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Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

Tender, versatile shredded chicken made effortlessly in the slow cooker with simple aromatics.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs use thighs if desired
  • 2 cups chicken broth homemade or good-quality
  • 1 stalk celery 1 celery stalk
  • 1 large parsley sprig use 1 large sprig
  • 2 dried bay leaves 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  • Place the chicken, chicken broth, celery stalk, parsley sprig, bay leaves, and kosher salt into a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook until the chicken shreds easily with two forks: about 3 to 4 hours on high or 4 to 6 hours on low.
  • Carefully remove the chicken to a cutting board or bowl; discard the celery, parsley, and bay leaves. Reserve the cooking broth if desired.
  • Shred the chicken using two forks or a mixer on low until desired texture is reached.
  • Use immediately or cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Equipment

  • 6 quart or larger slow cooker

Notes

  • Use thighs for richer flavor and more moisture.
  • Reserve the cooking liquid to add moisture when reheating or for soups.
  • Discard the aromatics before shredding.