Shredded Chicken - Who Knew it Was So Easy?

Have you ever made shredded chicken? Anyone can make it, and create an easy start to many dishes that are just as easy.

Before you pass this post, thinking cooking is not for you ... read on.

Ingredients:

• 5 boneless skinless chicken breasts*
• 1 - 1 1/2 Chicken broth or water

Place chicken in pan with the 1 cup of the broth OR water.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.  10 minutes if using fresh or defrosted chicken. Turn occasionally. 

Cover and turn to low.  Continue to simmer chicken for 45-60 minutes or until the chicken shreds when you use a fork.

Add more of the broth/water as you cook the chicken, if yours starts to cook down.

Let rest in pan, for 10 minutes, or until the meat is cool enough for You to shred the chicken.  (I shred mine hot, but don’t burn yourself).

To shred chicken, it is easiest while still hot. Use two forks to pull the chicken apart.

If you are saving the chicken for later, you can separate into zip lock freezer bags with some of the liquid to keep moist.

(Freezing removes moisture and you do not want dry chicken after cooking it so perfectly <grin>)

In this recipe, I did not season the chicken, so that you could use the chicken in any recipe. 

Seasonings I use for various recipes:

For use in a Chicken salad wrap, salad, or in soup, my basic chicken seasoning when cooking is:

• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Rosemary, Thyme and Oregano, 1 bay leaf.

I cook the chicken just in chicken broth or water, when I am using the chicken in a variety of dishes for the week.

For Mexican Flavor (Chicken Enchiladas, Nachos, Tacos, etc.)  Once the chicken is cooked, and shredded:

• Using garlic powder, chili powder, cumin powder, onion powder and salt and pepper.  Adding some of the liquid and continuing to simmer with the seasonings will give you a really nicely seasoned chicken for your recipe.

Add your favorite BBQ sauce to your shredded chicken for a different taste in the same ideas.

BBQ Chicken Pizza, Nachos, BBQ Chicken Sandwich/Wraps, Salads and more.

*use frozen chicken breasts, the timing will be a little longer.

*use bone in, which I like because you have more flavor, and I also like using dark meat as well. You would add more liquid to cover chicken.

*You can use a crock pot if you are cooking a larger batch and would like to set it to cook and come back later. Place chicken in crock pot, season if desired, cover with water.  Cook on low six to eight hours. Add salt, pepper, celery, onion and sliced lemon for a quick chicken stock too.

I hope I have helped make your week a little easier.