Ever wish your shredded chicken turned out consistently juicy and tender every time? That’s exactly why I fell in love with sous vide shredded chicken—it’s foolproof, full of flavor, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re layering it into tacos, tossing it over a salad, or prepping meals for the week, this method guarantees perfect results without the guesswork.
With the help of a sous vide machine, you can lock in moisture and elevate even simple chicken breasts into something truly satisfying. If you’ve struggled with dry or bland shredded chicken before, this approach changes everything. Let me show you how to make it not just easier—but better.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’ve ever struggled with dry or bland chicken, you’re not alone—and you’re going to love what sous vide can do. Sous vide shredded chicken isn’t just about convenience; it’s about elevating a kitchen staple into something that’s tender, flavorful, and incredibly reliable.
Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
- Juicy, Never Dry: Thanks to the sous vide’s precise temperature control, your chicken stays moist and tender from edge to edge. Say goodbye to overcooked, rubbery pieces.
- Meal Prep Made Easy: This recipe is ideal for batch cooking. Whip up a large batch on Sunday and use it throughout the week in everything from wraps and salads to tacos and sandwiches.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Once it’s sealed and in the water bath, the hard part is done. The sous vide method gives you time back while delivering consistent results.
- Healthy & Versatile: High in protein and low in fat, shredded chicken fits seamlessly into many diets—whether you’re eating clean, keto, or just trying to eat more home-cooked meals.
Ingredients for Sous Vide Shredded Chicken
Let’s start with the essentials. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how simple and flexible it is—you only need a few ingredients to create perfectly tender shredded chicken that works with almost any meal.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – for clean, balanced seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – adds a subtle depth
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – boosts the savory notes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter – helps retain moisture and adds richness
- Optional: black pepper, paprika, chili flakes, or your favorite seasoning blend for a personal touch
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
- Sous vide precision cooker (immersion circulator)
- Large pot or heat-safe container for the water bath
- Vacuum sealer or resealable freezer-safe zip-top bags
- Tongs and a fork (for shredding later)
Pro Tip: Don’t worry if you don’t have a vacuum sealer—just use the water displacement method with a zip-top bag. It’s quick, easy, and works just as well!
This basic flavor combo gives you a clean, versatile starting point. You can always dress it up later with sauces, spices, or marinades depending on how you’re serving it—from tacos to grain bowls to BBQ sliders.
How to Make Sous Vide Shredded Chicken
Once you try making shredded chicken sous vide style, it might just become your favorite method. The beauty of sous vide is in its precision—you’re cooking the chicken to the perfect temperature and holding it there, which means no more guesswork, and no more dry chicken.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get it just right:
1. Preheat Your Water Bath
- Set your sous vide machine to 150°F (65.6°C) for tender, juicy chicken that’s easy to shred.
- Place your immersion circulator in a large pot or heat-safe container and let it come to temperature while you prep the chicken.
2. Season and Seal the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them evenly with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and any additional spices you like.
- Drizzle with a little olive oil or add a pat of butter for extra richness.
- Place the chicken into a vacuum-seal bag or zip-top freezer bag (using the water displacement method if you’re skipping the vacuum sealer).
3. Cook Sous Vide
- Submerge the sealed bag in the water bath, ensuring it’s fully covered.
- Cook for 5 to 2 hours. Don’t worry about overcooking—sous vide holds the chicken at a steady temp, so it stays moist and tender even if you leave it a bit longer.
4. Shred the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the bag and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- Use two forks (or a hand mixer for a quick hack) to shred the meat to your desired texture.
- Optional: toss the shredded chicken in its own juices or add a spoonful of sauce for extra flavor.
5. Serve or Store
- Your sous vide shredded chicken is ready to use in tacos, wraps, salads, pasta, or whatever you’re craving!
- If you’re prepping ahead, let it cool and store as directed in the next section.
Substitutions & Variations
One of the best parts about sous vide shredded chicken is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you’re working with what you have on hand or tailoring the flavor to fit a specific dish, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and flexible.
Protein Swaps
- Chicken Thighs: Prefer richer flavor or juicier texture? Swap the breasts for boneless, skinless thighs. They shred beautifully and hold up well to bolder seasonings.
- Frozen Chicken: No time to thaw? You can cook from frozen—just add an extra hour to your sous vide cook time.
Seasoning Ideas
Change up the vibe of your chicken with a simple switch of seasonings:
- Smoky BBQ: Use smoked paprika, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar. Finish with your favorite barbecue sauce.
- Taco-Style: Add cumin, chili powder, and lime zest for a flavorful base for tacos or burrito bowls.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in dried thyme, rosemary, and a splash of lemon juice for a fresh, Mediterranean twist.
- Spicy Garlic: Try a blend of garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and a hint of soy sauce for something bold and savory.
Saucy Additions
After shredding, toss your chicken with:
- Buffalo sauce for wraps or lettuce cups
- Teriyaki glaze for rice bowls
- Creamy pesto for pasta or paninis
- Salsa verde for a zesty taco night upgrade
Dietary Modifications
- Low-Sodium: Reduce or skip the salt and rely on herbs and acid (like lemon or vinegar) for flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Stick with olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter.
- Keto-Friendly: All versions of this shredded chicken are naturally low-carb and high-protein—perfect for a ketogenic meal plan.
Storage & Reheating
One of the best things about sous vide shredded chicken is how well it stores. It’s a true meal prep hero—ready when you are, and just as tasty the next day (or even next week). With a little planning, you can have flavorful, protein-packed chicken on hand for busy days, lazy nights, or last-minute lunches.
How to Store
- Refrigerator:
Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and it will remain fresh. - Freezer:
For longer storage, portion the shredded chicken into freezer-safe bags (press out any excess air) or use vacuum-sealed pouches. Mark with the date and store in the freezer for up to three months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Maintaining that soft, juicy texture is essential—here’s the smart way to reheat it like a pro:
- Microwave:
Add a splash of broth or water to the chicken and cover it loosely to trap steam. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until warm. - Stovetop:
Heat a small amount of oil or broth in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the chicken and stir until heated through. - Oven (for big batches):
Preheat to 300°F (150°C), place the chicken in a covered baking dish with a bit of moisture (broth or sauce), and warm for about 10–15 minutes.
Avoid high heat, which can make the chicken tough or dry out the edges.
What to Serve with Sous Vide Shredded Chicken
Once you’ve got your sous vide shredded chicken ready, the possibilities for turning it into a delicious meal are endless. This tender, juicy protein is the perfect blank canvas—it takes on flavors beautifully and works with just about any cuisine or style of dish. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or prepping for a casual get-together, here are some easy and tasty ideas to inspire you.
Quick & Easy Meal Ideas
- Tacos or Burrito Bowls:
Pile the chicken into warm tortillas or over rice with black beans, avocado, salsa, and shredded cheese. - BBQ Chicken Sliders:
Toss the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce and serve on mini buns with coleslaw for a crowd-pleaser. - Protein-Packed Salads:
Add to a crisp green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, and a tangy vinaigrette for a light, healthy meal. - Stuffed Sweet Potatoes:
Load roasted sweet potatoes with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo. - Pasta or Grain Bowls:
Mix into warm pasta or cooked quinoa with roasted veggies and a creamy sauce like pesto or tahini.
Breakfast-Ready Options
- Breakfast Burritos:
Wrap shredded chicken with scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa in a tortilla for a protein-rich start to your day. - Savory Omelets or Frittatas:
Stir into egg dishes with spinach, peppers, or mushrooms for a filling brunch idea.
Sides That Pair Perfectly
Looking for simple sides to round out your meal? Try:
- Cauliflower rice or brown rice for a lighter base
- Roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts
- Garlic mashed potatoes for comfort food vibes
- Crispy air fryer fries or sweet potato wedges
More Summer Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
After serving up a savory dish like sous vide shredded chicken, it’s always nice to finish on a sweet note—especially when summer calls for light, refreshing treats. If you’re looking to balance your menu with something cool, fruity, or simply indulgent (without heating up the kitchen), these easy summer desserts are just what you need.
Fresh & Fruity Favorites
- Strawberry Shortcake:
Layers of buttery biscuits, sweet strawberries, and whipped cream—perfectly seasonal and crowd-pleasing. - Peach Crisp:
Made with juicy summer peaches and a crunchy oat topping, this dessert is cozy and light at the same time. - Berry Yogurt Parfaits:
A no-bake option layered with Greek yogurt, granola, and mixed berries. Great for brunch or a quick dessert.
Cool, No-Bake Treats
- Frozen Yogurt Bark:
Swirl your favorite yogurt with honey and top it with fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips before freezing. A healthy, customizable snack or dessert. - Lemon Icebox Pie:
Zesty, creamy, and chilled—this pie has that classic tart-sweet flavor that screams summer refreshment. - No-Bake Cheesecake Cups:
Individual servings made with a graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and fresh fruit topping. Ideal for entertaining.
Light & Lively Options
- Lemon Bars:
Bright and tangy with a buttery shortbread crust—these bars are sunshine in dessert form. - Coconut Chia Pudding:
Creamy, dairy-free, and loaded with nutrients. Dress it up with tropical fruit like mango or pineapple.
FAQs
If you’re new to sous vide shredded chicken, you might have a few questions before getting started. Below are clear, helpful answers to the most common ones—so you can feel confident every step of the way.
What are the sous vide shredded chicken made of?
At its core, sous vide shredded chicken is made from simple, high-quality ingredients. The base is boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, seasoned with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and sometimes enhanced with herbs or spices. The chicken is vacuum-sealed or placed in a zip-top bag, then slowly cooked in a sous vide water bath for incredibly moist, flavorful results.
Is sous vide shredded chicken good?
Absolutely! It’s one of the most reliable ways to make juicy, tender chicken every time. Unlike oven or stovetop methods, sous vide keeps the chicken at a precise temperature, so it doesn’t overcook. The result? Shredded chicken that’s moist, flavorful, and ideal for everything from salads to tacos.
What are the three types of sous vide shredded chicken?
Great question! While the core method stays the same, you can switch up the flavors to create different versions:
- Classic Seasoned: Lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic—great for meal prep and versatile dishes.
- BBQ Style: Infused with smoked paprika and finished with barbecue sauce—perfect for sliders or sandwiches.
- Mexican-Inspired: Seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and lime zest for tacos, bowls, or nachos.
Each variation is fully customizable depending on your flavor preferences and how you plan to serve it.
What do you need for sous vide shredded chicken?
Start off with just a small selection of tools and ingredients:
- Sous vide immersion circulator
- Large pot or sous vide container
- Vacuum sealer or freezer-safe zip-top bags
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Seasonings (salt, garlic powder, etc.)
- Tongs and forks for shredding