If you’re short on time, but want flavor-packed chicken that shreds well, and is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, salads, tacos, chicken tinga, and more, my simple Boiled Chicken Recipe is one I’ve used for years, and my family loves!

While we might not use many steps, this method packs a salty, herbed taste into chicken breasts as they boil, locking in juicy, tender flavor that is low carb and low calorie – but not short on flavor!

Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.

At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

How to Boil Chicken Breasts For Shredded Chicken

Check out my web story about this boiled shredded chicken recipe!

Boiled Chicken Ingredients

• 4 Chicken Breasts: Provides lean protein and serves as the main ingredient, absorbing flavors from the broth and seasonings.
• 3 Cups Chicken Bone Broth: Adds depth and richness to the dish while keeping the chicken moist and tender.
• 1 tsp Italian Herbs Seasoning Mix: Imparts a blend of aromatic herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
• 2 tsp Celtic Sea Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients and balances the seasoning in the dish.
• 2 tsp Fresh Cracked Pepper: Adds a mild heat and pungency, complementing the other spices and seasonings.
• 1 tbsp Garlic Powder: Provides a savory, aromatic flavor that enhances the taste profile of the chicken.
• 1 tsp Turmeric: Contributes a warm, earthy flavor and vibrant color, while also offering potential health benefits.
• 1 tsp Sweet Paprika: Adds a subtle sweetness and a smoky, peppery depth to the flavor profile.

Steps to Boil Chicken Breasts

After you gather your ingredients, we will use the following process:

The Trick to Easily Shredding Boiled Chicken

If you’ve ever shredded chicken with two forks, frustrated, you’ve probably sighed that there just HAS to be a better way!

Don’t worry – because there totally is a better way, and it is SO simple. If you have a stand mixer and a paddle attachment, you can have perfectly shredded chicken in just a minute – without tons of work.

• Place in stand mixer with paddle. Simply add your chicken, and the stock from the pan, to a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. I find it’s best to keep any excess liquid in the mixer as you shred – so the chicken stays tender and juicy.
• Slowly mix. Turn the mixer on and let it toss the chicken around for about 30 seconds – it will start to pull and shred for you. Don’t overwork the chicken or let it mix too long – or it will become super soft.
• Remove and enjoy! Mix just to shred, and then you’re ready to go!

Tips and Tricks to Perfect Boiled Chicken Breasts

Cook to 165. Cook chicken breasts until they are 165 in the middle with a digital meat thermometer.

Leave Some Liquid To Shred. I find shredding chicken gives the best results when you add a little liquid to your stand mixer when shredding with the paddle attachment.

Paddle Attachment. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment is hands-down the fastest way to shred chicken.

Shred While Piping Hot. Chicken shreds most easily when still steaming hot, whether using forks or a stand mixer.

Fork Shredding. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use two forks to easily shred chicken. Hold a fork in each hand, and “pull” at the chicken, dragging the forks in different directions to shred the chicken breast.

Reduce Liquid. While shredding chicken, I always bring any leftover cooking liquid to a rapid boil and try to reduce it as much as possible (about 5-10 minutes) and then add chicken back to the liquid to help add more flavor and keep the chicken from drying out after shredding.

Boiled Chicken Seasoning Ideas

Want to take the flavor up another level? These variations are sure to please even the pickiest eaters, so once you master this recipe, you can change it up however you’d like!

Lemon Herb

• 1 tsp Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the savory flavors.
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped: Provides a fresh, herbal flavor and vibrant color.
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme: Enhances the earthy notes with a subtle minty flavor.

Spicy Cajun

• 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning: Introduces a bold, spicy flavor with notes of paprika, cayenne, and garlic.
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth to the heat.
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper: Increases the spiciness for those who enjoy extra heat.

Asian-Inspired

• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth to the broth.
• 1 tsp Ginger Powder: Provides a warm, slightly sweet spiciness.
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil: Infuses the dish with a nutty aroma and flavor.

Mediterranean

• 1 tbsp Fresh Basil, chopped: Adds a sweet, peppery aroma and flavor.
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano: Enhances the savory, earthy notes.
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice: Introduces a refreshing acidity and brightness.

Indian-Inspired

• 1 tsp Garam Masala: Offers a complex, warm spice blend with hints of cinnamon and cardamom.
• 1/2 tsp Ground Coriander: Adds a citrusy, nutty flavor.
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin: Contributes an earthy, aromatic depth.

Smoky BBQ

• 1 tbsp BBQ Spice Rub: Imparts a sweet and smoky flavor profile.
• 1 tsp Liquid Smoke: Enhances the smokiness without grilling.
• 1 tsp Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the spices.

Serving Boiled Chicken Breast

This dish is incredibly versatile – and works in a number of your favorite recipes! Some of my favorite ways to use up shredded chicken are:

• Casseroles: find my favorite Chicken Casseroles to use this chicken.
• Tacos: Fill corn or flour tortillas with shredded chicken, topped with salsa, avocado, and cilantro.
• Salads: Add to a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing.
• Sandwiches: Layer in a bun with barbecue sauce and coleslaw for a flavorful sandwich.
• Wraps: Roll in a tortilla with lettuce, cheese, and ranch dressing for a quick wrap.
• Quesadillas: Use as a filling with cheese between two tortillas, then grill until golden.
• Pasta: Mix with pasta and Alfredo or marinara sauce for a hearty dish.
• Casseroles: Combine with rice, vegetables, and cheese for a comforting casserole.

Storing leftover Boiled Chicken Breast

This chicken is perfect to use throughout the week when you need a meal quick – so storing it safely is a top priority.

• When storing cooked shredded chicken, always use the smallest container possible that it will fit in.
• Place chicken in refrigerator and keep cold until ready to use.
• When eating, chicken can be served cold, or heated to piping hot. Make sure to return unused chicken to refrigerator and keep for up to four days.
• Frozen shredded chicken can be stored for up to three months.

Other Delicious Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

If you love this easy shredded boiled chicken recipe, you’ll love my other favorite dishes.

Easy Chicken Casseroles

Roasted Greek Chicken Drumsticks

Creamy One Pot Chicken Stroganoff

Baked Ranch Seasoning Chicken Thighs

Try chicken favorites like Air Fried Nandos Chicken Wings, The Best Easy Lemon Chicken Recipe, Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Mushrooms, Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs , The Best Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Recipe

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