How To Shred Chicken in a Stand Mixer

If you’ve ever shredded chicken with two forks, you understand the precision and patience that goes into this task. It can be time consuming if you’re trying to put a recipe together quickly. For your next shredded chicken meal, consider using a stand mixer for quick and easy results.

Learn how to shred chicken fast with a KitchenAid^® stand mixer. In around three minutes, you’ll have shredded chicken for a variety of delicious recipes, including tacos, chicken chili or shredded barbecue.

KitchenAid® stand mixer on a modern kitchen counter shredding cooked chicken.

Easy shredded chicken recipe

Shredding cooked chicken is easy with a KitchenAid^® stand mixer. Begin with cooked, boneless and skinless chicken. Choose your preferred method to cook the meat, whether it’s pan frying, baking, poaching or grilling. For best results, use warm chicken when shredding. If your chicken is cold, warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. Boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs tend to be more common cuts of chicken to shred, but you can use any part of the chicken.

Adding your favorite spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika or Italian seasoning, can give your shredded chicken extra flavor in your mealtime endeavors. Follow these simple steps to make a quick, delicious meal using your preferred method of cooking chicken and favorite spices.

INGREDIENTS

Cooked, boneless and skinless chicken
Spices (optional)

TOOLS

PREP TIME

Allow for approximately one minute.

TOTAL TIME

You can have shredded chicken ready in about three minutes.

YIELDS

Approximately one pound of chicken will yield four servings per main course meal.

Woman holding a flat beater attachment next to a KitchenAid® stand mixer.

Step 1: Prepare Mixer

Affix your flat beater or pastry beater on your KitchenAid^® stand mixer.

KitchenAid® stand mixer shredding cooked chicken.

Step 2: Add Chicken

Place your warm, boneless and skinless chicken into the mixing bowl.

Step 3: Choose Low Mixer Setting

Set your KitchenAid^® stand mixer to a low power setting. Shred the chicken until you reach your desired consistency, usually 30 seconds to 1 minute mixing time.

Step 4: Use or Store Chicken

Now it’s time to enjoy your shredded chicken or add it to your favorite recipe. If you’ve made more shredded chicken than you and your guests can eat during one meal, you can store the shredded chicken in your refrigerator to enjoy later.

Shop KitchenAid^® stand mixers

KitchenAid brand offers a variety of stand mixers and accessories to reimagine mealtime possibilities. Shop all KitchenAid^® stand mixers to find the right match for your recipes.

Which KitchenAid^® stand mixer accessories should I use to shred chicken?

The most common accessory to use when shredding chicken, or any meat, is the flat beater or pastry beater. Besides shredding protein, the flat beater is a versatile culinary tool that can be used for a variety of recipes. Learn more about getting the most out of your flat beater. Using a flex edge beater isn’t recommended for shredding chicken as it is best used in recipes that require mixing and creaming ingredients, like cookies, cakes and frostings.

If you’d like to expand the performance of your stand mixer, explore this accessory and attachment guide to find out how each tool can be best used in meal prep.

KitchenAid® food processor on a modern kitchen counter.

Can I shred chicken in a food processor?

A food processor will cut, instead of pulling apart the chicken which is a different technique. However, if you go slowly, you may be able to get a similar result. Add the chicken to your food processor and pulse the machine to the consistency you desire. The slicer blade is sharp, so pulse gently to avoid ending up with minced or crumbled chicken.

Understanding the best uses for any kitchen tool will make mealtime prep much easier. Learn more about the difference between a food processor and mixer and how they interact between ingredients.

Woman preparing a meal next to a KitchenAid® blender.

Can I shred chicken in a blender?

Using a blender to shred chicken is not recommended. The sharp blades of your blender will cut through the meat instead of pulling it apart for a shredded effect. A blender will finely chop or even puree the meat instead of shredding it.

To explore the difference between a blender and food processor, this guide goes into detail about both appliances, and when you can use either for great results.

Can I freeze cooked chicken after shredding it?

Freezing shredded chicken for later can help streamline certain recipes like chicken soups or you can warm it up for a sandwich or fresh salad. Follow these tips and tricks for how to prep healthy meals to expand the variety of dishes you prepare each week and get recipe ideas.

Can I add sauces and seasonings when shredding chicken?

You can add sauces and seasonings before or after you shred chicken. Use your culinary skills to prepare delicious Chicken Tacos, Indonesian Shredded Barbecue Chicken or Chicken Enchilada Roll Ups. You can even shred boneless pork or beef in a stand mixer, as in Asian Pork Tacos or Cajun Coffee Chuck Roast.

Shredding protein is just one of the many creative ways to use your KitchenAid^® stand mixer in your cooking routine.

Make food prep easier with KitchenAid^® stand mixers, attachments and accessories

KitchenAid brand offers a wide assortment of stand mixers and attachments and accessories to elevate your meals–including an easy way to shred chicken to add to any recipe. If you’re wondering how to choose a stand mixer, explore this stand mixer guide to find the right one for your culinary endeavors. Explore how you can reinvent your recipes with the versatility of KitchenAid^® stand mixers and attachments.