How to Shred Chicken 4 Easy Ways

Shredded chicken is so handy to have on hand for enchiladas, soups, salads, and more. A rotisserie chicken certainly makes an excellent shortcut, but on those nights when you don't have one on hand, it's easy enough to make shredded chicken on a moment's notice.

How to Make Shredded Chicken

For shredding, boneless meat tends to be easiest because you don't have to maneuver around bones and cartilage. Boneless breasts and thighs are both great choices. Bone-in chicken can still be shredded, you'll just probably want to stick to using your hands or two forks. We don't recommend shredding bone-in meat using a hand mixer or stand mixer — the last thing you want are bones flying across your kitchen or damaging your mixer.

Of course, before you shred your chicken you'll need to cook it. You can use really any method, including baking, grilling, slow cooking, pressure cooking, etc. But our favorite method for cooking chicken for shredding is boiling. Not only is it fast and easy, but it also keeps the chicken moist and tender so that it's easy to shred. To learn how, read our guide to boiling chicken.

As a general rule, 1 pound of boneless chicken makes about 2 ½ cups of shredded chicken.

How to Shred Chicken 4 Ways

Once you have your chicken cooked, there are a variety of methods to choose from depending on what tools and equipment you have on hand — some messier than others.

1. Use Your Hands

If you're okay with getting a little messy (disposable gloves might come in handy here) , this tried-and-true method couldn't be simpler.

1. Let the chicken cool until it's comfortable to handle, but still warm.
2. Place the chicken on a cutting board.
3. Using your fingers, pull the meat apart into shreds. This method gives you the most control over the size and uniformity of the shredded chicken.

2. Use Two Forks

This is likely the most well-known method for shredding chicken. Using two forks still gives you a lot of control over the sizes of your shreds, but it's less messy and faster than doing it by hand. It works for both boneless and bone-in chicken.

1. Let the chicken rest until it's cool enough to handle, but still warm.
2. Place the chicken on a cutting board.
3. Place two forks at the center of the meat and pull in opposite directions. Continue to do this until all large pieces are broken down into smaller shreds.

3. Use A Hand Mixer

Only use this method if you're using boneless meat.

1. Let the chicken cool for a few minutes after cooking.
2. Place your cooked chicken in a large, deep bowl.
3. Use an electric hand mixer on low speed to gently break apart the chicken into shreds.

4. Use A Stand Mixer

Stand mixers make every kitchen task a little more hands off, and shredding chicken is no exception. Like the hand mixer method, only use this method if you're using boneless meat.

1. Let the chicken cool for a few minutes.
2. Place chicken in the bowl of a stand mixer.
3. Using the paddle attachment, mix on low until all of your chicken is shredded. It can be easy to over-shred with this method, so be sure to keep a close eye on your chicken. It shouldn't take longer than 20 seconds.

Ways to Use Shredded Chicken

Once you have shredded chicken on hand, it will last in the fridge for up to four days. It makes an excellent filling for all sorts of Mexican and Mexican-inspired dishes, such as enchiladas, tacos, nachos, chimichangas, and burritos. Or try it on salads to add a little protein to your lunches. It's the ultimate shortcut ingredient for recipes like chicken noodle casserole, gumbo, Buffalo chicken dip, and chicken chili. For more inspiration, check out these 30 Recipes That Start With Shredded Chicken.

How to Store Shredded Chicken

The beauty of shredded chicken is it keeps well, so you can reach for it again and again during the week. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to four days, or freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months.

Related:

• How to Cut up a Whole Chicken
• 21 Seriously Delicious Chicken Breast Recipes
• Browse our entire collection of Chicken Recipes.