This Crispy Chinese Shredded Chicken Will Blow Your Takeout Away

Crispy Chinese shredded chicken on a plate.

Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.

Craving a takeout-style dish thatโ€™s healthy, flavorful, and quick to make? This Crispy Chinese Shredded Chicken is exactly what you need! Itโ€™s packed with bold, savory flavors and, best of all, itโ€™s Weight Watchers-friendly with zero points. Perfect for meal prep, this versatile chicken works in wraps, rice bowls, salads, and more. With minimal ingredients and a short prep time, you can whip it up in no time and enjoy it throughout the week. Ready to elevate your homemade meals? This recipe will make your taste buds and your wallet very happy!

Get The Recipe Here: Crispy Chinese Shredded Chicken

Crispy Chinese shredded chicken ingredients in separate dishes on a counter.

Ingredients

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To prepare this dish, you will need 1 large white onion, halved, 1 head of garlic, peeled and crushed, and 1 ginger root (2 inches long), left whole. The main protein consists of 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs / 680 g total). For the seasoning, you’ll need ยผ cup (60 ml) soy sauce, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar, and 2 packets of Splenda for a touch of sweetness. Add 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt and ยฝ teaspoon (1 g) white pepper for flavor. To complete the recipe, you will need 1 cup (240 ml) water and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vegetable oil to help with cooking.

Aromatics in the slow cooker pot.

Prepare the Aromatics and Chicken

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Place halved onion, crushed garlic, and whole ginger root in the Instant Pot. Lay the chicken breasts on top, then season with salt and white pepper. Pour in soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, and Splenda packets for a balanced sweetness.

Chicken added on top of aromatics in the cooker.

Pressure Cook the Chicken

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Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on โ€œPressure Cookโ€ or โ€œManualโ€ for 15 minutes on high pressure. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining steam.

Cooked and shredded chicken added to an oven-safe dish to go under the broiler for crisping.

Shred and Broil the Chicken

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Remove the chicken and shred it into fine strips using two forks, discarding the aromatics. Preheat the oven to broil, then spread the shredded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with vegetable oil, spoon a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid over it, and broil for 5-10 minutes, watching closely for crispy edges.

Crispy Chinese shredded chicken on a plate.

Serve and Enjoy

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Remove the chicken from the oven and serve immediately.

Variations and Substitutions

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While I love the original recipe, there are a few adjustments you can make based on preference or what you have available. You can replace some of the vinegar with Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor, or skip peeling garlic by slicing a whole head and adding it in. Rice wine or cooking sake can substitute for vinegar. Pork tenderloin also works well as an alternative protein, absorbing the flavors just as nicely. For a slower cooking method, this recipe adapts well to a slow cooker, enhancing tenderness and flavor.

Cooked chicken in the cooker.

Tips and Tricks

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For the best crispy Chinese shredded chicken, donโ€™t skimp on the seasoningโ€”add generous amounts of ginger, soy sauce, and garlic to ensure the chicken absorbs all those classic flavors. Use a sugar alternative like Splenda or Stevia for a Weight Watchers-friendly option, balancing the sweet, salty, and tangy notes. Carefully remove any ginger pieces after cooking to prevent an unexpected bite. Broil the shredded chicken to achieve those crispy edges, but watch it closely to avoid burning. For an extra flavor boost and beautiful presentation, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions on top before serving.

Get The Recipe Here: Crispy Chinese Shredded Chicken