I’m so excited to share this Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe with you because it makes meal prep ridiculously simple and the chicken turns out incredibly tender every single time. Whether you’re feeding a family, packing lunches, or just want a versatile protein ready to go, this recipe will quickly become your go-to — I promise!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Toss everything in the crockpot, set it, and forget it – minimal hands-on time.
Juicy, Tender Chicken: The slow cooking method locks in moisture, making shredding easy and satisfying.
Versatile Meal Prep: Use this shredded chicken in tacos, salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients you likely already have, plus it stretches a few chicken breasts into multiple meals.

This image shows a white slow cooker filled with two main layers: on the right side, there are two whole cooked chicken pieces with a light golden color, sprinkled with green herbs and a shiny glaze of broth on top; on the left side, shredded chicken pieces in pale beige color soaking in a light brown broth, creating a moist texture; a silver fork is placed inside the slow cooker touching both shredded and whole chicken; the inside of the slow cooker has some broth stains along the edges; the background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken, easy shredded chicken, slow cooker chicken recipe, tender chicken for meal prep, versatile shredded chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve kept the ingredient list super straightforward, focusing on just a few things that really bring out great flavor without complicating your prep. You’ll find it’s a breeze to grab these at the store, and the seasoning combo is my secret to making the chicken taste fantastic without being overpowering.

Flat lay of raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small glass bowl with low sodium chicken broth, sprigs of fresh Italian herbs like rosemary and oregano, a wooden spoonful of coarse seasoning salt, a small heap of Italian seasoning blend, and a few cracked black peppercorns scattered artfully, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken, easy shredded chicken, slow cooker chicken recipe, tender chicken for meal prep, versatile shredded chicken

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I prefer breasts for this recipe because they shred beautifully, but thighs could work if you like darker meat.
Low sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and subtle richness, plus you can always control your salt levels better this way.
Seasoning salt: Lawry’s is my favorite because it’s balanced and flavorful; it makes such a difference in the final dish.
Italian seasoning: This blend gives the chicken a gentle herby note, just enough to make your taste buds happy.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked if possible—it adds that little kick and brightness that pulls everything together.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love switching things up depending on what we have on hand or my mood, so don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors that speak to you.

Mexican-Inspired Twist: Add a teaspoon of chili powder, cumin, and some crushed red pepper. It turns the chicken into the perfect taco or burrito filling — my family goes wild for this variation.
Garlic and Herb: Mix in some minced garlic and fresh thyme or rosemary. I discovered this trick when I wanted a more aromatic shredded chicken for Sunday brunch sandwiches.
Spicy Kick: Throw in a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce before cooking. It’s my go-to when I want a little heat but without overwhelming the natural chicken flavor.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken: Add a half cup of your favorite BBQ sauce in the last hour of cooking for sticky, sweet, shredded chicken that’s picnic-ready.

How to Make Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients Gently

Start by placing the chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of your crockpot—don’t overlap too much so each piece cooks evenly. Pour in the chicken broth carefully, then sprinkle the seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper evenly over the top. I like this step because it ensures every bite is loaded with flavor.

Step 2: Let the Crockpot Do Its Magic

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or high for 2-3 hours. I’ve tried both, but low and slow always gives me more tender, juicy chicken that shreds effortlessly. Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked.

Step 3: Shred Carefully and Preserve Juiciness

Once the chicken is done, use two forks to gently shred it right in the crockpot liquid. If you notice there’s a ton of liquid, feel free to scoop out some so you don’t have a soggy mess—but don’t toss it! You can always add some back depending on how juicy you want your shredded chicken.

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Pro Tips for Making Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Start checking for doneness early; chicken can dry out if cooked too long even in a crockpot.
Use Quality Broth: I learned the hard way that cheap broth can make the chicken taste flat — going for low sodium versions lets you adjust salt perfectly.
Shred While Warm: It’s much easier and yields fluffier chicken when shredded right in the crockpot, rather than after cooling too much.
Save the Juices: Don’t toss that liquid; it’s packed with flavor and perfect to mix back in or use as a base for sauces.

How to Serve Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe

Inside a white slow cooker, there is one main layer of shredded light beige cooked chicken mixed with small green herb pieces, all soaked in a thin, light brown broth. A silver spoon rests partially submerged in the mixture on the right side. The chicken strands have a soft texture, and the herbs are finely sprinkled. The slow cooker sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken, easy shredded chicken, slow cooker chicken recipe, tender chicken for meal prep, versatile shredded chicken

Garnishes

I love topping this shredded chicken with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for brightness. Sometimes I add diced avocado or a sprinkle of cheese, especially if I’m using it in tacos or salads. These simple touches really elevate the dish without any extra fuss.

Side Dishes

For the sides, I often pair this shredded chicken with some garlic mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or even a quick quinoa salad. When I’m feeling lazy, a side of tortilla chips and salsa hits the spot, especially if you jazz the chicken up with Southwest seasonings.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family gathering, I like serving the shredded chicken buffet-style with various toppings and tortillas so everyone can build their own tacos. Another favorite is stuffing the chicken inside baked sweet potatoes—comfort food at its finest! It’s also fantastic in crunchy lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container, preferably glass, to avoid odors and keep the flavor fresh. It stays great in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, which makes it perfect for quick weekday meals.

Freezing

Freezing this chicken is a total lifesaver. I portion it out in freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible, and it keeps beautifully for 3-4 months. When you need it, just thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. Stir it occasionally while warming so the chicken stays juicy and tender, just like the first time you made it.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully flavorful and stay juicy even longer. Just adjust the cooking time slightly—since thighs have more fat, they might cook a bit faster and shred easily once tender.
How do I prevent shredded chicken from drying out?

The key is cooking on low heat for the right amount of time and not exceeding the recommended cooking window. Also, shredding the chicken while it’s still in the cooking liquid and saving some of that juice to mix back in keeps it deliciously moist.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

You sure can! I usually set mine on manual high pressure for about 10-12 minutes, then use natural pressure release for about 5 minutes before shredding. Just make sure to add enough broth, so there’s liquid to help keep the chicken moist.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely! This Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prep since it stores well, freezes easily, and can be used in countless dishes throughout the week. I often make a batch on Sunday and enjoy stress-free dinners all week long.
What are some creative ways to use the leftover cooking liquid?

The cooking liquid is packed with flavor! I like to drizzle some over rice bowls, use it as a base for soups, or even add a splash to sauces and gravies. Just be sure to taste and adjust seasoning before using.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I absolutely love how this Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe turns out every time I make it. It’s become my secret weapon for busy weeks, and I’ve shared it with so many friends who swear by it too. You’ll enjoy how easy it is to prepare and how versatile the shredded chicken is—you really can’t go wrong. Give it a try, and see how something so simple can make a big tasty difference in your kitchen routine!

Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 85 reviews

Author: Jaden
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 3-4 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Total Time: 4 hours 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

This Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken recipe is a simple and flavorful way to prepare tender, shredded chicken using a slow cooker. Perfect for meal prep, it’s seasoned with basic spices and slow-cooked to juicy perfection, making it an ideal versatile protein for various dishes throughout the week.

Ingredients

Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)

Seasoning & Broth

¾ cup low sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon seasoning salt (such as Lawry’s)
¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Crockpot: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into a 2.5 to 4-quart crockpot, ensuring they are spread out evenly for consistent cooking.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour the low sodium chicken broth over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle the seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper evenly on top to infuse flavor throughout the cooking process.
Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on the low setting for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F and the meat is tender enough to shred easily.
Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove some liquid if there is an excessive amount to avoid sogginess, but keep it aside in case you want to add moisture back in. Using two forks, gently pull apart and shred the cooked chicken directly in the crockpot liquid to help keep it juicy.
Serve or Store: Serve the shredded chicken immediately in your preferred dish, or allow it to cool slightly before refrigerating. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3-4 months for convenient future meals.

Notes

This recipe is ideal for meal prepping as it yields tender, juicy shredded chicken that can be used in various dishes like tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more.
Removing excess liquid before shredding helps control the moisture level depending on your preference and dish.
The seasonings can be adjusted or enhanced with additional spices or herbs to suit different flavor profiles.
Cook time may vary depending on the crockpot model and size, so check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
You can double the recipe if you have a larger crockpot to accommodate more chicken breasts for bigger meals.