Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take for chicken to cook in the crockpot? ›

Cook on low for 6-8 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through. Remove lid and let chicken cool for 10 minutes or so before shredding (so we don't burn ourselves!) Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. The chicken will absorb any liquid in the pot as you shred it.

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

Chicken stock, low-sodium chicken broth, or water: I prefer chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth if I have it on hand because it adds a little more flavor, but water works equally well.

In addition, chicken breast has less fat and can become dry (chewy or rubbery) if cooked for too long. Without moisture, the protein fibers in the chicken become elastic.

You can use pre-cooked or fresh-baked, boneless chicken pieces, although if the meat is still warm the shredding process is easier. Here's how to do it: Remove any skin from the chicken pieces.

You want to bring your crockpot up to temp quickly even when you are going to cook at low. For optimal results, it's generally recommended to cook chicken on the low setting in a crockpot.

Cook bone-in chicken breasts in slow cooker on LOW for 2-3 hours or HIGH for 1-2 hours. Bone-in chicken is less likely to dry out than boneless, so you have the flexibility to cook the chicken on high. Based on medium bone-in chicken breast with a weight of 11 ounces.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: 2 pounds of raw chicken breast will give about 6 cups of pulled chicken.

TO REFRIGERATE SHREDDED CHICKEN.

Let the cooked chicken cool completely. Place in a shallow, airtight container and press a sheet of plastic against the top. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. (I love these easy-to-store plastic containers.)

Avoid shredding the chicken too finely. The finer the shreds, the less succulent the chicken will be, and the more quickly it will dry out. Refrigerate shredded chicken in an airtight container with a half-cup of the poaching liquid (if available) to keep it moist and juicy for up to three days.

Chicken becomes rubbery/chewy when it's overcooked. So in general, including in a slow cooker, don't cook as long. There are lots of recipes online, they can give you a good place to start.

Can you overcook shredded chicken? ›

Yes, it is possible! If the meat is cooked too long it could end up dry and not juicy and tender. The recommended times in my recipe are ideal for juicy results, but if you use less chicken than the recipe calls for I would recommend checking it sooner.

For a whole chicken – Place it in your slow cooker breast side down. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 4-5 hours or Low for 6-8 hours. For bone-in pieces - Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 3-4 hours or Low for 4-6 hours.

Raw: 12 ounces of raw boneless, skinless chicken will give you about 2 cups of shredded chicken, weighing 8 ounces cooked. You can boil the chicken or make it in a pressure cooker.

Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of each chicken breast and how many pounds of chicken you cook at a time. It can take anywhere from 12-17 minutes. Once the chicken reaches 165 degrees, the chicken is ready to shred.

How do you slow cook chicken breast? Chicken breasts are a lean cut and the key to slow cooking them without drying them out involves the right amount of moisture. Add just enough liquid to come 1cm up the side of the bowl. Cover and cook on High for 2 ½-4 hours or on Low for 4-6 hours.

If the juices are red or have a pinkish color, your chicken may need to be cooked a bit longer. Some home cooks don't like this method because chicken shouldn't be consumed below 165°F (so you need a thermometer).

For a typical 3-4 pound chicken, you'll want to cook in your slow cooker for about 4 to 5 hours on high or 7 hours on low.