Four Easy Methods to Prepare Shredded Pasture-Raised Chicken for Quick and Healthy Meals

Preparing a whole chicken for shredding is a simple task that pays off in big ways. By taking a little time over the weekend, you can use one of four easy methods—oven-roasted, stovetop, crock pot, or instant pot—to cook and shred one or several whole chickens. This effort provides you with a stockpile of tender, flavorful shredded chicken, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or fast chicken salads. Whether you're using it in our Chicken Alfredo Casserole or tossing it into a fresh salad, having ready-to-use shredded chicken on hand makes meal prep a breeze and ensures you always have a healthy, homemade option available. Investing a bit of time now means you’ll enjoy effortless, delicious meals all week long.  

Here are simple instructions for making a whole pulled pasture-raised chicken using four different methods: oven, stovetop, crock pot, and instant pot.

 

1. Oven-Roasted Pulled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole pasture-raised chicken
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Instructions:

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Prepare the chicken: Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
• Roast the chicken: Roast in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F  and the juices run clear.Shred the chicken:
• Let the chicken cool slightly, then remove the skin and bones. Shred the meat using two forks.

2. Stovetop Pulled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole pasture-raised chicken
• Salt and pepper
• Water or chicken broth

Instructions:

• Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
• Cook the chicken: Place the chicken in a large pot and cover it with water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
• Simmer: Simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
• Shred the chicken: Let the chicken cool slightly, then remove the skin and bones. Shred the meat using two forks.

3. Crock Pot Pulled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole pasture-raised chicken
• Salt and pepper
• Water or chicken broth

Instructions:

• Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper
• Cook the chicken Place the chicken in the crock pot and add water or chicken broth to cover about half of the chicken.
• Cook on low Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
• Shred the chicken: Let the chicken cool slightly, then remove the skin and bones. Shred the meat using two forks.

4. Instant Pot Pulled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole pasture-raised chicken
• Salt and pepper
• Water or chicken broth

Instructions:

• Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
• Cook the chicken: Place the chicken in the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water or chicken broth. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Pressure cook: Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
• Shred the chicken: Let the chicken cool slightly, then remove the skin and bones. Shred the meat using two forks.

These methods provide you with tender, flavorful pulled chicken that can be used in various recipes

Storing Your Shredded Chicken

Although I personally prefer canning, all these methods for preparing pulled chicken allow the chicken to be stored frozen. Here are some simple steps to freeze and store your pulled chicken properly:

How to Freeze Pulled Chicken

Cool the Chicken: After cooking and shredding the chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature. This helps prevent the formation of ice crystals and freezer burn. Portion the Chicken: Divide the shredded chicken into portions that suit your needs. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need later. Package the Chicken: Place the portions into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. If using freezer bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. If using containers, leave a little space at the top for the chicken to expand as it freezes. Label and Date: Label each bag or container with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the chicken has been in the freezer. Freeze: Place the packaged chicken in the freezer. Properly stored, it will maintain the best quality for up to 4-6 months.

Tips for Freezing Pulled Chicken

• Use Freezer-Safe Bags/Containers: Ensure the bags or containers are designed for freezer use to prevent freezer burn and preserve quality.
• Remove Air: Removing as much air as possible helps prevent freezer burn.
• Portion Control: Freezing in smaller portions allows for easy defrosting of the amount you need.

Thawing Frozen Pulled Chicken

When you're ready to use the frozen pulled chicken, here are some safe thawing methods: Refrigerator: Transfer the chicken from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. This is the safest method and maintains the best texture. Cold Water: Place the sealed bag of frozen chicken in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the chicken is thawed. This method is quicker than using the refrigerator. Microwave: If you're in a hurry, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave. Be sure to use the chicken immediately after thawing this way. Freezing your prepared pulled chicken is a convenient way to have a ready supply for various meals and take advantage of bulk pricing.