Both shredded chicken and pulled chicken are popular ingredients that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, there are some key differences between the two that affect texture, flavor, and best uses.
What is Shredded Chicken?
Shredded chicken is chicken meat that has been cooked, typically by boiling, baking, or poaching, and then shredded into strands using two forks or fingers. The shredding process breaks down the chicken fibers, resulting in a stringy, fibrous texture.
To make shredded chicken, you can:
- Poach or bake a whole chicken breast or thighs until fully cooked and tender
- Boil chicken pieces in broth or water until very tender
- Use a slow cooker to cook chicken in liquid for several hours until fall-apart tender
- Shred rotisserie chicken from a grocery store or restaurant
Once cooked, the chicken is shredded by hand, or sometimes tossed into a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to break it down further. The chicken strands tend to be around 1-2 inches long or so.
What is Pulled Chicken?
Pulled chicken is made from chicken that has been cooked slowly over low heat until extremely tender. The tender meat is then “pulled” apart into larger shreds or chunks using two forks.
Common methods for making pulled chicken include:
- Smoking chicken for several hours until very tender
- Braising chicken thighs or breasts in a flavorful liquid like barbecue sauce or salsa
- Using a slow cooker to cook chicken in broth for 4-8 hours
Rather than shredding finely, the chicken is broken down into large, ropey pieces about 3 inches long. This helps maintain some of the chicken’s texture.
Differences Between Shredded and Pulled Chicken
Here are the main differences between shredded chicken and pulled chicken:
| Shredded Chicken | Pulled Chicken |
|---|---|
| Finely shredded into small strands | Shredded into large, ropey pieces |
| Fibrous, stringy texture | Chunkier, thicker texture |
| Poached, baked, or boiled | Smoked, braised, or slow cooked |
| Tends to be lighter in color | Often has darker, browned bits |
Texture
The biggest difference between the two is texture. Shredded chicken has a stringy, fiber-like texture from being broken down into thin strands. Pulled chicken has a chunkier, thicker, rope-like texture since it is shredded into larger pieces.
Flavor
Cooking method also impacts flavor. Poached or baked shredded chicken tends to have a lighter flavor. Pulled chicken develops deeper flavor from braising, smoking, or slow cooking and often has nice browned bits from caramelization.
Appearance
Appearance differs as well. Shredded chicken looks finely fibrous, while pulled chicken has a rougher, chunky look. Pulled chicken usually has some darker bits from browning while poached shredded chicken is light and uniform in color.
Best Uses for Shredded Chicken
The fine strands and lighter texture of shredded chicken make it excellent for:
- Chicken salad – Shredded chicken is ideal mixed into mayo-based chicken salads for sandwiches or as a side dish.
- Tacos – The soft texture works well in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and similar Mexican dishes.
- Casseroles or bakes – Shredded chicken mixes evenly into casseroles and bakes like enchiladas.
- Soups – The strands distribute nicely in soups like chicken noodle soup, chicken tortilla soup, or chicken and dumplings.
- Stir fries – Shredded chicken stir fries quickly and evenly in a skillet.
Shredded Chicken Recipes
Some popular recipes using shredded chicken include:
- Chicken salad sandwiches
- Buffalo chicken wraps
- Chicken tortilla soup
- Chicken enchiladas
- Chicken pot pie
- Chicken noodle casserole
Best Uses for Pulled Chicken
The hearty, chunky texture and deeper flavor of pulled chicken make it ideal for:
- Barbecue dishes – Pulled chicken shreds nicely and soaks up bold barbecue sauce flavors.
- Sandwiches and wraps – Pulled chicken won’t fall apart in sandwiches or wraps like shredded chicken can.
- Nachos – The texture stands up well layered over crispy nachos.
- Tacos – Heartier than shredded chicken and less likely to make tacos soggy.
- Casseroles – Retains texture better when baked.
- Salads – Adds hearty texture and flavor.
Pulled Chicken Recipes
Some favorite ways to enjoy pulled chicken include:
- Pulled barbecue chicken sandwiches
- Pulled chicken nachos
- Pulled chicken tacos
- Pulled chicken pizza
- Pulled chicken baked potatoes
- Pulled chicken taco salad
Substituting Shredded and Pulled Chicken
In a pinch, shredded and pulled chicken can be substituted for each other in recipes, though the texture will be slightly different. Keep the following tips in mind:
- For a shredded chicken recipe, replace with pulled chicken and chop it into smaller pieces as desired.
- For pulled chicken, replace with shredded chicken and pulse it briefly in a food processor to bulk it up if needed.
- Add extra sauce or liquid to compensate for drier texture if needed.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
While using one instead of the other will change the texture slightly, the chicken will still cook and taste good in the recipe.
Buying Shredded or Pulled Chicken
Both shredded and pulled rotisserie chicken can be purchased instead of making it from scratch. Look for it fresh or prepackaged in the deli section of grocery stores.
You can also find premixed roasted pulled chicken in the refrigerated or freezer sections. Frozen pulled chicken tends to have nicer texture and flavor than frozen shredded chicken.
Canned chicken is also available shredded or chunked but tends to be lower quality with a mushier texture and less flavor.
Storing and Freezing
To store shredded or pulled chicken:
- Refrigerate fresh shredded/pulled chicken for 3-4 days.
- Freeze for 2-3 months in airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Always thaw in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- Use thawed chicken within a few days.
- Do not refreeze thawed chicken.
Price Comparison
Shredded and pulled chicken are typically around the same price per pound.
However, shredded chicken requires less cooking time so the total cost to prepare it yourself may be a bit cheaper.
Nutrition
Shredded and pulled chicken are nutritionally similar. Both are high in protein and low in fat, carbs, and calories. A 3 ounce serving provides around:
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 0g
The exact nutrition will vary slightly depending on whether the chicken is poached versus baked, cooked with or without skin, and enhanced with seasonings or sauces.
Conclusion
While shredded and pulled chicken are prepared differently, both make excellent additions to a wide variety of recipes. Shredded chicken has a fine, stringy texture that works well in lighter dishes like salads, soups, and tacos. Pulled chicken has a chunkier, heartier texture and deeper flavor perfect for barbecue, sandwiches, nachos and more. Substitute one for the other as needed, just keeping texture differences in mind. Both shredded and pulled chicken are budget-friendly, protein-packed poultry options perfect for busy home cooks.