Easily make tender and flavorful shredded chicken in your crock-pot. Perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, salads, and more.
ingredient
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, or thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika, sweet or smoked
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup unsalted chicken stock, or broth
Directions
- Prepare the Seasoning – In a large bowl, combine olive oil, salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Season the Surface – Dry the chicken thoroughly with a paper towel, then add them to the seasoning mix. Turn to coat evenly.
- Cook the Chicken – Add chicken stock to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the seasoned pieces in a single layer. Cover and cook on the "Low" setting for 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours until the internal temperature reaches 160 to 165ºF (71 to 74ºC). An 8-ounce breast takes about 2 hours.
- Shred the Chicken – Shredding can be done directly in the crockpot, or transferred to a cutting board or plate. Use two forks to shred into desired-sized pieces. Remove the chicken from the crockpot if not shredding immediately to prevent overcooking.
- Serve – Use shredded chicken immediately or store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.