Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the most mouth-watering, melt-in-your-mouth shredded chicken that practically falls apart with the gentlest touch of a fork. This Easy Crockpot Shredded Chicken recipe is your ultimate meal prep solution that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a versatile, protein-packed ingredient ready to elevate any dish. Whether you're a busy professional, a meal prep enthusiast, or simply someone who loves delicious, hassle-free cooking, this recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping too much.
- Pour the chicken broth evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring the bottom of the crockpot is lightly covered.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper directly over the chicken breasts, making sure to season both sides evenly.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set the temperature to low heat setting.
- Cook the chicken for 6 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and easily shreddable.
- After 6 hours, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and place them on a cutting board.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken by pulling the meat apart in opposite directions until it reaches your desired consistency.
- If the chicken seems dry, add a small amount of the cooking liquid back into the shredded meat to maintain moisture.
- Let the shredded chicken cool for 10-15 minutes before storing or using in your desired recipes.
- Store the shredded chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Always opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd: Arrange chicken in a single layer with minimal overlapping to promote even heat distribution.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with seasonings - they infuse flavor throughout the cooking process.
- Moisture is Key: The chicken broth helps prevent drying out, but if the meat seems too dry after shredding, add back some cooking liquid.
- Shredding Technique: Use two forks and pull in opposite directions for the most consistent shred.
- Storage Hack: Portion the shredded chicken into meal-prep containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
- Freezer Friendly: This chicken freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for advanced meal planning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 95mg
