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Instant Pot Shredded

Italian Chicken

Italian Shredded Chicken

This versatile Zesty Italian Shredded Chicken recipe caters to various cooking preferences and meal planning strategies. Whether you're short on time and using the Instant Pot for speedy cooking, prefer traditional stove-top methods for that classic taste, or want to stock your freezer with ready-made meals, this recipe has you covered. You can enjoy the convenience of the Instant Pot's quick pressure cooking, savor the rich flavors of stove-top preparation, or transform it into a freezer meal for Once a Month Cooking (OAMC). With detailed instructions for each method, you can choose the approach that best suits your needs, making this recipe adaptable for busy weeknight dinners or efficient monthly meal prep.

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You Will Need

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Shredded Chicken Garden Salad

Try our healthy Chicken Garden Salad made with this Shredded Chicken YUM!~

How to make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Pot In Pot

Stove Top and Freeze-Ahead Directions Below

Equipment:

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, oregano, black pepper, basil, parsley, salt, thyme, celery salt, and Greek seasoning until well combined.

  • Start by coating your chicken breasts with olive oil.

  • Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken, pressing it into the chicken to adhere.

  • Place a trivet in your Instant Pot and add 2 cups of water to the inner pot.

  • Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a heatproof dish that fits inside the Instant Pot (a stainless steel or silicone dish works well).

  • Lower the dish onto the trivet inside the Instant Pot.

  • Place the Instant Pot lid on, ensuring it's set to the sealing position, not venting.

  • Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode and set the timer for 25 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform an Instant Release (carefully open the vent to release pressure).

  • Carefully remove the heatproof dish with the cooked chicken from the Instant Pot.

  • Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

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How to make Stove Top Shredded Chicken

Instructions:
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  • Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or the flat side of a rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps ensure even cooking and tenderness.

  • In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, oregano, black pepper, basil, parsley, salt, thyme, celery salt, and Greek seasoning. Mix well to create the spice blend.

  • Start by coating your chicken breasts with olive oil.

  • Sprinkle the spice blend evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing it into the chicken to adhere.

  • Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.

  • Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet.

  • Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until it's cooked through and has a golden-brown crust. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

  • Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a cutting board.

  • Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

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Tips for Tender Shredded Chicken

  • Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have some extra time, consider marinating the chicken breasts in the olive oil and part of the spice blend for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking. This can enhance the flavor even further.

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure that the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for chicken breast.

  • Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer it less salty, reduce the salt quantity.

  • Pound Uniformly: When pounding the chicken breasts, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. This also helps in making the chicken more tender.

  • Rest Before Shredding: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before shredding. This helps retain its juiciness.

  • Storage: Store any leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It's a great make-ahead option for quick meals.

  • Versatility: This shredded chicken is incredibly versatile. Use it in tacos, salads, sandwiches, wraps, pasta dishes, or casseroles. It's a great addition to many recipes.

  • Experiment with Sides: Pair your Zesty Italian Shredded Chicken with various side dishes like rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

  • Double the Batch: If you want to have extra on hand, you can easily double the recipe. Cook the chicken in batches or use a larger skillet.

  • Serve with Fresh Herbs: Garnish your dishes with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to add a burst of freshness and color.

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  • Remember that cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken. Enjoy your delicious Zesty Italian Shredded Chicken!

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 OAMC-Freezer-Friendly- Make-Ahead-Directions

For Once a Month Cooking (OAMC) convenience, this Zesty Italian Shredded Chicken recipe has been scaled up, yielding 5-6 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, making it perfect for efficient meal preparation. The generous quantities of garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, oregano, black pepper, basil, parsley, salt, thyme, celery salt, and Greek seasoning ensure robust flavors in each batch. To streamline your monthly meal plan, the seasoned chicken is divided into individual or family-sized portions, wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn, and conveniently labeled. These make-ahead portions can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months, offering a time-saving, stress-free solution for quick and easy weekday dinners, as well as the flexibility to create diverse dishes like tacos, salads, sandwiches, and casseroles throughout the month.

Ingredients:

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  • 5-6 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil

  • 1/4 cup Garlic Powder

  • 1/4 cup Onion Powder

  • 1/4 cup Sugar

  • 2 tablespoons Oregano

  • 1 tablespoon Black Pepper

  • 1 tablespoon Basil

  • 1 tablespoon Parsley

  • 2 tablespoons Salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon Thyme

  • 1/2 teaspoon Celery Salt

  • 1/4 cup Greek Seasoning

 

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts.

  • Create the Spice Blend: In a large bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, oregano, black pepper, basil, parsley, salt, thyme, celery salt, and Greek seasoning until well combined. This will be your seasoning mix.

Season the Chicken: Rub the olive oil evenly over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over both sides of each chicken breast, pressing it in to adhere. Make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated with the seasoning.

Divide and Freeze: Divide the seasoned chicken breasts into individual or family-sized portions, depending on your meal planning needs. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.

Label and Store: Label each wrapped portion with the date and the type of chicken (e.g., "Zesty Italian Shredded Chicken"). Place the wrapped chicken portions in airtight freezer bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn.

  • Freeze: Store the labeled and wrapped chicken portions in the freezer. They can be kept for up to 2-3 months.

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To Use the Frozen Shredded Chicken:

  • Thaw: When ready to use, remove the desired portion of frozen shredded chicken from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight.

  • Reheat or Use Cold: Once thawed, you can either reheat the chicken in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop, or you can use it cold in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.

  • Enjoy: Use the shredded chicken in your favorite recipes, such as tacos, salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, casseroles, or any other dishes you like.

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By preparing and freezing the seasoned shredded chicken in advance, you'll have a convenient meal prep solution for OAMC that saves you time and allows you to enjoy delicious meals
throughout the month.

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