Dinner

Simple Shredded Chicken

This versatile shredded chicken is tender, juicy, and perfect for all your favorite weekly meals.

By Enzo81 KitchenΒ· AmericanΒ· October 26, 2026
Simple Shredded Chicken
easy.enzo81.xyz
Prep
5 minutes
Cook
25 minutes
Total
30 minutes
Serves
6

Whenever I have a busy week ahead, I make a big batch of this shredded chicken. It is the perfect base for so many dinners, and having it ready to go in the fridge makes weeknight cooking so much easier. You can use it in tacos, salads, or just pile it onto a sandwich for a quick lunch.

My biggest tip is to make sure you use a little bit of chicken broth or water in the pot while it cooks. It keeps the meat moist and flavorful so it never dries out when you shred it. You can easily adjust the seasonings to match whatever meal you are planning to make later in the week.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

7Instructions

  1. 1

    Place the chicken breasts into your slow cooker, Instant Pot, or a large pot on the stovetop.

  2. 2

    Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over the chicken.

  3. 3

    Pour the chicken broth or water around the chicken.

  4. 4

    If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. If using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 12 minutes followed by a natural release. If using the stovetop, simmer in a covered pot over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through.

  5. 5

    Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a clean cutting board or in a large bowl.

  6. 6

    Use two forks to pull the meat apart into shreds while it is still warm.

  7. 7

    Toss the shredded chicken with a little bit of the leftover cooking liquid to keep it juicy.

Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze the shredded chicken in freezer bags for up to three months. It is great for quickly thawing and adding to soups or pasta dishes.

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