Easy Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

This easy slow cooker shredded chicken cooks up tender and flavorful every single time, thanks to the crockpot doing all the work. Perfect for Mexican favorites like tacos and bowls, and just as delicious in casseroles and soups, it’s a versatile protein you can use all week long.

For more slow cooker recipes, try my Crockpot Mac and Cheese and Grape Jelly Meatballs next!

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Jump to:

• Crockpot Shredded Chicken
• What is the best way to cook chicken so it shreds?
• Ingredients for Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
• How to Make Shredded Chicken in the Slow Cooker
• Storage & Reheating
• How to Use Shredded Chicken
• Tips
• FAQs
• I hope you enjoy preparing this Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken!
• Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Chicken

Crockpot Shredded Chicken

When I need a reliable family meal, this Mexican shredded chicken always saves the day. It starts with simple chicken breasts, but the slow cooker keeps them moist and never dry. You can make a big batch for meal prep, then freeze it for later so you're never scrambling for dinner ideas. And because there are truly endless options — tacos one night, bowls or casseroles the next — it stays exciting all week long!

What is the best way to cook chicken so it shreds?

Cooking chicken in the slow cooker is one of the best ways to get perfectly shreddable meat. The low, steady heat keeps the chicken breasts moist and tender, so they fall apart easily with just two forks. It’s completely hands-off, which makes shredded chicken so much easier to prep for dinners all week long.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

I love that this recipe uses just three simple ingredients without sacrificing flavor. It keeps things easy on busy days while still giving me a meal that tastes like I put way more effort into it.

1. Chicken breasts. They cook down tender in the slow cooker and shred easily once done. This lean protein is the perfect base for all the bold flavors to soak into.
2. Taco seasoning. This adds a quick boost of Mexican-inspired spices without needing a long ingredient list. You can use store-bought or your favorite homemade blend.
3. Salsa. The salsa adds moisture so the chicken stays juicy while cooking, and it infuses the meat with extra flavor. Choose your heat level—mild, medium, or spicy, depending on what your family loves. This unexpected ingredient makes my shredded chicken taste like it’s straight from a taqueria.

How to Make Shredded Chicken in the Slow Cooker

I start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of my slow cooker, spreading them out so they cook evenly. Then I sprinkle the taco seasoning over the top and pour in the salsa, which keeps the chicken moist and adds great flavor. I cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 2–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.

How to Shred Chicken

Once the chicken is done, I shred it right in the crockpot using two forks. I stir it back into the cooking juices so every piece is coated and full of flavor. Now it’s ready for tacos, bowls, meal prep, or whatever you’re craving next!

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats easily in the microwave or on the stovetop — just add a splash of broth or extra salsa to keep it moist. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it up.

How to Use Shredded Chicken

• Mexican Pizza. Use this shredded chicken as the topping in my Mexican Pizza for a fun, flavor-packed twist on pizza night.
• Tacos. Keep it classic and pile the chicken into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for an easy dinner everyone loves. Serve shredded chicken tacos with sides like corn salsa, pickled red onions, and poblano cream sauce.
• Mac and Cheese. Stir it into my Shredded BBQ Chicken Macaroni & Cheese for a boosted meal that’s extra hearty and satisfying.
• Soup. Add it to my creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup for even more flavor and protein.
• Casserole. Mix the shredded chicken into my Broccoli and Cheese Casserole to turn a cozy side dish into a full meal. You can also use it as a protein substitute in my Tuna Casserole recipe.

Tips

• Adjust the heat level. Choose a mild, medium, or spicy salsa depending on what your family enjoys, or add a pinch of cayenne for extra kick.
• Keep the texture saucy. If the chicken looks dry after shredding, stir in a little extra salsa or chicken broth to bring back moisture and flavor.
• Make it your own. Mix in extras like black beans, corn, or diced green chiles after shredding to bulk it up and add more variety for the week.

FAQs

Do you cook shredded chicken in the crockpot on high or low?

You can cook shredded chicken on either setting. If you have more time, low for 6–8 hours gives you the most tender, juicy results, but high for 2–4 hours works great when you need dinner faster.

Do you shred chicken when hot or cold?

It’s best to shred chicken while it’s still warm because it pulls apart more easily. Once it cools, the meat firms up and can be harder to shred.

What is the secret to moist shredded chicken?

Cooking low and slow helps the chicken stay tender, and shredding it right into the juices keeps it moist and flavorful. The salsa in this recipe also adds extra moisture and prevents the chicken breasts from drying out.

Do I need liquid in a slow cooker for chicken?

Yes, adding liquid is important so the chicken stays juicy while it cooks. The salsa in this recipe acts as both the seasoning and the liquid, so you don’t need anything else.

I hope you enjoy preparing this Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken!

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