This slow cooker shredded chicken is an all-purpose recipe that goes with just about anything and is made easy in the crock pot! The slow cooker is one of my favorite kitchen appliances, especially if you have a busy schedule.
Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
This basic all-purpose chicken recipe is great because you can turn it into so many things. From shredded buffalo chicken lettuce wraps to chicken soup, chicken salad, and shredded chicken tacos, this easy recipe is so simple and always delicious!
What is the best way to shred chicken?
- Shred chicken with two forks!
How do you shred chicken with a mixer?
- Place fully cooked chicken breasts into the KitchenAid Stand Mixer. Make sure your chicken is still warm. With your paddle attachment connected and chicken inside the mixer, turn it onto low until shredded!
Like this recipe? Try these other slow cooker chicken recipes:
- Slow Cooker Thai Curry Chicken
- Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
- Slow Cooker Chicken & Veggie Dinner
- Slow Cooker Roasted Chicken
How do you make shredded chicken?
Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb. organic boneless chicken breasts
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup organic chicken broth
- Dash of salt and freshly ground pepper
Directions
Slow Cooker Directions:
- Place chicken in the insert of a slow cooker. Pour enough chicken broth over the chicken to cover, about 1 cup.
- Add garlic, diced onion, garlic powder, sea salt, and ground pepper.
- Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
- Remove the chicken and shred with two forks. Makes about 3 cups shredded cooked chicken.
Stovetop Directions:
- Place chicken breasts into a pot and pour in enough water to cover the chicken.
- Place over medium heat, bring to a boil, and simmer until chicken meat is no longer pink, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Transfer chicken breasts to a bowl, allow to cool slightly, and shred the chicken meat with 2 forks!
Instant Pot Directions:
- Season chicken with garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Place chicken in the insert of your pressure cooker.
- Add in 1 cup of broth, onion, and garlic.
- Press the Pressure Cook/Manual button, and the + or - button to select 20 minutes on high pressure.
- Once done, turn the valve to venting for quick release. Once the silver pin drops has, carefully open the lid, remove chicken, and shred with two forks.
- Serve and enjoy.
Recipe Notes
- If you don’t have leftover cooked chicken on hand to make this recipe, buying an organic rotisserie chicken from the market is the most convenient solution. Almost as convenient, and what I do most often, is to throw some chicken breasts in the slow cooker. It’s easy, economical, and you control the ingredients.
use our hashtag!
I am so excited that you are making a recipe and would love to see how it turns out! Make sure to use the hashtag on social media!
#LEXISCLEANKITCHEN
14 comments on “How To Make Easy Shredded Chicken (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)”
The ingredients list doesn’t include celery, but the directions do. Advise.
My mistake! You can add one celery stalk or omit. I haven’t used the celery in a while so I had taken it out. Sorry for the confusion! Enjoy 🙂
If I want to x3 the amount of chicken (so like 4.5 lbs) would I just x3 all the ingredients too including cook time (12 hours cook time instead of 4)?
When I make a whole 4 lb. chicken I use more broth/ingredients as you said – it’s usually done in 6-8 hours! That’s not boneless pieces, but if you set it around there I think it should be similar.
Hi- I don’t see the recipe for shredded buffalo chicken lettuce wraps, can I please have a link to that? I would like to make them tonight. Thanks!
Is there any reason why I can’t use the liquid that is leftover as chicken broth?
Your recipe notes state that you are used chicken to make this recipe. Is there a specific reason you don’t use raw chicken?
It is raw chicken to make it.
I don’t have any organic chickens. I just have chickens that led sad and miserable lives. Will it still taste ok or should I just starve until I can afford chickens that aren’t full of cancer?
Hi Mark,
Starving would likely be your best bet in this situation 😉
Is the chicken in this recipe fresh or frozen? Thanks
Fresh
Can I freeze left over chicken?
We haven’t tested that but my best guess is that as long as it has some sauce with it, it should be fine! Let us know if you do! -Kelli