zesty shredded chicken: 5 ingredients in the crock pot and done.

I am an "easy cooker" by nature, I like things to take very little effort but also be delicious and healthy. So when someone tells me that they have a crock pot recipe that has no pre or post prep involved, I'm usually quite keen to give it a go.  This is one of those recipes. :)

I actually got this recipe from my Momma when I had to head up the big Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet dinner for our church congregation several months ago. I needed something I could prepare and freeze beforehand since I was out of town for the actual event but something that was also cheap and good tasting. (We've all been to at least one not so delicious big event dinner, right?)
So, instead of less healthy and much more expensive beef for the taco salad we served, I made this.

This dish is so versatile, not only can it serve as the base tons of different dishes, it can EASILY serve masses, you can make a double family-sized batch and freeze some for an even quicker meal later, or make just enough for one meal.
The recipe I'll share is intended to be used as part of several different meals for a family of 4.

INGREDIENTS:
8 oz Zesty Italian Dressing (I used Kraft, you can get light or fat free, whatever your usual preference)
1/2 T chili powder
1/2 T cumin
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 lbs chicken breast (I put mine in frozen)

Directions: 
1. Mix dressing and spices together and pour over chicken in the crock pot.
2. Cook for 6 hours, shred chicken within the last hour and mix together. (you can do whatever time setting works best for your schedule that day of course.)
3. Serve as part of whatever dish you'd like, I've used it on my favorite go-to salad (see recipe), loaded nachos with mozzerella cheese,  black, red, or pinto beans, green onion, cheese, salsa and sour cream, taco salad, chicken fajitas or as a topping for loaded baked potatoes.

My boys both love this chicken too, and because it's shredded even my 11 month old (with no teeth...) can eat it really well, he had a dinner of shredded chicken, pinto beans, and cantaloupe last night and was in heaven.