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Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

This dish features tender, shredded chicken cooked slowly in a crockpot with flavorful spices, hot sauce, and broth until juicy and easily pull-apart. The result is a chunky, sauce-coated chicken perfect for bowls or tacos, with a savory aroma filling the kitchen during cooking.
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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 breasts or thighs preferably breasts for leaner meat
  • 1 cup chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce Frank’s or sriracha recommended
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • pinch cayenne pepper optional for heat
  • 1 whole onion sliced thin
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice brightens the dish
  • optional toppings shredded cheese, sliced avocado, sour cream, herbs

Equipment

  • Crockpot
  • Forks

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken in the crockpot and sprinkle with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and sliced onion on top.
  2. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and add the minced garlic, hot sauce, and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.
  3. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
  4. Remove the chicken from the crockpot and transfer to a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat into juicy, tender strands.
  5. Taste the shredded chicken and adjust seasoning with additional hot sauce or salt if needed.
  6. Serve the shredded chicken in bowls, topped with your favorite toppings like cheese, sliced avocado, or herbs. Enjoy the warm, saucy texture with a flavorful kick.