How to Make Easy Shredded Chicken

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

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How to Make Easy Shredded Chicken

If you know how to make easy shredded chicken in the slow cooker, it can save you a lot of food prep time.

Course Basics

Cuisine American

Keyword how to make shredded chicken, shredded chicken

Prep Time 2 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 2 minutes

Servings 12

Calories 130 kcal

Author Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy

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

1. Pour the water into the slow cooker.
2. Add the frozen chicken, and season with the garlic, salt and pepper.

3. Place the lid on and cook on low for about 5 to 6 hours, until chicken shreds with a fork.

4. Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, using two forks.
   
5. Divide up chicken into storage containers.
6. Optional: you can use a food scale if you like - to help you divide the chicken evenly.
   
7. 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.

Nutrition Facts

How to Make Easy Shredded Chicken

Amount Per Serving

Calories 130 Calories from Fat 18

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 2g 3%

Cholesterol 72mg 24%

Sodium 132mg 6%

Potassium 422mg 12%

Protein 24g 48%

Vitamin A 0.7%

Vitamin C 1.6%

Calcium 0.6%

Iron 2.3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

I hope you enjoy this recipe! It is so versatile and can be used in many different recipes. Pin and share!