Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken {Recipe}

Cooked chicken is one of those basic things that so many recipes call for.  I can't tell you how many pins I've come across on Pinterest for various casseroles, salads, soup and appetizers that call for cooked chicken. 

I'll be honest: sometimes that deters me. Because I know I can just get the pre-cooked Perdue Short Cuts, but I feel like I am cheating. I also know I can take the time to cook the chicken the day before or morning of. But often I am not thinking that far ahead and forget that the recipe calls for cooked chicken, not raw, and then it's too late.

Inspiration hit me one day, and our menus haven't been the same since.

One day I had this box of chicken broth, and I was trying to think about what to do with it. I also happened to have 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts that were thawed, begging to be used before they went bad. I didn't have time later in the afternoon to put together an elaborate meal, so inspiration struck: I can just let the chicken cook in the crockpot all day, and it will be ready when we get home tonight.

It was perfection.

I sprinkled the chicken on both sides with some spices, covered it in broth, and let it slow cook all day. And ZOMG my kitchen smelled AMAZING all. day. long. Because essentially I was roasting chicken, but the easy way.

Since chicken tends to fall apart in the slow cooker, I decided to shred it and make sandwiches. 3 chicken breasts ends up yielding a lot of shredded chicken. So we had plenty to use the rest of the week, whether it be on salads or in recipes that call for cooked chicken.

So, I've been making this chicken regularly, usually on Sunday or Monday, and then using it throughout the week. The chicken cooked in broth comes out SO JUICY, and it's just the right spices to make it flavorful.  Perfect combo.  I love having the chicken on hand, as it helps me make healthy choices.  

HEALTHY CHOICES, people.

Shredded chicken is so versatile too - you can use it in so many recipes. I'll share the recipe below, along with links to other recipes you can use shredded chicken in (beyond your simple sandwiches and salads).

• 1.5-2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts 
• 16oz of reduced sodium, fat free chicken broth (roughly half of a box of broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Combine the spices listed above, and sprinkle/rub on both sides of the chicken. Spray a slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray. Place spiced chicken in slow cooker and pour in broth.  Cover with lid and cook on low for 4-8 hours (depending on how fast your crockpot cooks). When thoroughly cooked, take 2 forks and shred the chicken inside the slow cooker.  Cook for 30 minutes more, to allow chicken to soak in the juices.

Enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container or zip top bag in refrigerator for the week.

~~~~~

See? SIMPLE. And so tasty.

Wondering how you can use 2 pounds of shredded chicken over the course of a week? I'm glad you asked!  Let me share a few ideas with you:

Recipes Using Shredded Chicken

• Sandwiches
• Salads
• Fruit, Nut and Poppy Seed Salad with Chicken 
• Slowcooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Slowcooker Chicken Taco Stew
• Chicken Tamale Casserole
• Birthday Chicken (ie: Chicken Pockets)
• Chicken Pot Pie 
• Chicken Potato Casserole
• Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
• Easy Chicken Alfredo
• Steph's Buffalo Chicken Pot Pie
• Pecan Chicken Salad
• Buffalo Chicken Dip

JUST to name a FEW!

Do you have a recipe that calls for cooked or shredded cooked chicken? Share your recipe link in the comments below or email me (moderndaydonnareed{at}gmail{dot}com) - I'd love to add your recipe to the list above!

Have a great weekend!