There’s something deeply comforting about walking into a house that smells like dinner’s been cooking itself all day. Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken is one of those recipes that feels like a hugtender, flavorful, and ridiculously versatile for tacos, sandwiches, or bowls.
I started relying on this back in spring of 2018, when I needed something that didn’t require me to think too hard after long days. After a long day, I need dinner to be comforting but not heavyand this delivers every time. The key is letting it go low and slow so the chicken practically falls apart on its own, soaking up every bit of seasoning. I’ve been food blogging for over a decade, and this is still one of my most-used weeknight tricks.
PrintSlow Cooker Shredded Chicken Easy Weeknight Dinner
Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken is an easy dinner perfect for busy weeknight meals. This shredded chicken recipe offers tender and juicy chicken that works well in family dinners or meal prep. Enjoy a versatile slow cooker chicken dish everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: about 5 cups (32 ounces) 1x
- Method: Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional Additional seasonings of choice
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts and broth into a slow cooker that holds at least 6 quarts.
- Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other seasonings over the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low heat setting for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board or tray.
- Use two forks or a shredder tool to tear the chicken into pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining juices.
- Allow the chicken to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freezing for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: 143
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 323 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 66 mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is one of those reliable weeknight wins that gets you back into a rhythm. There’s no babysitting the stove, no complicated techniquejust boneless skinless chicken breast, a handful of seasonings, and a few hours in the slow cooker. It’s tender, juicy, and ready to become whatever you need: tacos, salads, soups, or a quick grain bowl.
What I love most is the flexibility. You can prep it in the morning, let it cook while you work, and come home to dinner that practically made itself. The leftovers hold up beautifully in the fridge or freezer, so you’re not starting from scratch every night.
What You Need (and Why Each Ingredient Matters)
This recipe keeps things simpleno long shopping list, no special equipment beyond your slow cooker. Here’s what each ingredient does:
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: The star. It stays moist in the slow cooker and shreds beautifully without drying out.
- Low-sodium chicken broth or water: Adds moisture and keeps the chicken from sticking. Broth gives a little more flavor, but water works too.
- Fine salt, black pepper, and garlic powder: Your base seasoning trio. They’re subtle enough to work with any recipe you use the chicken in later.
- Optional seasonings: This is where you make it yourscumin for tacos, Italian herbs for pasta, or smoked paprika for a little warmth.
How It All Comes Together
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You’re not searing, marinating, or fussing. Just layer everything in the slow cooker, set it, and let time do the work. The chicken cooks low and slow until it’s tender enough to pull apart with a fork, then gets tossed back in the juices to soak up extra flavor.
| Step | What to Do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Place chicken breasts and broth in slow cooker; add salt, pepper, garlic powder | 2 minutes |
| 2 | Cover and cook on LOW | 4–6 hours |
| 3 | Remove chicken and shred with two forks | 3 minutes |
| 4 | Toss shredded chicken back into juices | 1 minute |
Pro Tip: If you’re home, check around the 4-hour mark. Some slow cookers run hotter than others, and you want the chicken cooked through but not dried out.
Ways to Use and Store It
Once you’ve got a batch ready, the possibilities are endless. I use it over spring salads with a lemony vinaigrette, tucked into enchiladas, stirred into soups, or piled onto grain bowls with roasted veggies. It’s one of those building blocks that makes weeknight cooking feel less like a puzzle.
| Storage Method | How Long It Lasts | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (airtight container) | Up to 4 days | Quick weeknight meals |
| Freezer (zip-top bag or container) | Up to 3 months | Meal prep or batch cooking |
Note: Let the chicken cool completely before storing. I like to portion it into smaller containers so I can thaw just what I need.
Simple Swaps and Tweaks
If you want to change things up or work with what you have on hand, here are a few easy adjustments:
- Swap chicken thighs for breasts: They’ll be even more tender and forgiving if you cook a little longer.
- Use different liquids: Try vegetable broth, bone broth, or even a splash of salsa for a flavor boost.
- Change the seasonings: Taco seasoning, Italian herbs, lemon pepper, or even a spoonful of pesto stirred in at the end all work beautifully.
- Add veggies: Sliced onions or bell peppers can go right in the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture.
The recipe is forgiving, so feel free to make it your own depending on what you’re craving or what’s already in your pantry.
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FAQs ( Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken )
How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?
Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internally and shreds easily with a fork. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of your chicken pieces and slow cooker model.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker. Add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken will release more liquid when cooking from frozen, so adjust seasonings accordingly.
What chicken cuts work best for shredding?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly for this dish. Thighs stay more tender and flavorful due to higher fat content, while breasts are leaner. Both cuts shred beautifully when cooked properly in the slow cooker.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcook the chicken and avoid lifting the lid frequently during cooking. Add enough liquid (broth, sauce, or water) to keep moisture in. Once shredded, mix the chicken back with some of the cooking juices to keep it moist.
How long can I store leftover shredded chicken?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Grab a Fork and Dig In
This Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken is the kind of meal that makes you exhale a little easier. Your hands-on time is maybe five minutes, and you’ll love how it turns outtender, juicy, and infused with whatever flavors you choose. The house fills with that slow-simmered warmth, and dinner practically handles itself.
If you want a little brightness, toss the shredded chicken with fresh lime juice and cilantro before serving. A splash of your favorite barbecue sauce or a spoonful of salsa verde can change the whole vibe. I learned from my mom’s kitchen that the simplest recipes are the ones you return to most oftenthey bend to fit your week without breaking a sweat. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a drizzle of broth, and they freeze like a dream for those nights when you just need something ready.
I’d love to know how you use yourstacos? Salads? Something I haven’t thought of yet? Drop a comment or tag me with a photo if you make it. This recipe is meant to be shared, tweaked, and passed along to anyone who needs a little relief in the dinner department. Here’s to dinners that help you get back into a rhythm.
