Shredded Chicken in Crockpot (Simple and Versatile!)

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Our slow cooker shredded chicken makes juicy chicken with a mild flavor profile so it can be used in a wide variety of ways! We’ve made this versatile chicken recipe for over a decade to prep large portions of lean protein to use throughout the week (and it can be frozen for later too). With our step-by-step photos, easy to follow directions, tips we’ve learned along the way, and over 20 ideas on how to use your shredded chicken, you’ll have successful cooking experience on the first try.

A crockpot basin filled with shredded chicken.

Why You’ll Love having Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

Meal prep made easy! This is seriously the best way to make shredded chicken in bulk. We will usually make a double batch of this right away so we have lots of chicken to use throughout the week (and have the option to freeze some for later too).

Great for all kinds of recipes. Because we’re keeping our seasonings pretty neutral, you can use this shredded chicken recipe is so many ways! We’ve outlined a ton of ideas for you in the ‘Ways to Use Shredded Chicken’ section below.

Easy to customize. We’ve giving you a base recipe that will taste great in all kinds of recipes. But you can definitely mix in your favorite spices or spice blends to customize it to your liking.

Crock Pot Shredded Chicken Ingredients

Ingredients needed to make shredded chicken in the slow cooker.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The star of the show! We use 2 pounds of chicken (about 4 chicken breasts) for this recipe, but you can easily double this if you have a 6-quart slow cooker.
Chicken broth. Liquid is an essential component of this recipe, and using chicken broth adds some flavor to our chicken as it cooks.
Seasonings. We’re keeping things simple by using salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for our base recipe. This combination adds flavor while still making chicken that can be used in a variety of ways and in different recipes calling for shredded or pulled chicken.

Measurements and directions are outlined below in the recipe card.

Equipment Needed

You will need a slow cooker to make this recipe. I use a 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker. An instant read thermometer is also helpful to confirm your chicken has reached a safe temperature.

How to make Shredded Chicken in Crockpot

Process shot showing the chicken being added to the basin of a crockpot.

Add chicken to the basin of your slow cooker (if you have more than one layer, that’s ok!).

Process shot showing the broth being poured over the chicken.

Pour the broth over the chicken.

Process shot showing garlic powder and onion powder being sprinkled over the chicken.

Sprinkle the seasonings over the chicken and broth.

Process shot showing the cooked chicken being temped.

Cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through and is fall apart tender. We recommend cooking on the low setting if time allows.

Process shot showing the chicken shredded in a stand mixer with paddle attachment.

Shred the chicken. Use two forks to pull apart, or use your stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed to shred 1-2 breasts at a time (this just takes a few minutes / is my favorite kitchen hack!)

Skim any fat off the liquid in the crockpot, then add a few spoonfuls (up to 1 Cup) of liquid back into the shredded chicken to help keep it moist.

Shredding Tip

It’s best to shred chicken while it’s still warm, right after it’s done cooking. This is because the muscle fibers in the chicken begin to tighten as it cools, making it tougher to shred when cold. Can you shred it after it’s cooled? Absolutely. It will just take a bit more effort, and the meat will likely shred into larger chunks.

How long does chicken breast take in a slow cooker?

Typically, it’s recommended to cook chicken breast on the slow cooker’s low setting for 6-8 hours, or on the high setting for 3-4 hours until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F.

However, in my 6-quart slow cooker, chicken breast is often to temperature and tender on the LOW setting after 3 hours and 30 minutes.

For the first time making this recipe, you’ll want to verify how your slow cooker cooks. I recommend using the low setting and temping your chicken earlier in the process (around the 3 hours and 30 minute mark) to confirm if it’s done. If not, continue to cook to 165°F.

Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Variations

Change the spices. We keep the base recipe super simple so the chicken can be used in pretty much any dish. But mixing up what spices you use is the easiest (and most fun!) way to modify this recipe. Try adding in Italian seasoning, ranch seasoning, Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or another seasoning blend you love.

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Prefer a chicken thigh to a chicken breast? Swap them! Just note that chicken thighs do have more fat than chicken breasts in case that matters to you.

Change the liquid used. Chicken stock, veggie broth, or water also work to make shredded chicken in the crockpot! If you end up using water, you may want to add additional seasoning(s) either into the crockpot or after shredding as water won’t impart the boost of flavor you’d get from broth or stock. Or do something completely different and make salsa shredded chicken!

Ways to Use Shredded Chicken

There are SO MANY ways to use this basic shredded chicken recipe! Here are some of our favorite recipes and ways to use this pulled chicken:

Use it to make our Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits.
Make Chicken Salad with your shredded chicken.
Use it in our creamy chicken enchilada casserole recipe.
It’s the perfect protein for homemade chicken tacos, enchiladas, burritos, burrito bowls, and quesadillas.
Use it for wraps, like a homemade chicken Caesar wrap!
Make a chicken Philly sandwich with grilled peppers and onions and a slice of provolone on a toasted hoagie roll.
Use it as the protein on your favorite salad.
Make Pesto Pasta Salad with it for a potluck.
Stir it into your favorite vegetarian soups and chilis for added protein. This is especially helpful if you have people with different dietary needs in your household. My husband often does this with our Tuscan White Bean Soup with Lentils and our Three Bean Chili recipes!
Use it as the main protein on a grain bowl.
Make shredded chicken nachos.
Make chicken sliders for your next party! Try buffalo chicken sliders, BBQ chicken sliders, or cheesy chicken, bacon, and ranch sliders.
Toss it in your favorite BBQ sauce and make pulled BBQ sandwiches.
Use it to make a savory dip, like buffalo chicken dip.

A white serving bowl filled with shredded chicken.

How to Store Crock Pot Shredded Chicken

Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to add ½-1 Cup of extra liquid from the crockpot (after skimming off any fat) over my chicken in my storage container to help keep it moist and juicy. Be sure the chicken has been fully cooled (to at least room temperature) prior to storing.

Can You Freeze Shredded Chicken?

Yes, shredded chicken freezes well for later! Once the chicken has been fully cooled, you can transfer it to a labeled and dated airtight container or ziptop freezer bags to freeze for up to 3 months.

I like to portion the shredded chicken into 1 Cup or 2 Cup portions to freeze to make my life easier later.

Shredded Chicken (Slow Cooker / Crock Pot) FAQs

Should chicken be covered in liquid in the slow cooker?

No, covering your chicken with liquid isn’t necessary. As long as the liquid covers the entire bottom of the slow cooker, you’re good to go. The liquid creates steam during the cooking process, keeping the chicken moist even if it’s not covered.

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in the crockpot?

If you have time, low and slow is always the way to go with crockpot cooking. But high works well too. Select your heat level based on the amount of time you have.

Why is my meat dry in the slow cooker?

The most likely cause for dry meat is overcooking. Once the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, you’re trying to find that sweet spot between the chicken still being a bit too tough to shred easily and it becoming dry and overcooked. Cooking your meat on low is one way to help prevent this (if you have the time to do so).

Can you just put raw chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can put raw chicken in the slow cooker! According to research conducted by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, it is safe to cook large cuts of raw meat and poultry in a slow cooker. It is recommended that the meat is thawed (not frozen) prior to cooking.

Love This Recipe? Try One of These Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes Next!

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5 from 3 votes

Shredded Chicken in Crockpot – Perfect for Meal Prep!

Why You’ll Love having Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken