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Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

March 15, 2021 | Chicken

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Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken is the most tender, juicy, flavorful, easy-to-make and easy-to-shred chicken! This takes 3 minutes to prep and can be cooked fresh or frozen.

Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken in a large white serving bowl with two forks in the side.

This is my absolute favorite way to cook shredded chicken! Never have you tasted such incredibly moist and tender shredded chicken. I HATE when chicken is tough and dry. This turns out great every time!

Seasoned chicken breasts in a slow cooker with two forks starting to shred one of the breasts.

Crock-Pot Shredded Chicken

There are a lot of recipes call for cooked chicken. Sure you could buy a Rotisserie chicken but if all you have is some frozen (or fresh!) chicken and want to save money, let this Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken be your go-to! Use it in salad, pasta, sandwiches, tacos, quesadillas… the possibilities are endless!

Top view of shredded chicken in a bowl with two forks in the side of the bowl.

How to make Shredded Chicken?

Use your slow cooker to create the perfect shredded chicken that is flavorful, juicy, and tender.

  1. Prep it

    Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the water and then sprinkle the chicken with seasonings.

  2. Cook it

    Cover with lid and cook on LOW for 4 hours or until cooked through and easily shreds.

  3. Shred it

    Shred chicken with two forks or in a Kitchen Aid mixer fixed with the paddle attachment. Spoon some of the broth over the chicken if desired or save it for other recipes.

  4. Use or store

    Use immediately or refrigerate/freeze in an airtight container for later use. Makes about 4-5 cups shredded chicken.

Raw boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker seasoned with spices.

FAQS

How to cook frozen chicken in the crock-pot?

The only thing different you need to do is add 1-1.5 more hours to your cooking time since you are now using part of the cooking time to thaw the chicken.

How should I season plain chicken?

If you are planning to use the chicken in another recipe that has flavor/seasonings, I would only recommend using salt and pepper to season your shredded chicken. If using in something like a quesadilla, add chili powder, cumin, paprika. If using in chicken salad add garlic, onion powder, and ground mustard. If adding to gyros add some Greek seasoning. Experiment! See what you like.

What type of chicken is best for shredding?

Skinless chicken thighs or breast. Bone in is totally fine and actually adds a lot of flavor and moisture but shredding must be done by fork on a cutting board instead of using a mixer.

What is the easiest way to shred chicken?

The easiest way to shred chicken is using an electric mixer. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer. I prefer the stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Be careful to not over mix especially if you’re aiming for larger shreds.

What should I do with the chicken juices?

Strain the juices and use it as broth in other recipes like soup. You can also ladle a spoonful of the juices onto the shredded chicken to add moisture.

Can I cook the chicken on High?

Yes! Cook on high for 2-3 hours or until cooked through. I have found that the chicken is more moist and tender when cooked LOW and slow though.

How to freeze cooked shredded chicken?

Place chicken in a plastic freeze bag and remove all the air (this will prevent freezer burn- using a vacuum seal food saver works even better!)

How long does cooked chicken last?

According to FDA recommendations, cooked chicken will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer. This is a great reference chart for how long various foods last in the fridge/freezer.

Shredded chicken in a Crock-Pot with tongs about to lift some out.

TOOLS USED TO MAKE SLOW COOKER SHREDDED CHICKEN:

  • Slow Cooker– This is very similar to the one I use but it has the addition of a lockable lid which is awesome for when you are transporting food for a party or potluck, especially soup.
  • Cutting Board– I love having various sizes of cutting boards and these are awesome because they won’t slip and slide around on the counter.
  • Kitchen Aid Mixer– This is so handy to have in the kitchen. I use it for cookies, cakes, frosting, bread, whipped cream, and even shredding chicken with the paddle attachment.
Top view of shredded chicken in a slow cooker with two forks at the side that were used for shredding.

Ways to use Shredded Chicken:

  • Add to soups like Chicken Gnocchi Soup and Chicken Pot Pie Soup.
  • Use in Mexican dishes like Baked Taquitos, Honey Lime Enchiladas, quesadillas or tacos.
  • Put it on your pizza made with No-Knead No-Rise Dough!
  • Use in Chicken Salad, Chicken Waldorf Salad, or stuff in a wrap.
  • Make casseroles like Creamy Chicken Taco Pie, Easy Chicken Pot Pie, and Chicken Divan.
  • Through in pasta dishes like Chicken Pad Thai, Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles, and Creamy Tomato Chicken Florentine Pasta to get dinner to the table faster.

LOOKING FOR MORE SLOW COOKER CHICKEN RECIPES? CHECK OUT THESE:

  • Buffalo Chicken Sliders
  • Chicken a la King Puff Pastry
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
  • Salsa Chicken Tacos
Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken is the most tender, juicy, flavorful, easy-to-make and easy-to-shred chicken! This takes 3 minutes to prep and can be cooked fresh or frozen.
Prep Time3 mins
Cook Time4 hrs
Total Time4 hrs 3 mins
Servings: 10
Calories: 156kcal
Author: Garnish and Glaze

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast*
  • 1/4 cup water, or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  • Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the water and then sprinkle the chicken with seasonings.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours.
  • Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred on a cutting board with two forks or in a Kitchen Aid mixer fixed with the paddle attachment. Spoon some of the broth over the chicken if desired or save it for other recipes.
  • Use or store chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerate/freeze for later use. (Makes about 5-6 cups shredded chicken.)

Notes

*If using frozen chicken, follow directions as written and just add an additional 60-90 minutes of cooking time.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
Nutrition Facts
Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 156 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 87mg29%
Sodium 391mg17%
Potassium 508mg15%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 29g58%
Vitamin A 41IU1%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 8mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Did you make this recipe?Tag @GarnishandGlaze on Instagram and use hashtag #GarnishandGlaze

Related topics:
Chicken Main Course Slow Cooker

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