How to Cook Shredded Chicken
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5
How to Cook Shredded Chicken
Description
To cook shredded chicken, season chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high and add cooking spray or oil. Brown the chicken a few minutes on each side for color and flavor. Then add about half an inch of water to the pan, cover with a lid, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F in the thickest part.
If the water evaporates during cooking, add more as needed to keep moisture. Once cooked, the chicken is allowed to cool briefly before transferring to a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Starting on low speed and increasing to medium, the mixer shreds the meat quickly without overprocessing, leaving some larger pieces to finish by hand.
This method produces moist shredded chicken suitable for salads, tacos, sandwiches, or casseroles. Cooking times vary based on breast size; cutting large breasts in half can reduce cooking duration. Using a thermometer ensures food safety without overcooking.
Ingredients
- cooking spray or your favorite cooking oil
- chicken breast boneless skinless
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Generously salt and pepper both sides of the chicken.
- Heat a skillet (with a lid) over medium-high heat. Spray with cooking spray or drizzle on a bit of your favorite cooking oil. Once hot, add chicken to the pan and cook until browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Flip and repeat. Once browned, add about 1/2 inch of water to the pan, cover, turn heat down to medium, and cook for 5 to 8 minutes (longer if breasts are large), until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the breasts reads 165°F. If at any time all the water evaporates from the pan, add more as needed.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Once cooled, transfer chicken breasts to your stand mixer. With the paddle attachment, set mixer to low, working up to medium, and process chicken until mostly shredded. Don't over process--there will be a couple larger pieces you will need to finish pulling apart by hand.
- Wash up and use your moist, shredded chicken in something delicious.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of chicken breasts to ensure they reach 165°F internally for safe consumption.
- Add water as needed during cooking to maintain moisture and prevent burning in the skillet.
- Cutting larger breasts in half before cooking can shorten cooking time and ensure even doneness.
- Use the paddle attachment on the stand mixer at low to medium speed to shred chicken without overprocessing.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 187 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 187kcal | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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