Today I am sharing one of my cooking basics: how to make easy shredded chicken in the slow cooker.
Shredded chicken is a staple in most kitchens. If you have a good method for how to make easy shredded chicken in bulk, you can save yourself a LOT of prep time. And it’s just as easy to make a bunch as it is to make for one recipe.
Shredded chicken is great for soups, casseroles, pasta dishes, etc. If you have some already made, it can make preparing dinner a lot easier.
It freezes just fine too, which is really handy.
For this recipe I am starting with three pounds of frozen boneless skinless chicken breast. Yes, frozen. I have never had a problem starting with frozen meat. I love that I don’t have to think ahead to lay some out to thaw. I can just grab some frozen chicken breasts from my freezer stash and make this whenever I want to.
You can do more or less than three pounds (depending on your slow cooker capacity!). But beware that cooking times may vary for different amounts.
Also, you may make this with fresh (not frozen) chicken breasts too. This would work well if you are making this right after bringing some chicken breasts home from the grocery store. Again, the cooking time will be less than what I suggest here.
Tools Used for This Recipe
Note: these are Amazon affiliate links.
- Two forks for shredding
- Slow Cooker
- Freezer bags or storage containers
- Optional – food scale for dividing up the meat (You can totally eye-ball it without a scale too, though!)
How to Make Easy Shredded Chicken
How to Make Easy Shredded Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 pounds frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic garlic powder
- teaspoon Salt and pepper to taste about 3/4 salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Pour the water into the slow cooker.
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Add the frozen chicken, and season with the garlic, salt and pepper.
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Place the lid on and cook on low for about 5 to 6 hours, until chicken shreds with a fork.
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Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, using two forks.
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Divide up chicken into storage containers.
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If you don't plan to use the chicken right away, you may freeze it.
Recipe Notes
Every slow cooker is a little bit different, so cooking time may vary slightly. If your chicken comes out dry, try reducing cook time the next time around.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! It is so versatile and can be used in many different recipes. Pin and share!
Nadine McVey says
Can you do this with frozen boneless chicken thighs?
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Hi Nadine. Yes, this recipe should work well with thighs. Enjoy!
JBJ says
Not safe … https://www.southernliving.com/news/is-it-safe-cook-frozen-chicken-crockpot-instant-pot
Ariel Graham says
It is safe. In fact, the article you’ve posted tells you how to make sure it’s safe.
Stephen says
Love it when people reply with an article they didn’t even read. I’ve been making frozen shredded chicken for years and never had any issues
Debra says
Love, love, love your site and recipes. But this drives me crazy. I’m Sorry ahead of time. Dethaw is the opposite of thaw! It is not a word.
Jose the great says
This comes out really dry for me what can I do to fix it? Or am I doomed to suck water and eat at the same time?
Marjorie@APinchOfHealthy says
I am sorry it turned out dry for you! You can try reducing the cooking time a bit and see if that helps.
Marjorie@APinchOfHealthy says
Me too! 🙂 I just followed the exact method outlined here.
Staci @ anewstaci.blogspot.com says
You have a typo of diving instead of dividing or divying right before you go through your instructions. Not being picky. I just know I hate when I make typos, and your blog is so much nicer and more professional than mine. Lol Figured you might want to know.
I have used my crock pot before to shred chicken, but I always get a different texture when I do. I have never used water in mine, and yours doesn’t look as “fine” as mine when I use the crockpot! Lol I will have to try again and use water. I do despise shredding chicken on the stovetop as needed… but my cats enjoy it since they get the little scraps. Ha
Marjorie@APinchOfHealthy says
Thanks Staci! I appreciate it. 🙂 I hope you enjoy the recipe.
Julie Jones says
Awesome! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Marjorie@APinchOfHealthy says
Thanks Julie! 🙂