This easy crockpot shredded chicken is a game changer for busy days! Just toss the chicken in the slow cooker with your favorite seasonings and let it cook low and slow.
You’ll love how it becomes super tender and juicy. I often use it for tacos, salads, or even on sandwiches. It’s like a chicken party, and everyone’s invited! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you only have thighs, they work great too; they’ll be even juicier! You can also use frozen chicken, just increase the cooking time slightly.
Chicken Broth: I prefer chicken broth for depth of flavor, but water works too. If you want a different taste, vegetable broth is a good option. Or, if you’re avoiding the sodium, go for low-sodium broth.
Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder are classic, but feel free to add other spices like cumin for a different twist. If you like heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can kick it up a notch!
Paprika: This is optional, but it adds a nice color and a hint of smokiness. If you’re out of paprika, try a bit of cayenne for heat, or skip it altogether—your chicken will still be delicious!
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken can seem tricky, but don’t worry! Here’s the easiest way I’ve found:
- Once the chicken is cooked, use tongs to carefully transfer it to a plate.
- Take two forks and pull the chicken apart. It should come apart easily if it’s cooked well.
- If you find it hard to shred, let it cool slightly before trying again. This method works great and saves time!
Mix the shredded chicken back into the juices for extra flavor. It’s simple, and you’ll be amazed at how tender it is!
Easy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and then you’ll let your crockpot do the work for 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. So, it’s a total of about 6-7 hours of waiting, but most of that time is hands-off!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot or slow cooker. Make sure not to crowd them too much; they need a little space to cook evenly.
2. Season the Chicken:
Next, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano evenly over the chicken. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste—cooking is all about enjoying the flavors!
3. Add the Broth:
Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. If you’re using water instead, that’s perfectly fine! It adds moisture, and the flavors will come from the seasonings.
4. Cook It Up:
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It should be fully cooked and tender by the end of that time. You can tell it’s done when it shreds easily with a fork!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts with tongs and place them on a large plate. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This step is quick and super satisfying!
6. Mix Back into Juices:
Return your shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it back into those delicious cooking juices. This helps keep the chicken flavorful and moist.
7. Final Touch:
Let it sit on warm for an additional 10-15 minutes. This little bit of extra time helps the flavors meld even better.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your shredded chicken is ready! Use it in tacos, sandwiches, salads, or any dish you love. It’s so versatile and perfect for meal prep!
Enjoy your tender, flavorful shredded chicken that is effortless to make!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, just make sure to increase the cooking time to about 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. Using a frozen chicken will ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use water, vegetable broth, or even bone broth for additional flavor. Just keep in mind that broth adds richness, while water will be a bit lighter in taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Shredded Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating!
What Are Some Ways to Use Shredded Chicken?
Shredded chicken is super versatile! Use it in tacos, as a topping for salads or baked potatoes, in sandwiches, or stir it into soups. You can even mix it into pasta dishes or use it for meal prep in grain bowls!
