Crockpot Shredded Chicken
Crockpot Shredded Chicken is an easy, hands-off recipe that results in tender, juicy chicken perfect for tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more. With minimal preparation and simple ingredients, this flavorful and versatile dish is ideal for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts alike.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Hot sauce and butter for Buffalo Style variation
- Barbecue sauce for BBQ variation
- 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, fresh cilantro for Mexican variation
- Fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley for Herb Infused variation
- Cream cheese or sour cream for Creamy Version
- Prepare the Chicken: Start with high-quality chicken breasts—rinse and pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which helps seasonings stick better.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over each breast for maximum flavor infusion.
- Add Liquids to Crockpot: Pour chicken broth into the crockpot to keep the chicken moist and tender while cooking. Drizzle olive oil on top to add richness.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and use two forks to shred them finely. Return the shredded meat to the crockpot to soak up the juices before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh chicken for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not skip the broth, as it helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.
- Cooking on low heat is recommended for ideal shredding results.
- Shred the chicken while it is warm to allow it to absorb the cooking juices better.
- Double the batch for easy freezing and future meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 4 oz shredded chicken)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: shredded chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy chicken recipe, meal prep chicken, healthy chicken, tender chicken