Boil & Shred...

...to get a step ahead.
This handy little tip will help you be one step ahead of the cooking curve this New Year.
It's a step that'll help you make wiser choices and help you save money.

Anytime I see the recipe that calls for shredded chicken..I cringe (or I used to until I discovered this tip).
I literally used to just put diced chicken or chicken tenders in lieu of shredded chicken OR I just wouldn't try the recipe.
Of course I can also admit I would just buy canned chicken...that's right...canned *cringing at embarrassment* (it's so much more expensive)!
But NO MORE!
From now on I will plan ahead and keep shredded chicken in my freezer!
So how do you get shredded chicken without a headache?

1st buy boneless, skinless chicken breast.

If you can buy in bulk or get a good deal on chicken that MUST be sold soon, even better!

Using the method will ensure that you save money by cooking and storing your chicken so it doesn't go bad in the fridge.

Next get your pot of water boiling.

 Submerge your chicken in the boiling water for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked thoroughly.

 *Hint* Did you know that placing a wooden spoon on top of the boiling pot like pictured below, will ensure that it doesn't boil over?  Nifty huh!

 Now for the shredding...no double fork method here...instead use that KitchenAid that up until now you've only used for baking (okay so maybe I'm the only one who only used it for baking up until now)

 If you have the nifty cover pictured below, I advise using it at this point.

 Place all your chicken in with the cookie dough paddle and set on level 4 for about 5 minutes.

Don't go far....at least not at first.  

That cookie paddle will be battling some big pieces of chicken and they will be tempted to jump out if given the chance!

 When it's done this is what you should see in your bowl...

PERFECTLY shredded chicken!

 If you aren't planning on using it in the next day or so you'll want to freeze it.

I recently learned, however, that you shouldn't put hot items into the freezer because the condensation will form ice crystals which in turn can lead to freezer burn.

SO...spoon your shredded chicken into a freezer safe container.

 and allow it to cool in the fridge.

 if you want to freeze it for later use...I recommend laying it flat and pushing all the air out.

The flat shape will also help save you room in your freezer!

I hope this handy trip helps save you time and money and if you have any great recipes that call for shredded chicken I'd love for you to leave a comment sharing them!

I hope you had a Blessed Tuesday!