Join the club! Subscribe Here

  • About
  • Collaborate
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Fresh Cooky new logo.

The Fresh Cooky

Real Food with a Healthy Twist

  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • By Course
      • Apps & Snacks
      • Breads
      • Drinks
      • Main Dishes
      • Salads & Dressings
      • Sandwiches
      • Sauces & Condiments
      • Side Dishes
      • Soups & Stews
      • Sweets
    • By Cuisine
      • Asian
      • German
      • Italian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican
    • By Diet
      • Egg-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Low Carb
      • Vegetarian
    • By Meal Type
      • 30 Minute Meals
      • Breakfast
      • Brunch
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Easy Weeknight
      • Freezer Friendly
      • Kid-Friendly
      • Make Ahead
      • Copycat
    • By Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Crockpot
      • Grilled
      • Instant Pot
      • One Pot
      • Sheet Pan
      • Stovetop
  • Holidays
    • Patriotic Recipes
  • Most Popular
  • For Subscribers
Recipes › Methods › Crockpot
2 Comments

Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

Kathleen

by Kathleen Pope Oct 5, 2024

Jump to Recipe

Images of shredded chicken in a crockpot, shredded and being served and in baggies for the freezer.
Tongs holding juicy, moist shredded crockpot chicken. To pin.
Tongs holding juicy, moist shredded crockpot chicken. To pin.

Make Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken that’s tender, juicy, and packed with flavor—all with just 5 minutes of prep! Let your crockpot do the heavy lifting while you focus on your busy day. Perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or feeding a crowd, and easy to customize to fit any recipe.

Tongs picking up some shredded chicken from a slow cooker full of chicken.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure & privacy policy.

You’ll love this easy Pulled Chicken Recipe!

This shredded chicken has been a lifesaver for me, and I’ve been making it on repeat for the past year! I’m not sure what took me so long to figure this out, but I’ve figured it out now!

Are you a busy mom or dad juggling all the things—work, school, sports, music, playdates, and somehow trying to find “you” time? I hear you! Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.

That’s why this recipe is perfect for busy families and meal prep warriors (you know who you are! 😉). It’s a quick, healthy protein you can rely on. Whether you’re hustling to get dinner on the table or prepping for the week, this recipe has you covered.

When our boys are home from college, I make it weekly because it’s so convenient—plus, it holds up well in the fridge and freezes beautifully.

After experimenting with different techniques and seasonings, I’ve fine-tuned this recipe to consistently deliver juicy, flavorful chicken that works for any meal. Whether having tacos, sandwiches, soups or tossing it into salads, this shredded chicken never disappoints. It’s my go-to for easy dinners and meal prep!

Here’s why it’s a hit everytime

  • 5 minutes of prep for juicy, flavorful chicken.
  • Perfect for tacos, sandwiches, soups, and salads and whatever your imagination can think of!
  • Super versatile—toss in BBQ sauce or taco seasoning for a whole new meal!
  • It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights and meal prep!
Two chicken breasts on a wooden cutting board with two forks shredding one of them.

Success Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

  • Don’t overcook it! Yes, you can overcook chicken in the slow cooker!
  • Timing: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Typically 3-4 hours on LOW is ideal, but it depends on the size of your cooker and how much chicken you have. It may need 4-6 hours is ideal on low, and 2-3 hours max on high. But cook it on low, trust me! Many new slow cookers heat much hotter than normal, even on low!
  • Avoid tough chicken; cook it slowly for 4 hours! Did I already mention that?
  • Add liquid, but don’t drown it: Use just enough liquid to keep the chicken moist—around ½ to 1 cup. The chicken will release its own juices as it cooks.
  • Season henerously: Slow cooking can dilute flavors, so season well with herbs and spices. You may also add a splash (about ½ a small lemon, juiced) of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  • Let it Rest: Once cooked, let the chicken rest in the slow cooker for 10-15 minutes before shredding. This helps lock in the juices.
  • Shred with ease: Use two forks, a hand mixer, or even a stand mixer to quickly shred the chicken. It’s easier when it’s still warm.
  • Don’t toss the liquid: While it might seem like a lot of liquid, don’t toss your liquid, especially if you plan on freezing your shredded chicken. After you shred it, pop it back into the liquid and it’ll soak it back up.
  • Freeze leftovers: Make extra and freeze it in portions for quick meals later on. It holds up well and saves time when you need a protein boost for your dishes.
  • Cool it! Before storing it in the fridge or freezing it, cool the chicken completely; this prevents freezer burn!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you may also use boneless skinless chicken thighs or a combination of breasts and thighs. This will yield a much more tender and flavorful shredded chicken.

Overhead shot of shredded chicken in a slow cooker.

How to Season Shredded Chicken

  • Chicken: For this recipe, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or a mix of both. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, while breasts are leaner.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and helps infuse the chicken with flavor!
  • Seasonings: A combination of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a bay leaf will season up this versatile shredded chicken to flavorful perfection!

Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.

Ingredients needed for slow cooker shredded chicken.
Try Amazon Fresh Today!

How to Make Shredded Chicken

Step 1 – Layer Chicken & Season

In a smaller crockpot (4-6 quart slow cooker), place chicken breasts in a single layer (if possible). Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle chicken breasts evenly with seasonings.

Four raw chicken breasts in a white slow cooker with chicken broth.
Add chicken breasts to slow cooker.
Four chicken breasts in a white slow cooker with seasonings added.
Season the chicken.

Step 2 – Cover & Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 3-5 hours* or on HIGH for 2-3 hours until chicken is cooked through (165° F) and shreds quickly. 

Four chicken breasts in a crockpot after being cooked.
Slow cook until cooked through.

Step 3 – Shred It & Store It

Remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it on the cutting board; remove the bay leaf.

Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes, then shred the chicken to desired-sized shreds using two forks, gently pulling away from each other. Return to broth.

Using two forks to shred a slow cooked chicken breast.
Shred the chicken with two forks.
Two chicken breasts in a crockpot with shredded chicken next to them.
Place back into crockpot.
Programmable Crock-pot with travel locking lid.

Recommended Tools

  • This is my favorite Crockpot! I love that it can travel, you can program it, and it has a warm setting.
  • Instant Read Thermometer is a tool I use daily in my kitchen!
Shop My Amazon Store

How to Store Shredded Chicken

Once your chicken is fully cooled, portion it into quart-sized freezer baggies according to your family’s needs. I typically do a couple of 2-cup portions and some 1-cup portions for smaller meals and salads.

Overhead shot of shredded chicken inside ziplock bags.
Store for later if needed.

What to Serve with Pulled Chicken

Feel free to serve this simple slow cooker shredded chicken on its own, but it will be even more satisfying with some side dishes! Here are some of my favorite side dishes to serve with it:

  • Cilantro Lime Rice
  • Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
  • Crispy Diced Hash Browns
  • Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
  • Smoked Mac & Cheese

What to Make with Shredded Chicken

You can also turn this shredded chicken into other recipes since you will have prepped and ready leftover chicken on hand!

Here are some of my favorite recipes that use shredded chicken! Oh, and whenever a recipe calls for rotisserie chicken, you can use your homemade shredded chicken in its place!

  • Chicken Salad Chick Chicken Salad
  • Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl
  • Baked Chicken Quesadillas
  • Southwest Chicken Taco Soup
  • BBQ Chicken Sliders
  • Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Shredded chicken on a wooden cutting board next to two forks.

Storing and Reheating Crockpot Shredded Chicken

How long is shredded chicken good for in the fridge?

Any leftover shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days! If you need it to stay good for longer, you can freeze it instead.

Can you freeze shredded chicken?

Yes, it freezes great! Making it ideal for meal prep! Here are my top freezer tips:

  1. Cool completely! Placing hot foods directly in the freezer produces condensation, which then freezes, creating freezer burn and watered-down foods. So take the time to cool completely. 
  2. Place cooled shredded chicken into baggies for freezer storage, squeeze out as much air as possible, seal, and freeze. Don’t forget to label it including the amount and date—no one wants mystery meat!
  3. Or if using a container, it’s best if it’s airtight.
Shredded chicken in labeled ziplock bags.

How to Reheat Shredded Chicken

Stovetop: Place the chicken in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat with a tablespoon or two of chicken broth (or water in a pinch). Stir occasionally until heated through.

Microwave: Add chicken to a microwave-safe dish with a tablespoon of broth or water. Cover with a paper towel and heat in 30-second increments, stirring halfway.

For Frozen Chicken: Thaw overnight in the fridge or submerge the sealed chicken in cool water, changing the water every 20-30 minutes. According to the USDA, this method typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour for smaller portions and is safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much shredded chicken per person?

A general rule of thumb is to serve about 4-6 ounces of shredded chicken per person (about the size of a deck of playing cards). This usually equates to about ½ to ¾ cup, depending on how packed down you fill the cup.

How do you keep shredded chicken moist?

To keep slow cooker shredded chicken moist, cook it in a liquid like chicken broth or water. After shredding, return the chicken to the broth in the slow cooker (or cooking source) for 5-15 minutes to let it soak up more liquid. When storing, include some of the liquid to maintain moisture. This will ensure your chicken stays juicy, even after reheating.

Is it better to shred chicken hot or cold?

It’s best to shred chicken while it’s still warm. Warm chicken is easier to pull apart, resulting in tender shreds. Cold chicken tends to firm up, making it harder to shred evenly.

Is there a trick to shredding chicken?

First, make sure the chicken is fully cooked—if it doesn’t shred easily, let it cook a bit longer. Once it’s ready, place the chicken on a cutting board and use two forks: one to hold the chicken steady, and the other to pull the meat apart.
Bonus Tip: For even quicker shredding, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Just place the cooked chicken in the mixer on low speed for 15-20 seconds, and it’ll shred perfectly!

Why is my chicken not shredding easily?

If your chicken is tough and not shredding easily, it may be undercooked. Chicken should reach at least 165°F for safety, but it shreds best when it reaches 175-200°F as the connective tissues break down. If it’s still firm, let it cook longer and check every 30 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as dry chicken can also be tough to shred. Monitor both cooking time and temperature, and always add liquid to keep it moist. Let the chicken rest 10-15 minutes before shredding for best results.

Do you have to put water in a crock pot when cooking chicken?

Yes, you need some type of liquid when making crockpot shredded chicken to keep it from drying out. Using chicken broth instead of water is ideal because it adds extra flavor to the recipe. Just 1 cup of broth can make a big difference, infusing the chicken with rich, savory notes as it cooks. If you don’t have broth, you can use water, but broth really takes the flavor up a notch!

Can you overcook chicken in a crock pot?

Absolutely! Especially if it’s left on high heat for too long or cooked longer than about 4 hours. Chicken breasts are more prone to drying out because of their low-fat content. To avoid this, cook on low heat and monitor the internal temperature—165°F is the goal. You can also mix chicken thighs with breasts, as thighs have more fat and stay juicier longer. Keep an eye on the time to prevent overcooking and drying out the chicken!

Can I cook it all day?

Yes, but be careful—chicken breasts can easily dry out if cooked too long, even in a slow cooker. To avoid overcooking, use a slow cooker with a timer that switches to “warm” after 6 hours, or try bone-in cuts or thighs, which stay juicier. Adding an extra ½ cup of broth also helps keep the chicken moist. So, while you can cook it all day, it’s best to take precautions to prevent tough, dry chicken.

Tongs picking up some shredded chicken from a crock pot with more chicken in the background.

Our Favorite Crockpot Recipes

Slow Cooker Red Beans & Rice

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Crockpot Beef Brisket

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Crockpot Butter Chicken

Shredded chicken on a cutting board, to pin.

More Recipes from The Fresh Cooky

Steak Sliders

Shish Kebab

Best Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Like this recipe?

Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!

Recipe Card
Tongs picking up some shredded chicken from a slow cooker full of chicken.

Pulled Chicken (Crock Pot Recipe)

5 from 1 reader
Author: Kathleen Pope
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours hours
Total Time: 4 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 12 Servings (about 6 cups)
Print Pin SaveSaved!
Make Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken that’s tender, juicy, and packed with flavor—all with just 5 minutes of prep! Let your crockpot do the heavy lifting while you focus on your busy day. Perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or feeding a crowd, and easy to customize to fit any recipe.

Equipment

  • Programmable Crockpot
  • Instant Read Thermometer

Ingredients 
US Customary – Metric

  • 3 pounds chicken breasts boneless, skinless breasts or thighs, or a combination of the two
  • ¾-1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a smaller crockpot (4-6 quart slow cooker), place chicken breasts in a single layer (if possible) of the slow cooker.
    Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle chicken breasts evenly with seasonings. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours until chicken is cooked through (165° F) and shreds quickly. 
    3 pounds chicken breasts, ¾-1 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 bay leaf
  • Remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it on the cutting board; remove the bay leaf.
    Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes, then shred chicken to desired-sized shreds using two forks, then return to broth.
    Use immediately in your favorite recipe or cool completely and freeze in recipe-sized portions. 
Last step! Leave a RatingRate this recipe here. This helps other readers and helps support this website.

Notes

Tip about overcooking chicken, even in a crockpot: 4 hours is the optimal time to cook chicken in the crockpot; longer could result in tough, dry chicken. Check the temperature using an instant-read meat thermometer. 
If your chicken is not shredding easily, it may be undercooked. Chicken should reach at least 165°F for safety, but it shreds best when it reaches 175-200°F as the connective tissues break down.

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days! If you need it to stay good for longer, you can freeze it instead.

Tips for freezing shredded chicken

  1. Cool completely! Placing hot foods directly in the freezer produces condensation, which then freezes, creating freezer burn and watered-down foods. So take the time to cool completely. 
  2. Place cooled shredded chicken into baggies for freezer storage, squeeze out as much air as possible, seal, and freeze. Don’t forget to label it including the amount and date—no one wants mystery meat!
  3. Or if using a container, it’s best if it’s airtight.

How to Reheat Shredded Chicken

  • Stovetop: Place the chicken in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat with a tablespoon or two of chicken broth (or water in a pinch). Stir occasionally until heated through.
  • Microwave: Add chicken to a microwave-safe dish with a tablespoon of broth or water. Cover with a paper towel and heat in 30-second increments, stirring halfway.
  • For Frozen Chicken: Thaw overnight in the fridge or submerge the sealed chicken in cool water, changing the water every 20-30 minutes. According to the USDA, this method typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour for smaller portions and is safe.
See the original post for answers to these questions:
  1. How much shredded chicken per person?
  2. How do you keep shredded chicken moist?
  3. Is it better to shred chicken hot or cold?
  4. Is there a trick to shredding chicken?
  5. Why is my chicken not shredding easily?
  6. Do you have to put water in a crock pot when cooking chicken?
  7. Can you overcook chicken in a crock pot?

Nutrition

Serving: 11 serving | Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 330mg | Potassium: 441mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.05g | Vitamin A: 76IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg
Tongs picking up some shredded chicken from a slow cooker full of chicken.
Did you make my Pulled Chicken (Crock Pot Recipe)?Show it off! Share on Instagram, tag @thefreshcooky, and use the hashtag #thefreshcooky!
Tag on Insta Leave a Rating

Share This!

247 shares
  • Share
  • Flipboard
  • Email
  • SMS

Hello, Sunshine!

My 2025 Summer Recipe Round-up

FREE EMAIL BONUS: 5 days of summer’s greatest hits

Kathleen Pope

Meet Kathleen

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, I’m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

Read More

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter / X
  • Mastadon

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Rate & Comment Cancel reply

    Have a question, comment, or suggestions about this recipe? If you had any trouble, I would love a chance to help you troubleshoot before you rate. Constructive criticism is welcome, but please be respectful. Rude or inappropriate comments will not be approved. Your email address will not be published.

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Chellie

    Sat, Mar 8, 2025 at 8:03 am

    5 stars
    This chicken is so flavorful. I love how many different ways I can use it.

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Sat, Mar 8, 2025 at 1:10 pm

      Thanks so much, Chellie! It’s so versatile!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Kathleen Pope

Meet Kathleen

Hey there! I'm Kathleen Pope, a proud wife, mom of two awesome college boys, and recipe nerd. Welcome to my world of easy recipes with a healthy twist! Join thousands who trust The Fresh Cooky as their go-to recipe source. Let's cook up some magic!

Read More

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter / X
  • Mastadon

Hello, Sunshine!

My 2025 Summer Recipe Round-up

FREE EMAIL BONUS: 5 days of summer’s greatest hits

Trending Now

The Fresh Cooky
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter / X
  • Mastadon

Subscribe Now

by Course

  • Appetizers & Snacks
  • Breads
  • Drinks
  • Main Dishes
  • Salads & Dressings
  • Sauces & Condiments
  • Side Dishes
  • Sweets

Holidays

  • Thanksgiving
  • Holiday Appetizers
  • Holiday Breakfast
  • Holiday Drinks
  • Holiday Main Dish
  • Holiday Side Dish
  • Holiday Sweets
  • Game Day Recipes

By Cuisine

  • Asian
  • German
  • Italian
  • Mexican

By Diet

  • Gluten-Free
  • Low Carb
  • Vegetarian

By Meal Type

  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Easy Weeknight Meals
  • Freezer Meals
  • Kid-Friendly
  • Make Ahead

By Method

  • Air Fryer
  • Crockpot
  • Grilled
  • Instant Pot
  • One Pot
  • Sheet Pan
  • Stovetop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • Subscribe

Copyright © 2025 · The Fresh Cooky · Privacy & Disclosure Policy

247 shares
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • Email

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe.

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required