This Crock Pot Shredded Chicken recipe is a simple way to save time and serve up countless delicious dishes. Here, we cover the basics of making and using the juiciest, most delectably simple slow cooker shredded chicken. You’ll learn how to cook and season the chicken, how to shred chicken breast, how to store and use crockpot chicken, and some easy shredded chicken recipes for cooks on the go.
Shredded chicken is, hands down, one of the most essential crockpot recipes to have up your sleeve. This shredded chicken recipe will simplify your weeknight meals and transform your meal prep routine.
With shredded chicken on hand, you can whip up limitless dishes in no time at all. Chicken casseroles, bbq chicken pizza, chicken caesar salad, chicken enchilada soup, and so many more shredded chicken recipes come together in a snap when you’ve done half the work ahead of time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You only need a few simple ingredients. Boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken stock, and a little salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are all it takes to make slow cooker shredded chicken.
It’s healthy. Whether you’re going low-carb or keto, paleo or gluten-free, this shredded chicken is for you.
It’s fast and easy. It takes just a few minutes to pop everything into the crock pot, then you can set it and forget it!
The possibilities are endless. This crockpot shredded chicken can be used in so many ways, making it a great hack for clever cooks.
You can make it in advance. Make up a few batches ahead of time, then just pull some out of the freezer when you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry.
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts make the most tender and juicy slow cooker shredded chicken
Chicken stock takes the flavor up a notch
Basic seasonings, like salt and pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder make your crockpot shredded chicken tasty, yet adaptable for different recipes.
Supplies
Programmable 5 or 6 quart crockpot
Hand mixer, stand mixer, or two forks
Mixing bowls
Freezer-safe storage bags or glass containers
How to make crock pot shredded chicken?
Slow cooker shredded chicken comes together quick as a wink.
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 5 or 6-quart crock pot.
Add in the seasoning on top of the chicken.
Pour the stock over the meat. It should cover the chicken at least half way.
Cover and slow cook the chicken breasts for 5-6 hours on low for best results, or 3-4 hours on high if you’re in a pinch.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl, then shred it using two forks or a hand mixer.
Add in a little of the cooking liquid to keep your shredded chicken nice and juicy.
Just like that, it’s ready to use in all of your favorite shredded chicken recipes.
How to shred chicken?
There are two easy ways to shred cooked chicken, and the method that you choose will affect the size and texture of the finished product.
Use two forks.
For larger pieces, place two forks into the chicken, back to back, and pull outwards to shred the meat. Continue until all of the chicken is shredded.
Use a hand mixer.
For smaller pieces, with a finer texture, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Place the beaters in the center of the chicken breasts and work them around the bowl until all the meat is finely shredded. Just be sure to use a bowl large enough to keep your chicken from flying around the kitchen!
Substitutions
With so few ingredients, there aren’t many substitution options. However, here are a few ideas if you don’t have exactly what’s listed.
Bone-in chicken breasts. If you have bone-in chicken breasts on hand, you can certainly use those instead of boneless chicken, just be aware that they might need a bit more cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is fully cooked when it’s reached 165 degrees.
Use water instead of broth. If you don’t have chicken broth in your pantry, you can still make moist, juicy cooked shredded chicken by using water or vegetable broth instead. If you need to use water instead of chicken broth, adding a couple of tablespoons of butter will help ensure a rich and tasty result. Beef broth does not make a good substitute, as it will alter the flavor of the chicken.
Shake up the seasonings. Parsley, oregano, bay leaves, onion flakes, basil, rosemary, and thyme can all add a little zing to your slow cooker shredded chicken, so experiment with the flavors you love.
Cooking Tips
For crock pot shredded chicken that comes out just right every time, try these simple tips:
The best slow cooker shredded chicken starts with boneless skinless chicken breast. Though it can be done, using skinless chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts will result in shredded chicken with a much higher grease and fat content. Chicken thighs also have a heavier flavor that can alter the taste of your shredded chicken recipes. Chicken breasts are a more versatile way to go.
For moist and tender meat, cook only on low, and for no more than six hours. Chicken can dry out quickly if it’s cooked for too long or at a temperature that’s too high. Your chicken might be perfectly done in as little as five hours, so keep an eye on it. If you’re pressed for time, you can cook your shredded chicken recipe on high. Just watch it very carefully.
Take the chicken out of the crockpot before shredding it. Shredding your chicken directly in the cooking juices can result in a mushy mess, so it’s best to put it in a separate bowl first. Then, you can control the amount of juice that you add back into your chicken.
Storage tips
To store. Crockpot shredded chicken will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For freshness, glass storage containers are a better choice than plastic.
To freeze. Freeze 1-2 cup portions of cooled shredded chicken in freezer-safe bags for up to 6 months.
To reheat. When you’re ready to make a shredded chicken recipe, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, or pop it in the microwave to save time. Just 1-2 minutes in the microwave and dinner’s almost done.
How to Use Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken in Recipes
Any recipe that calls for shredded chicken comes together quickly when the meat is already cooked.
Here are a few mouth-watering crowd-pleasers to try.
Chicken salad. With the addition of a few ingredients, your shredded chicken will taste great on sandwiches.
Chicken tacos or nachos. Shredded chicken, some salsa, beans and cheese, and any night can be Taco Tuesday. Add taco seasoning to the cooked chicken and layer on tortilla chips. Cover with cheese and bake until it’s melted for a nacho feast.
Chicken pasta. Add warmed chicken to cooked pasta, stir in some cream sauce and spinach, then top with cheese and bake until bubbly.
Quick and easy salads. Topping your salad with shredded chicken is an easy and healthy way to get in a little extra protein.
Pulled chicken sandwiches. Toss warmed shredded chicken with bbq sauce, then put it on a bun and top with pickles and onions.
Chicken wraps. Pile shredded chicken, crisp lettuce, and chopped tomato onto a wrap for a lighter lunchbox alternative. Add your favorite dressing when you’re ready to eat.
Casseroles galore. Use slow cooker shredded in any casserole recipe. From King Ranch casserole to creamy one-dish chicken and rice, or Tex-Mex enchiladas, you can have dinner ready in no time.
Toss some in your soup. Make creamy potato soups and brothy vegetable soups a little heartier with the addition of shredded chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook chicken breast in slow cooker?
To cook chicken breasts in a slow cooker, it’s generally recommended to cook them on low for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. It’s important to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F (75°C) before consuming.
Best settings for crockpot chicken?
The best setting for cooking chicken in a crockpot depends on your schedule and desired tenderness. Cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours yields juicy, tender chicken, while cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours will cook the chicken faster but may result in slightly less tender meat.
Cooking whole chicken vs chicken breasts?
Cooking a whole chicken in a slow cooker adds more flavor as the bones and additional fat contribute to the cooking process. A whole chicken typically takes 4 to 6 hours on high or 6 to 8 hours on low. Chicken breasts cook more quickly and are better suited for recipes requiring shredded chicken. They typically take 2 to 3 hours on high or 3 to 4 hours on low.
Why is my slow cooker chicken tough?
If your chicken turns out tough, it might be due to overcooking. Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough as the proteins contract. To avoid overcooking, try reducing the cook time or using a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Difference between pulled and shredded chicken?
Both pulled and shredded chicken involve tearing the cooked meat apart. However, pulled chicken is typically chunkier and uses two forks to pull the meat apart into larger pieces. Shredded chicken is finer, more like the consistency of grated cheese, usually achieved by using a fork or your fingers to separate the strands.
Can raw chicken be added to crockpot?
Yes, you can add raw chicken directly to your crockpot. The slow cooker will cook the chicken thoroughly, which eliminates the need for pre-cooking or browning. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before consuming.
Crock Pot Shredded Chicken
This Crock Pot Shredded Chicken recipe is a simple way to save time and serve up countless delicious dishes. Here, we cover the basics of making and using the juiciest, most delectably simple slow cooker shredded chicken. You’ll learn how to cook and season the chicken, how to shred chicken breast, how to store and use crockpot chicken, and some easy shredded chicken recipes for cooks on the go.
2lbs.boneless skinless chicken breastsroughly 3 to 4 breasts
1teaspoononion powder
1teaspoongarlic powder
1/2teaspoonsalt
1/2teaspoonground pepper
2cupschicken brothcan substitute water or vegetable broth
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts into the bottom of a 5 or 6-quart crock pot.
Add the seasonings over the top of the chicken.
Pour the stock over the meat. It should cover the chicken at least half way.
Cover and slow cook the chicken breasts for 5-6 hours on low for best results, or 2-4 hours on high if you’re in a pinch.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl, then shred it using two forks, a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Add in a little of the cooking liquid to keep your shredded chicken nice and juicy.
Just like that, it’s ready to use in all of your favorite shredded chicken recipes.
Notes
Storage tipsTo store. Crock pot shredded chicken will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For freshness, glass storage containers are better than plastic.
To freeze. Freeze 1-2 cup portions of cooled shredded chicken in freezer-safe bags for up to 6 months.
To reheat. When you’re ready to make a shredded chicken recipe, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, or pop it in the microwave to save time. Just 1-2 minutes in the microwave and dinner’s almost done.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
