Crockpot Shredded Chicken (Slow Cooker)
This easy slow cooker crockpot shredded chicken recipe is the ultimate meal prep staple! You’ll love this simple method that…
This easy slow cooker crockpot shredded chicken recipe is the ultimate meal prep staple! You’ll love this simple method that makes juicy, well-seasoned chicken for healthy weeknight meals like tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more. We’ve made it more times than we can count!
We’ve made this recipe so many times that I begged Alex to write down his method. Presenting, our family favorite crockpot shredded chicken! If you’re like us—juggling work commitments while trying to get healthy meals on the table—this recipe is about to become your secret weapon.
Just add a few ingredients to your slow cooker and return to find perfectly tender, well-seasoned chicken! We love adding it to tacos, soups, and salads, like chicken enchiladas, fajita salad, or tortilla soup. Our son always requests this “soft chicken” (as he calls it!) so we make it regularly.
Why you’ll love this recipe
If you’ve been reading our food blog for a while, you’ll know that we haven’t often used a slow cooker (aka Crockpot) in our recipes—but that has all changed after we #1 had 2 kids and #2 optimized our kitchen for storage of this appliance! Here’s why we think you’ll like this slow cooker shredded chicken recipe:
- Simple preparation: Just add chicken and a few ingredients to your slow cooker and let it work its magic: it’s great for busy weeknight meals.
- Super versatile: Use the slower cooker shredded chicken in tacos, salads, soups, sandwiches, and countless other meals throughout the week.
- Meal prep friendly: It also works as a double batch, so make a big batch once for quick, healthy meals for days.
- Family approved: Even picky eaters love this tender, flavorful chicken that adapts to their favorite dishes (for real!).
- High protein: It’s a building block for high protein meals.
Tips for crockpot shredded chicken
Here are a few tips for making the best crockpot shredded chicken:
- Use our seasoning blend: Don’t be shy with seasonings! The seasoning blend below makes for the perfect flavor, in our opinion. If you want a more straightforward flavor, you can omit the cumin and smoked paprika (but we do it every time).
- Shredding techniques: For perfect shredding, we recommend using a potato masher. You can also use two forks to pull the chicken apart while it’s still warm. For a double batch, place the chicken in your stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mixing on low—it shreds perfectly in seconds!
- Check temperature, not time: The most reliable way to ensure perfectly cooked shredded chicken is using a meat thermometer. For the most tender shredded chicken, the internal temperature should reach 180°F.
Time saving pro tip
Sometimes we want to make this crockpot shredded chicken but don’t think ahead enough (it’s happened!). We have tested this recipe by cooking it on High for 2 hours, and it works! The chicken isn’t quite as tender, but it’s still delicious and the difference isn’t perceptible.
Ways to serve crockpot shredded chicken
One batch of this versatile slow cooker shredded chicken can transform into multiple meals throughout the week. Here are some of our favorite ways to use it:
- Tacos and burritos: Warm your shredded chicken with some taco seasoning and serve in soft or crispy taco shells with your favorite toppings, or make these Chicken Tacos.
- Grain bowls: Create nourishing bowls with rice or quinoa, roasted vegetables, and chicken topped with a flavorful sauce.
- Soups: Add to chicken rice soup, tortilla soup, or chili for an instant protein boost.
- Enchiladas: Roll into tortillas with cheese and top with enchilada sauce for an easy family dinner; try these Chicken Enchiladas.
- Sandwiches and wraps: Mix with mayo or avocado for incredible chicken salad sandwiches or wraps; try this Tarragon Chicken Salad.
- Stuffed vegetables: Use as filling for stuffed peppers, zucchini boats, or stuffed sweet potatoes.
- Salad topper: Add protein to any salad—try Mexican chopped salad or fajita salad.
- Pizza topping: Spread on pizza dough with BBQ sauce or buffalo sauce.
Storing leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container with some of the cooking liquid for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Dietary notes
This slow cooker shredded chicken recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free. It’s also paleo-friendly and fits well into most whole food eating plans like the Mediterranean diet.
Frequently asked questions
Crockpot Shredded Chicken (Slow Cooker)
Print RecipeThis easy slow cooker crockpot shredded chicken recipe is the ultimate meal prep staple! You’ll love this simple method that makes juicy, well-seasoned chicken for healthy weeknight meals like tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more. We’ve made it more times than we can count!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours (or 2 to 3 for quick method)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 (1 cup shredded chicken)
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds; also works doubled!)
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon cumin (optional)
- ½ tablespoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and smoked paprika evenly over the chicken. Pour in the water and cover with the lid.
- Cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours OR on High for 2 to 3 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through and the internal temperature when measured with a food thermometer is at least 180°F.
- Once cooked, set the temperature to warm. Shred the chicken using two forks or a potato masher. Store leftovers in an airtight container with some of the cooking liquid for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
Doubling the recipe works well, and makes for 8 cups shredded chicken (8 servings).
For a more neutral flavor, you can omit the cumin and smoked paprika: but we use it every time! (We love this flavor combination.)
