This Easy Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken is one of those basic recipes that makes the rest of the week considerably easier. Add chicken breasts and broth to the slow cooker, let it handle dinner and shred the chicken when it’s done—no standing over the stove required.

Use it in tacos, sandwiches, soups, salads, casseroles or anywhere else cooked chicken is needed. Make a batch now, and Future You can take the credit later.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2–3 hours on High or 4–5 hours on Low
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes to 5 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 5

Ingredients:

5 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
¼ cup of chicken broth

skinless, boneless chicken breast and chicken broth on the counter

Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour ¼ cup of chicken broth over the chicken.

Step 2: Cover and cook on High for 2–3 hours or Low for 4–5 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F in the thickest portion. Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and your slow cooker, so begin checking at the earliest suggested time.

Step 3: Transfer the chicken to a cutting board or shallow bowl. Let it rest for several minutes, then shred it using two forks. Stir in a little of the cooking liquid to keep the chicken moist.

Use caution when removing and shredding the chicken because the slow cooker, chicken and cooking liquid will be hot.

🍋 Simply Made Suggestions and Swaps

Avoid overcooking it. Boneless chicken breasts are lean and can become dry when left in the slow cooker too long.
Add seasoning as needed. Keep the chicken plain for maximum versatility, or season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder or your favorite seasoning blend before cooking.
Use some of the cooking liquid. Stir a few spoonfuls into the shredded chicken to help keep it moist.
Make it with thighs. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for the breasts and will produce richer, juicier shredded chicken.
Store it for later. Refrigerate cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to four days or freeze it in recipe-size portions for up to three months.

🍗 Before You Go…

Looking for another easy way to prepare chicken? Try our Mojo Chicken or simple Poached Chicken next.

Easy Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

A slow cooker shredded chicken recipe that is fast, versatile and only has two ingredients. It can be used in soups, salads and much more!

Tara

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 5

Servings people

Equipment

1 Slow cooker

Ingredients

5 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions

Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour ¼ cup of chicken broth over the chicken.
Cover and cook on High for 2–3 hours or Low for 4–5 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F in the thickest portion. Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and your slow cooker, so begin checking at the earliest suggested time.
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board or shallow bowl. Let it rest for several minutes, then shred it using two forks. Stir in a little of the cooking liquid to keep the chicken moist.
Use caution when removing and shredding the chicken because the slow cooker, chicken and cooking liquid will be hot.