Shredded Chicken Week: Easy Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

Shredded chicken has to be one of my favorite multi-purpose ingredients.  You can use in so many different dishes that it's a great way to plan a week's worth of meals.

Today's recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken is the perfect shortcut to give you wonderful results and a lot of shredded chicken, all while you are at work or running around for the day!

This is such a simple recipe, you literally just dump and go. You'll have to spend a few minutes putting the chicken ingredients in the slow cooker, and few shredding the chicken when it's done.  No biggie!  When it's done you have beautifully cooked, tender chicken that you shred.  That's it!  

I've deemed this week shredded chicken week.  I'll be posting several scrumptious dishes with shredded chicken that you'll just love.  First up, we'll be looking at the simple technique to making the shredded chicken.

My recipe is for a "small batch" of shredded chicken, which fed 2 people 4 different dishes during the week.  You can double or triple the recipe as you like to feed 4 or more people.  

Kitchen Tips:  

• Use boneless skinless chicken breasts or if you prefer dark meat, use thighs.  Leaving the skin is on is not suggested as it will add a lot of unwanted fat and the results will not be as good.
• Start with fresh or frozen chicken breasts.  If using frozen, thaw before placing in the slow cooker. They are saying it's not safe to put frozen chicken in the cooker as it takes too long to come to temperature without creating bacteria.
• To shred the chicken use 2 forks!  It seems to be the easiest way.
• The chicken will keep in the refrigerator for several days, but you can also divide it into portions and freeze it in containers or freezer bags so you have it handy for quick weeknight meals.

Have fun using your shredded chicken in all kinds of dishes such as soups, rice bowls, salads, enchiladas, chicken salad, tacos, pasta dishes, chili, pizza...the list goes on and on!

Stay tuned this week for some new recipes that use this succulent shredded chicken.

Enjoy!




Easy Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken


Yields:  4 cups of shredded chicken


2 large chicken breasts - about 1 pound
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth

Place chicken in the slow cookers.  Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the top and add the chicken broth.  Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours.  Remove the chicken and shred with 2 forks.  

Use immediately or store in a container in the refrigerator or freezer.