Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
This Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
This Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy weekdays and meal prep. The chicken is slow-cooked to perfection, making it tender and easy to shred. You can use it in tacos, salads, or sandwiches. Plus, it requires minimal effort!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup
- Versatile for various meals and occasions
- Tender chicken that absorbs flavor beautifully
Easy and Convenient Cooking
One of the best features of the Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken recipe is its ease of preparation. Simply season the chicken, add the broth, and let the slow cooker do the work. This method allows you to focus on other tasks or enjoy some downtime while your meal cooks. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you want to serve a wholesome dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
The slow cooking process not only simplifies meal preparation but also results in incredibly tender chicken. As the chicken cooks, it absorbs the flavors of the seasoning and broth, creating a dish that is both delicious and satisfying. This recipe is a great way to ensure you have a flavorful protein ready to go for various meals throughout the week.
Meal Prep Made Simple
If you're looking to streamline your meal prep routine, this shredded chicken recipe is an excellent choice. Prepare a large batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have a versatile ingredient on hand for tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more. The shredded chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for longer storage, making it a practical solution for busy lifestyles.
Additionally, this shredded chicken is incredibly customizable. You can easily adapt the seasonings to fit your flavor preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want a spicy kick or a more savory profile, you can modify the ingredients to suit your taste, ensuring that meal prep remains exciting and varied.
Serving Suggestions
This Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken can elevate a variety of dishes, making it a staple in your kitchen. Serve it over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal, or use it as a filling for tacos or burritos. You could even toss it into a salad for added protein and flavor. The options are endless, allowing you to create new and exciting meals each time.
For an easy family dinner, consider making BBQ shredded chicken sandwiches. Simply mix the shredded chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce and serve it on buns with coleslaw. This combination is sure to be a hit at any gathering, proving that simple ingredients can lead to delicious and satisfying meals.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Feel free to add your favorite spices or sauces to customize the flavor!
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add Broth
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken breasts.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix with the juices.
Serve the shredded chicken immediately or store it in the refrigerator for later use.
Tips for Perfect Shredded Chicken
To achieve the best results with your shredded chicken, it's essential to choose quality chicken breasts. Fresh, high-quality meat will yield the most tender and flavorful results. Avoid overcooking the chicken, as this can lead to dryness. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches at least 165°F for safe consumption.
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and broths. Chicken broth is a great base, but you can also use vegetable broth or even a splash of your favorite sauce for added flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility.
Storing and Reheating Shredded Chicken
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the freshness of your shredded chicken. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in portions. When properly sealed, shredded chicken can last in the freezer for up to three months.
When you're ready to enjoy your shredded chicken again, reheating it is simple. You can use the microwave, stovetop, or even toss it back in the slow cooker with a splash of broth to keep it moist. This makes it an ideal option for quick lunches or dinners.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but the cooking time may increase slightly.
→ How long can I store shredded chicken in the fridge?
Shredded chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
→ Can I freeze the shredded chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
→ What can I serve with shredded chicken?
You can serve it in tacos, on salads, in sandwiches, or with rice or quinoa.
Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
This Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
Created by: Harper Collins
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken breasts.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix with the juices.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 38g