8 Ways To Quickly And Easily Shred Chicken

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Chicken breasts are a flavorful and versatile ingredient to have around the kitchen. However, if you take time to shred the poultry you'll have food that can be added to everything from salads and sandwiches to entrees and snacks. Separating the meat often provides a better texture than just chopped meat and it absorbs more sauces and seasonings for bigger flavor. Not only is shredded chicken simple to prepare ahead of time, but its mild flavor gives you the perfect base to get creative.

Shredding chicken is also a great way to make the most of other cuts on the bone, such as chicken breasts and thighs. Cooking meat on the bone is a great way to get juicy, flavorful chicken. The bones keep the meat from drying out and there's added flavor; however, cutting around the bones can be difficult, but pulling larger chunks away from the bone after cooking is less complicated.

The only downside is the tedious task of getting the meat into strips. Thankfully, through trial and error, and with the use of new products, there are eight tips and tricks that make this task much easier. From using a standing mixer to employing a few trusty gadgets, these methods will save you time, effort, and cleanup.

Shredding chicken with a handheld mixer wasn't always a go-to method but, in recent years, has become a fast, easy way to finish the job. The best part is that most people already have a mixer in their kitchen. However, don't use a blender or food processor as you're bound to overmix and the meat won't have a shredded consistency but a crumbly one. This is probably one of the easiest tricks on the list that doesn't require a special gadget, but it can still get a little messy if you're careless.

Begin with freshly cooked meat that is still warm. Using the mixer means very minimal contact with the poultry, so you don't have to worry about burning your fingers with this trick. Don't add too much meat at one time, or the process will turn messy fast and take longer. Begin with one to two chicken breasts in a medium to large bowl. 

You'll want to use the traditional metal beaters (not the whisk or bread hook attachments). Begin on a low speed and work in small circles, pressing down lightly to begin taking the chicken apart. You can work your way up to medium speed, but anything higher will likely make a mess and change the texture of the meat — this process usually takes less than a minute. However, the mixer method works best for chicken breasts or cuts without the bone.

The metal whisk trick is yet another way to shred your chicken, but takes a little more time. Please note that using the whisk attachments on your handheld or standing mixer is not the same thing. Those whisk attachments are typically made of very thin, flimsy metal that is great for beating egg whites but not functional when it comes to shredding meat. This method works best on poultry that isn't overcooked or dry. For the perfect texture that will come apart easily, boil the chicken for at least 12 minutes and begin checking it every few minutes after that until it reaches 165 degrees.

First, you'll want to find a sturdy metal whisk and avoid plastic, or rubber-coated tools because they will likely bend or break. The only other material you'll need is a medium bowl, preferably metal or plastic.

If you attempt this hack on a plate or a cutting board, you're likely to end up with a mess. Instead, place a damp washcloth or paper towel under your bowl to prevent it from slipping. Add the chicken and begin by using your whisk like a potato masher to break the meat apart. You can also slightly twist the whisk to help the shredding action, turning your poultry into bite-sized pieces.

Another gadget to try are hand-held manual shredders like those made by Bear Paws, which are available on Amazon. This handy kitchen aid is comprised of two large claw-shaped tools that are easier to grip than forks but work in a similar fashion. Place your poultry on a cutting board or in a large bowl and use a scissor-like action to keep the meat in place and begin shredding. The handles provide a safe and comfortable grip, which means you can quickly break apart the meat while keeping your hands clean. A helpful tip is to ensure that the handles and your hands are dry or the plastic can become slippery.

The tools come in a variety of sizes, but if you plan to use these for small amounts of chicken you should purchase the small set. They are made from a food-safe metal or plastic that will make taking the meat apart that much easier and customers on Amazon have rated the Bear Paws Meat Claws 4.7 stars. Cleanup is simple because they are top-rack dishwasher safe and they can also work as serving tools. 

This last trick is for those chefs and home cooks who aren't afraid of the nitty gritty side of cooking. Using your hands to shred chicken can take a bit longer but no extra materials are needed! The most important thing to remember about this trick is safety first. Begin by allowing the poultry to cool enough to touch, but not completely. You can use gloves for this method; however, it's not necessary if you make sure the meat is cooled.

Before you begin taking the meat apart, ensure that your hands are clean to avoid contaminating the food or spreading bacteria. Place the meat in a bowl, on a plate, or on a cutting board. Break the breasts into medium-sized pieces to get started. Using the pads of your fingers and the palms of your hands, begin pressing and massaging the meat in order to loosen it up. Once you are sure the meat is not too hot, begin pulling the meat away in strips, always going with the grain. The secret to this technique is to think of it as pulling and less shredding action. You're more likely to end up with longer strips which you can leave as is, or cut to a smaller size. You'll be left with perfectly sized chicken that you can toss into a green salad or into most pasta and rice dishes to add a little protein.