How To Make Easy Shredded Chicken (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)
Shredded chicken is a must-have meal prep item in the fridge to help you pull together a quick dinner on any night of the week. This Easy Shredded Chicken Recipe can be made either in the Slow Cooker or the Instant Pot.
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!
Best Way to Shred The Chicken
You can easily shred the chicken by hand with two forks! Or you can use my favorite method in an electric stand 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!
Recipes to Use Shredded Chicken
- Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
- Pesto Chicken Salad
- Turkey / Chicken Kale Soup
- Easy Roasted Poblano and Chicken Soup
- Sweet and Crunchy Thai Slaw with Chicken
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 To Make Easy Shredded Chicken (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours and 5 minutes
- Yield: Makes 3 cups 1x
- Category: Meal Prep
- Method: Instant Pot / Slow Cooker
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Dash of salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
To Make in a Slow Cooker:
- Place chicken breasts, garlic, onion, garlic powder, chicken broth, and a dash of salt and pepper to the insert of a slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
- Remove the chicken and shred with two forks.
To Make in the Instant Pot:
- Place chicken breasts, garlic, onion, garlic powder, chicken broth, and a dash of salt and pepper to the insert of of the liner of the Instant Pot.
- Switch the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Carefully switch the valve to venting to release the pressure.
- Open the lid and transfer the meat to a plate, and shred the meat with two forks.
Notes
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!
Keywords: Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
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16 Responses
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
The title of this recipe suggests instructions for the Instant Pot but I don’t see those instructions.
Should be back!
What is the timing and directions for the instant pot?
Are there instructions for the Instapot? If so I am missing them =)