Easy Shredded Chicken in the Slow Cooker

This shredded chicken in the slow cooker recipe is not only incredibly easy, but it also yields tender and flavorful chicken that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Shredded Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken: I usually (always) use boneless chicken breast. That’s not to say you can’t use bone-in or other cuts of chicken. Just keep in mind cooking time may vary.
• Liquid: My favorite liquid to use is chicken or vegetable broth. It comes with its own flavor profile that really adds to the shredded chicken. But let’s be honest unless I have an open broth container in the fridge, I’m not going to open one to only use a 1/2 cup. Water also works just as well.
• Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are like the power throuple we can’t break up. I use a teaspoon of each spice to easily remember how much to use. Okay fine, and also so I only have to wash one measuring spoon. You’re welcome.

Quick Cooking Tips:

• Go low and slow: I like my beat down low, down low, down low. Okay, with that tune stuck in your mind, may you never turn the slow cooker on high for this shredded chicken. Why? It cooks too fast and dries out; that’d be very un-creme de la creme, homie. Therefore, cook on low for 2-3 hours.
• Do not cook from frozen. The internet has been telling me for years it’s unsafe. Why risk it? Only have frozen chicken? Quickly-ish unthaw your chicken by zipping it up in a plastic bag and placing it in a bowl of cool water for 1-2 hours.
• Shredding the chicken. If you cook your chicken on low, it should be falling apart. Remove it from the slow cooker and onto a cutting board or in a big bowl. I use two forks to shred.
• Storage. So many options! Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Throw it on your favorite meal prep salad. Use immediately for dinner. Or store in a well-sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready, unthaw in the fridge overnight.

Print Recipe

No ratings yet

Shredded Chicken in the Slow Cooker

This shredded chicken recipe is not only incredibly easy, but it also yields tender and flavorful chicken that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time3 hours hrs

Total Time3 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Yields: 6 cups

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• ½ cup broth or water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

• Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Position the chicken in a single-layer for even cooking.
• Add water and seasonings.
• Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
• Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Serve as desired.

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Type: shredded chicken