To help keep the chicken from drying out, marinate the chicken to lock in flavor and moisture. This recipe is for 1lb chicken; double or triple as needed.
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried parsley OR 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
½ teaspoon paprika
½ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar OR lemon juice
Whisk together the ingredients, then pour over the chicken. Place the chicken into the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes, up to overnight.
Storage
To Store: Place the cooled chicken into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. (These are my favorite airtight containers.)To Reheat: Add a couple tablespoons of chicken stock or water to a pan with the chicken. Cover and heat on low.Alternatively, if you are adding chicken to a soup or pasta that's already warm, you can just mix it in with the other ingredients.To Freeze: Shredded chicken will last about 4 months in the freezer. Once cooled, place the chicken into an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to label.To Thaw: Remove from the freezer and allow the chicken to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Tips for Freezing Shredded Chicken
Cool Completely: Let your chicken cool down completely before freezing it to prevent excess moisture and ice crystals.Flat-Freezing Trick: Lay the chicken flat in a bag or container to save space in the freezer.Air-TightStorage: Remove as much air as possible from the bag or container to prevent freezer burn.Labeling: Always label your bags with the date and contents for easy identification later.Freezer Shelf Life: Frozen shredded chicken can last for up to 3-4 months in the freezer.Thawed Chicken: Once thawed, use your shredded chicken within 3-4 days.