove the chicken from the broth and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before shredding.
Crock-Pot (Slow cooker) Boiled Chicken Instructions
If you prefer a crockpot that is a slow cooker for shredded chicken recipes then it's the best way to break down the meats which makes them more tender, tasty, and moist. while this method is hands-free it does take longer to cook.
add chicken breast and the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker and add water just enough to cover the chicken and stir to combine.
Cover and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, cooking on low heat for about 4 hours or on high setting for 2 to 3 hours.
the internal temperature of the chicken should register 165F/75C
Instant Pot Instructions
I use an Instant pot (electric pressure cooker) for fast and quick cooking. When hunger strikes just use instant pot to get the healthy protein in time.
Add fresh or frozen chicken breast in the instant pot with the rest of the ingredients and 2 cups of water.
Close the lid securely and make sure it’s in the sealing position.
Cook for 10 minutes (15 minutes for frozen chicken) on high pressure, after the cooking cycle is complete, leave it for 5 minutes to come to natural pressure, then carefully do a quick release.
Remove the chicken breast from the instant pot (pressure cooker), rest for another 5 minutes before shredding or dicing into cubes.
How to shred chicken 3 ways (shredding chicken hack)
There are three ways to shred the chicken once it is fully cooked, use any of these hacks to make the process easy and quick.
- with two forks (this is a manual method, it is highly effective as you don't need any fancy gadget and less clean up to do as well)
- a stand mixer using the paddle attachment (This hack works when shredding a large amount of chicken)
- hand mixer (it is considered to be the quickest way to shred chicken, however, I find it messy especially when you only need to shred a small amount of cooked chicken.
Two forks instructions
Transfer the cooked chicken to a large plate and, while it's still warm, use one fork to hold it in place while using the other fork to pull the chicken apart into shreds.
Stand mixer instructions
Place the cooked chicken in the stand mixer, no need to let it cool (one of the beauties of this hack)
using the paddle attachment, turn on the stand mixer to low, and watch the chicken shred to pieces in 15 seconds or so.
Hand mixer instructions
Place the chicken in a bowl and press the hand mixer into the chicken, turn it on to low, and carefully shred the chicken to pieces. This is my least favorite method as it can be messy.
What To Make With Shredded Chicken
If you're not sure what to do with shredded chicken, check out these recipes here
BBQ chicken salad via Damn delicious
Grilled chicken cheese sandwiches via scrambled chefs
Chicken soup via Ambitious kitchen
Chicken burrito bowl via Simply recipes
Greek yogurt chicken salad via buns in my oven
You can also add sauces such as bbq sauce, buffalo sauce, jerk sauce, peanut sauce, and many more.
Storage instructions
Fridge: You can store cooked shredded chicken in the refrigerator between 2-3 days in an airtight container. Just make sure it cools down before storing it. Do not leave the chicken out for more than 2 hours before storing away to avoid bacteria growth.
Freezer: Instead of refrigerating it you can store it by freezing it in large quantities. Freeze it for up to 2 months in a Ziploc freezer bag or an airtight container, just make sure to release the air from the bag
To reheat: Save some broth too as it can be used for reheating the chicken o the stovetop. Simply reheat it in the microwave for 2 minutes with a little broth on it.
FAQs
Can I boil frozen chicken breasts
Yes, you can boil frozen chicken breast on the stovetop, instant pot, or slow cooker. However, it will take a little bit longer than boiling a fresh one.
How long to boil chicken
This will depend on the quantity of chicken you are cooking and the cuts.
For example, if you use 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast that is not stacked then it will take about 12-15 minutes to cook to tender and juicy perfection.
For bone-in chicken like chicken thighs cook for 15 to 25 minutes depending on how big it is
Chicken wings: this would usually take about 15 to 20 minutes
Why is my boiled chicken tough
Boiling the chicken on high heat too quickly or overcooking it will dry out the chicken, making it dry and leathery.
Tips
- It's best to cook in cold water, as if you use boiling water, it makes the chicken dry and chewy.
- Always store the delicious broth for use in other recipes like soups. It can also be used for reheating the chicken.
- If you are using frozen chicken and want to get it evenly cooked . Then let it sit in boiling water with salt. It helps in breaking down the meat.
- If you are using chicken thighs instead of breasts it will get cooked a few minutes earlier, so keep an eye on it.
More how-to recipes
How to steam green beans in the microwave
How To Boil Chicken To Shred (Boiled Shredded Chicken)
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast boneless and skinless
- salt and black pepper
- ⅓ cup white onions chopped optional
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional but recommended for flavour and colour on the chicken
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme substitute with dried parsley or cilantro
Instructions
How To Boil Chicken Breast On The Stove Top
- Add the chicken breast to a large saucepan, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, chopped onions, and enough water to cover the chicken by 1-2 inches.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes on medium heat or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature registers 74℃/165℉. The amount of time it takes to cook chicken breast is determined by its size, however be careful not to overcook it, or the meat will become rubbery.
- Remove the chicken from the broth and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before shredding.
Crockpot (Slow cooker) Boiled Chicken Instructions
- Add chicken breast and the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker and add water just enough to cover the chicken and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, cooking on low heat for about 4 hours or on high setting for 2 to 3 hours or until fully cooked.
Instant Pot Instructions
- Add fresh or frozen chicken breast in the instant pot with the rest of the ingredients and 2 cups of water. Close the lid securely and make sure it’s in the sealing position.
- Cook for 10 minutes (15 minutes for frozen chicken) on high pressure, after the cooking cycle is complete, leave it for 5 minutes to come to natural pressure, then carefully do a quick release.
- Remove the chicken breast from the instant pot (pressure cooker), rest for another 5 minutes before shredding or dicing into cubes.
How to shred chicken 3 ways (shredding chicken hack)
Two forks instructions
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a large plate and, while it's still warm, use one fork to hold it in place while using the other fork to pull the chicken apart into shreds.
Stand mixer instructions
- Place the cooked chicken in the stand mixer, no need to let it cool (one of the beauty of this hack)
- using the paddle attachment, turn on the stand mixer to low and watch the chicken shred to pieces in 15 seconds or so.please bear in mind that the time will depend on how powerful your stand mixer is
Hand mixer instructions
- Place the chicken in a bowl and press the hand mixer into the chicken, turn it on to low and carefully shred the chicken to pieces. This is my least favourite method as it can be messy.
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