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Tender Never-Dry Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe with Garlic Herbs for Perfect Easy Meals

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This slow cooker shredded chicken breast recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with a balanced garlic-herb flavor. Perfect for easy meals that never dry out or get mushy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (700900 grams)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml), homemade or low-sodium store-bought
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in a mixing bowl.
  2. Add minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and toss gently to coat evenly. If using, add lemon juice and toss again.
  3. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour chicken broth around the edges, avoiding pouring directly on top.
  4. Cover and cook on high for 3.5 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 7 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
  5. Check doneness; chicken should be tender but not falling apart. If too firm, cook an additional 15-30 minutes on low.
  6. Remove chicken breasts with tongs and shred using two forks or shredding claws while still hot.
  7. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir gently into the cooking juices. Let sit on warm for 10-15 minutes to absorb flavors.
  8. Serve immediately or cool and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Notes

Do not overdo the liquid to avoid mushy chicken. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain heat and moisture. Shred chicken while hot for easier shredding. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Crushing dried rosemary releases more oils and flavor. If slow cooker runs hot, use low setting to prevent drying out. Optional lemon juice adds brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, shredded chicken, garlic herb chicken, easy chicken recipe, tender chicken breast, slow cooker meals, healthy chicken