The Easiest Way to Shred Chicken

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Shredded chicken sounds delicious until you realize you have to actually shred it yourself. But the process isn't as time consuming or difficult as you might think. It's as easy as shredding the chicken with a fork instead of with your hands. Trust us, it's much simpler to tear the meat with a metal utensil, plus it's a cleaner, more sanitary process. And you'll be able to enjoy your chicken salad or pulled BBQ chicken sandwich that much faster!

How to Shred Chicken With a Fork

  1. Start with poached chicken that is cooled slightly but still warm. What's pictured is a skinless, boneless chicken breast, poached in chicken broth for flavor and saltiness.
  2. Use one hand or a fork to hold the chicken steady. With the other hand, use another fork to scrap and tear the chicken flesh into small, shredded pieces. When the fork becomes full of chicken shreds, use your fingers or another fork to pull the pieces off the fork and onto the plate. Repeat the process until the chicken is completely shredded.
  3. Transfer the shredded chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for two to four days. Use the shredded chicken in casseroles, salads, tacos, curries, and sandwiches. Here are a few of our favorite uses for shredded chicken breast.
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts