Crockpot Shredded Chicken (Slow Cooker)
This easy slow cooker crockpot shredded chicken recipe is the ultimate meal prep staple! You’ll love this simple method that makes juicy, well-seasoned chicken for healthy weeknight meals like tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more. We’ve made it more times than we can count!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours (or 2 to 3 for quick method)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 (1/2 cup servings) 1x
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds; also works doubled!)
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon cumin (optional)
- ½ tablespoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and smoked paprika evenly over the chicken. Pour in the water and cover with the lid.
- Cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours OR on High for 2 to 3 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through and the internal temperature when measured with a food thermometer is at least 180°F.
- Once cooked, set the temperature to warm. Shred the chicken using two forks or a potato masher. Store leftovers in an airtight container with some of the cooking liquid for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
Doubling the recipe works well, and makes for 8 cups shredded chicken (8 servings).
For a more neutral flavor, you can omit the cumin and smoked paprika: but we use it every time! (We love this flavor combination.)