If you’ve been on the hunt for a game-changing, fuss-free chicken recipe that turns out tender, flavorful, and downright juicy every single time, then you’re in the right place. I’m super excited to share this Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe because it’s not just easy; it’s a total lifesaver for those busy weeknights or meal prepping Sundays. Seriously, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without slow cooker shredded chicken in your rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Weeknight Meal: You just dump everything in the crockpot and let it do all the work while you go about your day.
Juicy & Tender Every Time: Slow cooking locks in moisture so your chicken comes out shredding perfectly without drying out.
Versatile & Adaptable: From tacos to salads to sandwiches, this shredded chicken works with pretty much any dish you can dream up.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and you’ve got tasty, ready-to-eat protein all week long.

This image shows a white slow cooker filled with two main layers: on the right side, there are two whole cooked chicken pieces with a light golden color, sprinkled with green herbs and a shiny glaze of broth on top; on the left side, shredded chicken pieces in pale beige color soaking in a light brown broth, creating a moist texture; a silver fork is placed inside the slow cooker touching both shredded and whole chicken; the inside of the slow cooker has some broth stains along the edges; the background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken, easy slow cooker chicken, tender shredded chicken recipe, effortless chicken dinner, healthy crockpot chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle flavor that makes it so versatile—and I’ve included a few of my tips on picking them out.

Flat lay of raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small glass bowl with low sodium chicken broth, sprigs of fresh Italian herbs like rosemary and oregano, a wooden spoonful of coarse seasoning salt, a small heap of Italian seasoning blend, and a few cracked black peppercorns scattered artfully, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken, easy slow cooker chicken, tender shredded chicken recipe, effortless chicken dinner, healthy crockpot chicken

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts shred beautifully in the crockpot and stay moist when cooked low and slow, but you can also swap for thighs if you like darker meat.
Low sodium chicken broth: This keeps the chicken juicy while adding mild flavor without overpowering the natural taste.
Seasoning salt: I personally love Lawry’s for that perfect balance of herbs and saltiness—it pumps up the flavor effortlessly.
Italian seasoning: Adds a nice herby, aromatic boost that blends well with the chicken broth and salt.
Black pepper: Just a little to give a gentle kick and layer of spice.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

What I love most about this Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to use different spices or tweak it for dietary needs, there’s something for everyone!

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper before cooking—I tried this for a Mexican night and my family went crazy for the extra warmth.
Herb Twist: Swap Italian seasoning for a blend of fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary if you prefer something bright and garden-fresh.
Diet Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and low carb, making it perfect for keto or paleo diets with no modifications.
Using Chicken Thighs: If you prefer juicier, more flavorful dark meat, thighs work great here and shred just as well.

How to Make Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Lay It All Out

Start by placing your boneless skinless chicken breasts right into the crockpot. I generally use a 2.5 to 4-quart slow cooker for this size batch. Then, pour in the low sodium chicken broth—it’s the secret to keeping everything juicy. Sprinkle your seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper evenly over the top. No need to stir; just let those flavors mingle as it cooks.

Step 2: Set It and Forget It

Cover your crockpot and set it on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 2 to 3. The key is to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fall-apart tender. When I first tried cooking it on high, it still came out tender, but the low setting has always been my go-to for the juiciest results.

Step 3: Shred Like a Pro

Once the chicken is done, use two forks to gently shred it right in the crockpot. If there’s a lot of liquid, you might want to scoop some out first—save it, though, because you can always add a bit back if it gets too dry. This liquid packs flavor into every shred, which is a little trick I discovered after accidentally tossing it out once and noticing a loss in taste!

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Pro Tips for Making Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe

Low and Slow Wins: Even though high heat is tempting, I’ve found the low setting lets the chicken soak up flavors and stay extra moist.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your clock; overcooking can lead to dry or stringy chicken, which defeats the purpose of juicy slow cooker chicken.
Save the Juices: When shredding, keep some of that cooking liquid close by—you can mix it back in to keep the chicken saucy and flavorful.
Even Shreds Look Better: I use two forks at opposing angles to shred evenly—it’s a small thing, but it makes the chicken look and taste better when mixed into other dishes.

How to Serve Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe

Inside a white slow cooker, there is one main layer of shredded light beige cooked chicken mixed with small green herb pieces, all soaked in a thin, light brown broth. A silver spoon rests partially submerged in the mixture on the right side. The chicken strands have a soft texture, and the herbs are finely sprinkled. The slow cooker sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken, easy slow cooker chicken, tender shredded chicken recipe, effortless chicken dinner, healthy crockpot chicken

Garnishes

Honestly, my go-to garnishes are fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley—they add a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the whole dish. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice right before serving can also lift the flavors beautifully. And if you like a little heat, some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce never hurt.

Side Dishes

I love pairing shredded chicken with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for some balance. It also works perfectly in soft tortillas with avocado and salsa for easy tacos. My family always asks for roasted veggies on the side—the caramelized sweetness goes so well with the savory chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to impress guests is serving the shredded chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice with colorful roasted peppers and drizzled with a tangy yogurt sauce. I’ve also used this chicken as a base for loaded nachos or even pizza toppings—trust me, the crowd loved it every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and it stays juicy and delicious for up to 3-4 days. Sometimes I add a little of that reserved cooking liquid back in before sealing the container to keep it moist.

Freezing

Freezing shredded chicken is a total game changer for meal prep. I portion it into freezer-safe bags, squeeze out extra air, and freeze for up to 3-4 months. When I’m ready to use it, I thaw it overnight in the fridge, and honestly, it tastes just as fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of reserved broth or water so it doesn’t dry out. You can also microwave it covered, but the stove method keeps the texture better. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually even juicier and more forgiving when slow-cooked. Just keep the same cooking times and seasoning, and you’ll get deliciously tender shredded chicken every time.
How can I prevent the shredded chicken from drying out?

Keep the slow cooker on low heat for a longer time and don’t skip the chicken broth—it’s the key to moisture. Also, save some of the liquid to mix back in after shredding to keep the chicken juicy.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prepping because you can make a large batch, refrigerate or freeze leftovers, and then quickly add shredded chicken to all kinds of dishes throughout the week.
Can I add extra spices or sauces while cooking?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or even BBQ sauce for flavor twists. Just remember to balance liquids to keep the chicken tender.

Final Thoughts

This Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my recipe arsenal because it’s reliable, flavorful, and so simple that I can always count on it to feed my family with minimal stress. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to make and endlessly versatile, making it one of those staples that becomes your kitchen’s go-to. Give it a try—you’ll love having juicy shredded chicken ready to elevate your meals anytime.

Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 127 reviews

Author: Jasmine
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
Total Time: 3 hours and 5 minutes to 4 hours and 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

This Juicy Crockpot Shredded Chicken recipe is an easy and flavorful way to prepare tender, shredded chicken using a slow cooker. Perfect for meal prepping, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and hands-on time, delivering moist chicken breasts infused with savory seasoning and broth. Ideal for sandwiches, salads, tacos, or as a protein-packed main dish, it keeps well refrigerated or frozen for versatile future meals.

Ingredients

Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)

Seasonings & Liquids

¾ cup low sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon seasoning salt (I use Lawry’s)
¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts into a 2.5 to 4 quart crockpot in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour the low sodium chicken broth over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper evenly on top of the chicken for balanced flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is tender enough to fall apart easily.
Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, gently shred the chicken breasts while they remain submerged in the cooking liquid. If there is an excess of liquid, remove some before shredding but keep it aside to add back for moisture if desired.
Serve or Store: Serve the shredded chicken immediately as desired. Alternatively, allow it to cool slightly before refrigerating it in a tightly sealed container for 3 to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 to 4 months.

Notes

This crockpot shredded chicken is perfect for meal prep and can be used in a variety of dishes including sandwiches, tacos, salads, and casseroles.
Adjust seasoning to your taste preference or add additional herbs and spices for variety.
If the chicken releases too much liquid during cooking, draining some before shredding helps maintain perfect texture.
Use leftover cooking liquid to keep shredded chicken moist when reheating.
Ensure chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.