Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken | Meal Prep Idea

This slow cooker shredded chicken is going to change your mind about meal prep and getting dinner on the table in no time! This recipe is so easy to follow, paleo, gluten free and full of flavor!

Slow cooker shredded chicken recipe on a plate with garnish
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Why you’ll love this slow cooker shredded chicken

If you are anything like us, we are always rushing around, especially at dinnertime. And sometimes after a long day of recipe testing, the last thing I want to do is cook a full meal! That is why Dave and I both try to have a few staples prepped for the week so we can get dinner on the table quickly! For Dave, we always make this slow cooker shredded chicken and I always make hard boiled eggs, a frittata and some roasted veggies for me so I’m never staring into the fridge wondering what to make when I’m starving after a long day.

Don’t let this recipe fool you, it’s incredibly simple and I have found that if you have to leave the chicken in the slow cooker for even longer, it just gets more tender and moist, so you can cook it overnight or while you are out and about during the day! It makes putting a healthy meal on the table almost effortless.

I know you are already thinking, there is no way my family is going to eat plain shredded chicken every night for dinner. I am not suggesting that at all! Think of this shredded chicken as a blank canvas for any of your favorite seasonings or sauces!

What do you need to make crockpot shredded chicken

How to use shredded chicken for meals

Slow cooker shredded chicken recipe on a plate with garnish

Substitutions and recommendations:

The recipe below is just a template. There are many substitutions that can be made that result in an equally delicious end product!

  • If you don’t have a lemon, you could substitute a splash of apple cider vinegar for the lemon.
  • Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme (1 tsp) or whatever fresh or dried herbs you have on hand. Italian seasoning works well as does a sprinkle of dried parsley.
  • I often make this recipe with just plain water. The vegetable stock adds to the flavor, but you could even play around with only adding 1 cup at a time instead of 2 cups if you are trying to save money. You could freeze the rest of the stock in 1/4 or 1/2 cup servings to use later in the week/month. 
  • You can use turkey breast instead of chicken breast or even boneless skinless chicken thighs. 

Slow cooker shredded chicken is absolutely perfect for meal prep! If you love slow cooker recipes be sure to check out this Slow Cooker Turkey Meatball Recipe.

Slow cooker shredded chicken recipe on a plate with garnish

If you want more ideas on how to use Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken throughout the week:

★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!
Slow cooker shredded chicken recipe on a plate with garnish

Slow cooker shredded chicken

This slow cooker shredded chicken recipe will help you get dinner on the table quickly! Whole30, paleo, gluten free and so simple!
5 from 5 votes
Print Pin Save Rate
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken, gluten free, meal prep, paleo, slow cooker, whole30
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 36 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Servings: 6 people

Guided Recipe Video

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 6 hours.
  • After cooking, remove with 2 forks and shred (or cube). Refrigerate leftovers for use in lunch and dinner recipes! 

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Amount per Serving
Calories
179
Fat
 
3
g
Carbohydrates
 
1
g
Protein
 
32
g
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database.
DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?Let others know by rating and leaving a comment below!

Large white plate filled with slow cooker shredded chicken with a lemon wedge on the plate. Pinterest text below the photo

What about you?

  • What would you use this shredded chicken to make?
  • Do you use your slow cooker for meal prep?

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19 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is the best recipe I have found for chicken in the slow cooker. And the tip for using your stand mixer to shred it is so good! It worked perfectly. All of your tips and suggestions are great, thank you for sharing.

  2. 5 stars
    Thank you so much for this recipe. It’s so easy to prepare and produces really flavourful chicken which is a breeze to shred. I have made this 3 times now, and as you suggested I keep some in the freezer for later in the week. It freezes perfectly.

  3. 5 stars
    Quick and easy recipe. I used an entire packet of taco seasoning and added a jar of salsa for some extra flavor.

    1. That should be fine! That’s usually a great tip for meal prep! Just make sure you refrigerate it first to get it nice and cold before you freeze it.

  4. 5 stars
    I just pinned your Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken, this recipe will be delicious! Thanks so much for sharing with us at our Thanksgiving Edition of Full Plate Thursday! Hope you have a great week and come back soon!
    Miz Helen

  5. This looks so yummy and moist. I love anything from the slow cooker. I know I would love this. This would be good on tacos or to eat it with rice. My husband loves to eat his meat with rice. Thanks for sharing this slow cooker recipe!

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