How to slow cook chicken breast without a slow cooker

A slow-cooked chook is a thing of beauty – not only is it delicious, it’s also easy. All it takes is a little prep on your part and then the oven or slow cooker will do the rest while you get on with life. Follow our simple tips to find out why time is on your side the next time you have to get dinner ready. 

How long do you slow cook chicken?

Chicken will cook much faster in the oven than in a slow cooker. When cooking in a slow cooker, the most important thing is to refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for your particular slow cooker, as all appliances vary. 

A great rule of thumb is:

  • For a whole chicken – Place it in your slow cooker breast side down. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 4-5 hours or Low for 6-8 hours
     
  • For bone-in pieces - Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 3-4 hours or Low for 4-6 hours
     

In the oven at 160°C, a whole chicken with vegetables will take up to 4 hours, whereas chicken pieces can be done in as little as 2 hours.
 

How do you slow cook chicken breast?

Chicken breasts are a lean cut and the key to slow cooking them without drying them out involves the right amount of moisture. 

  • Add just enough liquid to come 1cm up the side of the bowl. Cover and cook on High for 2 ½-4 hours or on Low for 4-6 hours.
     
  • Chicken breast fillets can be placed directly into the slow cooker, but to create richer, deeper flavours and better visual appeal, first sear the chicken breast in a hot pan over medium-high heat on each side for 1-2 minutes.
     
  • For an easy one-pot meal, add vegetables and a simmer sauce like the Passage to India Punjabi Lemon Simmer Sauce.
     

Can you put raw chicken in a slow cooker? 

Yes. Add other ingredients such as onion, garlic and enough liquid to come 1-2cm up the side of the bowl, cover and cook on High for 2-3 hours or Low for 3-6 hours. 
 

Is it better to cook chicken slowly?

Chicken is a very versatile and lean meat with little fat or sinew, so it doesn’t need long cooking for it to become tender. Both quick high heat methods such as frying, and low, slow cooking are suitable. 
 

Can I overcook chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, but the solution is extremely simple. Follow the recipe and manufacturer cooking time guidelines to ensure your chicken comes out juicy and tender every time. Chicken thighs take much longer to overcook in a slow cooker, so try them if you need a foolproof cut.
 

How do you slow cook chicken in the oven?

  • Brown your chicken on both sides in a flameproof Dutch oven until golden to seal in the flavour.
     
  • Alternatively, you can place raw chicken into an oven-proof casserole dish.
     
  • Add root vegetables, fresh herbs and liquid, such as stock or wine.
     
  • Cover and cook in a preheated low oven (160°C) for 2-4 hours depending on the cut you are cooking.
     

How do I know if my chicken is done?

Raw chicken is definitely something we want to avoid, salmonella is not a good look for anyone. To ensure your chicken is good and cooked through:

  • Check that the chicken meat has changed colour and become white.
     
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal meat temperatures are above 75°C.
     
  • Push a fork or knife into a thick part of the chicken. Cooked chicken will have clear juices rush to the surface. If the juices are pink or bloody, return the chicken to the slow cooker and cook for a further 30 minutes to 1 hour.
     

Should you flip the chicken in the slow cooker?

No, all you need to do is add all the ingredients into the slow cooker, cover and cook. 
 

Slow cooker chicken recipes

Chicken is such a delicious, versatile and healthy option and there are a variety of ways to cook it. From Indian curries to Italian casseroles, it’s a protein that’s embraced by all cultures and appeals to most appetites. Now that you have mastered the art of slow cooking chicken, try some of these great chicken recipes here. 

Simple Shredded Chicken, made in an Instant Pot (pressure cooker), Slow cooker, or on the Stovetop! A simple EASY meal prep recipe that can be made ahead for the busy week, then turned into many different dinners!

How to slow cook chicken breast without a slow cooker

Here’s a very simple recipe for shredded chicken that can either be made in an Instant pot, Slow Cooker, or on the stovetop. It’ll keep for up to 5 days in the fridge, making it ideal for creating meals on busy weeknights.

Turn the shredded chicken into quick tacos, enchiladas, or mix with BBQ Sauce and make pulled chicken sandwiches. Add some Teryaki sauce and make Asian Burritos. Or simply add to burrito bowls or veggie bowls. You’ll find a lot of uses for this!

The best part about this shredded chicken recipe is that it’s fast and EASY!

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken:

  1. Place chicken, olive oil, water, salt and spices in the Instant Pot. Give a stir and spread the chicken out.
  2. Pressure cook on high for 9 minutes for large breasts, or 12 minutes for thighs. If frozen add 1 minute. Naturally release for 5 minutes, then manually release (or let it naturally release the full time).
  3. Shred the chicken with two forks.
  4. Place back in the cooking liquid.

How to slow cook chicken breast without a slow cooker

Here we are using large breasts, which took about 9 minutes on high pressure.

How to slow cook chicken breast without a slow cooker

I find it is easiest to shred chicken on a cutting board rather than in the Instant Pot- then put it back into the cooking liquid to keep it moist.

How to slow cook chicken breast without a slow cooker

Then add the chicken back into the flavorful juices, whether this is the Instant Pot, Slow cooker or Dutch Oven until ready to use or store – to keep it moist.

How to slow cook chicken breast without a slow cooker

Drain the chicken, but save the cooking liquid. Then spoon in just enough cooking liquid to lightly coat the chicken.

The Shredded Chicken will last up to five days in the fridge.

How to slow cook chicken breast without a slow cooker

Whether you make the shredded chicken in the Instant Pot, in the slow cooker, or on the stovetop in a dutch oven, I think you’ll be happy with the results.

You’ll have a nice base to create quick meals during the week.

It’s a nice thing to do on a Sunday before things get busy.

Shredded Chicken (Slow Cooker Method):

  1. Place chicken, olive oil, water, salt and spices in the Slow Cooker. Give a stir and spread the chicken out.
  2. Slow cook on low for 4-6 hours.
  3. Shred the chicken with two forks.
  4. Place back in the cooking liquid.

Shredded Chicken (Stovetop Method):

  1. Heat one tablespoon oil in a large saute pan or dutch oven, over medium heat.
  2. Season the chicken with the salt and pan sear, until browned and golden, about 5 minutes.
  3. Turn over, cook 1 minute.  Add the water, salt and spices, stirring and turning the chicken, to coat all sides of the chicken.
  4. Cover and gently simmer 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through, and internal temp reaches 165F.
  5. Shred the chicken with two forks, then place it back in the cooking liquid.

How to slow cook chicken breast without a slow cooker

Other Recipes you might like:

  • Our 25 Best Instant Pot Recipes | Easy Pressure Cooker Meals
  • Baked Chicken Breasts!
  • How to Roast a Whole Chicken!
  • Feel Better Chicken Soup
  • FAST & HEALTHY WEEKNIGHT DINNERS!
  • 20 BEST Slow Cooker Recipes!

Hope you like this simple Shredded Chicken recipe and please share different ways in which you use it- to give us all new ideas and inspiration!

Have a great week!

Sylvia

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Description

A simple easy recipe for Shredded chicken that can be made in an Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, or on the Stovetop. Use breasts or thighs, fresh or frozen, great for meal prep and busy weeknight dinners. Keeps for 5 days in the fridge, or freeze!


  • 22 1/2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs- boneless, skinless
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder (see notes)
  • 1 teaspoon oregano,
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin

Optional additions: canned green chilies, diced onion, chopped garlic.


Instant Pot:

  1. Place chicken, olive oil, water, salt and spices in the Instant Pot. Give a stir and spread the chicken out.
  2. Pressure cook on high for 9 minutes for large breasts, or 12 minutes for thighs. If frozen add 1-2 minutes.
  3. Naturally release for 5 minutes before manually releasing ( or let it fully naturally release).
  4. Shred the chicken with two forks. I find this easiest to do lifting it onto a cutting board, then returning it back in the cooking liquid.
  5. Store in liquid to keep it moist until using. Drain, saving some of the liquid to lightly coat if need be.

Stove Top:

  1. Heat one tablespoon oil in a large saute pan or dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Season the chicken with the salt and pan sear, until browned and golden, about 5 minutes. Turn over, cook 1 minute.
  3. Add the water, salt and spices, stirring and turning the chicken, to coat all sides of the chicken. Cover and gently simmer 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through, and internal temp reaches 165F. Do not over cook here, or chicken will get tough.
  4. Shred the chicken with two forks. I find this easiest to do on a cutting board, then place it back in the cooking liquid.
  5. Store in liquid to keep it moist until using. Drain, saving some of the liquid to lightly coat if need be.

Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Place chicken, olive oil, water, salt and spices in the Slow Cooker. Give a stir and spread the chicken out.
  2. Slow cook on low for 4-6 hours.
  3. Shred the chicken with two forks.
  4. Place back in the cooking liquid.
  5. Store in the cooking liquid to keep it moist until using- then drain, saving some of the liquid to lightly coat if need be.


Notes

This will keep 5 days in the fridge, or feel free to freeze in smaller portions.

To bump up the flavor, feel free to add one diced onion, sauteed in a little oil first. Then add the remaining ingredeints. It’s good either way. 🙂

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ¾ cup
  • Calories: 155
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 353.3 mg
  • Fat: 4.8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0.7 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 25.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 82.7 mg

Keywords: Shredded chicken, how to shred chicken, instant pot shredded chicken, slow cooker shredded chicken, stovetop shredded chicken, meal prep shredded chicken

Originally Posted
September 22, 2020

Last Updated
May 25, 2022

Chef and author of the whole-foods recipe blog, Feasting at Home, Sylvia Fountaine is a former restaurant owner and caterer turned full-time food blogger. She currently lives in the Pacific Northwest and shares seasonal, healthy recipes along with tips and tricks from her home kitchen.

How do you cook chicken if you don't have a slow cooker?

Slow Cooking on a Stove Top Brown the meat first then add liquid, seasonings and any other ingredients, with vegetables going in last. Bring the dish to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30 to 45 minutes, checking every 15 minutes.

Can you do slow cooking on the stove?

When the slow cooker is set on low heat, it's mimicking a long simmer. Many soup and stews lend themselves to this process, and just like a slow cooker, you can do this on the stovetop just as well. The caveat here, and similarly the reason why so many people are charmed by the slow cooker, is the hands-off factor.

What can I use instead of a slow cooker?

As for what kind of pot to use, most commenters agreed that a heavy casserole dish or Dutch oven would do the job nicely. One person particularly recommended using a cast-iron Dutch oven for its ability to evenly distribute heat and for the fact that it supposedly imparts a better flavor on the food.

Can you slow cook in oven instead of slow cooker?

Braising, roasting and baking are the slow-cooking methods that require the least in the way of equipment or effort. If you have a Dutch oven and cast-iron skillet, you're well on your way to slow-cooking success. A roasting pan can be useful, too.