Crockpot Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe
This Crockpot Shredded Chicken Breast recipe is a simple and flavorful way to prepare tender, juicy chicken with minimal effort. Perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners, the slow cooker gently cooks the chicken infused with a savory blend of herbs and spices, resulting in versatile shredded chicken ready to use in tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 4 hours on HIGH or up to 8 hours on LOW
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Seasoning Blend
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or another dried herb blend)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Make the seasoning blend: In a small dish, combine kosher salt, onion powder, ground paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Mix well to create a uniform spice mixture.
- Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Rub the seasoning blend evenly over the chicken breasts, then drizzle and rub with olive oil to coat them thoroughly.
- Add chicken broth: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the slow cooker around the chicken breasts to keep them moist during cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 4 hours or on LOW for up to 8 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and either slice or shred it using two forks. Alternatively, place the chicken in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and shred it quickly by mixing.
- Serve or store: Use immediately in your favorite dishes like tacos, salads, or sandwiches, or store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs before cooking.
- You can substitute chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat; cooking times may vary slightly.
- The shredded chicken freezes well — store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer for food safety.
- Use the cooking liquid as a flavorful broth for soups or rice dishes.
Keywords: shredded chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, meal prep chicken
