Having a big batch of seasoned, shredded chicken to pull out and work with gives me such a head start on weeknights when all of my kids are asking for snacks, the toddler is begging to be held, and I’m famished myself. Hangry, even. You know, hungry + angry about being hungry. Hangry.
Confession: I secretly snack while I’m making dinner. I have a serious attitude problem when my stomach is empty. I don’t like to take it out on everyone around me, so I snack while I cook, and I’m a lot more pleasant to be around.
Speaking of snacking, it’s awfully hard to keep my fingers out of a batch of tender, drippy shredded chicken. My favorite ways to make a big batch of shredded chicken are in the pressure cooker or the slow cooker. I’ll give you directions for both!
Start off with 4 to 5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and sprinkle some sea salt and no-salt seasoning on top. I love those 21-seasoning blends—such a great staple!
I like to add some chopped onion and garlic to boost the flavor, too, as well as some chicken broth for moisture.
If you’re using a pressure cooker, cook it on high pressure for 40 minutes. If you’re using slow cooker, cook it on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
Shred the chicken and mix it with those magical pot drippings. That’s the secret of shredded meat that will make you weak in the knees. Most of the flavor is in that juice!
Divide the meat and juices evenly into 3-4 containers, depending on how much you need for each meal. For me, my husband, and 4 small kids, I divide this batch into three.
At this point you can freeze it or stash it in the fridge for meals later in the week.
Now that you’re chicken stash is built, I’ve got three quick meal ideas for you!
Red Curry Chicken & Carrot Bowl
This will probably be the fastest curry you’ll ever make. Honest. Just grab some red curry paste—another awesome shortcut—and toss it in a skillet with the chicken and a few other ingredients. Serve it over some hot jasmine rice.
BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups
Did you know you can have these lettuce cups prepped in the time it takes to cook a package of bacon? Truth. Also, I like to find any excuse to work bacon into a recipe.
Enchilada Chicken Tostadas
It occurred to me recently that enchilada sauce has SO many uses besides being poured over a pan of enchiladas. It will also turn a pan of shredded chicken into the tastiest tostada topping you’ve ever had.
There are probably hundreds of things you could make with a big pot of shredded chicken! I’d love to hear your quick go-to leftover chicken ideas because you can never have enough of those in your recipe stash.
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