# Easy Shredded Chicken

> An Easy Shredded Chicken recipe that makes juicy, flavorful and tender chicken every time. Use it in omelets, salads, tacos, nachos, soups, rice bowls, burritos, enchiladas and more!

**Prep time:** 5 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes
**Total time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 12 servings (4 ounces each)
**Storage:** Refrigerates 4 days, freezes 3 months

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## Ingredients

- 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- coarse kosher salt
- coarse black pepper
- 1/4 large onion
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- water

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## Shopping List

### 🥩 Meat & Poultry
- [ ] 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

### 🥬 Produce
- [ ] 1/4 large onion
- [ ] 2 cloves garlic

### 🧂 Spices & Pantry
- [ ] Coarse kosher salt
- [ ] Coarse black pepper
- [ ] 2 bay leaves

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## Instructions

1. **Season and prep.** Place chicken in large dutch oven or pot and season generously with salt and pepper.

2. **Add aromatics.** Add onion, bay leaves and garlic.

3. **Cover with water.** Cover the chicken and other ingredients completely with water (about 1 inch above the ingredients) and bring to a boil over high heat.

4. **Simmer until cooked.** Reduce heat to simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken, until it is fully cooked through and a meat thermometer reads 165°F.

5. **Cool and shred.** Remove chicken using a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate. Let cool for 5 minutes and shred with a fork.

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## Notes

- **Keep chicken moist:** To keep chicken from drying out, mix the shredded chicken with 1 cup of the cooking liquid before storing in an airtight container.
- **USDA storage guidelines:** According to the USDA, cooked shredded chicken will last in fridge for 4 days and about 3 months in the freezer.
- **Freezing tip:** To freeze, place cooled shredded chicken in a freezer-safe gallon storage bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal.

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## Nutrition

Per serving (4 ounces, about 1/12th of recipe): Calories: 112 kcal | Carbohydrates: 0g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 500mg | Potassium: 212mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin A: 0 IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.7mg