Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken for Everything
Set-it-and-forget-it shredded chicken that’s high-protein, neutral enough for any meal, and built for weekly meal prep. Use it for bowls, salads, wraps, tacos, soups, and quick post-workout plates.
This is the batch-cook chicken I keep on repeat when the week is packed. It’s simple, consistent, and flexible—season it once, then remix it all week with different sauces and sides. One slow-cooker run gives you multiple high-protein meals with almost no hands-on time.
Total Time
4 hr 10 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
4 hr
Servings
8
Ingredients
Chicken
- •3 lb (about 1.4 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or a mix of breasts and thighs)
Cooking liquid + flavor base
- •1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- •2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for a little body and color)
- •2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
Seasoning
- •2 tsp kosher salt (use 1 1/2 tsp if using regular table salt)
- •2 tsp garlic powder
- •2 tsp onion powder
- •1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- •1 tsp ground black pepper
- •1 tsp dried oregano
- •Pinch of chili flakes or cayenne (optional)
To finish
- •1–2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for a slightly richer texture)
Instructions
- 1
Add chicken to the slow cooker in an even layer.
- 2
In a bowl, whisk together broth, tomato paste (if using), and vinegar/lemon. Pour over the chicken.
- 3
Sprinkle salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper, oregano, and chili flakes (if using) evenly over the top.
- 4
Cover and cook until the chicken is very tender: LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. (Cook time varies by slow cooker; aim for chicken that shreds easily.)
- 5
Transfer chicken to a large bowl and shred with two forks.
- 6
Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss with the cooking liquid to re-moisten. If you want it a bit richer, stir in 1–2 tbsp olive oil.
- 7
Portion for meal prep. Cool, then store with some of the juices to keep it moist.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition calculated automatically from ingredients.