Slow-Cooker Shredded Chicken

Tender, flavorful shredded chicken made in the slow cooker with aromatic onions, garlic, and herbs. This versatile basic recipe yields juicy, well-seasoned chicken that can be used in countless dishes.

8 servings
6 hr 15 min

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 whole medium onions
  • 1 head garlic
  • 2 whole bay leaves
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Mix chicken, onions, garlic, bay leaves, broth, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker. Cover and cook until chicken shreds easily when pierced with a fork, about 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low.

    360 min

  2. 2.

    Remove chicken from liquid and shred with a fork; taste and season with salt and pepper, if needed. Strain stock through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl; discard vegetables. Store chicken and broth together or separately.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    Chicken can be made 3 days ahead; cover and chill either in broth or separately, or freeze either together or separately up to 6 months.