Crockpot shredded chicken breast is a versatile, easy-to-make recipe perfect for busy days or meal prep. This slow-cooked chicken turns out tender, juicy, and flavorful, making it perfect for sandwiches, salads, tacos, and more.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Shredded Chicken Breast
This recipe offers several advantages:
- Hands-off cooking that allows you to set it and forget it.
- Incredibly tender and juicy chicken every time.
- A versatile base for many meals, saving you time throughout the week.
- Simple ingredients that most kitchens already have.
- Perfect for healthy eating or meal prepping in bulk.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Pour chicken broth or water over the chicken.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder evenly on top of the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove chicken breasts and shred with two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to soak up the juices for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately or keep warm until ready to use.
How to Serve Crockpot Shredded Chicken Breast
Crockpot shredded chicken breast is incredibly flexible in serving options. Here are some ideas:
- Use it as a filling for burritos, tacos, or quesadillas for a quick Mexican-inspired meal.
- Serve over a bed of greens for a protein-packed salad. Add avocado, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing.
- Make chicken sandwiches or sliders with your preferred bread or buns. Add slaw or pickles for crunch.
- Mix into pasta or rice dishes with your choice of sauce for hearty dinners.
- Combine with barbecue sauce and serve with coleslaw for classic BBQ chicken.
If you want more inspiration, check out baked crack chicken breasts for another delicious chicken recipe or try the chicken bacon ranch stromboli for a tasty twist on chicken meals.
How to Store Crockpot Shredded Chicken Breast
Proper storage will keep your shredded chicken fresh and safe to eat:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze cooked shredded chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date for convenience.
- Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat gently in a skillet, microwave, or crockpot with a splash of broth to maintain moisture and keep it tender.
Tips to Make Crockpot Shredded Chicken Breast
To make the best shredded chicken in your crockpot, keep in mind:
- Use chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking.
- Don’t overcook—check early to avoid drying out the meat.
- Adding broth or water is essential to keep chicken moist during cooking.
- Flavor customization is easy—try adding different spices or herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
- Let the chicken rest in the juices after shredding for more tender meat.
Variations of Crockpot Shredded Chicken Breast
Experiment with these variations:
- Add barbecue sauce during the last hour for shredded BBQ chicken.
- Mix in salsa and taco seasoning for Mexican-style chicken.
- Use Italian herb seasoning to create chicken perfect for pasta dishes or sandwiches.
- Make it spicy with cayenne pepper or chipotle seasoning.
- Substitute chicken broth with coconut milk and curry powder for a creamy curry chicken variation.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs work well and can be even more tender and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Q: How do I prevent dry shredded chicken?
A: Use enough liquid in the crockpot and avoid overcooking. Shred the chicken and let it soak in the juices before serving.
Q: Can I cook frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot?
A: It’s best to thaw chicken first to ensure even cooking and food safety.
Q: How do I reheat shredded chicken without drying it out?
A: Reheat with a small amount of broth or water, and use low heat to keep it moist.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot shredded chicken breast is a simple, adaptable recipe that fits perfectly into busy lifestyles. Its ease of preparation and versatility allow you to enjoy delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether serving it in sandwiches, salads, or tacos, this recipe is a dependable go-to for wholesome, satisfying meals.
Follow me on Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.
Print
Crockpot Shredded Chicken Breast
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Crockpot Shredded Chicken Breast is the ultimate meal prep essential! Tender, juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked with simple seasonings, perfect for tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more.
Ingredients
- 2–3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Instructions
1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Pour chicken broth or water over the chicken.
3. Sprinkle all seasonings evenly over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
5. Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
6. Return shredded chicken to crockpot and stir to soak up juices.
7. Serve immediately or store for later.
Notes
Use chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking.
Don’t skip the liquid – it keeps chicken moist!
Let shredded chicken rest in juices for maximum flavor.
Perfect for meal prep – freezes beautifully.
Customize with BBQ sauce, taco seasoning, or Italian herbs.
Always thaw frozen chicken before slow cooking for food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg