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Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

This easy slow cooker dish involves cooking chicken breasts or thighs with broth and seasonings until tender and easy to shred. The process highlights gentle simmering that results in moist, juicy meat with a soft, pull-apart texture, perfect for tacos, sandwiches, or salads. The final dish is flavorful, moist, and beautifully shredded, ready to be incorporated into your favorite recipes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts preferably thighs for juiciness
  • 1 cup chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 medium onion rough chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika or cumin for smoky warmth
  • optional lemon juice or hot sauce brightens the dish at the end

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken thighs or breasts into the slow cooker, then pour the chicken broth over the top.
  2. Add the rough chopped onion and minced garlic around the chicken, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika or cumin for flavor.
  3. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low. Let it cook for about 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
  4. Once cooked, open the lid and check that the chicken is cooked through and tender—use a meat thermometer if needed, aiming for 165°F.
  5. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks directly in the slow cooker or transfer to a cutting board and shred with forks.
  6. Stir the shredded chicken into the juices and seasonings in the slow cooker, letting it soak up the flavorful broth for a few minutes.
  7. If desired, squeeze a little lemon juice or add hot sauce to brighten the flavor before serving.
  8. Serve the moist, tender shredded chicken as a main dish or use it as a filling for tacos, sandwiches, or salads.