Easy Dutch Oven Shredded Chicken Breasts (2024)

Need cooked, shredded chicken for a recipe? Use this simple Dutch Oven Shredded Chicken cooking method to accomplish this task. The Dutch oven poaches the tender chicken in chicken stock while it cooks in the oven. Creating moist, tender shredded chicken, ready for whatever recipe needs cooked chicken!

I love meal planning and meal prep. It is the key to the chaos and keeping the temptation of takeout at bay. It is a healthier and more convenient way to get food on the table fast. Whether diced chicken in a slow cooker or this Dutch oven method, it is always a good plan to have cooked chicken waiting in the freezer.

Featured Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts - Boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
• Chicken Broth - Or chicken stock.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper - Basic seasoning to keep the chicken open to whatever flavor profile is needed.

See the recipe card for the exact measurements and complete instructions. Selected ingredients are based on current serving sizes measured by the Monash FODMAP App at the time of publishing. As always, follow your gut and modify as needed.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Remove a rack in the oven if there are three racks, or adjust the racks to fit the size of the Dutch oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In the heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, add the boneless chicken breasts. Pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle the salt and pepper to season chicken breasts.

Cook in the oven for 30-45 minutes or until chicken breasts have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

See Also

Honey Soy Chicken baked in one pot | My Kitchen StoriesShredded Chicken Recipes (How to Cook and Make-ahead)Shrimp Fettuccine For One50+ Shredded Chicken Recipes

The thicker the chicken piece, the longer it will take to reach that temperature. Also worth noting if the chicken is layered, the cooking time will be closer to 45 minutes. Let the chicken rest for ten minutes.

Three options to shred chicken: Use two forks and pull apart the chicken with the grain. Other options include using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed. The key to this being successful is the chicken must be warm. If sliced or diced chicken is needed, allow the chicken to cool and then proceed.

Shredded Chicken Variations

Shredded Dark Meat: Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for all dark meat.

Rotisserie Style Shredded Chicken: Use a mixture of chicken breasts and chicken thighs for a mixture of both, just like a rotisserie chicken.

Shredded Chicken Tacos: Add a tablespoon of homemade taco seasoning in with the salt and pepper. Shred the flavorful chicken. Place shredded chicken in corn tortillas with hot sauce and shredded cheese. Add a squeeze of lime juice, sour cream, and guacamole for a fun, delicious meal option.

Ways To Use Shredded Chicken

• Chicken Salad: Make this delicious chicken salad recipe. It is a favorite in our house!
• Greek Chicken Wrap: Use sliced chicken in a delicious egg white wrap.
• Chicken Flautas: Add a bit of salsa and cheese and make these flautas for taco night.
• BBQ Chicken Sliders: Add homemade BBQ sauce to the shredded chicken and pile it on a slider bun or lettuce wrap
• Chicken Enchiladas: Make a pan of chicken enchiladas with homemade enchilada sauce.
• Baked Chicken Tacos: Combine the shreded chicken with salsa, taco seasoning, green onion tops and cheese to make delicious baked chicken tacos.
• Chicken Pot Pie: Use this cooked chicken in chicken pot pie.

Storing and Reheating

To Store: Keep the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep a bit of cooking liquid in it. This keeps it from drying out. Give it a good stir before using.

To Reheat: Place some pulled chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat until warmed. Stir halfway between cooking time if reheating a large portion.

To Freeze: Cooled, shredded chicken freezes beautifully! Place the cool chicken in an airtight, freezer-friendly container or a zip-top bag. Keep in the freezer for up to four months. Defrost overnight before using.

Meal Planning

I love meal prepping and finding shortcuts along the way to make feeding my family every single day easier, faster, and healthier! This cooking method is one of my favorites and requires very little effort. I love to whip up this easy shredded chicken recipe while the oven is already preheated and hot. I’ll make it after making Swedish oven pancakes for breakfast. The chicken cooks while I clean the kitchen and cut up veggies for the week.

More Shredded Chicken Recipes

• Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken
• Crock Pot Chicken

Recipe

More Low Fodmap Chicken Recipes