The foolproof way to cook chicken for shredded chicken recipes is to use the crock pot!
With just a few simple steps, you can transform chicken into succulent, easily-shredded chicken ready to star in tacos, sandwiches, soups, and so much more.
Check out all the other Family Favorite Chicken Recipes you can use with this easy recipe!
How do you cook chicken when a recipe calls for shredded chicken?
There are a few ways you can cook your chicken ahead but my favorite way is to use my crock pot.
I use bone in chicken breasts, however, you can use chicken cutlets, but be very careful you do not overcook them.
Looking for more crock pot recipes to add to your Weekly Meal Plan? Try my Barbecue Chicken, Salsa Chicken, Keto Crack Chicken in the Crock Pot or this collection of Chicken Cutlet Recipes made in the slow cooker.
Table of Contents
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Place the chicken breasts into the crock pot and season well. I like to only season with salt and pepper because I'm going to season the chicken again in another recipe.
Step 2: Cover and cook for four hours on high or six hours on low. Do not add water.
Step 3: Check the chicken after a few hours to make sure it does not overcook. Some crock pots cook faster than others...especially the newer crock pots.
How to Shred Cooked Chicken
Step 4: After four hours, the chicken should be cooked. Check with a digital meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reads 165°F.
Step 5: Remove your chicken from the crock pot and using two forks, start shredding.
Step 6: Your chicken is ready to use in any recipe that calls for shredded or precooked chicken.
Note: I like to remove the skin from the chicken, but that's really up to you!
Freezing Tips
The cooked shredded chicken will keep well-covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
After the chicken has cooked and it's been shredded, allow it to cool and come to room temperature.
Then place the shredded chicken in freeze safe containers. Place in the freezer until you're ready to use it in a recipe.
- INCLUDES: This Anchor Hocking glass storage set contains (4) 2-cup round food storage containers with (4) mint Snugfit lids. Unlike most plastics and metals, glass is all-recyclable, won’t stain, and won’t retain odors. Enjoy a cleaner experience.
How to Use the Broth from Crock Pot Chicken
Even though this recipe does not call for you adding any water to the crock pot, as the chicken cooks, it naturally gives off juices and creates an amazing chicken broth you can use for other recipes.
After you remove the chicken from the crock pot, pour the broth through a strainer and then into another container.
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More Recipes to Love
Craving classic chicken dishes that you can use with your fresh cooked shredded chicken? Whip up a batch of comforting Chicken Pot Pie with its creamy filling and flaky crust, or dive into a bowl of zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup loaded with veggies.
For a cheesy delight, try Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti, or explore the flavors of Mexico with a plate of satisfying Chicken Enchiladas. And when you need a simple, nourishing meal, nothing beats a classic Chicken Soup to warm you up.
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📖 Recipe Card
Shredded Chicken made in the Crock Pot
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 bone in chicken breasts
Instructions
Crock Pot Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts into the crock pot and season well with salt and pepper.
- Do NOT add water.
- Cover and cook for four hours on high or six hours on low.
How to Shred Cooked Chicken with Forks
- After four hours, the chicken should be cooked. Check with a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reads 165.
- Remove your chicken from the crock pot and using two forks, start shredding.
- Your chicken is ready to use in any recipe that calls for shredded or precooked chicken.
How to Shred Cooked Chicken with Stand Mixer
- Place the cooked chicken in the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Using the dough hook turn on the mixer on medium and allow it to shred the chicken.
- If you don’t have a dough hook attachment you can use the paddle attachment instead.
How to Freeze Shredded Chicken
- The cooked shredded chicken will keep well-covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- After the chicken has cooked and it's been shredded, allow it to cool and come to room temperature.
- Then place the shredded chicken in freeze safe containers.
- Place in the freezer until you're ready to use it in a recipe.
How to Use the Broth from Crock Pot Chicken
- Even though this recipe does not call for you adding any water to the crock pot, as the chicken cooks, it naturally gives off juices and creates an amazing chicken broth you can use for other recipes.
- After you remove the chicken from the crock pot, pour the broth through a strainer and then into another container.
Garima Pal says
great recipe!
Martha Hanna says
Great idea! I cook boneless, skinless breasts in the crockpot with barbecue sauce all the time, and we have pulled chicken sandwiches. I'll be trying this method with bone-in breasts for other recipes! 🙂
S Marie says
What an easy way to collect all of the broth from your chicken! I may never cook my chicken in the oven again. Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!
Catherine says
Dear Lois, I must use the crockpot more often...this is a great idea. xoxo, Catherine