Slow Cooker Everything Chicken Recipe

Meal prep just got a lot easier with this everything chicken recipe.

Hey friends — if there’s one recipe that saves my sanity on busy weeks, it’s this slow cooker everything chicken. It’s basically a big batch of shredded chicken that works in every meal: salads, tacos, sandwiches, casseroles, soups… you name it. I love having easy shredded chicken ready to go because it turns a veggie stir fry, a burrito bowl, or a simple weeknight dinner into a high-protein, healthy, actually filling meal. With just chicken, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and broth, the slow cooker does all the work and you end up with juicy, versatile chicken that’s perfect for meal prep.

Chicken is one of the easiest and most affordable proteins, but sometimes it feels like too much work to cook it from scratch every time. That’s why this crockpot shredded chicken recipe is a total game changer. I make one batch at the beginning of the week and suddenly lunches and dinners are effortless. Plus, cooking the chicken low and slow keeps it tender and shreddable — no dry or rubbery chicken here.

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Ingredients for this Chicken Recipe

This simple recipe only requires a few basic ingredients, including:

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1–2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

How to Make Everything Chicken (Crockpot Method)

1. Place chicken in the slow cooker and drizzle olive oil over the top — coat all sides.
2. Add garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the broth around (not on top of) the chicken — this keeps the seasoning where it belongs.
4. Cover and cook:
   • Low: 6 to 8 hours
   • High: 3 to 4 hours
   • Chicken is done when it reaches 170°F and is tender enough to shred.

Once it’s cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. If you want to be extra efficient, toss the chicken into a stand mixer and use the paddle attachment — it shreds in less than 30 seconds. Magic.

My Favorite Ways to Use Slow Cooker Everything Chicken

This is why we call it “everything chicken” — it works with ANY seasoning, sauce, or recipe:

Sometimes I mix it with pesto and crumble it over toasted bruschetta or pasta — ridiculously good.

Quick Q&A

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs turn out even more tender and flavorful.

Do I have to use broth?
Nope — water works fine. The broth just adds extra flavor.

How long will this last in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, it will last in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes! Portion it into freezer bags, flatten (for easy stacking), and freeze for up to 3 months. To use, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. Warm gently in a skillet or microwave — adding a splash of broth if needed.

Can I make this slow cooker chicken in the instant pot?

Yep! Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, then allow a natural release for 5 to 10 minutes. Shred as usual and enjoy!

How do I season it differently?
That’s the beauty — the base is neutral on purpose. Add seasonings after shredding:

• Taco seasoning
• BBQ sauce
• Buffalo sauce
• Pesto
• Italian seasoning

One batch = unlimited dinners.

If you try this slow cooker everything chicken, prep two batches and freeze one — future you will hug past you for it. Let me know how you end up using it!

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