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    Home » Recipes » Mains

    Published: Jan 14, 2016 · Modified: Feb 9, 2016 by Bridget · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

    Easy Shredded Chicken for Tacos

    You'll want to keep a supply of this shredded chicken in your freezer for quick meals!

    You won't believe this easy shredded chicken recipe. Make extra and store for those hectic last-minute dinners. I do! | The Recipe Wench

    This shredded chicken can be a great base for your game day menu --

    Think about it -- enchiladas, tostadas, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, chicken enchilada dip . . .

    You won't believe this easy shredded chicken recipe. Make extra and store for those hectic last-minute dinners. I do! | The Recipe Wench

    The bonus is the broth remaining in the pot after you've cooked the chicken!

    Instead of discarding it, I add this delicious broth to soups  . . . like this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup!

    So when I freeze shredded chicken, I measure out ¼ cup portions and place a few portions in a ziplock.

    I figure ¼ cup of chicken makes a nice, substantial taco or tostada. I'd probably use a little more meat in an enchilada . . .

    After I've filled the ziplock with what I think Jeff and I will go through in one meal, I add about ¼ cup of broth, press as much air out of the ziplock as I can, and then pop it into the freezer!

    I cooked 4 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast and wound up with enough meat for 30 tacos/tostadas.  That's a pretty good return on investment, don't you think?

    There's no reason you couldn't use other cuts of the chicken (e.g., thighs, drumsticks) -- I'm just partial to boneless, skinless breasts for most of my chicken dishes.

    Enjoy! - The Recipe Wench

    Easy Shredded Chicken

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    Easy Shredded Chicken
    Serves 30
    Prep time 3 minutes
    Cook time 1 hour
    Total time 1 hours, 3 minutes
    Meal type Main Dish
    Slightly adapted from recipe on David's Free Recipes
    Super easy shredded chicken is great to have on hand for hectic, last-minute dinners! Really versatile -- and did I mention easy???

    Ingredients

    • 4 Pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (You can use thighs if you prefer)
    • water (enough to cover chicken)
    • 1 Tablespoon chili powder (I use chipotle chili powder)
    • 1 Teaspoon each: kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and cumin

    Note

    This recipe is thanks to one I found on David's Free Recipes.  He wrote, "Just like the taco shops in San Diego." I was hooked!  You will be too!  I make extra and freeze to use when I just don't feel like cooking. Also, the broth created as you're simmering the chicken is delicious -- I use it as a base for chicken tortilla soup.

    Enjoy! - The Recipe Wench

    Directions

    Step 1
    Place chicken in large pot.
    Add just enough water to cover chicken.
    Add seasonings.
    Bring all to a boil.
    Continue boiling for 10 minutes then reduce to a simmer.
    Continue simmering until chicken is tender and falling apart (about 30-45 minutes).
    Remove chicken and allow to cool before shredding.

    You won't believe this easy shredded chicken recipe. Make extra and store for those hectic last-minute dinners. I do! | The Recipe Wench

    Be sure to share!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Welcome to LittleSugarSnaps says

      January 25, 2016 at 10:42 pm

      Simple = Delicious. And once it's ready, so versatile. Thanks for sharing.
      Reply
      • Bridget says

        January 26, 2016 at 3:19 pm

        You're quite welcome!
        Reply
    2. Andcakestoo says

      January 25, 2016 at 3:56 pm

      Hey Bridget, you are right about it being a game day favourite. Although, we won't doing superbowl. Talk cricket T2o world cup instead. I might actually use this chicken to make wraps instead. Let me see. Definitely sharing it to the nines; take care. Much love. Cheers!
      Reply
      • Bridget says

        January 25, 2016 at 4:24 pm

        Wraps! Great idea! Enjoy the T20 world cup -- may your team win!
        Reply
    3. Shelby says

      January 25, 2016 at 11:22 am

      I love everything taco! I will have to use this method and make my life easier :) I don't utilize my freezer enough - and I love how you explain how you freeze your portions! The Tacos look yummy too!
      Reply
      • Bridget says

        January 29, 2016 at 7:30 am

        Yes! Here's to making life easier!
        Reply
    4. sarahlorrainebond says

      January 25, 2016 at 10:24 am

      This is so simple! Thanks for the recipe! When I'm feeling especially motivated, I like to sear it real quick to add a bit of smoky burnt flavor :)
      Reply
      • Bridget says

        January 25, 2016 at 1:46 pm

        You are welcome! Oooh a smokey flavor . . . I like that idea. I use chipotle chili powder, but now that you've got me thinking about smokey flavor, I might throw a chipotle pepper in there too! Thanks for the inspiration!
        Reply
    5. anniesnomsblog says

      January 25, 2016 at 9:44 am

      It's always a great idea to have chicken to hand in this house as it is by far our favourite meat! Love how easy this recipe is!
      Reply
      • Bridget says

        January 25, 2016 at 1:42 pm

        Yep! I'm onboard with that! Even for Jeff and I -- we're empty nesters and still this chicken is so great to have onhand. I'm even making more today!
        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Bridget! So glad you're here! I'm a former legal secretary, now wife, mother, grandmother and full-time blogger. My husband Jeff and I live in Colorado with our doggies. My favorite things are family, doggies, gardening and cooking!.

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