“How to boil chicken breasts to shred?” is a common question. Though boiling is undoubtedly one of the most versatile ways to cook chicken, getting the technique right so that you shred your chicken can be a bit tricky.
Overcooking can lead to tough and dry chicken while undercooking results in raw meat. Sounds challenging? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered! In this post, I’ll show you how to boil chicken breasts flawlessly. Let’s get started!
The Versatility Of Shredded Chicken Breasts
Shredded chicken breasts are an incredibly well-loved ingredient featured in various tasty dishes worldwide.
You can see shredded chicken in many salad recipes. My favorite salad to make with this ingredient has to be Vietnamese-style chicken salad (gỏi gà), which is a refreshing combination of chicken, crunchy vegetables, and an umami fish sauce dressing.
Shredded chicken also commonly appears in Mexican-inspired dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. It’s also a key ingredient in the classic chicken noodle soup, a comforting and nourishing meal that’s perfect for cold days.
What Are Tools for Bolling Chicken?
You don’t need any fancy equipment for boiling chicken. I only use 3 kitchen tools that I believe most people have already owned.
Ingredients in Boiled Chicken
Below are 2 key components to prepare for boiling chicken.
Boiling and Shredding Chicken Directions
Carefully read the below steps to boil the chicken perfectly so that you can shred it easily.
Step 1: Prepare The Ingredients
Cut the onion in half and crush the lemongrass and ginger.
Blanch the chicken breasts for 2 minutes to reduce their odor. Then, remove them from the water.
Step 2: Boil The Chicken
Fill a pot with water and add the ginger, lemongrass, onion, and scallion. Boil the water for 2 to 4 minutes on low heat. Skim the broth to make it clearer.
Add the chicken breasts to the pot and boil them for 12 to 15 minutes over medium heat.
Step 3: Shred The Chicken
Once the chicken breasts are cooked through, transfer them to cold water. The cold water will improve the texture and color of your chicken.
Shred the chicken breasts into the desired sizes based on the recipes you plan to make.
Quick Tips for Boiling Meat
Here are some more tips to help you truly master boiling chicken. Don’t miss out!
Make Great Dishes With Boiled Shredded Chicken Breast!
Boiling is an easy way to prepare chicken breasts for shredding. This method is a great option for those who want to add protein to their meals without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, you can turn the shredded chicken into a wide array of tasty dishes.
I hope this guide is useful in helping you boil chicken breasts to shred. If you have any other tips or suggestions, please drop a comment below. Also, don’t hesitate to give the post a good rating and share it with others who you think will need it.
How To Boil Chicken Breasts To Shred
Equipment
- Pot
- Ladle
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken breasts
- 1 onion
- 4 lemongrass stalks
- 1 ginger
- 1 scallion stalk
Instructions
- Cut the onion in half and crush the lemongrass and ginger.
- Blanch the chicken breasts for 2 minutes to reduce their odor. Remove them from the water.
- Fill a pot with water and add the ginger, lemongrass, onion, and scallion.Boil the water for 2 to 4 minutes on low heat. Skim the broth.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot and boil them for 12 to 15 minutes over medium heat.
- Once the chicken breasts are cooked through, transfer them to cold water.
- Shred the chicken breasts into the desired sizes based on the recipes you plan to make.
Video
Notes
- The total time is enough to boil two chicken breasts, which equals about 4 servings.
- The chicken boiling water makes for an excellent chicken broth that you can use in tasty soup dishes.
- If you use chicken legs, you should boil the chicken for a little bit longer.
- The size of the chicken and the kind of chicken used can also affect the cooking time.
- If you have time, you can cook the veggies and herbs for 5 minutes to fully infuse their flavors into the boiling water.
Nutrition
Richie
Content Writer
Expertise
Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Food Styling, Food Photography, Cooking-video Maker, Beverage Evaluation Expert
Education
Saigon Culinary Arts Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vietnam Australia Vocational School (VAAC), Hanoi, Vietnam
Richie, based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is a dynamic Content Writer with a talent for capturing the essence of culinary art.
Richie specializes in creating visually appealing and tasty content, offering a new angle on Vietnamese and other culinary traditions. With a background in graphic design and a love for food styling and photography, he expertly combines beauty with food narratives, encouraging his audience to discover the culinary world through his imaginative perspective.