If you’re looking for the easiest way to make tender, juicy shredded chicken with almost no effort, this crockpot shredded chicken is it.

I make shredded chicken in my Instant Pot when I’m in a rush, but the slow cooker version is still my go-to when I want hands-off cooking and perfectly pull-apart chicken every time. You literally add the chicken, sprinkle on seasoning, walk away, and come back to meal-prep gold.

This method is flexible, affordable, and nearly impossible to mess up. Make it plain to use in salads, soups, bowls, sandwiches (great for these BBQ Chicken Sandwiches), and wraps all week, or add taco seasoning or salsa for an instant dinner. It’s the kind of back-pocket recipe that makes healthy eating feel easy instead of overwhelming.

Crockpot Shredded Chicken Method

Equipment: 6-quart crockpot / slow cooker

Step 1: Add the chicken

Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot. (See below for measurements, serving sizes, and seasoning ideas.)

Step 2: Add a little liquid

Add 1 tablespoon of water per chicken breast.
That’s it. The chicken releases plenty of liquid on its own.

Optional: add ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar per breast for tenderness (not required).

First-time and dry climate tip: Keep an eye on it every hour or so the first time you make it. You’ll most likely see liquid in the bottom of the pot (a good thing!) but if you live in an arid climate, you may need to add another 1/4 cup water if the bottom of the pot is completely dry. This is not common.

Step 3: Slow cook

Cover and cook:

• High: 4 hours
• Low: 8 hours

If you add more than 4 chicken breasts, increase time by:

• +15 minutes on high
• +30 minutes on low

Chicken should reach 165°F and shred easily.

Step 4: Shred

Pour off excess liquid, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the crockpot.

Shred using a hand mixer (fastest if you have one!), or use two forks or your clean hands to do the work. Let the chicken cool if you use your hands so you don’t burn yourself.

Optional: Add a little reserved liquid back in if needed to keep it juicy.

How Much Chicken + Seasoning Guide

• Plan on ½–1 chicken breast per serving
  • Tacos, salads, bowls: ½ breast per person
  • Main dish: 1 chicken breast per person
• Basic seasoning (per chicken breast):
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
• Optional flavor ideas:
  • Taco seasoning
  • 1 cup salsa
  • Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika

Ways to Use Crockpot Shredded Chicken

• Tacos: tortillas, shredded chicken, salsa, avocado, lime (see my shredded chicken tacos recipe here)
• In soup: add about 1/3 cup shredded chicken to any hot soup to amp up the protein
• On salads: same as above, add about 1/3 cup shredded chicken to any salad to amp up the protein
• Feed a crowd: I like to make Crockpot shredded chicken with taco seasoning when hosting guests with Instant Pot Refried Beans the same day to easily feed a crowd. Grab tortillas, shredded lettuce, salsa, taco fixings, and margaritas and you have a party.

This is one of those simple recipes you’ll come back to again and again. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without a stash of shredded chicken in your fridge.

Enjoy!

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