Pulled Chicken Recipe
Multi-Purpose Pulled Chicken Recipe – Making a big batch of shredded chicken in the slow cooker is one of the easiest ways to get a jump start on weeknight meals. Use it to make tacos and sandwiches, or add it to soups, pizzas, salads, and more!
Instead of stopping off at the grocery store to grab a rotisserie chicken, spend 5 minutes to throw together this simple recipe in your crock pot.
Because shredded chicken is so versatile, this is my favorite way to meal prep. I absolutely love easy recipes like this because it’s the best way to get dinner on the table quickly.
With no oil, butter or other fat, this easy slow cooker recipe is my go to for weeknight meals. I like to make this in 2-pound batches and freeze some of it for later. It’s a great way to use simple ingredients and your crockpot to save time in the kitchen.
Why I Love Batch-Cooking Chicken
Cooking chicken in your slow cooker in big batches is a total time-saver! Here are 4 reasons I love it and you should give it a try:
- Not only do you get a flavorful, juicy chicken ready for any meal, but you’re also setting yourself up for success later in the week (or even the month).
- Using my slow cooker means I can set it and forget it, and I spend less overall time in the kitchen!
- Whether you freeze it in single portions or a family-sized batch, having pre-cooked chicken on hand makes dinner a breeze. Use it in tacos, casseroles, soups, rice bowls—anything you love!
- Plus, you’ll save money by buying chicken in bulk. I like to wait until it’s on sale and stock up!
Ingredients
- boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- parsley (optional)
This is meant to be a brief overview of the shredded chicken recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions (and answers!) readers often ask about this easy recipe.
Yes, cooking chicken too long will result in the meat being dried out. Once way to help avoid that is to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to lock in flavor and moisture. See the recipe card below for my favorite all-purpose chicken marinade.
While it’s true that inexpensive and tough cuts of meat should be submerged in liquid when slow-cooked, it is not necessary to do so with chicken.
Use an internal temperature thermometer. The temperature for chicken breasts or chicken thighs should register at 165-degrees F according to FoodSafety.gov.
While the USDA recommends thawing meat in the refrigerator before starting a crockpot recipe, many people disagree.
Personally, I frequently add frozen chicken to my crockpot and have done so for more than 20 years. We have never had a case of food poisoning in our home. Because chicken is lean, it often cooks quickly, and bacteria do not have time to grow.
Please note, if you start with frozen chicken, your cook time may vary.
Ang’s Recipe Tips
✔️ Use your stand mixer, or a hand mixer to easily shred the cooked chicken. That’s my favorite way – it takes literally 90 seconds.
✔️ Or, place the chicken on a cutting board and chop it with a knife.
Storage
To Store: Place the cooled chicken into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. (These are my favorite airtight containers.)
To Reheat: Add a couple tablespoons of chicken stock or water to a pan with the chicken. Cover and heat on low.
Alternatively, if you are adding chicken to a soup or pasta that’s already warm, you can just mix it in with the other ingredients.
To Freeze: Shredded chicken will last about 4 months in the freezer. Once cooled, place the chicken into an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to label.
To Thaw: Remove from the freezer and allow the chicken to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
PRO TIP: When you’re using pre-cooked chicken, especially if it’s been frozen, add fresh ingredients like lemon juice, sour cream, lime zest, or fresh herbs to boost the flavor of frozen chicken.
Variations
The first time you try any new recipe we recommend that you make it just as it is written on the recipe card since that is how the recipe has been tested. However, the next time you make our recipe, you might want to try one of these ideas:
- Add a bit of seasoning to the crockpot like Taco Seasoning, Homemade Lemon Pepper, chili powder, Ranch Seasoning Mix, Worcestershire sauce, Italian Seasoning, or even a little bit of brown sugar!
- Sometimes I use 1 cup of chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste or 1 cup of tomato sauce if I know I’m making something that those flavors would complement.
Serving Suggestions
I love having this type of chicken on hand to make chicken sandwiches, add to soups, salads, pasta, and all kinds of dishes. Here are a few different ways to use this shredded chicken recipe:
- Easy Puff Pastry Chicken Pockets are a great way to use leftover chicken.
- Make chicken tacos by piling your taco shells high with this chicken and top with cheese, diced red onions, and sour cream for an easy taco night.
- Skip the Instant Pot and make this Buffalo Chicken Soup on the stovetop.
- Make a super quick Caesar Salad with shredded chicken.
- Instead of pulled pork, make these Lettuce Wraps using pulled chicken and your favorite toppings.
- Add the chicken to this delicious Chicken Hashbrown Casserole for an easy, comforting dinner that’s ready in about an hour. Chicken, potatoes, bacon, and loads of cheese? Yes, please!
- If you’re craving a simple but hearty meal try our Chicken Pot Pie Casserole.
- Use this easy chicken recipe to make a quick Chicken Salad.
- Cut down the prep time for broccoli potato chicken casserole or chicken noodle casserole.
- You can use this in place of pulled pork in our pulled pork mac and cheese recipe!
- Make comforting chicken and dumplings in half the time!
The possibilities for using this pulled chicken are nearly endless! Check out this collection of delicious recipes using leftover shredded chicken for tons of ideas on how to turn simple shredded chicken into dozens of easy weeknight meals!
Grab your Free copy now!
Shredded Chicken Recipe eBook
6 easy recipes, plus freezer tips, bonus printables, and more!
Not ready to make this super-easy and versatile slow cooker chicken yet?
Don’t forget to pin the recipe for later! When you do make it, please come back and comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!
Pulled Chicken Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley optional
Instructions
- Place the chicken into the crock.2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper and parsley if desired.2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Set to cook on low for 4 hours.
- Using two forks, shred cooked chicken.
Equipment
Notes
My Favorite All-Purpose Chicken Marinade
To help keep the chicken from drying out, marinate the chicken to lock in flavor and moisture. This recipe is for 1lb chicken; double or triple as needed.- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley OR 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar OR lemon juice
Storage
To Store: Place the cooled chicken into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. (These are my favorite airtight containers.) To Reheat: Add a couple tablespoons of chicken stock or water to a pan with the chicken. Cover and heat on low. Alternatively, if you are adding chicken to a soup or pasta that’s already warm, you can just mix it in with the other ingredients. To Freeze: Shredded chicken will last about 4 months in the freezer. Once cooled, place the chicken into an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to label. To Thaw: Remove from the freezer and allow the chicken to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.Tips for Freezing Shredded Chicken
Cool Completely: Let your chicken cool down completely before freezing it to prevent excess moisture and ice crystals. Flat-Freezing Trick: Lay the chicken flat in a bag or container to save space in the freezer. Air-Tight Storage: Remove as much air as possible from the bag or container to prevent freezer burn. Labeling: Always label your bags with the date and contents for easy identification later. Freezer Shelf Life: Frozen shredded chicken can last for up to 3-4 months in the freezer. Thawed Chicken: Once thawed, use your shredded chicken within 3-4 days.Nutrition
Similar Recipes
If you need more easy slow cooker meal prep recipes, look no further. We have tons of great dishes to choose from. Next time, try one of these delicious recipes:
I love this shredded chicken recipe – it’s my new go to recipe for weekend meal prep. It’s so easy to throw into the crockpot. Thank you!!!
Yes, chicken thighs can be used in this slow cooker recipe. However, keep in mind that chicken thighs have more fat than chicken breasts.