Slow Cooker Whole Chicken: The Best Way to Make Shredded Chicken (Bonus: Bone Broth)

If you’re looking for an effortless way to prepare shredded chicken, cooking a whole chicken in a slow cooker is the ultimate solution. Not only does it yield tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort, but it also gives you the added bonus of homemade bone broth—rich in nutrients and health benefits.

The Benefits of Using Organic or Pasture-Raised Chicken

Choosing organic or pasture-raised chicken is essential for your health and the environment. These chickens are raised without antibiotics and hormones, ensuring a cleaner product for your family. They often have a more nutritious profile, boasting higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, thanks to their natural diet and outdoor lifestyle. This choice enhances the flavor and nutritional value of your dishes, making every bite a healthier option.

Recipe: Shredded Chicken Made Easy

Ingredients

• 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken, preferably pasture-raised or organic

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 cups filtered water

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by removing any organs from the cavity of the chicken and discarding them. Rinse the chicken under cold water and place it breast side up in your slow cooker.

2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle 1 tsp of salt evenly over the chicken to enhance its flavor.

3. Add Water: Pour 2 cups of filtered water into the slow cooker around the chicken.

4. Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and cook the chicken for 6 hours. The meat will become tender and easily shred apart.

5. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, pull the meat off the bones and shred it in a large bowl. This versatile shredded chicken can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, salads, bowls, or tacos.

Bonus: Making Nutritious Bone Broth

The leftover bones and cooking liquid are perfect for transforming into a nourishing bone broth. Bone broth is renowned for its numerous health benefits, including supporting gut health, enhancing joint function, and boosting the immune system due to its high collagen content.

Ingredients for Bone Broth

• Whole chicken carcass and leftover broth from slow cooker

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• Salt to taste

Directions

1. Reuse the Carcass: Place all the bones and skin back into the leftover liquid in the slow cooker.

2. Add Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient helps extract minerals from the bones, enriching the flavor and nutritional value of your broth.

3. Cook the Broth: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for another 4-6 hours to create a rich, flavorful broth.

4. Strain the Broth: After cooking, strain the broth to remove the bones and solids. Adjust the salt to your liking for a perfectly seasoned broth.

• Note: Bone broth usually gelatinizes when refrigerated due to its collagen content, which is completely normal. Don’t worry—when you reheat it, it will return to a liquid state, just like store-bought chicken broth.

Creative Ways to Use Bone Broth

Once you’ve made your nourishing bone broth, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to incorporate it into your meals:

1. Soups and Stews: Use bone broth as a base for your favorite soups and stews for added flavor and nutrients.

2. Cooking Grains: Substitute bone broth for water when cooking rice, quinoa, or other grains to infuse them with rich flavor.

3. Sauces and Gravies: Enhance your sauces and gravies with bone broth for a deeper taste and added nutrition.

4. Savory Smoothies: For a protein boost, add a splash of bone broth to savory smoothies or shakes.

5. Sipping Broth: Enjoy a warm mug of bone broth as a comforting beverage, especially on chilly days.

6. Ramen or Noodle Dishes: Use it as a flavorful broth for ramen or other noodle dishes to elevate your meal.

7. Mashed Potatoes: Stir in some bone broth when mashing potatoes for a creamier texture and delicious taste.

8. Braised Dishes: Use bone broth to braise meats and vegetables for added depth and richness.

Incorporating bone broth into your cooking not only enhances flavors but also boosts the nutritional value of your meals. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas!

Enjoying Your Creations

This slow cooker whole chicken method not only simplifies meal prep but also ensures you have wholesome, homemade ingredients ready to nourish your body. The shredded chicken can easily enhance your meals throughout the week, while the bone broth is perfect for sipping or using as a flavorful base in soups and sauces.

Incorporating this recipe into your routine allows you to enjoy delicious, nutrient-rich meals with minimal effort. Embrace the health benefits and flavors that come from cooking with high-quality ingredients. Happy cooking!