Description
Juicy, tender, and impossibly easy, this crockpot shredded chicken is your new weeknight workhorse. Slow-cooked in a flavorful broth with warm spices and a splash of bright lime, it turns simple chicken breasts into succulent, pull-apart perfection. Meal prep it once, then enjoy it all week long in tacos, salads, bowls, and sandwiches.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in an even layer in the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated in the seasoned broth.
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C) and very tender.
- Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a cutting board or large bowl and shred using two forks until you reach your desired texture.
- Return the shredded chicken and any accumulated juices to the crockpot. Add the lime juice and stir well to coat the chicken in the flavorful cooking liquid.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Keep on WARM until ready to serve.
- Serve the shredded chicken in tacos, burrito bowls, salads, sandwiches, quesadillas, or use it as a protein boost in your favorite dishes.
Notes
- For extra-juicy chicken, avoid lifting the lid during cooking; each peek can extend cook time.
- If your crockpot runs hot, start checking the chicken on the earlier side to prevent overcooking.
- Use low-sodium broth so you can better control the salt level, especially if you plan to sauce the chicken later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
- Cuisine: American, Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g (varies with broth used)
- Sodium: Approx. 380 mg (will vary with broth and added salt)
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g (approximate)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: crockpot shredded chicken, slow cooker chicken, meal prep chicken, juicy shredded chicken