Pulled chicken and shredded chicken are two forms of cooked chicken that have some similarities but also some key differences. While both involve taking cooked chicken meat and breaking it down into smaller pieces, the texture and preparation method for each one is not quite the same.
What is Pulled Chicken?
Pulled chicken is chicken meat that has been cooked until very tender, then “pulled” or broken down by hand or with two forks into thick, ropey strands or chunks of meat. The steps for making pulled chicken are:
- Season whole chicken pieces (breast, thighs, etc) with spices, herbs, and salt.
- Slow cook the chicken pieces in liquid (broth, bbq sauce, etc) until extremely tender and the meat easily falls off the bones.
- Remove the chicken from the cooking liquid and let cool slightly.
- Using two forks or your hands, “pull” and shred the chicken into strands or chunks of meat.
The lengthy cooking time ensures the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Pulling the meat then gives it a shredded texture while still maintaining some hearty chunks and strands. Common ways to flavor pulled chicken include barbecue, Mexican, or Italian seasonings.
Characteristics of Pulled Chicken
- Made from whole chicken pieces like breast, thigh, leg, etc.
- Cooked for several hours until extremely tender
- Pulled into thick strands and chunks
- Has a shredded but still chunky texture
What is Shredded Chicken?
Shredded chicken is cooked chicken that has been finely shredded using knives, forks, or a food processor. The steps are:
- Cook boneless, skinless chicken pieces (breast, thighs, etc) until just done.
- Allow chicken to cool slightly then use two forks or fingers to shred the chicken into fine strands.
- For a finer texture, pulse shredded chicken in a food processor.
Shredded chicken has a downy, fluffy texture from all the short, thin strands. It often gets used as a filler or topping instead of in hunks or chunks. Common uses for shredded chicken include chicken salads, tacos, burritos, sandwiches, casseroles, and soups.
Characteristics of Shredded Chicken
- Made from boneless, skinless chicken breast, thighs, etc.
- Cooked only until done, not overly tender
- Shredded into thin strands and small bits
- Has a fluffy, down-like texture
Comparing Pulled Chicken and Shredded Chicken
Now that we know what each type of chicken is, how exactly do pulled chicken and shredded chicken differ?
| Factor | Pulled Chicken | Shredded Chicken |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken cuts used | Bone-in pieces like breast, thigh, leg | Boneless, skinless pieces like breast, thigh |
| Cook time | Several hours until very tender | Only until fully cooked through |
| Shredding method | Pulled into chunks and strands by hand | Shredded into fine strands with forks |
| Texture | Chunky, ropey, chewy | Fluffy, downy, fine |
| Moisture level | Can retain more moisture | Dries out more easily |
| Flavoring | Bold BBQ, Mexican, Italian seasonings | Lighter seasonings |
| Usability | Ideal for BBQ sandwiches, tacos, nachos, etc | Better for chicken salads, light fillings, toppings |
As shown in the comparison, the choice between pulled or shredded chicken depends on factors like cook time, seasoning, texture, and final use in recipes.
How To Make Pulled Chicken
To make tasty pulled chicken at home:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks, and/or breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce or Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Rinse chicken and pat dry. Place chicken pieces in slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, stir together barbecue sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour barbecue sauce mixture over chicken.
- Cook on Low heat for 5-6 hours until chicken is very tender and falls off the bone.
- Remove chicken from slow cooker and let cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Using two forks or your hands, pull chicken into chunky strands and pieces, discarding bones and excess fat.
- Toss pulled chicken with some of the cooking liquid to coat. Serve on buns, over rice, with nachos, etc.
The low and slow cooking followed by pulling by hand gives this chicken the signature chunky, ropey texture perfect for soaking up sauces and piling on sandwiches.
How To Make Shredded Chicken
For delicious shredded chicken at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts and/or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
- Rinse chicken and pat dry. Rub chicken pieces evenly with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place chicken in a skillet and add 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil then cover and simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Once cool enough to handle, use two forks to shred the chicken into fine strands. For a fluffier texture, shred then pulse a few times in a food processor.
- Use shredded chicken in soups, salads, tacos, casseroles, and more. Keeps well refrigerated for 4-5 days.
Cooking the chicken just until done prevents it from getting overly dry or mushy. Finely shredding it gives the chicken a soft, fluffy texture perfect for lighter dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use boneless, skinless chicken for pulled chicken?
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs to make pulled chicken, but it won’t turn out quite as moist or flavorful. The bone-in pieces stay juicier during the long cook time. The skin also helps keep moisture in and adds savory chicken flavor.
How long does pulled chicken last in the fridge?
Properly stored pulled chicken will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Be sure to cool it thoroughly first and store it sealed in an airtight container. Reheat until hot all the way through before serving.
What’s the easiest way to shred chicken?
The quickest, easiest way to shred cooked chicken is to use two forks. Simply hold each fork parallel and pull chunks of chicken through the tines in opposite directions. You can also shred chicken in seconds in a food processor fitted with the metal blade.
Can I freeze leftover pulled or shredded chicken?
Yes, both pulled chicken and shredded chicken freeze well for later use. Let it cool fully then portion it out and pack into freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.
What recipes use a lot of shredded chicken?
Some top recipes to use shredded chicken include:
- Chicken salad wraps or sandwiches
- Chicken tortilla soup
- Chicken enchiladas or tacos
- Chicken pot pie or casseroles
- Chicken Alfredo pasta
The finer shredded texture makes it well-suited for mixing into many dishes.
Conclusion
While pulled chicken and shredded chicken are prepared differently, both are tasty, versatile forms of cooked chicken. Pulled chicken has a chunkier texture from being cooked down and pulled apart by hand. It works great in hearty sandwiches, tacos, and loaded nachos. Shredded chicken has a finer, downier texture from being cooked less and shredded up. It blends smoothly into lighter dishes like salads, soups, and pastas. The cooking method, visual appeal, mouthfeel, and how you plan to use it dictate which option you want.