Shredded Chicken in the Crock Pot

I use shredded chicken in so many recipes.

While I prefer to make it in the Instant Pot I totally understand that not every kitchen has one, although if you’re on the fence, they are so helpful to have. 🙂

Today, I’m teaching you how to make shredded chicken in the Crock Pot in bulk. This is a great way to make shredded chicken, as if you don’t use it all in one meal, you’ll have it for meals in the future.

I use shredded chicken for:

• Casseroles
• Quesadillas
• Tacos
• Burrito bowls
• Salads
• Enchiladas
• and more…

Print Pin

Shredded Chicken in the Crock Pot

Having shredded chicken on hand is always a HUGE blessing for me. I make the shredded chicken in the Crock Pot and then store it in freezer baggies. This makes it so easy to use for casseroles, soups and anything I need pre-cooked chicken for! 

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 8 hours hours

Calories 1585kcal

Cost 10

Ingredients

• 3-5 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
• 1  cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

• Season chicken breasts (or thighs), place chicken breasts in bottom of crockpot.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Remove chicken from crockpot and shred with two forks or a hand mixer in a bowl (remove it from the ceramic Crock Pot bowl.
• Use the chicken right away in your favorite recipes.  Or, allow chicken to cool and portion into zip-top bags and freeze for up to two months.

Notes

This works out to 6-8 cups of chicken depending on how much you start with. I like to save serving sizes of about 2 cups in freezer bags. 

 

Cooked/Shredded chicken is good in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and in the freezer for up to 2 months.  Store in a well sealed zip-top bag. Be sure to let out the air before sealing the baggie. 

 

Also to note: Chicken thighs have more flavor, and are perfect to use in soups and baked dishes like enchiladas. 

 

I prefer to use chicken breast meat for tacos, quesadillas, wraps, things that won't be baked. 

Notes for making shredded chicken: