Healthy 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!
Jump to:
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 healthy 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 You'll Love This Recipe
- This tender chicken can be used to make many different meals.
- Make a week's worth of chicken with very little effort and always get rave reviews.
- No standing over the hot grill, fussing with the Instant Pot or babysitting a skillet.
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.
Instructions
- Place the chicken into the crock.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper, and parsley if desired.
- Set to cook on low for 4 hours.
- Using two forks, shred cooked chicken.
Equipment
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Be sure to check out my Juggling Act Mama Storefront on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of great products that will make your life easier! Thanks so much for being a part of Juggling Act Mama ❤
💭 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.
While it's true inexpensive and tough cuts of meat should be submerged in liquid when slow cooker, 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 does not have time to grow.
Please note, if you start with frozen chicken, your cook time may vary.
⭐ 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.
📖 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.
This Buffalo Chicken Ring is a breeze when you make it with shredded chicken!
🍴 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!
😋 Similar Recipes
If you need more chicken recipes, look no further. We have tons of great dishes to choose from. Next time, try one of these delicious recipes:
📋 Easy Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
Not ready to make this super easy and healthy 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!
Healthy Pulled Chicken Recipe
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ 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 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Set to cook on low for 4 hours.
- Using two forks, shred cooked chicken.
Equipment
Nutrition
30 Minute Meals
If you love quick and easy recipes, try one of our other popular 30 minute recipes:
Find more 30-minute meals here.
Emilee says
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!!!
Ang Paris says
Yes, chicken thighs can be used in this slow cooker recipe. However, keep in mind that chicken thighs have more fat than chicken breasts.