Transform your weeknight dinners with this effortless crockpot shredded chicken recipe. Simple yet flavorful, it combines succulent chicken breasts with aromatic herbs and seasonings, creating a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with salads, sandwiches, or tacos.
If you don't typically have chicken broth or fresh herbs on hand, be sure to grab these from the supermarket. Chicken broth adds richness to the dish, while fresh herbs like parsley or thyme enhance the flavor profile significantly.
Ingredients for Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe
Chicken breast: Lean and versatile, providing a high-protein base for the dish.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the flavor.
Chicken broth: Enriches the chicken with savory moisture.
Seasoned salt: A balanced mix of salt and spices for seasoning.
Pepper: Adds a hint of heat and enhances other flavors.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary, adding complexity.
Fresh herbs: Fresh sprigs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for aromatic depth.
One reader, Kenna Haggerty says:
This crockpot shredded chicken recipe is a game-changer! The chicken turns out incredibly tender and flavorful. It's so easy to prepare and perfect for meal prepping. The blend of seasonings and fresh herbs really elevates the dish. Highly recommend!
Techniques for Making Crockpot Shredded Chicken
How to layer ingredients: Place the onion at the bottom of the crockpot, followed by the chicken breasts, seasonings, and herbs. How to shred chicken: Use two forks to pull apart the cooked chicken into shreds. How to stir in broth: After shredding the chicken, mix in some of the cooking juices or broth to keep the chicken moist.
How To Make Crockpot Shredded Chicken
Make mealtime extra special by serving this tender and flavorful shredded chicken slow-cooked in a crockpot. Add some vegetables or herbs and let it cook.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4chicken breast
- ½onion
- 1cupchicken broth
- ½tspseasoned salt,or to taste
- ¼tsppepper,or to taste
- ½tspItalian seasoning,or to taste
- fresh herbs a few sprigs
Instructions
-
In the bottom of the crockpot, layer onion, chicken breast, seasonings, and herbs. Add broth.
-
Cook on High for 2 ½ to 3 hours.
-
Using 2 forks, shred chicken. Stir in some of the juices/broth.
Nutrition
- Calories: 164.32kcal
- Fat: 8.43g
- Saturated Fat: 2.42g
- Trans Fat: 0.09g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.50g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.77g
- Carbohydrates: 1.95g
- Fiber: 0.21g
- Sugar: 0.82g
- Protein: 19.03g
- Cholesterol: 56.58mg
- Sodium: 243.98mg
- Calcium: 15.32mg
- Potassium: 241.59mg
- Iron: 0.87mg
- Vitamin A: 25.53µg
- Vitamin C: 2.00mg
Helpful Technique for Making Crockpot Shredded Chicken
To ensure your chicken stays moist and flavorful, avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don't have a thermometer, check for doneness by ensuring the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Shredded Chicken in a Crockpot
Pre-chop ingredients: Chop the onion and measure out the seasonings the night before to save time in the morning.
Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought chicken broth to eliminate the need for making your own.
Double the recipe: Cook extra chicken breast and freeze the shredded chicken for future meals.
Set and forget: Use a programmable crockpot to start cooking while you’re away.
Shred with a mixer: Use a hand mixer instead of forks to quickly shred the chicken.
Substitute Ingredients For Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe
chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable replacement for chicken breast in slow-cooked recipes.
chicken breast - Substitute with boneless pork chops: Boneless pork chops can be shredded similarly to chicken breast and will absorb the flavors of the seasonings well.
½ onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a subtle depth to the dish.
½ onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a mild onion-like flavor and can add a unique twist to the recipe.
1 cup chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar savory base while keeping the dish suitable for those avoiding meat products.
1 cup chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth offers a richer and more robust flavor, which can add a different dimension to the dish.
½ tsp seasoned salt - Substitute with garlic salt: Garlic salt can provide a similar level of seasoning with an added hint of garlic flavor.
½ tsp seasoned salt - Substitute with celery salt: Celery salt can offer a unique flavor twist while still providing the necessary seasoning.
¼ tsp pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor profile but can still provide the necessary heat and spice.
¼ tsp pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper will add more heat and a different kind of spiciness to the dish.
½ tsp italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de provence: Herbes de Provence includes a mix of herbs that can provide a similar flavor profile to Italian seasoning.
½ tsp italian seasoning - Substitute with oregano and basil: A combination of oregano and basil can mimic the flavors found in Italian seasoning.
fresh herbs a few sprigs - Substitute with dried herbs: Dried herbs can be used in place of fresh herbs, though you may need to use a smaller amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
fresh herbs a few sprigs - Substitute with parsley and thyme: A mix of parsley and thyme can provide a fresh and aromatic flavor similar to a variety of fresh herbs.
Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Shredded Chicken
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the shredded chicken in a delicate, compact mound to highlight its tenderness and texture.
Use decoration: Garnish with finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Layer flavors: Place a thin slice of onion beneath the chicken to add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
Add a sauce: Drizzle a small amount of the reserved chicken broth over the top to keep the dish moist and enhance the savory profile.
Use elegant plating: Serve the dish on a pristine white plate to make the colors and textures of the shredded chicken and herbs stand out.
Incorporate texture: Add a crispy element, such as a toasted bread crumb sprinkle, to contrast with the tender chicken.
Highlight the seasoning: Lightly dust the plate with Italian seasoning to visually tie in the flavors used in the dish.
Balance the dish: Include a small side of lightly dressed mixed greens to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chicken.
Essential Tools for Making Shredded Chicken in a Crockpot
Crockpot: A slow cooker used to cook the chicken breasts slowly, ensuring they become tender and easy to shred.
Cutting board: A surface to safely chop the onion and any fresh herbs.
Chef's knife: A sharp knife for chopping the onion and cutting any fresh herbs.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the chicken broth accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the seasoned salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Forks: Used to shred the cooked chicken breasts into smaller pieces.
Mixing spoon: Used to stir the shredded chicken back into the juices/broth for added flavor.
Serving dish: A dish to transfer the shredded chicken once it is ready to be served.
Storing and Freezing Crockpot Shredded Chicken
- Allow the shredded chicken to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, place the cooled shredded chicken in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- If you plan to freeze the shredded chicken, here's what you should do:
- Divide the cooled shredded chicken into portion-sized amounts that you'll likely use in recipes. This way, you can thaw only what you need later on.
- Place each portion into a freezer-safe, zip-top bag or airtight container. If using bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the bags or containers with the date and amount of chicken inside.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer, which will help them freeze quickly and store easily.
- Frozen shredded chicken will maintain its best quality for up to 4 months. After that, it is still safe to eat but may have a slightly altered texture or flavor.
- To thaw frozen shredded chicken, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before you plan to use it. It will be ready to use the next day.
- If you need to use the shredded chicken immediately, you can thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting. Make sure to use or cook the chicken right away after thawing in the microwave.
- Never refreeze chicken that has been previously frozen and thawed. This can lead to food safety issues.
How To Reheat Leftover Shredded Chicken
The best way to reheat leftover crockpot shredded chicken is to use the microwave. Place the desired amount of chicken in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is heated through.
Another great option is to reheat the shredded chicken in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan and heat over medium heat. Add the chicken and a splash of broth or water, stirring occasionally until the chicken is warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges.
For a quick and easy meal, you can also reheat the shredded chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to crisp up the edges.
If you have a lot of leftover shredded chicken, you can also freeze it for later use. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label the container with the date and amount of chicken, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and use one of the methods above to warm it up.
Interesting Fact About Crockpot Shredded Chicken
A great thing about this crockpot shredded chicken recipe is that it is incredibly versatile. You can use the shredded chicken in a variety of dishes such as tacos, salads, sandwiches, or even soups.
Is Making Shredded Chicken in a Crockpot Cost-Effective?
This crockpot shredded chicken recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Using basic ingredients like chicken breast, onion, and chicken broth, it keeps expenses low while delivering a flavorful meal. The use of seasoned salt, pepper, and italian seasoning adds depth without breaking the bank. Fresh herbs elevate the dish, yet remain affordable. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD.
Is This Shredded Chicken Recipe Healthy?
This crockpot shredded chicken recipe is a healthy and nutritious option for several reasons:
- The main ingredient is chicken breast, which is a lean protein source low in fat and calories
- The recipe uses minimal added fats or oils, relying on the natural juices from the chicken and broth for moisture
- Onion and herbs add flavor without contributing significant calories or unhealthy components
- The seasoning blend is simple and doesn't contain any high-sodium or sugary ingredients
However, there are a few ways to make this recipe even healthier:
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall salt content
- Add more vegetables to the crockpot, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers, to increase the fiber and nutrient density of the dish
- Use skinless chicken breasts to further reduce the fat content
- Experiment with different herb and spice combinations to add variety and boost the antioxidant profile of the recipe, such as adding garlic, cumin, or smoked paprika
This shredded chicken is a versatile base for many healthy meals. Try using it in:
- Whole wheat tortillas with avocado and salsa for a balanced wrap
- On top of a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing
- Stirred into a vegetable-packed soup or stew for added protein
- As a filling for lettuce wraps or stuffed bell peppers
By making smart ingredient choices and incorporating this shredded chicken into nutrient-rich dishes, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal that supports your health goals.
Editor's Opinion on This Shredded Chicken Recipe
This crockpot shredded chicken recipe is simple yet effective, perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of seasoned salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning provides a balanced flavor profile, while the fresh herbs add a touch of freshness. Cooking the chicken in broth ensures it remains moist and tender. Shredding the chicken and mixing it with the juices enhances its succulence. Overall, it's a versatile dish that can be used in various meals, from tacos to salads.
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Why trust this Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe:
This crockpot shredded chicken recipe is a must-try for its simplicity and flavor. Using basic ingredients like chicken breast, onion, and chicken broth, it ensures a tender and juicy result every time. The addition of seasoned salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning enhances the taste, while fresh herbs add a delightful aroma. Cooking in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a foolproof method for any home cook.
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