I love my Moist Shredded Chicken Crock Pot recipe. Using chicken broth, garlic powder, smoked paprika and a hint of lime juice, I create a dish that’s juicy and seasoned. Every bite embodies a balance of spice and succulence that has become an essential part of my weekly meal planning.

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I gotta tell you, I was skeptical at first about making this Crockpot Shredded Chicken. But after trying out my recipe with 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, it became a game changer in my meal prep routine.

Just mix in a cup of low sodium chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cumin along with salt and pepper. Then, if you’re feeling adventurous, squeeze in a tablespoon of lime juice for that extra flavor kick.

When it all slow cooks, you’re left with the most flavorful, moist shredded chicken you’ve ever tasted. I love how this easy crockpot recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dish that’s perfect for shredded chicken tacos or a hearty salad.

It’s one of my go-to chicken crockpot recipes healthy enough for any day of the week, yet packed with delicious flavors that will definitely surprise you.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it’s super simple and doesn’t require many ingredients. I just throw the chicken, broth, and spices in my crockpot and let it do its thing which makes my week way easier. I also like that the recipe gives a really good flavor punch even though it’s pretty basic, like the smoked paprika and cumin just work together so well. Plus its perfect for meal prepping, since i can shred the chicken and mix it with all the juices to use in tacos, salads or wraps later on. Finally, I appreciate how forgiving the recipe is even if i mess up a measurement or two, it still turns out juicy and tasty every time.

Ingredients

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Chicken breasts: high in protein and low in fat, makes meal hearty and healthy.
Chicken broth: adds moisture and subtle flavor, is low sodium keepin it healthy.
Garlic powder: gives rich flavor and boosts aroma, a must for tasty dishes.
Onion powder: offers natural sweetness and a savory kick to round flavours.
Smoked paprika: adds smoky depth and slight heat for a more dynamic dish.
Ground cumin: injects warm, earthy tones making the dish deeply comforting.
Optional lime juice: brings a tangy burst that livens up the flavors big time.

Ingredient Quantities

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs total)

1 cup low sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: 1 tablespoon lime juice for extra flavor

How to Make this

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1. Put the chicken breasts in your crockpot and pour the chicken broth over them.

2. Sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cumin evenly, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. If you want an extra kick, drizzle the lime juice over all the ingredients.

4. Cover the crockpot and set it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

5. Once it’s done, take the chicken out and shred it using two forks.

6. Put the shredded chicken back into the crockpot so it can mix with all the juices.

7. Stir everything together well and give it a quick taste, adjusting the seasonings if needed.

8. Serve it up with your favorite side or use it in tacos, salads, or wraps for a quick meal prep option.

Equipment Needed

1. Crockpot – required for slow cooking the chicken and blending flavors
2. Measuring cup – needed to accurately measure the chicken broth
3. Measuring spoons – for precise amounts of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and optional lime juice
4. Two forks – to easily shred the cooked chicken
5. Stirring spoon – helps mix the shredded chicken with the juices evenly

FAQ

Q: Can i sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?

You dont have to sear the chicken, but doing so can help add extra flavor and a better texture.

Q: How long should i cook the chicken on low or high?

If you cook it on low, it usually takes about 5-6 hours, and on high, about 3-4 hours. Times may vary depending on your slow cooker.

Q: Can i use frozen chicken instead of fresh?

It's best to use thawed chicken to ensure that it cooks evenly, but if you're in a pinch, frozen chicken can work if you add extra time.

Q: When should i add the lime juice?

If you're using the lime juice, you can add it during the last 15 minutes of cooking to keep the fresh flavor intact.

Q: How do i shred the chicken after its done cooking?

Once the chicken is cooked, use 2 forks to pull it apart while its still in the slow cooker. Its easy and helps absorb all the flavors from the broth.

Crockpot Shredded Chicken (Slow Cooker) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have low sodium chicken broth, try using vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube for a similar flavor boost
Instead of garlic powder you can use some fresh minced garlic – just be aware it might cook a little differently
Not a fan of smoked paprika? Regular paprika or a dash of chipotle powder can give you that smoky kick
If ground cumin isn’t available, chili powder works fine and adds a bit of extra zing to the dish
Out of lime juice? Squeeze in some lemon juice for a similar tangy finish

Pro Tips

1. Try browning the chicken in a hot pan before putting it in the crockpot – this gives it a bit of a sear and extra flavor that you might really enjoy.
2. Dont be afraid to adjust the spices a little bit when it’s almost done – a pinch more salt or even a little extra lime juice can really bring out all those flavors.
3. Once you shred the chicken, let it sit in the juices for a few minutes instead of serving right away so all the flavor has time to soak in.
4. If you end up with any extra broth after the chicken is done, consider using it as a base for a quick soup or maybe even mixing it into some rice for an easy side dish.

Crockpot Shredded Chicken (Slow Cooker) Recipe

Recipe by Dan Coroni

0.0 from 0 votes

I love my Moist Shredded Chicken Crock Pot recipe. Using chicken broth, garlic powder, smoked paprika and a hint of lime juice, I create a dish that's juicy and seasoned. Every bite embodies a balance of spice and succulence that has become an essential part of my weekly meal planning.

Servings

servings

Calories

390

kcal

Equipment: 1. Crockpot – required for slow cooking the chicken and blending flavors
2. Measuring cup – needed to accurately measure the chicken broth
3. Measuring spoons – for precise amounts of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and optional lime juice
4. Two forks – to easily shred the cooked chicken
5. Stirring spoon – helps mix the shredded chicken with the juices evenly

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs total)
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 tablespoon lime juice for extra flavor

Directions

Put the chicken breasts in your crockpot and pour the chicken broth over them.
Sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cumin evenly, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
If you want an extra kick, drizzle the lime juice over all the ingredients.
Cover the crockpot and set it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Once it's done, take the chicken out and shred it using two forks.
Put the shredded chicken back into the crockpot so it can mix with all the juices.
Stir everything together well and give it a quick taste, adjusting the seasonings if needed.
Serve it up with your favorite side or use it in tacos, salads, or wraps for a quick meal prep option.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.