Description
This Dutch oven shredded chicken is an easy stovetop recipe for tender, juicy chicken that's perfect for busy family meals. Made in one pot with simple ingredients, it's ideal for meal prep and can be used in tacos, sandwiches, salads, wraps and rice bowls. It's a simple, healthy way to cook shredded chicken in bulk with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth
- 1/2 - 3/4 cup BBQ sauce, optional
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towel, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear on both sides until lightly golden.
- Pour in the chicken stock and cover the Dutch oven with the lid. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the Dutch oven from the heat and let the chicken cool slightly. Remove the chicken from the cooking liquid, reserving a little of the stock to keep the shredded chicken moist.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the Dutch oven and toss with a few spoonfuls of the reserved cooking liquid to keep it juicy.
- For BBQ shredded chicken, stir through ½–¾ cup BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Otherwise, leave the chicken plain and use it in tacos, wraps, sandwiches, salads or rice bowls.
Notes
Keep it juicy: Reserve a little of the cooking liquid and toss it through the shredded chicken before serving or storing.
Shred while warm: The chicken is easiest to shred while it's still warm. Use two forks, or a hand or stand mixer for a larger batch.
Check for doneness: The thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Meal prep: Store the shredded chicken with a little cooking liquid to help prevent it from drying out.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: per serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 52 g