Savory Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken with Herbs

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 6 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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If you're craving a meal that's as comforting as it is simple, this Savory Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken with Herbs is a game-changer. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting, it’s perfect for busy days when you still want a delicious, home-cooked meal.

Ingredients for Savory Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken with Herbs

The star of this dish is, of course, the chicken breasts. Boneless and skinless, they’re lean and soak up the flavors beautifully. A sprinkle of salt and black pepper enhances the natural taste of the chicken. Olive oil brings a hint of richness and helps the herbs adhere. Speaking of herbs, thyme and oregano are the aromatic backbone, providing a warm, earthy flavor. The lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy punch that lifts the entire dish. Chicken broth keeps the meat moist as it cooks. Finally, garlic and onion offer a savory depth that rounds everything out.

Tips & Tricks

  • For even more flavor, sear the chicken in a skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry at the end and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for later use.

Serving Suggestions

This shredded chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. It’s also fantastic in tacos, stuffed into a warm pita, or mixed into pasta. Add a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad to round out the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are more forgiving and remain juicy, even with longer cooking times.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No problem! You can bake it covered in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 2 hours instead.

Savory Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken with Herbs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by placing your chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle them evenly with salt and black pepper. This lays the foundation for flavor.

Next, mix together olive oil, dried thyme, dried oregano, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Rub this fragrant mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This is where those lovely herbal notes begin to develop.

Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. Scatter the minced garlic and chopped onion on top. These ingredients will meld together as they cook, creating a deliciously savory aroma.

Cover the slow cooker and choose your cooking time: low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be tender and easy to shred. Patience is key here!

Once done, remove the chicken and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the cooker, stirring it into the juices to soak up all that flavor before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Hands-off cooking: Your slow cooker does most of the work!
  • Flavorful and versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or tacos.
  • Easy prep and clean-up with just a handful of ingredients.
  • Herb-infused goodness that elevates simple chicken to a new level.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker. Season with salt and black pepper.
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, dried thyme, dried oregano, and lemon zest. Rub the mixture over the chicken.
3. Pour chicken broth over the seasoned chicken and add minced garlic and chopped onion.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix with the juices before serving.

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