Tender and flavorful, this Creamy Shredded Chicken made in a slow cooker is a versatile dish perfect for easy meals. Seasoned with garlic and onion powder, paprika, and cooked to perfection in chicken broth, it’s then smothered in a creamy sauce for a rich and satisfying flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy Slow Cooker Prep: This recipe requires minimal hands-on time. Simply place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker with broth and let it cook to tender perfection. It’s ideal for busy days when you want a delicious meal without much effort.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy the creamy shredded chicken in various ways—over rice for a comforting dinner, stuffed into tacos for a flavorful twist, or as a filling for sandwiches. Its versatility makes it suitable for different meal preferences and occasions.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The addition of cream cheese or sour cream transforms this dish into a creamy delight. It adds a luxurious texture and enhances the savory flavors of the chicken and spices, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium for more flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cream cheese or sour cream
- Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish
Equipment:
- Slow cooker
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken. - Add Broth:
Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. - Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is very tender. - Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. It should be very tender and shred easily. - Make It Creamy:
Add the cream cheese or sour cream to the slow cooker with the cooking liquid. Whisk until smooth. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce. - Serve:
Serve the creamy shredded chicken over rice, in tacos, or on buns for sandwiches. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired.
Tips:
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of regular cream cheese or sour cream.
- Customize the seasoning to your taste by adjusting the amounts of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Enjoy this Creamy Shredded Chicken for a delicious and effortless meal!
This format provides a more detailed description of why this Creamy Shredded Chicken recipe is enjoyable, highlighting its ease of preparation, versatility in serving options, creamy texture, and flavor enhancement from the cream cheese or sour cream.