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Easy Shredded Chicken (Crockpot or Instant Pot)

Easy shredded chicken made in the crockpot or instant pot. One of the most simple, versatile and tasty recipes out there. Perfect to put on salads, tacos, nachos…you name it! 

shredded chicken in a white crock pot
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Shredded Chicken 2 Ways!

We make this recipe at least once a month and even my picky kids love it! It’s one of those chicken breast recipes that you literally can’t mess up. Whenever we want to switch up the flavor a little, we make crockpot shredded BBQ chicken or salsa chicken. Yum!

This crockpot shredded chicken is seriously so perfect for when you need to quickly throw a meal together. It’s SO versatile and can be added to just about anything. Make ranch chicken tacos or baked nachos, or try it stuffed in my empanadas dough! Add it to an easy taco salad, create a homemade burrito bowl or even put on top of a baked potato. So many yummy ways to use it up!

I also love that the recipe can be made several different ways, which is super convenient depending on what you’ve got going on. My favorite way to cook the shredded chicken is in the crockpot, but it can easily be cooked in the instant pot too.

Shredded chicken tacos.

How to Make Crockpot Shredded Chicken

To get started, simply place the meat in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the broth on top, then add all of the spices.

Cover with lid and cook on high for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken easily shreds. Alternatively, you can cook on low for about 5-6 hours until tender.

Techniques for Shredding Chicken

There are a few simple techniques you can use to shred the meat. I prefer the good old fashioned fork method, but any of these will work great!

  • Fork method: The most common way is to place one fork in the chicken breast and use another fork to pull the chicken away.
  • Stand mixer: Another quick way is to place the cooked meat in your stand mixer and turn it to low until shredded.
  • Hand mixer: You can also place it in a large bowl and use a hand mixer.

Tip: Make sure to shred the meat while it’s still warm! It’s much easier to shred warm (vs. cold) and will literally fall right apart.

Slow cooker shredded chicken.

Freezing Cooked Chicken

This crockpot shredded chicken also freezes really well. I usually end up freezing about half of the recipe for to make chicken noodle casserole. On busy days it’s freezer meals for the win!

  1. Allow meat to cool.
  2. Place in a zip top bag and label with amount and date you are putting it in freezer.
  3. Place bag in freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.
  4. When ready to thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight. You can also run the bag under warm water. Reheat on the stove top or microwave.

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

If you prefer the instant pot over the crockpot, great news! I’ll show you exactly how to use the instant pot to make this shredded chicken recipe. It’s actually a lot faster and you can even use frozen chicken.

To make in the instant pot:

  1. Add all of the ingredients to the instant pot.
  2. Secure the lid and close the pressure valve (make sure it’s set to sealing).
  3. Cook for 17 minutes on high pressure.
  4. Allow to count down for 5 minutes and then do a quick release.
Instant pot shredded chicken.

Favorite Ways to Use Crockpot Shredded Chicken

Sheet pan nachos with shredded chicken.

More Easy Crockpot Recipes

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shredded chicken in a white crock pot

Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe

5 from 13 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
Easy shredded chicken made in the crockpot or instant pot. One of the most simple, versatile and tasty recipes out there. Perfect to put on salads, tacos, nachos…you name it! 
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients 

  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 pounds)
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • 3 garlic cloves , minced (1 1/2 teaspoons)
  • 1 ounce packet ranch seasoning (I used Hidden Valley)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 lime , juiced
  • salt & pepper , to taste

Instructions

  • Place the chicken breast in the crockpot and pour the chicken broth over the top. Add the garlic, ranch powder, chili powder and cumin on top of the chicken. 
  • Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat easily shreds with a fork. 
  • Shred the chicken and remove extra fat. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the lime juice. Salt and pepper to taste. 
  • Turn the slow cooker to warm until ready to serve. 

Notes

Note: You can omit the chili powder, cumin and lime if you’re not using this in a Mexican recipe.
To make in the Instant pot: Add all of the ingredients to the instant pot. Secure the lid and close the pressure valve (make sure it’s set to sealing). Cook for 17 minutes on high pressure. Allow to count down for 5 minutes and then do a quick release pressure.

Nutrition

Calories: 105kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 197mg | Potassium: 362mg | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 5.4mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 0.8mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

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