Connect with BabyDeveloper

Cheap and Easy Shredded Chicken

split chicken

 

One of the easiest ways to save money in your budget is to use shredded chicken from bone-in chicken.  It's a lot cheaper and if you do it in the crockpot, it has more of a rotisserie taste to it than boiling chicken.

I often will shred chicken on Sunday and throw it in meals most of the week.  Some recipes like this Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Ring can be put together in like 5 minutes if you already have the chicken ready.

I recommend the Split Chicken Breasts that look like the image.  Ones at our store are about 3-4 pound packages which will yield enough meat for two casserole dishes of recipes like Chicken Enchiladas Casserole or Chicken Bacon Caesar Bubble-Up Bake.

I have a 5 in one crockpot which has the meat grill insert (in top image), but you can also do in a large crockpot with a crockpot liner bag.  Take chicken broth and pour in to the height of the grill insert or about 1cm deep in regular crockpot.  Then coat it thickly with seasoning.  Season-All is my favorite, but Lowry's or rotisserie chicken seasoning work too.

I cook on low for about 4 hours, but if you have a smaller one than pictures, you may need to cook longer. The key to the shredding is tongs.  If you have a decent set (metal tipped ones work best), you can pull the outer skin right off.  Then just grab chunks of meat off and throw on a cutting board.  You don't have to get crazy pulling every little piece of meat off.  There is a ton and you have already saved money by starting with bone-in.

Use two forks to take the chunks and shred.  I will then take a fine strainer and pour the liquid from crockpot into a measuring cup.  If you are storing the chicken for later, put in the fridge or freeze with a decent amount of broth in there.  Also, if my chicken is ready ahead of time, I will put the shredded chicken back in the crockpot on warm with all the broth.

old crockpot

About the Author

AM3

Alexis is a WAHM for one beautiful 11 month daughter and has another on the way.  She is also the owner and senior web designer at YellowWebMonkey Web Design.  In her previous life, she graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served in the US Army as a Military Police officer.  She currently lives in Central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.  She blogs at BabyDeveloper.com and you can follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter.

 

Book Mockups
Get the cartoon book that is the best baby shower gift ever!

Buy On Amazon

About Baby Dev

AM3

I am a WAHM who runs a web development company (hence baby DEVELOPER) while chasing my two girls that are 14 months apart.  As things keep getting crazier, I figured I would share some ramblings, tech advice, and useful tips.

logo