Are you tired of dry, bland chicken that leaves you disappointed at every meal? Get ready to transform your cooking game with the most effortless, mouth-watering shredded chicken recipe that will have your family begging for seconds! This foolproof slow cooker method guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken that practically falls apart with minimal effort, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner solution or meal prep champion.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning liquid.
- Pour the seasoning liquid over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat them completely.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook on low heat for 4 hours. Do not lift the lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature.
- After 4 hours, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken by pulling the meat apart into soft, stringy pieces.
- If desired, pour a small amount of the cooking liquid back over the shredded chicken to keep it moist.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best texture and easiest shredding.
- Don't Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Ensure chicken pieces are spread evenly to allow proper heat circulation.
- Seasoning is Key: Don't be shy with your spices - the garlic powder and paprika will infuse deep flavor throughout the meat.
- Moisture Matters: The chicken broth helps keep the meat tender and prevents drying out during the long, slow cooking process.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Shredding Technique: Use two forks and pull in opposite directions for the most consistent, tender shreds.
- Storage Hack: Reserve a little cooking liquid when storing to keep the chicken moist when reheating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
