Stocking my freezer with Easy Shredded Chicken is one of my favorite ways to get a head start on dinner. After about 20 minutes of hands on time I have perfectly seasoned and shredded chicken ready to go!
I suppose I’m not the only mom on the planet who manages to stay busy all the time. At 5:00 at night I start wracking my brain and wondering what in the world I can create in about ten minutes to feed my starving family. At that point I find serious comfort in knowing I have shredded chicken in the refrigerator or freezer. It’s kind of like having a head start on the race to the plate!
This is all there is to it!
- Place chicken breasts in slow cooker. Cover with chicken broth and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours or overnight.
- Remove chicken from slow cooker, 3-4 pieces at a time, and place in bowl of stand mixer. My Kitchen Aide works perfectly but so did my Mom’s Sunbeam stand mixer. Turn mixer on low and gradually increase speed to medium. Let the mixer work until chicken is shredded the way you like! I like mine shredded pretty fine!
- Divide shredded chicken and place in freezer bags labeled with the date.
- Let cool a little bit and add freeze.
Since the slow cooker and the Kitchen Aide do most of the hard work, this whole shredding chicken process is pretty easy. It’s quick too. Not to mention how perfectly shredded the chicken is, no big chunks.
It’s extra important for me to have some quick meal options since the nearest fast food is 50 miles from my house. That’s right! My options are endless once I have my chicken ready to go.
Next time chicken is on sale buy a bunch, bring it home, prepare it all at once and get it in the freezer. I love saving money and time!
Diena says
January 25, 2015 at 5:16 pmHi, I think this is brilliant! But not quite sure on how to shred in the mixer ! I too, like your mom have a Sunbeam and it doesn’t have the beater paddle with it. Will the regular beaters work ? I’m really curious about thi method, I am 63 and would love to learn this trick . Thank you, sincerely Diena.
Amy Engberson says
January 26, 2015 at 8:20 amDiena, my Moms Sunbeam worked perfectly using her beaters. Set the chicken breasts in the mixing bowl. Start the mixer on low speed, gradually turning it up to about medium speed. Mix until the chicken is shredded to the consistency you like. I like mine shredded pretty fine. Good luck! You are going to love this method!
Elaine Duckett says
January 26, 2015 at 4:19 pmThanks for helping me make up the freezer bags of shred chicken. This really is a slick trick and it is so nice to have on hand for those hurry up dinners.
Diena says
January 27, 2015 at 9:56 pmDear Amy, Thanks for the great tip. I can’t wait to stock up on chicken! Now my mind is racing with all kinds of differant recipes that i can use the shredded chicken in 😀 Sincerely, Diena
Amy Engberson says
February 8, 2015 at 5:36 pmYour mind must work like mine. It’s always racing with simple meal options. Come back and share your favorites with me!
Kate Bourland says
March 15, 2015 at 10:28 pmSimply brilliant. This is one of those, why didn’t I think of this moments. I’m off to find some delicious chicken recipes. 😀
Amy Engberson says
March 16, 2015 at 8:47 amI’m always looking for a short cut and this is one of my favorites! Enjoy the extra time!
Rose Popiolek says
January 13, 2016 at 3:17 amBesides chicken salad, can you share some recipes you use shredded chicken for?
Amy Engberson says
January 22, 2016 at 11:00 amWe use our shredded chicken lots of different ways. I just posted a healthy chicken salad sandwich that we love to use shredded chicken for. I have a fiesta chicken soup, and lots of other soup recipes that can be made with shredded chicken. My family also loves making quesadillas, nachos, pizza, or salads out of the leftover shredded chicken. We also eat lots of creamy chicken tacos. Maybe other readers would enjoy a collection of shredded chicken recipes too. I’ll have to work on that!