Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

This Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken is a versatile and easy dish that will simplify your meal prep.

Ariana Brooks

Created by

Ariana Brooks

Last updated on 2025-12-28T17:37:11.442Z

This Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and delicious. The chicken is tender and flavorful, making it a great addition to salads, sandwiches, or tacos.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless preparation with just a few ingredients
  • Tender chicken that shreds easily for versatile use
  • Great for meal prepping and leftovers

Meal Prep Made Easy

In today's fast-paced world, meal prepping has become a lifesaver for many. This Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken offers an effortless solution to your weekly meal planning needs. With just a handful of ingredients, you can prepare a wholesome protein that pairs well with various dishes. Whether you're making tacos, salads, or sandwiches, this shredded chicken will elevate your meals without consuming much of your time.

Cooking in a slow cooker not only saves you time but also enhances the flavor of the chicken. The low and slow cooking method allows the spices to penetrate deeply, resulting in tender and juicy meat. By preparing this chicken in advance, you can easily portion it out for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. It's a convenient way to enjoy homemade meals without the hassle of daily cooking.

Versatility at Its Best

One of the standout features of this Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken is its versatility. Once prepared, you can use it in countless ways. Think outside the box—add it to your favorite pasta dishes, mix it into soups, or serve it over rice. The options are endless! This recipe provides a blank canvas for you to create delicious meals that can suit any palate or dietary preference.

Additionally, this shredded chicken can easily adapt to various cuisines. Want a Mexican flair? Toss it in some tacos or enchiladas. Craving something Italian? Stir it into a rich marinara sauce over spaghetti. The ability to customize flavors makes this dish a staple in any kitchen, ensuring you never get bored with your meals.

Perfect for Leftovers

Leftovers can often be a challenge, but with Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken, you'll look forward to them! After preparing a batch, you can store the shredded chicken in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it easy to grab and go. Use it in wraps, on top of salads, or even in a comforting chicken noodle soup. The flavors only get better as they meld together in the fridge.

Freezing is also a fantastic option for this dish. Portion the shredded chicken into bags or containers and freeze for up to three months. Whenever you're in need of a quick meal, simply thaw and reheat. You'll always have a delicious, homemade protein ready to enhance any meal, which is especially handy on busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your shredded chicken.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your shredded chicken in the slow cooker.

Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Add Broth

Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix with the broth.

Your shredded chicken is now ready to be served!

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken, ensure you use high-quality chicken breasts. Look for those that are fresh and free from any added preservatives. This will not only improve the flavor but also the texture of the final dish. Additionally, don’t skip seasoning; the spices are essential for enhancing the chicken’s natural taste.

If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix. This will give your shredded chicken a delightful kick that can elevate any dish you create. Remember, the key to a great slow-cooked meal is patience; resist the urge to open the lid while it cooks, as this can release heat and extend the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken is ready, consider serving it with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Pair it with steamed vegetables for a healthy option or load it onto a baked potato for something heartier. You can also serve it with tortillas and your favorite toppings for a fun taco night with family or friends.

For a lighter fare, try mixing the shredded chicken into a fresh salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado. Drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing meal. The versatility of this chicken allows you to cater to different tastes and dietary needs, making it a family favorite.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time.

→ How long can I store the leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ Can I use this chicken in other recipes?

Absolutely! This shredded chicken is perfect for tacos, salads, wraps, or sandwiches.

→ What can I serve with shredded chicken?

It pairs well with rice, in burritos, or on top of a salad.

Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

This Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken is a versatile and easy dish that will simplify your meal prep.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 10 minutes

Created by: Ariana Brooks

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 cup chicken broth
  3. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  4. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  5. 1 teaspoon paprika
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 02

Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken.

Step 03

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

Step 04

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix with the broth.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 48g