Today, I am sharing with you the best shredded chicken recipe EVER. I am also including slowcooker AND instant pot recipes because sometimes we just need a little variety.
Every time I make this it gets rave reviews, and people always ask for the recipe and are thrilled when I give it to them because it is so easy and it is only 5 ingredients. Winner, winner chicken dinner....literally.
So what makes this recipe better than all of the other recipes out there? Obviously, the ease of this chicken is a major factor, but the flavors of the taco seasoning paired with ranch is a savory zesty are a match made in heaven. I add a little chicken broth to help create the juices to be soaked in by the shredded chicken, and a little lime for a fresh citrus taste. The citrus is optional, but I like the tart touch of zest that it adds to the chicken. I have made this recipe sans lime, and it is still just as delicious.
Shredding chicken is one of may favorite ways to enjoy it in sandwiches, tacos, burritos, or even in a casserole. Check out my post for Instant Pot Cola BBQ Chicken for my video demo of shredding chicken using my stand mixer. If you haven't started shredding your chicken with your mixer give it a try. It is a ultimate time saver and prep hack. However, if you have not done it before try small batched because the chicken can shred quickly and, as I learned from experience, you can shred it a bit too fine. This is still delicious, but it does not have the larger meaty chunks, and that is why I think it is a best practice to practice on a small batch to get the hang of it- and watch the video too!
My all-time favorite way to eat this chicken is in a warm and soft tortilla. I like to add a little onion, tomato, cheese, cilantro, and sour cream to my taco. However, I have used this chicken in my Chicken Tamale Casserole in place of a plain shredded chicken, and it is out of this world. This chicken is also great as a sandwich, over nachos, and in a taco salad.
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Similar Recipes:
Creamy Tex Mex Slow Cooker Chicken
Taco Ranch Chicken
The Best Shredded Chicken EVER.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1.25 oz packet of taco seasoning
- 1 oz packet of ranch seasoning
- 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- juice of 1 lime
Instructions
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Place chicken breasts into slow cooker.
- Whisk together both seasoning packets, broth, and lime juice. Pour over the chicken and gently stir it to coat evenly.
- Cook on low for 8 hours. Remove chicken and shred. Place chicken back into the slow cooker and allow a few minutes for the chicken to soak in the cooking juices.
Instant Pot Instructions
- Place chicken in the instant pot.
- Whisk together both seasoning packets, broth, and lime juice. Pour over the chicken and gently stir it to coat evenly.
- Place lid on the instant pot and seal. Manually set the time to 18 minutes on high pressure. Allow the pressure to naturally release for 2 minutes and then manually release the remaining pressure.
- Remove chicken and shred. Place chicken back into the slow cooker and allow a few minutes for the chicken to soak in the cooking juices.
Notes
I have noticed that some Instant Pot recipes claim that the chicken can be cooked in recipes similar to this one in 5 minutes. I have found that more time is needed. I have tested this recipe at different cook times, and found that with this amount of chicken more time is required to cook it to where it can easily shred.
Tried this recipe? I'd love to see it! Mention @CheeseCurdInParadise or tag #cheesecurdinparadise on Instagram!
Deborah
I'm sending this one to my sister. She adores chicken. I'm vegan but may try the marinade on tofu.
CheeseCurdInParadise
ooooooo! I am curious how it will turn out! I have noticed people using jackfruit as a replacement for a "shredded" style meat to adapt a recipe. I am curious if that would work.
Claudia Lamascolo
now this is my kind of comfort food. I can think of many ways to use a chicken pulled like this and taco is my number one go too!
Karyl Henry
Okay, shredding chicken with a mixer is genius! I've never thought to do that before. I'm definitely going to try that next time. This chicken looks so good, and perfect for a big batch of tacos
Gloria
This sounds like a delicious recipe. You can use this so many ways. In sandwiches, on pasta, taco filling. The list of ways goes on.
Pavani
I love Mexican food. This taco ranch chicken sounds so flavorful and the addition of citrus does take it to a whole new level.
Natalie
This is great idea to use chicken leftovers from Sunday dinner. I'm gonna give this recipe a try. I bet my family will love it to. Sounds so delicious!
Veena Azmanov
There are so many options you can do with this recipe. I love the simplicity and ease of this dish. Sounds so good. Perfect weekend dinner
Kylee from Kylee Cooks
This looks like an incredible recipe to have up my sleeve! I love super simple things that taste phenomenal. You nailed it!!
Mahy Elamin
I LOVE how easy and delicious this is! Good idea! Looks very tasty! I am going to make this! This recipe really impresses! I really like! Thank you.
Anne Murphy
I've just found the parents liked tacos with a shredded chicken filling (I wasn't sure they would) so now I"m looking for new recipes! Thanks!
Dan Zehr
You are a genius! This recipe is needed to me. This is a really unique recipe worth trying. This is so delicious and it makes my mouth watering.
Marisa Franca
I love taco seasoning. I love ranch seasoning. You're right it is a marriage made in heaven. This is an ideal recipe for game day or when you're expecting casual company. Oh so yummy and something you can make ahead. This is a win-win recipe.
Swathi
I love this spiced flavorful chicken that too made in instant pot. Instant pot makes perfectly cooked dishes. I would like to try this for weekday dinner.
Tammy
SO simple yet so good! Perfect meal for the weeknight. I could go for these tacos anytime! 😀
Greg P.
I cooked 1.5 lb of chicken for 14 minutes and it was perfect for shredding. I did not halve the amount of liuiqid nor seasoning. It turned out great.
CheeseCurdInParadise
Great! It is nice when your own version of a recipe works well. Thanks for stopping by!
Kathe Handlin
I only have regular broth not low sodium. Want to make this today. Can I use that or maybe half broth half water?
Ashley Lecker
Regular will work as well, but the salt content will be a little higher. You could do 3/4 of the broth and 1/4 water to help offset it.