Some evenings, you just want dinner ready without hovering by the stove. That’s where slow cooker shredded chicken comes in—tender, juicy, and so easy it’s almost like cheating. It’s the kind of meal that waits for you, not the other way around.
I remember the first time I tried this recipe. I was rushing between errands, half distracted by a call that I couldn’t quite hear all of. I dumped the chicken and spices in the slow cooker, hoping for the best, and then forgot about it entirely. Hours later, the house smelled like this cozy, smoky hug. When I shredded the chicken, it fell apart so easily, soaking up all those savory juices. I was juggling dinner plates and a distracted toddler, but that chicken made me feel like I had it together—almost.
- Hands-off cooking that fills your kitchen with amazing aroma
- Versatile shredded chicken that works for tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point; no fancy skills required
- Feeds a crowd or makes great leftovers for quick meals
If you’re nervous about the slow cooker timing, don’t be. It’s pretty forgiving—just keep an eye on your cooker’s quirks and you’ll be fine.
PrintSlow Cooker Shredded Chicken
Tender and juicy shredded chicken made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Perfect for tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer.
In a small bowl, mix together the chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the seasoned chicken broth evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a large plate or cutting board.
Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the cooking juices.
Serve immediately or keep warm in the slow cooker until ready to use.
Using a slow cooker means you only need a few basic tools—no fancy gadgets required. Serve this chicken piled high on crusty bread, or spoon it over a fresh salad for a quick dinner that feels special. I’ve tried adding a dash of hot sauce for a little kick, or swapping smoked paprika for chipotle powder when I want something smokier. Sometimes I toss in some frozen corn or black beans while it cooks, but I haven’t tested all the combos yet, so just a heads-up on that.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, thighs work well and can be even more tender, though cooking times might vary slightly.
What if I want to meal prep? This shredded chicken freezes beautifully, so make a big batch and portion it out for later weeks.
Is it okay to leave the slow cooker on longer? Usually yes, up to an hour or so, but watch for drying out if left much longer.
Ready to make weeknight dinners effortless? Give this slow cooker shredded chicken a try and see how it changes your kitchen game.