Do you ever feel like you’re running from one task to another, barely having time to think about dinner until it’s too late?
Meal prep can feel like one more exhausting chore, and that’s why I like having an easy shredded chicken recipe to get easy meals together fast.
The good news is that I found a simple way to make life a little easier by cooking and shredding chicken in bulk.
No more wasting time with two forks—thanks to my crockpot and KitchenAid mixer, I can have perfectly shredded chicken in under 30 seconds.
This hack has seriously been a lifesaver in my kitchen, freeing up time for what matters most.
So, let’s talk about making easy shredded chicken for many fantastic meals!
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: Low – 4 hours (crockpot) + 30 seconds to shred in the KitchenAid mixer
- Main Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs, ½ cup water (or chicken broth), and preferred seasonings
- Servings: 4-6, depending on the meal
- Extras: Use this shredded chicken to make a tasty southwest chicken salad, nachos, quesadillas, a casserole, and so much more!
Shredded Chicken Recipe: Fast Crockpot Prep
Whenever I know I’m going to need shredded chicken for the week, I make it a habit to get ahead by cooking it in the crockpot.
I usually start with about 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. But use what you’ve got or what’s on sale for some savings!
I often get boneless skinless chicken thighs, though, because they’re cheaper and have a richer flavor with the dark meat.
After placing them in the crockpot, I add about ½ cup of water or chicken broth—just enough to keep them moist as they cook.
On busy days, I love the fact that I can set the slow cooker to low for four hours and forget about it while I tackle everything else on my list.
Whether it’s running errands, helping my kids with schoolwork, or squeezing in some time for myself, the crockpot works its magic in the background.
When the chicken is ready, it’s time for my favorite part: shredding it effortlessly with my KitchenAid mixer. Truly, I’ll only take 30 seconds to pop it in and get it shredded!!
Gone are the days of standing over the kitchen counter, struggling with two forks, and getting hand cramps.
I toss the cooked chicken into the mixer bowl, lock down the paddle attachment, and in less than 30 seconds on medium speed, I have perfectly shredded chicken.
A quick tip: make sure to lock the mixer head down to avoid any messes—it’s a pretty heavy job for the mixer, but it handles it beautifully.
Once the chicken is shredded, I either freeze it for later use or get straight into making one of my favorite family meals.
Step By Step Crockpot Instructions: Simple Cooked Chicken
Here are the steps you need to follow to get your 30 second Shredded Chicken:
1. Place Chicken in Crockpot. I use 1 1/2 lbs of fresh chicken in a crockpot with 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth. Cook for 4 hours on low or until cooked.
2. Once your chicken is cooked through, place it in the bowl of the KitchenAid Mixer.
3. Put on your Paddle Attachment.
4. Make sure you lock the KitchenAid down because this is a very heavy job for it.
5. Turn your Kitchen Aid on, and in 30 seconds, you have perfectly Shredded Chicken. Medium Speed seems to be the best for this.
6. You can either freeze this chicken as is to easily add it to a recipe. Or you can make a recipe that calls for shredded chicken!
If you’re having trouble with your mixer or have a smaller mixer, pop in one chicken breast at a time- it’ll still be faster than doing it by hand.
Seasonings To Use For Shredded Chicken
- Taco Seasoning – Perfect for adding a bold, smoky flavor to chicken. Use it for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
- Italian Seasoning – A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary that pairs well with pasta dishes, salads, and casseroles.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – These add savory depth to shredded chicken without overpowering, making it versatile for soups, stir-fries, or wraps.
- Paprika & Smoked Paprika – Great for adding a mild sweetness or smokiness, ideal for BBQ chicken or sandwiches.
- Chili Powder & Cumin – These spices create a rich, warm flavor profile, perfect for chili, enchiladas, or spicy stews.
- Lemon Pepper – A zesty seasoning that brings brightness to salads, wraps, or grilled chicken recipes.
- Ranch Seasoning – Adds a creamy, tangy twist, excellent for chicken salads, dips, or wraps.
- Cajun Seasoning – Brings a spicy, bold kick for Southern-inspired dishes like gumbo or jambalaya.
These seasonings take the blank canvas of shredded chicken and transform it into a base for endless meal possibilities!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken prefereably boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
- seasoning as wanted, if you don't want plain for multiple meals
Instructions
- Place Chicken in Crockpot. I use 1 1/2 lbs of fresh chicken in a crockpot with 1/2 cup of water. Cook for 4 hours on low or until cooked.
- Once your chicken is cooked through, place it in the bowl of the KitchenAid Mixer.
- Put on your Paddle Attachment.
- Make sure you lock the KitchenAid down because this is a very heavy job for it.
- Turn your Kitchen Aid on, and in 30 seconds, you have perfectly Shredded Chicken. Medium Speed seems to be the best for this.
- You can either freeze this chicken as is to easily add it to a recipe. Or you can make a recipe that calls for shredded chicken!
Notes
Nutrition
Shredded Chicken Potential- Tasty Homemade Recipes!
Now, here’s where this recipe really shines. There are so many ways you can use shredded chicken, and the versatility is one of the reasons I love it so much.
I have so many slow cooker recipes, but you can always shorten the cooking process by having the chicken already cooked and ready to go!
But here are some of my favorite recipes to use shredded chicken and make quick lunches and dinners:
- BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
- Southwest Chicken Salad
- Shredded Chicken Sliders
- Crack Chicken Casserole
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
Food safety doesn’t suggest using frozen chicken in the crockpot- as it thaws, the temperature in the pot isn’t hot enough to prevent bacteria from growing.
It’s a no-go for me, but some sites say that you can use frozen chicken if you just cook it longer.
How long should I cook chicken if I’m making a larger batch?
If you’re cooking more than 1 ½ pounds, you might need to extend the cooking time by an hour or so. Just check the internal temperature and make sure the chicken is cooked through and tender before shredding.
Can I add seasoning while cooking the chicken?
Absolutely! I often add a bit of salt, pepper, garlic powder, bouillion, or onion powder to give the chicken extra flavor. You can also try herbs like thyme or rosemary, depending on the recipe you plan to use it in.
Does the KitchenAid really shred chicken better than two forks?
Yes! Using a KitchenAid mixer with the paddle attachment is not only faster, but it gives you evenly shredded chicken with much less effort. It’s a huge time-saver, especially if you’re making a large batch.
How should I store shredded chicken?
Once the chicken is shredded, you can store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. This makes meal prep a breeze since you can defrost and use the chicken whenever you need it.
Could I make shredded chicken in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can easily make shredded chicken in the Instant Pot!
Just place 1 ½ lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the pot with ½ cup of water or broth.
Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
Remove the chicken and shred it using a KitchenAid mixer (or whatever mixer you have).
Final Thoughts
Making shredded chicken with this crockpot and KitchenAid method has been one of the easiest meal prep hacks I’ve added to my routine.
There are so many ways to use this shredded chicken, but who knew that a KitchenAid mixer could be SO useful?
It takes minimal effort, and the end result is so versatile that I always have a quick and healthy protein option ready to go.
Whether I’m making a quick dinner for the family or prepping meals for the week, having shredded chicken on hand makes life so much simpler.
Let me know how you plan to use your Shredded Chicken- I’m always looking for new recipes!
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[…] Shred chicken in 30 seconds in KitchenAid Mixer (tutorial is here) […]
I came to the internet to find such an idea! Thank you very much!
Now I’ll go finish making my dinner.
glassy~