I love a BBQ Chook bread roll, it’s a quick and easy lunch to make the family. However they are too expensive to have often and high in fat, but I have found an alternative. I purchase a kilogram of chicken breast (it’s cheaper from the supermarket deli than packaged in the meat section), poach and shred them for our sandwiches. Having the chicken already cooked and shredded in the fridge is a healthy option for school lunch boxes, makes making sandwiches a breeze and is budget friendly!
I have poached and shredded chicken in a variety of ways over the past few months, below I will share with how to do it on the stove top and steaming in the Thermomix. Both just as easy and tasty as each other, but the Thermomix would have to be my preferred option. Shredded chicken can also be frozen, add to a pasta bake style meal for an easy dinner.
Poaching Chicken on the Stove Top
Poached Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 garlic cloves
- small handful of your preferred herbs (I used basil)
Instructions
- Place 2 chicken breasts, garlic and herbs in a saucepan, cover with cold water
- Bring to the boil over medium-high heat
- Reduce heat to low, cover & simmer for a further 5-7 minutes
- Remove from heat and stand for 5 minutes
- Remove chicken from water
- While chicken is still warm place in KitchenAid mixer (or any mixer), shred chicken on medium high speed until shredded to your liking. Alternatively shred breast with a fork.
By Kat – The Organised Housewife
Steaming & Shredding Chicken in Thermomix
Steaming Chicken in Thermomix
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 litre water
- small handful of desired herb (I used basil)
Instructions
- Add water, garlic and herb to thermomix mixing bowl
- Slice Chicken breast in half (like a schnitzel)
- Place in the top basket of Varoma
- Cook on Varoma / 20 minutes / speed 2
- Discard contents from bowl and wash
- Add chicken to bowl
- Shred reverse / 4 seconds / speed 4
By Kat – The Organised Housewife
Over the next few weeks I will share with you a variety of recipes you can use with the shredded chicken. TIP: Create a lunch plan for the kids to ensure that you don’t forget to use up the chicken through the week.
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18 comments
Shredding chicken in the thermo is the best! I use this trick all the time.
Nice and nifty!
How long do you find this lasts in the fridge before it starts to get funky?
Can you use frozen, shredded chicken on sandwiches or is the frozen best kept for things like pasta bake?
I use salt in my poaching water and save the water for stock – freeze in ice cube trays and use as needed.
you can also cook it in the slowcooker and shred when done with 2 forks, it just falls apart. freeze any extra for another week
Thanks for sharing your recipes. I have had my thermo mix for a week and love it!
I just cooked the chicken YUM!! I won’t be buying precooked from the supermarket again.
Shell 🙂
http://spectacularkidsminiplayscapes.blogspot.com.au/
I am using this trick all the time now! I am doing Michelle Bridges 12wbt and a lot of the wraps use chicken – I have poached in advance to avoid having to cook chicken breast every day 🙂
How long do you keep using the chicken from the fridge ?
Hi Natalie, i usually keep chicken in the fridge for about 2 – 3 days, no more. I am a bit funny with having it in there any longer.
Just made some of this for school lunches, it is so easy and so tasty. Will be doing this from now on instead of buying roast chicken. Thankyou
I am not a canner but I will become a Mason Jar salad queen So my question is, is it nessasary to vacuum pack or just store in the refrigerator? I know this is a 2-3 old posting
of these Mason Jar recipes, but please help.
I love your website and ideas. Thank you very much 🙂 Keep up the great work!
Poached some chicken last night and it is delicious! My kids love BBQ chicken sandwiches (with Avocado & mayo) this is so much cheaper and a much healthier option too! I used Tarragon, Thyme, Oregano & Parsley all from my garden and even managed to shred the chicken with my hand mixer! I have reserved the liquid in the fridge and will use it as a stock base for dinner tonight and maybe freeze the rest!
sounds absolutely delicious Therese.
Hi Katrina. Can you poach with chicken stock as well? First time cook.
You can add a cup or so to the water, will help to intensify the flavour, great idea 😉
The Thermomix takes quite a while to heat up water so if you use boiling water from the jug, it will only take 10 minutes to cook the chicken! Thanks for this recipe, I love it!