Flavorful Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe for 5 Easy Meals
This easy and versatile crockpot shredded chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep, delivering tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken that can be used in a variety of meals throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 12 minutes to 7 hours 12 minutes (low) or 3 hours 12 minutes to 4 hours 12 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (preferably organic, free-range)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: fresh lime juice (a squeeze after cooking)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick better.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the spice mix over them. Use your hands or tongs to coat each piece evenly.
- Pour the chicken broth into the crockpot. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the broth, arranging them so they’re partially submerged.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Remove the chicken breasts carefully with tongs or a slotted spoon and place on a large plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir well to coat with the flavorful cooking juices. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, optionally adding a squeeze of lime juice.
- If the broth is too thin, remove some liquid and simmer on the stove to reduce and thicken, then stir it back in.
Notes
Avoid lifting the lid too often while cooking to prevent heat loss and extended cooking time. Use low and slow cooking for best moisture and flavor. Shred chicken while warm for easier shredding. If broth is too thin, reduce it on the stove before mixing back in. Optional lime juice brightens flavor after cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces (113 grams)
- Calories: 140
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 26
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