Slow cooker bone in chicken breast recipes

You can make tender, succulent Shredded Chicken made in your slow cooker with just 3 ingredients (chicken, salt and pepper) and 10 minutes of active time with this easy recipe. The secret to it’s juicy, rotisserie chicken like texture is to use bone-in, skin-on chicken breast halves instead of boneless skinless chicken breast that can easily dry out.

There is no need to add liquid to your slow cooker or crockpot, though you’ll be rewarded with a cup or so of glorious, flavorful broth when your chicken is done. A perfect liquid to moisten this shredded chicken when reheating or adding to soups, stews and sauces. And this method makes shredding a breeze.

• FAQ
• How to use Shredded Chicken
• How to Make Shredded Chicken
• Recipe Video
• How to Make Shredded Chicken
• 💬 Comments

FAQ

What is the best way to shred chicken breast?

When you're working with chicken breasts on the bone, use two forks to shred the meat, as shown in the recipe video and photo below.

Is chicken easier to shred hot or cold?

It's easier to shred chicken when it's warm. Once your chicken is cooked, let it stand for 10 minutes before shredding. If you plan to cut it up for a salad or sandwich, let it cool completely first.

How to use Shredded Chicken

There are endless ways to use shredded chicken. It's perfect for busy weeknight meals and meal prep. Use in any dish that calls for cooked chicken: add heft to green salads and pasta or grain salads, use to make main dishes like Chicken Pot Pie or Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Toss into chicken soup (like Chicken Noodle Soup or in place of turkey in Turkey and Rice Soup) or stew, chop instead of shred it to make Curry Chicken Salad or Chicken Salad with Grapes. Or pile onto comfort foods like chicken sandwiches, chicken tacos or burritos, in place of pulled pork in these Pulled Pork Quesadillas, and in my Chicken Tinga recipe to make Chicken Tostadas (try these amazing homemade Tostada Shells). Or make my favorite Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas (made with homemade Green Enchilada Sauce)!

I typically stick with neutral seasonings in this easy shredded chicken recipe, just salt and pepper. But if you know how you’re planning to use this, feel free to add appropriate spices to permeate the meat as it cooks.

How to Make Shredded Chicken

Step 1: Place 2 large bone in, skin on chicken breast halves in a slow cooker or crock pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook on high until tender and almost falling off the bone, 3 to 4 hours, depending on size of the chicken breast halves.

Step 2: Remove chicken breasts from slow cooker and, when cool enough to handle, remove and discard skin and bones. Use two forks to shred meat to your desired consistency.

Step 3: Strain cooking liquid into a jar for another use. (see recipe notes for ideas)

Recipe Video

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How to Make Shredded Chicken

Shredded Chicken is an easy and healthy way to enjoy your favorite dishes! From Mexican foods like tacos, enchiladas and tostadas, to salads soups and sandwiches!

5 from 6 votes

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Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 3 hrs

Total Time 3 hrs 10 mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 people

Calories 64 kcal

Ingredients  1x2x3x

• 2 bone-in skin-on chicken breast halves 2 to 2 ½ pounds
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions 

• Place chicken breast halves in the bottom of a slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper. Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours (see recipe note #1) until very tender.

• Transfer chicken from the slow cooker to a cutting board until cool enough to handle.

• Strain liquid from slow cooker into a jar for another use. (see recipe note #2)

• Remove and discard skin and bones from chicken breast halves. With 2 forks, shred chicken to desired consistency. Enjoy as desired!

  Can you cook chicken breast on its own in a slow cooker?

  Sprinkle the chicken breasts with plenty of salt and pepper. Cover your crock pot and cook chicken breasts on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F. Use chicken in your favorite recipes.

  Do you need liquid to slow cook chicken breast?

  Do You Need to Add Liquid? As long as the breast pieces are in a single layer, in contact with the slow cooker, then no, it's not necessary to add any chicken broth or chicken stock. If you're doing multiple layers, you will need to add liquid to cover the meat, but I don't recommend this.

  Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker?

  Yes, that is exactly how you start. Cover the bottom of your slow cooker with raw chicken. I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they are easier to work with when the chicken is cooked, but you can use any raw chicken and make something like crock pot chicken thighs or crock pot chicken tenders.

  Should chicken be covered in liquid in slow cooker?

  There is no need to add water to a whole chicken recipe in the slow cooker. Adding butter or lemon juice is better for infusing flavor. Unless you want poached chicken, do not add water.