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
																
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			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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
