I’m not kidding when I say this Crock Pot Chicken is my most-used recipe! I cook a batch almost every week to make sure that I always have some shredded chicken breast on hand. You can eat it shredded, or leave it whole and use for so many meals throughout the week. A lot of my recipes call for pre-cooked or leftover chicken because that’s what makes dinner time the easiest for me, so having this prepped and ready to go ends up saving me so much time throughout the week!
What’s in this Crockpot Shredded Chicken Breast recipe?
Juicy, plump chicken breasts are slow cooked in chicken broth and spices to create the perfect base for any recipe!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for shredding, but boneless thighs will also work well. Seasonings: A combination of kosher salt, onion powder, ground paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper gives this shredded chicken just enough flavor without being overpowering. Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the chicken. Chicken Broth: Helps keep the chicken moist as it cooks in the slow cooker.
My Famous Seasoning Blend
I cook this shredded chicken in a Crockpot often, so I absolutely change up the seasonings from time to time to keep things interesting. Simply change out the herbs and spices, or use a seasoning mix, so that the chicken breasts match the dishes you’re planning to make. Italian seasoning is a good classic flavor, but herbs de Provence, chicken seasoning, taco seasoning, cajun seasoning, or just about any seasoning you can think of will work! Throw in some cayenne pepper or red chili flakes if you want to add some heat. Lemon pepper is another of my favorite seasoning options for this slow cooker shredded chicken.
How to Store and Reheat
Store cooked shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat shredded chicken in the microwave, covered with a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth, in 30-second increments until warmed through. Or use it as instructed in recipes that call for shredded chicken.
How to Freeze
Freeze slow cooker shredded chicken in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Notes and Tips
I want to avoid overcooked chicken breast at all costs, because it becomes tough, dry, and chewy. So I always peek into my Crockpot and check the temperature of the chicken breasts a little early, to see if it’s ready for shredding. Once it reaches 165°F, it’s done! I prefer to shred my chicken directly in the slow cooker for convenience. I let it cool for a couple of minutes, use two forks to pull the meat apart, then stir it up in the broth and juices in the pot to make it nice and moist before serving! I use this recipe to make shredded chicken tacos, shredded chicken enchiladas, crack chicken soup, and all kinds of meal prep recipes!
How to Make Shredded Chicken in a Crockpot Step by Step
Season the Chicken: Combine 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of ground paprika, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper in a small dish. Next, place 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the Crockpot, then rub 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the seasoning mix all over the chicken breasts. Slow Cook the Chicken Breasts: Pour a ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth into the slow cooker, directly over the chicken breasts. Cook on HIGH for 2-4 hours, or on LOW for up to 8 hours; or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Shred the Chicken: Shred the chicken breasts with two forks, either in the Crockpot, or moved to another dish (whatever is easier for you). Pull the two forks through the chicken in opposite directions until fully shredded. Alternatively, place chicken in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and turn it on to shred.
