Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the magic of easy crockpot recipes with few ingredients! Life gets hectic, and some days, I just want to come home to a warm, delicious meal without the fuss. That’s why I adore using my crockpot! You simply toss everything in, set the timer, and go about your day. This recipe for shredded chicken is a staple in my kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, it turns into a flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Trust me, after a long day, the smell of this cooking will greet you like a warm hug. You won’t believe how easy (and tasty!) it really is!
Ingredients List
Gathering the ingredients for this easy crockpot recipe is a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not just simple but also packed with flavor. You can easily find them at your local grocery store, and trust me, they’ll transform your busy day into something delicious!
How to Prepare Instructions
Making this delicious shredded chicken in your crockpot is as easy as it gets! Here’s how to do it:
- First, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Don’t worry about preparing them; they go in just as they are!
- Next, pour the can of diced tomatoes over the chicken. The juices from the tomatoes will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Then, add 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. This will create a lovely base for your dish.
- Now, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over everything. Yum!
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. I usually prefer the low setting because it makes the chicken so tender!
- When the cooking time is up, take a fork and shred the chicken right in the crockpot. It’ll be so tender that it practically falls apart!
And there you have it! A wonderful meal ready to serve. Just remember, the longer you let it cook on low, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be. Enjoy the anticipation while it simmers away!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this recipe is a total game-changer! Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick Preparation Time: With just 10 minutes to prep, you can set it and forget it! Perfect for those busy days when time is tight.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of basic ingredients, making it easy on your grocery list and your wallet!
- Flavorful Outcome: The combination of tomatoes and spices creates a mouthwatering dish that’s anything but bland. Seriously, your taste buds will thank you!
- Healthy Meal Option: Packed with protein and low in fat, this dish is a wholesome choice for any dinner table.
This recipe really checks all the boxes for a busy home cook like me! You’ll find it’s not just easy to make, but also a delicious and nutritious meal that you can feel good about serving. What’s not to love?
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your shredded chicken turns out perfectly every time! Here are my top tips for success:
- Seasoning Adjustments: Don’t be afraid to tweak the spices to suit your taste! If you love a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili powder. Or if you prefer a milder flavor, you can cut back on the garlic powder.
- Perfect Chicken Shredding: For the easiest shredding, let the chicken cool for a few minutes after cooking. Then, use two forks to pull it apart. It should shred effortlessly! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use a hand mixer on low speed—just be careful not to overdo it!
- Use Low-Sodium Broth: I can’t stress this enough! Using low-sodium chicken broth not only helps control the saltiness of your dish but also allows you to adjust the flavor to your liking. If you’re using regular broth, just be cautious with the added salt!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a pro at making this easy crockpot recipe. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re like me, you love a recipe that’s flexible and open to creativity! Here are some fun variations to switch things up with this easy crockpot shredded chicken:
- Add Different Vegetables: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or even corn for added texture and flavor. Carrots or zucchini can also work beautifully. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if you add more veggies!
- Use Different Types of Meat: Not a fan of chicken? No problem! You can easily swap in pork tenderloin or beef stew meat. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as different meats may require longer to get tender.
- Incorporate Various Spices: Feel free to play with the spices! Throw in some taco seasoning for a Mexican twist or Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a Mediterranean vibe. You could even go with curry powder for a whole new flavor profile!
- Add Beans for Extra Protein: If you want to make it heartier, add a can of black beans or kidney beans. They’ll soak up all the delicious flavors and make your meal even more filling!
These variations are just the beginning! The beauty of this easy crockpot recipe is that it adapts so well to whatever you have on hand. Get creative and have fun experimenting in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious shredded chicken, and now you’re wondering how to store those tasty leftovers? No worries, I’ve got you covered!
First, let the chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to label it with the date so you know when it was made!
If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the shredded chicken for up to 2 months. I like to portion it into smaller containers or freezer bags—this way, it’s easy to grab just what you need later on. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn!
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of water to keep it moist and flavorful. If you’re using the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring in between.
And there you have it! Easy storage and reheating tips to ensure your shredded chicken stays delicious and ready for your next meal. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this easy crockpot shredded chicken, it’s always nice to know what you’re putting on your plate! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 40g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they should be taken as rough estimates. It’s always a good idea to check the labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information. Regardless, you can feel good about serving this dish as it’s packed with protein and low in fat! Enjoy your meal with peace of mind!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No problem! Here are some common queries I get about this easy crockpot shredded chicken recipe:
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Absolutely! You can toss frozen chicken breasts straight into the crockpot. Just be aware that it’ll take a bit longer to cook—around 7-9 hours on low and 4-5 hours on high. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety!
What can I serve with this dish?
This shredded chicken is super versatile! I love serving it over rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. You could also use it in tacos, salads, or wraps. The possibilities are endless!
How can I make it spicier?
If you’re craving some heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the mix. You could also stir in some hot sauce right before serving to kick it up a notch. Just adjust to your taste!
Can I cook this on a different setting?
Yes, you can! Besides the low and high settings, you can also cook it on the medium setting if your crockpot has one. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it might vary slightly—generally, it’ll be somewhere in between the low and high times.
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it for up to 2 months. Just remember to label it with the date!
I hope this clears things up! If you have any more questions, feel free to drop them in the comments. Happy cooking!
Call to Action
Now that you’ve got the scoop on this easy crockpot shredded chicken recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried it? What did you think? Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts or any tweaks you made to the recipe. I’m always excited to hear how you guys customize things in your kitchen!
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to rate it! Your feedback helps me know what you love most and inspires me to create even more delicious dishes. And hey, if you have your own variations or tips, share those too! Let’s keep the conversation going and inspire each other to make mealtime a little easier and a lot tastier!
Drucken
Easy Crockpot Recipes with Few Ingredients for Busy Nights
- Gesamtzeit: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A simple and delicious recipe for busy days using a crockpot.
Zutaten
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Anweisungen
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred chicken before serving.
Notes
- Serve with rice or bread.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 6 hours
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Crockpot
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 6g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 10g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterin: 100mg
Keywords: easy crockpot recipes with few ingredients
