This incredibly easy recipe for shredded chicken requires just four ingredients! Make a big batch on your meal prep day and enjoy it in countless ways - from enchiladas to soup, salad, to mole. Once you learn how simple it is to poach juicy chicken breasts, I can bet you’ll do it all the time!
Stove top: In a large stockpot, over medium to high heat, add water, chicken, salt, 1 clove garlic, and quartered onion. Simmer for about 25 minutes. Reserve.Remove the chicken and allow it to cool. After the chicken cools off shred it. Reserve.
Instant Pot: Combine the ingredients in the Instant Pot. Cover with the lid and pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural release, followed by a quick release.
Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot: If chicken is frozen add 2 extra minutes to the high pressure cook time, for a total of 17 minutes on high.
Notes
For easy shredding of your chicken, use a hand mixer with the beater attachment. It'll shred the chicken in a fraction of the time it will take with forks.
Shredded chicken will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator, and up to three months when stored in the freezer.
Keep the poaching liquid to use in any recipes that call for chicken broth.