We have all been there on a frantic weeknight. You open the refrigerator hoping a healthy, delicious dinner will magically appear, but instead, you are staring at raw chicken breasts and zero energy to cook them. Finding a high-protein solution that works for multiple meals is the ultimate kitchen win, but so many meal prep chicken recipes turn out dry, bland, or completely uninspiring.
This Crockpot seasoned shredded chicken is the ultimate fix for your busy schedule. It is packed with flavor from simple pantry spices, incredibly juicy, and versatile enough to carry your meals all week long. In fact, it is so good that my own teens constantly steal it straight from the fridge for their lunches before I can even plan out our dinners.
By the way, subscribe to my substack, and soon I will use this recipe in a full week meal plan only for subscribers!
I also release new recipes there sooner than the blog. It’s just so immediate.
Whether you want to pile chicken high on hot baked potatoes, mix it into smoky chipotle BBQ chicken sandwiches, tuck it into fresh tacos, or use it to make a quick batch of enchiladas rancheros, this protein staple keeps dinner effortless.
Step by step instructions with pictures for Crockpot Seasoned Shredded Chicken Breasts
Combine the spice mixture
Gather your paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Stir the spices together thoroughly so that the seasoning is completely uniform before you apply it to the meat.
Season the chicken breasts
Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the spice mixture over both the top and bottom of the chicken breasts, rubbing it into the meat gently to ensure a thorough coat. You do not need to use all of the seasoning if your chicken breasts are on the smaller side.
Add the chicken broth
Slowly pour the chicken broth around and over the seasoned chicken breasts. Be careful not to wash away all of the spice rub you just applied to the meat.
Slow cook until tender
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low. If you have a larger slow cooker, your chicken breasts can cook in about 4 hours. If you are using a smaller appliance, it might take closer to 6 or 7 hours. The chicken is perfectly done when it yields easily and shreds with no resistance.
Shred and store
Carefully lift the cooked chicken breasts or use two forks right inside the pot to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Divide the shredded chicken into two airtight storage containers and place them in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week, or serve it immediately.
FAQ for Crockpot Seasoned Shredded Chicken Breasts
Can I freeze this shredded chicken?
Yes, this recipe is excellent for freezer meal prep. Let the shredded chicken cool completely, place it into a freezer-safe container or bag, and pour a little bit of the remaining juices from the crockpot over it to keep it moist. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.
How long does this chicken stay fresh in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this seasoned chicken will keep beautifully in the fridge for four to five days, assuming your teenagers do not raid the container first.
What can I serve alongside this meal prep chicken?
This savory chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of vibrant sides. If you want to keep things lean and green, serve it next to my Easy Ginger Soy Sautéed Bok Choy. If you are looking to create a complete Mexican-inspired dinner spread, it makes a fantastic filling alongside my smoky Oven Baked Huevos Rancheros.
Crockpot seasoned shredded chicken breasts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place chicken breasts in slow cooker.
- Add all seasonings to a bowl and stir.
- Sprinkle bottom and top of chicken breasts with enough spice mixture to coat chicken breasts, and rub it in. Note: you don’t need to use all of the seasoning. The amount allows for different sizes of chicken breasts.
- Slowly pour chicken broth over chicken breasts.
- Cook chicken on low for 4-7 hours. A larger slow cooker like mine will cook the chicken in 4 hours. A smaller slow cooker might take up to 6 or 7 hours. You can tell chicken is ready when it shreds easily.
- Once chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred chicken.
- Split chicken into two storage containers and place in fridge for meals, or use immediately.
*Please consult your health professional for health and nutritional advice.
