Let’s talk about one of the most useful things you can possibly make in your kitchen, a true weeknight hero. This easy crockpot shredded chicken is my secret weapon against mealtime chaos, and I’m so excited to share it with you.
It’s a humble-looking recipe, I’ll admit, but its power lies in its incredible versatility and foolproof method.
Why This Recipe is a Kitchen Essential
Honestly, this might just be my most-made recipe ever, and for good reason. It gives you that delicious, juicy flavor of a rotisserie chicken, but you control the batch size right from home.
The best part? You can stash it in the freezer for up to two months, turning a single slow cooker session into future-you’s greatest gift.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Just a handful of simple ingredients creates this fantastic all-purpose base. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters.
- 3 Pounds Chicken Breasts (about 4 large): This is the perfect amount for a standard crockpot, yielding plenty for now and later.
- 1 Cup Chicken Broth: This is the magic potion that steams and braises the chicken, locking in incredible moisture as it cooks.
- 1 Teaspoon Each of Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder: This simple seasoning blend is the foundation, giving the chicken a savory, crowd-pleasing flavor that works in any dish.
How to make Easy Crockpot Shredded Chicken?
The process is wonderfully straightforward, a true “set it and forget it” endeavor. Just follow these few simple steps.
Step 1 – Assemble in the Pot
Place your chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. There’s no need to sear them first, we’re going for ultimate ease here.
Then, just pour the chicken broth and all the seasonings right over the top. That’s it, your prep work is officially done.
Step 2 – Choose Your Cooking Time
Now, you have a choice. For the most tender, fall-apart texture, cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. It’s perfect for a workday.
If you need it faster, the high setting for 3 to 4 hours will also give you beautifully cooked, shreddable chicken.
Step 3 – Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the cooked chicken to a large bowl or cutting board. You’ll notice how juicy and fragrant it is.
Take two forks and shred the meat apart. It should pull effortlessly, a sure sign of perfectly cooked chicken.
Step 4 – Use or Store
You can immediately dive in and use this chicken in your dinner tonight. The flavor is neutral enough for anything.
Or, let it cool completely before portioning it into zip-top bags for the freezer. I find 1 to 2 cups per bag works brilliantly for future meals.
Brilliant Ways to Use Your Shredded Chicken
This is where the fun really begins. Think of this chicken as a blank canvas, ready to become whatever you’re craving.
Toss it with barbecue sauce for sandwiches, mix it into a creamy pasta, or layer it into hearty enchiladas. For meal prep, add a different sauce each day—think ranch, salsa, or teriyaki—and pile it over greens for a salad that’s never boring.
Tips
- Don’t skip the broth. It’s the key to preventing dryness and creates a bit of flavorful liquid that keeps the chicken succulent.
- Shred directly in the pot, carefully. If you prefer, you can shred the chicken right in the crockpot using two forks, which lets it soak up any remaining juices.
- Double the batch effortlessly. Have a large crockpot? Simply double all the ingredients for a true plethora of ready-to-go protein.
- Thighs work too. For even richer flavor and juiciness, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts.
Mastering Storage & Freezing
Proper storage is what makes this recipe a strategic powerhouse. For the fridge, keep shredded chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
For freezing, press out excess air from your bags before sealing. Laying them flat to freeze saves precious freezer space and allows for quick thawing later.
When you’re ready, thaw a bag overnight in the refrigerator or submerge it in cool water. A quick reheat in a skillet or the microwave, and it’s like you just made it fresh.
Easy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe
Description
This super easy Crockpot Shredded Chicken is seasoned and slow-cooked all day until tender, then ready to use in wraps, tacos, casseroles—or freeze for later! It tastes just as good as rotisserie chicken but is far more economical and versatile for meal prep.
ingredients
Instructions
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Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
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Pour chicken broth over the chicken, then sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
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Remove chicken from the crockpot and shred using two forks. (Optional: stir in some of the cooking liquid to keep it moist.)
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Use immediately in your favorite recipes—or let cool, portion into freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 180kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 4gg7%
- Saturated Fat 1gg5%
- Trans Fat 0gg
- Cholesterol 85mgmg29%
- Sodium 420mgmg18%
- Potassium 420mgmg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 1gg1%
- Dietary Fiber 0gg0%
- Sugars 0gg
- Protein 35gg70%
- Calcium 10 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Freezer Tip: Portion cooled shredded chicken into 1–2 cup servings in zip-top freezer bags for easy use later.
- Flavor Boost: After shredding, mix in taco seasoning, BBQ sauce, ranch, or hot sauce to customize for different meals.
- Meal Prep Magic: Use in salads, wraps, soups, pasta, or grain bowls throughout the week.
- Broth Substitute: Can use water or stock if preferred—chicken broth adds the best flavor.
