Easy Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
This easy, all purpose Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken only requires a few ingredients and makes the best shredded chicken! This simple chicken recipe stays super juicy and is perfect for meal prep, casseroles, wraps and more.
I am a huge fan of slow cooker shredded chicken. I love how effortless it is and how much easier it can make life. There are a variety of ways to make slow cooker shredded chicken, but I want to share one of my favorite all purpose shredded chicken recipes.
This is my go to because it isn’t really strongly flavored with any one ingredient or spice group, and it comes out super tender. This shredded chicken can be used for just about anything, it just has great flavor and is never ever dry! This is perfect for easy meal prep, casseroles, chicken tacos, wraps and more!
For more ideas for how to use shredded chicken, check out these Keto Chicken Meal Prep Ideas!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
What I love about this shredded chicken breast recipe is that it only requires a few ingredients, most of which are kitchen staples that I always have on hand.
The ingredients you need are:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Feel free to use boneless skinless chicken thighs or even bone-in cuts if you prefer.
- Chicken Broth – This boosts the chicken flavor. Homemade chicken stock, store-bought broth, or even a bouillon-water mixture will work.
- Garlic and Celery – Boosts flavor. The celery isn’t eaten, but it does serve a purpose! It keeps the chicken breasts above the broth, helping the seasoning to stick to the chicken without getting lost in the juice.
- Spices: Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt and Pepper. Feel free to swap this out with ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, or your favorite blend if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
You’ll notice this recipe doesn’t have any really strong or overpowering ingredients. This is the perfect all purpose chicken because this chicken just has great flavor, perfect for a variety of uses!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 3 stalks celery
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours, or on high 4 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred.
Notes
How to Make Crockpot Shredded Chicken
This recipe is a true set it and forget it kind of dish. Simply add your boneless, skinless chicken breasts to a slow cooker with the broth, garlic, celery and spices. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred.
How to Shred Chicken
There are a few ways to shred chicken, so you can choose which method works best for you.
- Two forks – Place a cooked chicken breast on a cutting board and pin down one end with a fork. Using the other fork, scrape the chicken lengthwise to shred it.
- Electric mixer – Press an electric mixer up against cooked chicken breast and turn on low. Continue allowing it to spin until all chicken is shredded.
- Food processor – Place cooked chicken breasts in a food processor and pulse until shredded.
You can also shred chicken using a food processor, but I don’t like having to dirty another piece of equipment when meal prepping.
Recipe FAQ
Yes! Let it cool completely, then seal it in a freezer bag with its juices. To thaw, place in the fridge overnight.
Yes! Simply double the ingredients list. The cook time should remain the same.
Shredded chicken will last up to 5 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.
What to Make With Shredded Chicken
The truth is, this all purpose slow cooker shredded chicken can be used in just about any kind of recipe! Make this Easy Cheesy Chicken and Rice – It’s a family favorite casserole that even your pickiest eaters will love it! Make nachos or burritos with some salsa, guacamole, cilantro, and pico de gallo.
Some other recipes using shredded chicken include:
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
- Pesto Chicken Stuffed Sweet Peppers
- Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
Tips and suggestions
- I like to make this shredded chicken breast recipe on a weekend and then have ready to go shredded chicken for meals, wraps, salads or sandwiches during the week. It makes meal prep a breeze and meals on busy nights come together much more quickly with this shortcut.
- I kept this recipe super simple so that the chicken would be versatile enough to pair with any meal. However, you’re welcome to add extra spices if desired.
- You can likely make this slow cooker shredded chicken recipe using chicken thighs, tenderloins, or bone-in cuts. Simply discard the bones (or set them aside to make chicken stock).
- If you prefer to add a little more flavor and use an Instant Pot, check out this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken!
Awesome recipe! Going to use this for so many recipes. Is there another cooking method that doesn’t involve a slow cooker especially if you don’t have time to wait? Normally I just boil the chicken but this has much better flavor!
You can also use a kitchen aid mixer with the paddle blade attached to shread the chicken takes only al minute to shread
What do you do with the liquid after you remove your chicken? I figure it can be a broth but how long will it last; can it be frozen; should it be consumed?
Certainly, I prefer to strain the liquid, but that is completely up to you. Store in a freezer bag for up to 4 months or in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just use it as you would any chicken broth. I hope you enjoy!
Do you chop the celery?
No that is not necessary.