Looking for an easy, versatile, and delicious way to prepare chicken? Crockpot Shredded Chicken is the answer! This slow-cooked chicken is juicy, flavorful, and effortlessly tender, making it the perfect base for a variety of meals. Whether you use it for tacos, salads, casseroles, sandwiches, or soups, this simple recipe will save you time and help you prepare delicious homemade meals all week long.
With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, this set-it-and-forget-it recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, and freezer-friendly meals.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Shredded Chicken
✅ Super Easy – Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work!
✅ Juicy & Tender – Slow cooking ensures perfectly moist, flavorful chicken.
✅ Versatile – Use it in tacos, soups, salads, sandwiches, and more!
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make ahead and store for quick, healthy meals.
✅ Freezer-Friendly – Stays fresh for months, making dinner effortless.
What Is Crockpot Shredded Chicken?
Crockpot shredded chicken is chicken breasts slow-cooked until tender and easily shredded. It’s seasoned with simple spices and low-sodium chicken broth for extra moisture and flavor. The result? Perfectly cooked chicken that can be used in dozens of dishes throughout the week.
This recipe is healthy, protein-packed, and completely customizable. You can tweak the seasonings to match different cuisines, making it a go-to staple for easy home cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The base of the dish; use 3 pounds for meal prep.
- Low-sodium chicken broth – Keeps the chicken moist and adds flavor.
Seasonings
- Dried oregano – Adds a mild, herby flavor.
- Garlic powder – Enhances the savory taste.
- Salt & black pepper – Essential for seasoning.
💡 Feel free to customize with additional spices like smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, or Italian seasoning!
How to Make Crockpot Shredded Chicken
This recipe is foolproof and requires just a few easy steps!
Step 1: Add Everything to the Crockpot
- Place the chicken breasts, broth, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the crockpot.
Step 2: Cook Low & Slow
- Cover and cook:
- High: 2-3 hours
- Low: 4-6 hours
- The chicken is done when it’s fully cooked and shreds easily with a fork.
💡 Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and let it cool slightly.
- Shred using:
- Two forks – The classic method!
- Hands – Works well if the chicken is cool enough.
- Stand mixer – Use the paddle attachment for effortless shredding!
Step 4: Add Moisture & Serve
- Stir in ½ cup of the reserved cooking broth to keep the chicken extra juicy.
- Use immediately or store for later!
Ways to Use Crockpot Shredded Chicken
This versatile shredded chicken can be used in endless ways! Here are a few ideas:
🌮 Tacos & Burritos – Add salsa, guacamole, and cheese for easy tacos.
🥗 Salads – Toss into a fresh green salad or grain bowl.
🥪 Sandwiches & Wraps – Make chicken salad, sliders, or paninis.
🍲 Soups & Stews – Perfect for adding protein to chicken soup or chili.
🍕 Pizza & Quesadillas – Use as a topping for homemade pizza or stuffed into quesadillas.
🍝 Pasta & Rice Dishes – Mix into mac and cheese, rice bowls, or stir-fries.
💡 Pro Tip: Try seasoning the chicken differently depending on your dish—add BBQ sauce for BBQ shredded chicken, taco seasoning for Mexican flavors, or Italian herbs for a Mediterranean twist!
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
🥡 Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
❄️ Freeze for Later: Freeze in 1- or 2-cup portions for up to 3 months.
🔥 Reheat Easily: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
💡 Label and date your containers so you can easily keep track of your frozen meal prep!
FAQs About Crockpot Shredded Chicken
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more flavorful but may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Q: Can I cook frozen chicken in the crockpot?
A: It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and food safety. If using frozen, add an extra hour to the cooking time.
Q: How can I prevent dry chicken?
A: Don’t overcook it! Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F doneness. Adding a bit of broth at the end also helps keep it moist.
Q: What if I don’t have chicken broth?
A: You can substitute water, vegetable broth, or even pineapple juice for a sweet twist!
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Shredded Chicken is an absolute game-changer for meal prep and easy home cooking. With minimal effort, you get juicy, flavorful chicken that can be used in countless dishes. Whether you’re making tacos, salads, sandwiches, or casseroles, this versatile, freezer-friendly recipe will save you time and keep your meals delicious all week long!
Try this foolproof crockpot recipe today and enjoy a simple, healthy protein option for any meal!
Short version
Crockpot Shredded Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts*
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts, broth, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds with a fork. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached at least 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, leaving the broth in the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred using two forks, your hands, or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Stir in about ½ cup of the broth from the pot for added flavor and moisture.
Notes
Store cooked shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
For convenience, freeze the chicken in 1 or 2 cup portions to easily thaw the amount needed for a meal or recipe.
