Clean Chicken Slow Cooker Recipes

A quick & easy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe using only 4 ingredients! If you want juicy, perfectly cooked chicken-this healthy slow cooker recipe is for you! Paleo, Keto, Whole30 and Gluten Free!

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This easy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe is about to be a staple in your weekly meal plan because it is incredibly easy to make and so versatile!

Only 5 minutes of prep time for this recipe and the slow cooker does the rest work in this easy recipe!

Trust me, you will love this juicy and delicious shredded chicken it makes!

Shredded Chicken in Crock Pot

I personally think the best way to make shredded chicken is in the crockpot. It leads to super moist meat due to the low and slow cook time (and let's be real – no one likes dry chicken!).

With this easy shredded chicken crockpot recipe, you only need 4 ingredients, a crockpot, 5 minutes of prep time, and 3-4 hours of patiently waiting while the slow cooker does the rest of the work.

Crockpot shredded chicken on a salad with tomatoes and peppers in a white bowl on a grey background

Ingredients for Crockpot Shredded Chicken

To make this Shredded Chicken in the crockpot, you only need these 4 ingredients:

Chicken Breast
Water
Salt
Pepper

Seriously, that's it!

There are a few substitutions listed below if you want to add some variety or swap out any of these ingredients! Look for the shaded green box for substitutions.

Ingredients for slow cooker shredded chicken breast in small white bowls on a grey background

How to Make Shredded Chicken Recipes in Crock Pot

To start, you will want to layer the base of your crockpot with the chicken breasts, ensuring that they are even and aren't piled on top of each other (see photo).
Then add your water and seasonings.
Set your crockpot to high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. You will want to cook until the internal temp of the chicken is 165 degrees.

Raw Chicken breasts in a crockpot before being cooked for slow cooker shredded chicken

chicken breasts cooked in a slow cooker with juices

Once cooked, shred with forks or a mixer (directions below).

Use this easy shredded chicken in soups, stews, salads or sandwiches! Seriously, this shredded chicken recipe is SO versatile!

How to Shred Chicken

Once it is cooked, you can easily shred your chicken with forks or with a mixer.

With Forks: Simply shred the chicken by pulling apart with two forks. It will be super tender.

Two forks shredding crockpot shredded chicken

With A Mixer: My favorite way to shred chicken is by using a mixer. I toss the cooked chicken into my KitchenAid Mixer with the paddle attachment and turn it on low-medium until it looks perfectly shredded. Super easy! You can also use a hand mixer using this method as well.

How long should you cook Chicken in Crock Pot?

You will want to cook your chicken in the crockpot on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. To ensure the shredded chicken is fully cooked, you will want the internal temp to be 165 degrees.

I recommend cooking lower and slower if possible. Cooking your chicken on high can result in dried out chicken!

Crockpot shredded chicken on a salad with tomatoes and peppers in a white bowl on a grey background with fork

Substitutions for Shredded Crockpot Chicken Breast

This shredded crockpot chicken recipe is pretty versatile – here are some of the ways you can customize it.

Seasoning: You can really use any seasonings on this chicken to fit your taste. We love to use our taco seasoning for easy shredded chicken tacos. We have also made it with Italian seasoning and it was so delicious!

Type of Chicken – While we recommend chicken breast, you could definitely use thighs or tenders. If you use bone in breasts, we do expect it would take a little longer to cook, so be sure to check the internal temp (165 degrees for chicken).

Broth- While the recipe calls for water, you can substitute any kind of broth in this recipe (chicken, veggie or beef will work).

Doubling the recipe – You can double this recipe, but we would expect that to add a little time to the cook time, so be sure to check the internal temp (165 degrees for chicken).

Have questions? We have answers!

Can you put raw chicken breast in a slow cooker?

Yes, it is totally fine to put your chicken raw in the slow cooker and if you follow the recommended cook time and check the internal temp (165 degrees for chicken), the chicken will thoroughly cook.

What type of chicken is best for shredding?

We recommend chicken breast and find it makes the best shredded chicken in the crockpot, but you could definitely use thighs or tenders if you prefer. If you use bone in breasts, we do expect it would take a little longer to cook, so be sure to check the internal temp (165 degrees for chicken).

How do I keep chicken from drying out in the crockpot?

I have not had a problem with dry chicken using this recipe; however, if you are nervous about your chicken looking a little on the dryer side or if your crockpot tends to run extra hot, you can always add a little more water or broth. The extra liquid definitely won't hurt a thing – it will only make it juicier! When storing/reheating, you can also add ¼-½ cup of broth to help keep your chicken moist.

How to Store Shredded Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

Storing: This chicken will last for 4 days in your refrigerator in an airtight container. We like to store it with the broth leftover from cooking to keep the chicken moist.

Freezing: I have frozen this shredded chicken in small bags or containers. When ready to defrost, simply take out the night before and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight or simply heat from frozen in the microwave or in a pan. The chicken should last 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating: If you are reheating from the fridge or freezer, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove top in a pan. Timing will vary depending on your microwave/stove, but cook until thoroughly warmed. I would recommend leaving juices to keep it moist.

Crockpot shredded chicken in a white bowl on a grey background with crockpot in background

How to Freeze Shredded Chicken Recipes

I typically freeze this crockpot shredded chicken in small bags or containers. The chicken should last 2-3 months in the freezer.

When ready to defrost, simply take out the night before and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight or simply heat from frozen in the microwave or in a pan.

How to use Shredded Crock Pot Chicken Breast

Here are some crockpot shredded chicken ideas for you! This chicken is so versatile, it really goes with anything!

We love adding this chicken in soups, salads, or just plain on it's own. It's great for weekly meal prepping and serving with Crispy Smashed Potatoes and Lemon Parmesan Roasted Asparagus.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Lemon Chicken Soup
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Whole30 Greek Chicken Spaghetti Squash Bake
Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole or Spaghetti Squash Boats
We also have a dedicated blog post to Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes!

Looking for other healthy slow cooker recipes? Check out these Healthy Crockpot Recipes!

Shredded Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe

A quick & easy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe! If you want juicy, perfectly cooked chicken-this healthy slow cooker recipe is for you!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword crockpot shredded chicken, instant pot shredded chicken

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 3 hours

Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes

Servings 4 people (about 1 cup each)

Calories 194 kcal

Zero

WW Freestyle Points Zero

1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts
3/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

In your crockpot base, layer chicken breasts evenly. Try not to pile them on top of one another.
Add water and sprinkle with salt/pepper.
Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours
When chicken Is cooked to 165 degrees internal temp – shred with forks or a mixer.
Use In soups, stews, salads or sandwiches!

Nutrition Facts

Shredded Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 cup cooked chicken breasts)

Calories 194 Calories from Fat 36

% Daily Value*

Fat 4g 6%

Saturated Fat 1g 6%

Cholesterol 109mg 36%

Sodium 345mg 15%

Potassium 629mg 18%

Carbohydrates 1g 0%

Protein 36g 72%

Vitamin A 51IU 1%

Vitamin C 2mg 2%

Calcium 9mg 1%

Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. This is an estimate and can vary pending your ingredients