When it comes to meal prep, having a versatile, nutritious, and easy-to-make protein on hand can transform your week. Enter this Crockpot Shredded Chicken recipe: the ultimate kitchen staple that’s as simple as it is delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have tender, juicy chicken ready to be the star of countless meals.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Nutritional Benefits Chicken breast is a powerhouse for maintaining a healthy weight, building muscle, and supporting longevity. Its high protein content promotes muscle growth and repair, while its low fat and rich B vitamin profile aid in metabolism and energy production. As a lean, nutrient-dense option, it helps preserve muscle mass, which is essential for long-term health and vitality.
Quick and Easy to Prepare This recipe is virtually hands-off. Simply season, set, and let your crockpot do the work while you go about your day.
Versatile Shredded chicken is a blank canvas that pairs beautifully with a variety of cuisines and dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, soups, or casseroles, this recipe has you covered.
Meal Prep Superstar. This recipe is easy to scale up if you want to have extra chicken to put in the freezer. Simply double or triple the amount of chicken you add to the crockpot.
Ingredients
- 4 – 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Chicken: Trim visible fat off the chicken and place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot in a single layer.
- Season Generously: Sprinkle the garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Add Moisture: Pour the chicken broth into the crockpot, ensuring the chicken stays juicy as it cooks.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred: Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with using two forks. If desired, return the shredded chicken to the crockpot to soak up some of the flavorful cooking liquid.
- Store: Use immediately, or let the chicken cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
How To Use Shredded Chicken For Your Weekly Meals
This shredded chicken is a game-changer for meal prep because it fits seamlessly into so many dishes. Here are some delicious ways to use it:
On a Salad: Add shredded chicken to a bed of mixed greens, and top with veggies, nuts, and your favorite dressing. Try a southwest spin with black beans, corn, avocado, and a lime vinaigrette.
In a Wrap: Layer chicken with fresh veggies, hummus, or your favorite condiments inside a whole-grain tortilla for a quick and healthy lunch.
In Tacos or Enchiladas: Use shredded chicken as the filling for soft tacos or enchiladas. Pair with salsa, shredded cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a quick high-protein meal.
In Soups: Stir shredded chicken into chicken noodle soup, creamy chicken tortilla soup, or a hearty vegetable stew for added protein and flavor.
In a Casserole: Mix shredded chicken into a casserole with rice, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. Top with shredded cheese and bake until bubbly.
Add a Sauce: To switch things up, toss the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, or a teriyaki glaze and serve with steamed or sautéed vegetables.
All-Purpose Crockpot Shredded Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 4 - 6 large Chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Trim any visible fat off the chicken breasts and place in a single layer in a crockpot.
- Sprinkle the garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Pour the broth over the seasoned chicken to keep it moist and flavorful as it cooks.
- Cook on low for 6 - 8 hours or high for 3 - 4 hours.
- Once the chicken is tender and fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board or in a large mixing bowl. Use two forks to shred. Alternatively, you could use a handheld mixer to shred the chicken. If the chicken seems dry, ladle a few spoonfuls of the liquid from the crockpot over it and mix well.