Shred chicken from fresh or frozen in 30 minutes following my Pulled Chicken Recipe! Its easy to make a batch of shredded chicken for tacos, salads, casseroles, pastas, and more in a few easy steps using simple ingredients. Let me show you how to make pulled chicken: its great for meal prep!.
Everyone in my family loves my easy pulled pork loin recipe so much that I knew I had to make a chicken version too. Thankfully, its super easy to shred chicken. All you have to do is set your seasoned chicken to cook in liquid, then shred it using forks or an electric mixer!.
Pulled chicken is a classic comfort food that is simple to make and can be used in many ways. You can put pulled chicken on sandwiches, salads, tacos, pasta, and more once you know how to cook it right. This meat is juicy and tender, and it goes well with any meal. In just a few easy steps, you can make pulled chicken that tastes like it came from a restaurant. All you need are common kitchen tools and ingredients.
Choosing the Right Chicken for Pulled Chicken
The first step to perfect pulled chicken is selecting the right type of chicken You want pieces with bones, skin, and connective tissue since these elements help keep the meat tender and add flavor. Chicken thighs or drumsticks are ideal You can also use a whole cut-up chicken. If opting for chicken breasts, take care not to overcook them.
For the best texture, buy chicken that is as close to being fresh as possible. However, frozen chicken works as well. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Organic, free-range, and air-chilled chicken offer excellent quality. But pulled chicken made from regular chicken from the store will also taste great. Finding pieces of the same size is important so they cook evenly.
Seasoning Your Chicken
Now that you have your chicken, it’s time to add flavor with seasoning. This builds a flavor foundation before adding sauces later. You can keep the seasoning simple with just salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of cayenne pepper.
If you want a more complex flavor, use a dry rub for barbecue, tacos, jerk, or any other blend you like. The chicken can be marinated in the spices for up to a day before it is cooked. This allows the seasonings to fully penetrate the meat.
Selecting the Cooking Method
You can use several different cooking methods to make pulled chicken with juicy, fall-apart texture:
Oven: Put chicken pieces that have been seasoned in an oven set to 375°F for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are fully cooked. Allow to rest before pulling.
Slow Cooker: Place chicken in a slow cooker with 1 cup broth per pound of chicken. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Pressure Cooker: Use a pressure cooker like the Instant Pot to cook chicken for 14-20 minutes depending on amount until tender.
Stovetop: In a pot, simmer chicken thighs in broth for 20-25 minutes until done.
No matter which cooking method you choose, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before pulling so juices can redistribute.
Shredding the Pulled Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, it’s time to “pull” it into shreds. You have a few shredding options:
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Forks: Use two forks to pull chicken into strands.
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Stand Mixer: Place chicken in a stand mixer on low speed to shred.
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Hand Mixer: Use a hand mixer to break down chicken into smaller pieces.
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By Hand: As chicken cools, grab large chunks and pull apart with your fingers.
Work in batches until all the chicken is shredded into bite-size pieces. Resist over-mixing to prevent the texture from becoming mushy.
Adding Flavor With Sauce
At this point, you have beautifully cooked and shredded chicken ready for flavoring. While the chicken is wonderful on its own, sauces take it to the next level. Stir in your favorite barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, teriyaki sauce, ranch dressing, or any flavors you enjoy.
For homemade flavors, blend ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and spices. Mix the sauce directly into the pulled chicken so every piece gets evenly coated. Add sauce to taste based on your preferences.
Serving and Storing Pulled Chicken
You can serve pulled chicken in endless ways. Pile it onto buns for classic sandwiches, stuff it in burritos or tacos, add it to nachos or pizza, use it in casseroles or pasta dishes, or enjoy it on its own with sides like coleslaw, beans, or macaroni salad.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze pulled chicken for 2-3 months. When ready to eat again, reheat gently in the oven, slow cooker, or stove to prevent drying out.
With this complete guide, you now have the keys to making tender, juicy pulled chicken at home anytime. Experiment with flavors and serving suggestions. Impress your family and friends with your new culinary skills. Pull up a seat, dig into a tasty pulled chicken meal, and savor the delicious comfort.
Cook on High Pressure
Cover and set to pressure cook on high for 14 minutes. If using frozen chicken breasts, cook on high for 18 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally once finished cooking.
After the pressure is released, shred the chicken using two forks, or an electric mixer. This procedure also works well when you add the chicken to the bowl of your stand mixer on low speed.
Liquid will remain at the bottom of the Instant Pot. You can use this as a soup base or as the chicken broth.
In a Slow Cooker
- Season the chicken breasts and put them in the slow cooker with chicken broth.
- For 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high, until the chicken is soft.
- Shred using two forks or a mixer.
Easy and JUICY Shredded Chicken (stovetop) | The Recipe Rebel
FAQ
What is the difference between shredded chicken and pulled chicken?
There is no difference between shredded chicken and pulled chicken; both terms can be used interchangeably. Both refer to meat cooked until tender, then “pulled” or “shredded” along the meat’s grain. Shredded and pulled chicken are popular in sandwiches, soups, pizzas, tacos, enchiladas, and casseroles.
Is pulled chicken fully cooked?
In order to ‘pull’ meat, it must be cooked low & slow. This patient approach yields a fully cooked protein that is lean, tender, and extra flavorful.
What sauce to put on shredded chicken?
Perfect Marinades and Sauces for Shredded Chicken: Elevating the FlavorsClassic Garlic and Herb Marinade. Homemade barbecue sauce. Lemon and chili marinade. Teriyaki sauce. Yogurt and Spice Marinade. Basil Pesto. Mango and chili sauce.
Can you cook pulled chicken at home?
It’s easier than you think to make pulled chicken at home that tastes like it came from a restaurant. You can cook it on the grill, in the oven, or in your countertop slow cooker or Instant Pot. This collection of our best pulled chicken recipes will give you tasty ideas no matter what you’re looking for.
What can I do with oven pulled chicken?
You can use Easy BBQ Oven Pulled Chicken in a lot of different recipes. Like shredded chicken, oven pulled chicken breast makes delicious sandwiches, tortilla wraps, tacos, and more! BBQ Pulled Chicken is packed with flavor and the king of make-ahead recipes.
Can you cook pulled chicken in a slow cooker?
Alabamians know there’s only one way to top a pulled chicken sandwich: a tangy, creamy, mayonnaise-based white BBQ sauce. Cooking the chicken in the slow cooker ensures perfectly tender meat that pulls apart easily. Chef John’s take on pulled chicken is inspired by the Sloppy Joe sandwich, a comfort food favorite.
How do you season pulled chicken?
When it comes to seasoning pulled chicken, the options are nearly limitless. A simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder works beautifully to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken. You can also experiment with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder for additional depth and warmth.
How do I Choose The Perfect pulled chicken?
The key to achieving the perfect pulled chicken lies in the cooking method, seasoning, and the care you take in the cooking process. When it comes to choosing the right chicken, your best bet is using bone-in chicken parts or whole chickens. Here are some popular options:
How do you shred pulled chicken?
Another great way to shred chicken is in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or with a hand mixer. Pour a cup of bbq sauce over the pulled chicken, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the pulled chicken your preferred way. We love it on fresh bread rolls with coleslaw and dressed arugula/rocket. Can I make this ahead?