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Shredded Chicken

Shredded Chicken


  • Author: Kevin
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This easy shredded chicken recipe delivers a quick, flavorful, and versatile protein base perfect for tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more. Tender chicken is cooked with smoked turkey bacon, garlic, and a blend of spices, then simmered in apple cider vinegar and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to maximize moisture and taste. Customize with your favorite herbs or spice blends for a dinner that suits any mood and pleases the whole family.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin to ensure deeply flavored shredded chicken.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped smoked turkey bacon and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Place the seasoned chicken in the pan and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  3. Simmer with Flavor: Add apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and about 1/4 cup of water or broth to the skillet. Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering gently for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken and let it cool slightly. Using two forks, shred the chicken into fine strands, mixing in the smoky bits of turkey bacon for added depth.
  5. Combine and Taste: Return shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine and warm through, adjusting seasoning as needed to meld the flavors perfectly.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, richer texture ideal for shredding.
  • Allow cooked chicken to rest briefly before shredding to retain moisture.
  • Add extra broth or apple cider vinegar (natural) to keep shredded chicken tender and juicy.
  • Replacing traditional bacon with smoked turkey bacon provides a smoky twist without overpowering the flavor.
  • Simmer gently over low heat to avoid tough chicken and achieve the perfect shreddable texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: shredded chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy chicken, versatile chicken, healthy chicken, smoked turkey bacon