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.
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.
