Shredded Chicken
The ultimate comfort food, Shredded Chicken is easy to make and perfect for any occasion! Juicy, flavorful, and versatile, this dish can elevate your tacos, salads, and more. You have to try it tonight!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Saucepan
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
- 1 to 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts 8 to 12 ounces each
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- 1. Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of a large pot. Season them lightly with kosher salt and black pepper. Don’t worry about measuring perfectly; a nice sprinkle will do!
- 2. Cover the chicken with about an inch of water. This helps keep the chicken moist as it cooks.
- 3. Next, place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to high, bringing the water to a boil. Keep an eye on it to catch the boil quickly.
- 4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which should take about 8 to 16 minutes depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
- 5. If using a 10-ounce breast, aim for around 12 to 14 minutes. It’s essential to check for doneness, ensuring the meat is no longer pink inside.
- 6. After the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the water and let it rest for a few minutes until it’s cool enough to handle.
- 7. When it’s cool, you can dice, slice, or shred the chicken as desired. Shredding while it's still warm makes the process much easier!
Notes
- Tip 1: This method for how to poach chicken is intended for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. It also works well for boneless, skinless chicken thighs or bone-in chicken breasts too, though you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Tip 2: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Tip 3: If dicing the chicken, it’s best to cut it just before serving.
- Tip 4: For shredding, the chicken is easiest to shred while it is still slightly warm.
- Tip 5: You can shred by hand or use a hand mixer on low speed.