Easy CrockPot Shredded Chicken

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the aroma of Easy CrockPot Shredded Chicken wafting through the house. I remember the first time I made this dish—after a long, busy day, I decided to try my hand at a simple yet delicious meal. By the time dinner rolled around, my family was already eagerly anticipating the tender, juicy chicken cooked to perfection in the slow cooker. It was one of those moments that reminded me how food can bring people together, even on the most chaotic of days.

As we gathered around the table, I served the shredded chicken atop a bed of fluffy rice, drizzled with the savory cooking juices. The smile on my family’s faces was all the encouragement I needed to make this a staple in our home. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe never fails to impress. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, it’s perfect for those of us who want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. Grab your slow cooker, and let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish!

Ingredient List for Easy CrockPot Shredded Chicken

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The ingredients work beautifully together, creating a flavorful base for the chicken to soak up. Each component plays a role in building the dish’s rich taste. Let’s take a closer look at the key players.

• 5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast: The star of the show! This lean protein cooks down perfectly in the slow cooker, making it easy to shred and serve.
• 1 cup chicken broth: This adds moisture and infuses flavor into the chicken as it cooks. It helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
• 1 tsp seasoned salt: A blend of herbs and spices that enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
• 1 tsp black pepper: A simple seasoning that adds a slight kick and depth to the dish.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings aromatic flavor without the hassle of fresh garlic.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and savory flavor, complementing the other seasonings.

Putting Together Easy CrockPot Shredded Chicken

Making Easy CrockPot Shredded Chicken is a breeze. With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go. Let’s walk through the process together!

1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Sprinkle the seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This is where the flavor begins.
2. Next, pour the chicken broth into your slow cooker. This will help create a moist cooking environment for the chicken.
3. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Make sure they’re submerged in the broth as much as possible to absorb all that delightful flavor.
4. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. If you can, resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking; letting the steam escape will slow down the cooking process.
5. When the cooking time is up, check to see if the chicken is done. It should be incredibly tender and easily shred with two forks. If it still feels a bit firm, let it cook for a little longer.
6. Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a large plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
7. After shredding, return the chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the cooking juices. This step ensures every bite is moist and flavorful.
8. Now it’s time to serve! You can use the shredded chicken right away, or let it cool completely and store it in a zip-close bag in the fridge for up to 5 days.
9. If you want to save it for later, it freezes well, too. Just remember to label your bags with the date. It should keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Ways to Customize

While the Easy CrockPot Shredded Chicken is fantastic as is, there are countless ways to tailor it to your taste. Here are some fun ideas to help you get creative!

• Change the Broth: Use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or add a splash of soy sauce for an Asian twist.
• Add Vegetables: Toss in some chopped carrots or bell peppers in the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder for some heat, adjusting to your preference.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving for a fresh flavor boost.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days, making for easy meal prep.
• Freezing: Freeze shredded chicken in portions so you can pull out just what you need for quick meals.
• Pairing: Serve it over rice, in burritos, or atop a salad for a nutritious meal.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Easy CrockPot Shredded Chicken, the options are truly limitless. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Tacos: Serve the shredded chicken in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, and salsa for a fun taco night.
• Rice Bowls: Create a delicious rice bowl with the chicken, steamed veggies, and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce for a satisfying meal.
• Salads: Top a bed of greens with shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
• Sandwiches: Pile the chicken high on a bun with coleslaw for a delightful pulled chicken sandwich.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for casual gatherings, family dinners, or even meal prep for busy weeks ahead.
• Storage Tips: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 5 days for the best quality.
• Seasonal Pairings: This dish is great all year round, but in the cooler months, consider pairing it with hearty sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Easy CrockPot Shredded Chicken is a wonderful addition to your meal rotation, providing an easy way to enjoy delicious, tender chicken without the fuss. The versatility of this dish means you can create numerous meals throughout the week, all from one simple recipe. I encourage you to give it a try; it might just become your new go-to dish!

Easy CrockPot Shredded Chicken

The ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights, Easy CrockPot Shredded Chicken is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a versatile dish that your family will love. Perfect for tacos, salads, or sandwiches, this is one recipe you won't want to miss!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp seasoned salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

Equipment

• Slow Cooker

Method

 

1. Season the chicken breasts with seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker and add the chicken breasts. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken easily falls apart with two forks. Toss the shredded chicken in the juices from the slow cooker. Use right away or let cool completely and store in a zip-close bag in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze shredded chicken in portions for quick meals later.
• Variations: Customize with your favorite spices or sauces for a unique twist.
• Cooking Tips: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding for easier handling.
• Flavor Boost: Add fresh herbs or citrus zest before serving for extra flavor!

Previous PostHoney Lemon Chicken Skillet

Next Post Chicken Marinade

Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.