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Tender Never-Dry Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Recipe Easy and Perfect for Meal Prep

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A foolproof slow cooker shredded chicken recipe that stays tender and juicy, perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights. The simple sauce balances the chicken’s natural flavor with a light, tangy mix.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in the slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken and rub the spices on all sides.
  3. Pour 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth around the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  5. Check the chicken after 4 hours; if done, remove it with tongs to a large bowl, otherwise cook up to another hour.
  6. While the chicken cooks, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and optional red pepper flakes until smooth.
  7. Shred the chicken finely or to preferred texture using two forks.
  8. Pour the simple sauce over the shredded chicken and stir gently to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve immediately or let cool and store in airtight containers for meal prep.

Notes

For best results, keep the slow cooker lid closed during cooking to retain moisture. If chicken is dry after shredding, add a splash of broth or sauce to moisten. You can sear chicken before slow cooking for extra flavor but it’s optional. Use chicken thighs for richer flavor and adjust cooking time accordingly. The recipe can be adapted for Instant Pot by cooking on high pressure for 15 minutes with natural release.

Nutrition

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