Savory Slow-Cooked Shredded Chicken for Meal Prep
This Savory Slow-Cooked Shredded Chicken is an essential recipe to have on hand for all your meal prep needs! Packed with flavor and incredibly versatile, this dish is perfect for whipping up at the beginning of the week and using throughout. Utilizing your crock pot allows the chicken to cook low and slow, resulting in tender, easy-to-shred meat that’s perfect for a variety of recipes. Whether you're planning to make flavorful casseroles, delicious quesadillas, or zesty BBQ chicken sandwiches, this shredded chicken is the perfect addition. Plus, with the option to freeze, you'll always have precooked chicken ready to go whenever you need it!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
6-12 (use as many as desired, bone-in and skin-on preferred but boneless and skinless will work)
water
1/2 cup (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Start by placing the desired amount of chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless) into your crock pot, ensuring they fit snugly but the lid can close properly.
2
In a separate bowl, mix together the water, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
3
Pour the seasoned water over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated.
4
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours. The longer the cook time, the more tender the chicken will become!
5
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and allow them to cool slightly. The meat should be incredibly tender and easy to shred.
6
Shred or pull the meat from the bones, discarding the skin and bones.
7
Divide the shredded chicken into individual freezer bags or airtight containers. Label the bags/containers with the date and freeze for future use.
8
When ready to use, simply defrost the chicken and incorporate it into your favorite recipes!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to cook chicken for meal prep?
Using a crock pot to cook chicken low and slow for 8 to 10 hours is the best way to ensure it is tender and easy to shred for meal prep.
What ingredients are needed for Savory Slow-Cooked Shredded Chicken?
You will need 6-12 chicken breasts, 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Can I use boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for this slow cooker recipe.
Why is bone-in, skin-on chicken preferred?
Bone-in and skin-on chicken often provides more flavor and moisture during the long slow-cooking process, though both types work well.
How long should I cook chicken in the crock pot for shredding?
For the most tender results, cook the chicken on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours.
Can I cook this shredded chicken on high?
The recipe recommends the low setting for 8 to 10 hours to achieve maximum tenderness, as high heat may toughen the meat.
How much water do I add to the slow cooker?
Add 1/2 cup of water mixed with the seasonings to the crock pot.
What seasonings are used in this shredded chicken recipe?
The chicken is seasoned with a simple yet savory blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Is this slow cooker chicken recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it only contains chicken, water, and simple spices.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes, this shredded chicken is perfect for low-carb and keto diets because it is high in protein and contains no added sugars or carbs.
How do I shred the chicken once it is cooked?
Once the chicken has cooled slightly, you can easily pull the meat apart using two forks or your hands, discarding the bones and skin.
Can I freeze the shredded chicken?
Absolutely. You can divide the shredded chicken into individual freezer bags or airtight containers for future use.
How should I label the chicken for freezing?
Label the bags or containers with the date so you know how long they have been in the freezer.
What can I make with this savory shredded chicken?
This versatile chicken is perfect for casseroles, quesadillas, BBQ chicken sandwiches, tacos, and salads.
How do I defrost the frozen chicken?
Simply place the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight to defrost before incorporating it into your favorite recipes.
Does the chicken need to be submerged in water in the crock pot?
No, the 1/2 cup of seasoned water poured over the chicken is sufficient to keep it moist during the slow cooking process.
How many chicken breasts can I cook at once?
The recipe suggests 6 to 12 breasts, as long as they fit snugly in your crock pot and the lid can close properly.
Should I remove the skin before or after cooking?
You should cook the chicken with the skin on for flavor, then remove and discard the skin after cooking when you shred the meat.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild savory flavor makes it a hit with families and a great base for many kid-friendly meals.
Can I use this chicken for BBQ sandwiches?
Yes, this shredded chicken is an excellent base for zesty BBQ chicken sandwiches.
How do I prepare the seasoning liquid?
Mix the water, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a separate bowl before pouring it over the chicken.
Can I add other spices to the recipe?
Yes, while the recipe calls for garlic powder, salt, and pepper, you can add other spices like onion powder or paprika if desired.
Do I need to sear the chicken before putting it in the crock pot?
No searing is required; simply place the raw chicken directly into the crock pot.
What is the texture of the chicken after 10 hours?
The chicken becomes incredibly tender and will practically fall apart, making it very easy to shred.
Is this recipe good for beginners?
Yes, this is an easy, low-effort recipe that is perfect for anyone new to slow cooking or meal prepping.
How long does it take to prep this recipe?
The active prep time is very short, involving only mixing the seasoning and placing the chicken in the pot.
Can I use this chicken for Mexican dishes?
Yes, the savory garlic flavor makes it a great addition to tacos, enchiladas, and burritos.
Does the chicken dry out in the slow cooker?
By cooking on the low setting and adding a small amount of water, the chicken remains moist and juicy.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
For best results and safety, it is recommended to thaw chicken breasts before placing them in the slow cooker.
What is the main benefit of this recipe?
The main benefit is having a large batch of versatile, precooked protein ready to use in various meals throughout the week.