Crock-Pot Shredded Chicken (Printable)

Slow-cooked chicken infused with smoky spices and lime, ready to fill warm tortillas with vibrant flavors.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
02 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices

05 - 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
09 - ½ teaspoon salt
10 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Sauce

11 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
12 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
13 - 1 tablespoon lime juice

→ To Serve

14 - 12 small corn or flour tortillas
15 - Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges

# How-To:

01 - Place chicken thighs or drumsticks in the bottom of the crock-pot.
02 - Scatter chopped onion and minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
03 - Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl; sprinkle the mixture evenly over chicken and vegetables.
04 - Pour diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, and chicken broth over the seasoned chicken and aromatics.
05 - Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
06 - Remove chicken from crock-pot, discard bones, and shred meat using two forks.
07 - Return shredded chicken to the pot, stir gently to combine with sauce, and mix in lime juice.
08 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable.
09 - Fill warm tortillas with shredded chicken and garnish with preferred toppings; serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Effortless slow-cooked main dish that is full of flavor
  • Budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd
02 -
  • For a gluten-free meal use corn tortillas and avoid dairy toppings for a dairy-free version
  • Leftover shredded chicken can be enjoyed in quesadillas or burrito bowls
03 -
  • For smoky heat add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the crock-pot
  • Use boneless skinless chicken breasts for a lighter version and reduce cooking time by 1 hour
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