Effortless Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Breast

This easy Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Breast recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table without the fuss. Imagine tender, juicy chicken, ready to be transformed into countless dishes, all with just a few minutes of prep. This recipe is also an absolute game-changer for meal prep, making healthy eating a breeze all week long.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

This versatile recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen for so many wonderful reasons:

• Super easy, minimal effort: Just a few simple steps and your slow cooker does all the work.
• Incredibly versatile: This slow cooker shredded chicken breast is a blank canvas for countless meals.
• Ideal for healthy meal prepping: Cook a big batch once and enjoy wholesome meals throughout the week.
• Consistently tender, juicy results: The slow cooking process ensures perfectly moist and flavorful chicken every time.
• Budget-friendly protein source: Chicken breast is an economical way to feed your family.
• Customizable flavor profile: Easily adapt the seasonings to suit any cuisine or craving.

Studies have shown that meal planning is associated with improved diet quality and food variety.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients for this easy slow cooker shredded chicken breast is simple. You likely have most of these on hand already!

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 pkgs low-sodium taco seasoning
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

Notes & Substitutions

You have options to make this recipe your own:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for an even richer flavor. Just be sure to trim any excess fat.
• Liquid: Vegetable broth or even plain water can substitute chicken broth if needed. Low-sodium options are always great for controlling flavor.
• Seasoning: Feel free to swap the taco seasoning for other blends like Italian seasoning, a smoky paprika blend, or a simple mix of onion powder and dried herbs.
• Salt: Adjust the salt carefully, especially if your broth or seasoning blend already contains sodium. Taste and add more if necessary after shredding.

Equipment

You won’t need much to get this delicious slow cooker shredded chicken breast on the table:

• A 6-quart or larger slow cooker
• Two forks for easy shredding
• Optional: A slow cooker liner for super simple cleanup

How To Make Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Breast

Making slow cooker shredded chicken breast is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these easy steps and enjoy the magic of your slow cooker!

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Line your slow cooker with a disposable liner if using for easy cleanup, then place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom.
2. Add flavor: Evenly sprinkle both packets of low-sodium taco seasoning over the chicken breasts. Don’t be shy; ensure the chicken is well-coated.
3. Pour in liquid: Carefully pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. This liquid will keep the chicken moist and create a flavorful base.
4. Season further: Add the garlic powder over the chicken and broth. If you desire, you can also add a pinch of salt and pepper here, or wait until the end.
5. Cook the chicken: Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook the chicken on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours, or on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours. Cook until the chicken is incredibly tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
6. Remove and shred: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and transfer them to a large bowl. Using two forks, pull the chicken apart until it’s fully shredded. Alternatively, you can shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker pot.
7. Toss with liquid: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker (if you removed it) or pour some of the reserved cooking juices over the chicken in the bowl. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken is coated and remains tender, juicy, and flavorful.
8. Serve and enjoy: Your flavorful slow cooker shredded chicken breast is now ready! Serve immediately with your favorite accompaniments or store for later use.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving perfect slow cooker shredded chicken breast is easy with these helpful hints.

• Ensure even cooking: Place chicken in a single layer to promote uniform doneness. Overlapping too much can lead to unevenly cooked spots.
• Avoid overcooking: While forgiving, overcooking chicken can still lead to a drier texture. Check for tenderness at the lower end of the cooking time range.
• Adjust liquid: For a saucier result, leave more cooking liquid with the shredded chicken. For a drier mix, drain some liquid before tossing.
• Add extra flavor: Stir in fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a dash of hot sauce just before serving to brighten the flavor.
• Thicken sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, remove the chicken, then whisk a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) into the cooking liquid. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
• Troubleshoot dry chicken: If your chicken seems a little dry, add more of the reserved cooking liquid, or even a splash of extra broth, to moisten it.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This slow cooker shredded chicken breast is wonderfully versatile!

• Serving Suggestions:
  
  
  • Tacos, Burritos & Quesadillas: A classic use! Load up tortillas with your flavorful chicken and favorite toppings.
  • Salads & Grain Bowls: Add a protein boost to your greens or quinoa bowls for a satisfying meal.
  • Sandwiches & Wraps: Mix with a little mayonnaise or your favorite dressing for a quick and easy lunch.
  • Nachos & Pizza: Sprinkle over crispy tortilla chips with cheese, or use as a topping for homemade pizzas.
  • Pasta & Soups: Stir into a creamy pasta dish or add to comforting chicken noodle soup for extra heartiness.
    
    
• Storage Instructions:
  
  
  • Refrigerate: Store leftover slow cooker shredded chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it’s mixed with some of its cooking liquid to prevent drying.
  • Freeze: For longer storage, freeze portions of the shredded chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.
    
    
• Flavor Variations:
  
  
  • Mexican/Taco Shredded Chicken: (Already covered with taco seasoning!) Serve with salsa, avocado, and sour cream.
  • BBQ Shredded Chicken: After shredding, stir in your favorite BBQ sauce and cook on low for another 30 minutes.
  • Buffalo Shredded Chicken: Toss the cooked chicken with hot sauce and a touch of butter or a creamy dressing.
  • Lemon Herb Shredded Chicken: Use a blend of lemon pepper, dried oregano, thyme, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end.
  • Asian-inspired Shredded Chicken: Season with a blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey or maple syrup.

Nutrition Information

Enjoying this slow cooker shredded chicken breast is a fantastic way to incorporate lean protein into your diet. It’s low in carbohydrates and fat, making it an excellent choice for a balanced lifestyle. This makes it a great foundation for many healthy meals.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and cooking methods.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

You might have a few questions about making this delightful slow cooker shredded chicken breast. Here are some common inquiries.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Breast recipe is truly a kitchen hero, offering incredible versatility and effortless preparation. It proves that delicious, home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated, even on the busiest days. You’ll love having this flavorful, tender chicken ready to transform into tacos, salads, sandwiches, and so much more. Give it a try this week and discover how easy and rewarding cooking can be! Don’t forget to share your favorite ways to use this shredded chicken in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Effortless Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Breast

This recipe provides a simple and quick way to prepare tender shredded chicken breast using a slow cooker, perfect for various meals like tacos, salads, or burritos. With minimal prep, the slow cooker does most of the work, resulting in flavorful chicken every time.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• forks
• Large Bowl

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
• 2 pkgs low-sodium taco seasoning
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, optionally using a slow cooker bag for easy cleanup.
• Sprinkle both packets of taco seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts.
• Pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the seasoned chicken.
• Add the garlic powder, adjusting the amount or adding other desired spices.
• Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or LOW for 6-8 hours, until the chicken is easily shredded with a fork.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken or shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
• Toss the shredded chicken with the cooking juices to keep it tender and flavorful.
• Serve the shredded chicken in taco shells with your preferred toppings, or use it for salads, burritos, and nachos.

Notes

Using a slow cooker bag makes cleanup easier. Feel free to add more garlic powder or other spices to your liking. This versatile shredded chicken is excellent in taco shells, salads, burritos, or nachos.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 45gFat: 12gSodium: 900mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Keyword slow cooker recipes, Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken, Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Breast

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!