Shredded chicken is a versatile ingredient that can transform your meals. It’s easy to prepare and works well in many dishes.

You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook fresh chicken to shred. This makes it a great option for quick and tasty meals.

These 20 shredded chicken recipes will give you new ideas for dinner. They range from soups and salads to casseroles and tacos.

You’ll find options for different tastes and cooking styles. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a good meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

1. Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game days or parties. You can easily make this creamy, spicy dip at home.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce in a bowl.

Add shredded chicken and some shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.

Top with more cheese if desired. Bake for about 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Serve your buffalo chicken dip with chips, crackers, or veggie sticks. It’s sure to be a hit with your guests!

2. Crispy Chicken Tacos

Crispy chicken tacos are a tasty way to use shredded chicken. To make them, mix shredded chicken with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder.

Add salsa to the chicken mixture for extra flavor. Spoon the filling into corn tortillas and fold them over.

Place the tacos on a baking sheet and brush with oil. Bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

The result is crispy, golden-brown tacos filled with flavorful chicken. You can top them with cheese, lettuce, and sour cream before serving.

3. Chicken Enchiladas Verdes

Chicken enchiladas verdes are a tasty twist on classic enchiladas. They use green salsa instead of red for a tangy flavor.

To make them, you’ll need shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, and tortillas. Mix the chicken with some of the sauce and cheese.

Roll the mixture in tortillas and place them in a baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over top and sprinkle with more cheese.

Bake until the cheese melts and everything is hot. Serve your enchiladas verdes with sour cream and cilantro on top for extra flavor.

4. BBQ Shredded Chicken Sliders

BBQ shredded chicken sliders are a tasty and easy meal. To make them, start with pre-cooked, shredded chicken in a large bowl. Mix in BBQ sauce until the chicken is well-coated.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice Hawaiian rolls in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish. Spread the BBQ chicken mixture on the rolls.

Add sliced onions and cheese on top of the chicken. Place the top halves of the rolls on the sliders.

Brush the tops with a mixture of melted butter and seasonings. Bake the sliders for 10-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious BBQ shredded chicken sliders.

5. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup is a tasty way to use shredded chicken. You start by cooking onions, garlic, and jalapeños in oil.

Next, add chicken breasts and soup ingredients like tomatoes, broth, and spices. Let it simmer until the chicken is tender.

Take out the chicken and shred it with forks. Put it back in the pot with beans, corn, and cilantro. Cook a bit more.

Serve your soup topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese. A squeeze of lime adds a nice zing.

This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days. It’s full of flavor and easy to make.

6. Southwest Chicken Salad

This zesty salad packs a flavorful punch with shredded chicken as the star. You’ll combine the chicken with black beans, corn, and diced red peppers for a colorful mix.

Add fresh cilantro and green onions to boost the taste.

For the dressing, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, and spices like cumin and chili powder. Toss everything together and chill for an hour before serving.

This salad works great as a main dish or as a filling for wraps and sandwiches. You can customize it by adding avocado, cheese, or crunchy tortilla strips on top.

It’s a refreshing meal perfect for warm days or when you want something light yet satisfying.

7. Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Instant Pot shredded chicken is quick and easy to make.

Add chicken breasts, broth, salt, pepper, and seasonings to your Instant Pot. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes.

Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Shred the meat using two forks right in the pot. The cooking liquid helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

You can customize the seasonings to suit different recipes. Garlic, soy sauce, and herbs are tasty additions.

This versatile shredded chicken works great in tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more.

8. Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Chicken Alfredo Pizza combines two favorite dishes into one tasty meal. You start by making a creamy Alfredo sauce with butter, garlic, cream cheese, milk, and Parmesan.

Spread the sauce on your pizza crust. Add shredded mozzarella cheese and cooked chicken pieces.

Some recipes include extras like spinach, broccoli, or bacon.

Bake the pizza in a hot oven (around 450°F) for 10-15 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. Let it cool for a minute before slicing.

This pizza is rich and filling. It’s great for a family dinner or when you want to change up your usual pizza night.

9. Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowl

You can make a tasty shredded chicken burrito bowl at home. Start with a base of rice or quinoa. Add your shredded chicken on top.

Mix in some black beans and corn for extra flavor and texture. Don’t forget the veggies – try adding diced tomatoes, lettuce, and avocado.

Sprinkle on some cheese and a dollop of salsa or sour cream.

You can customize your bowl with your favorite toppings and spices.

This meal is easy to put together and great for using up leftover chicken. It’s filling, nutritious, and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

10. Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps

Chicken Caesar salad wraps are a tasty way to use shredded chicken. You can make them easily at home.

Start by tossing shredded chicken with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. Mix in Caesar dressing to coat everything evenly.

Warm up some large tortillas to make them pliable. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each tortilla.

Roll up the tortillas tightly to form wraps. Cut them in half diagonally if you like.

These wraps work great for lunch or a light dinner. You can customize them by adding extras like bacon bits or diced tomatoes.

Serve with some carrot sticks or chips on the side for a complete meal.

11. Honey Garlic Chicken Wraps

Honey garlic chicken wraps are a tasty meal you can make at home. They combine sweet and savory flavors in an easy-to-eat package.

To make them, cook chicken and shred it with two forks. Mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, and other seasonings to create a flavorful sauce.

Toss the shredded chicken in the sauce. Warm up some tortillas or lettuce leaves.

Add the chicken mixture and your favorite toppings like veggies or cheese.

These wraps are great for lunch or dinner. You can prep the ingredients ahead of time for quick assembly when you’re ready to eat.

12. Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken quesadillas are a tasty and easy meal you can whip up quickly. Start by seasoning shredded chicken with taco spices for extra flavor.

Heat a skillet and add some oil. Sauté onions and peppers until soft, then mix in the seasoned chicken.

Place a tortilla in the pan and add the chicken mixture to one half. Sprinkle cheese on top and fold the tortilla over.

Cook until golden brown on both sides. Serve your quesadillas hot with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

You can customize them by adding other ingredients like beans or corn.

13. Chicken and Avocado Rice Bowl

This tasty dish combines tender chicken with creamy avocado and fluffy rice.

Start by cooking rice according to package instructions. While the rice cooks, season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.

Cook them in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side.

Slice the cooked chicken and prepare the avocado. Mix diced avocado with lemon juice, parsley, and minced garlic.

To assemble, divide the rice among bowls. Top with sliced chicken and the avocado mixture.

You can add extra veggies like tomatoes or corn for more flavor and nutrition.

This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s both satisfying and healthy, providing a good balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.

14. Sweet and Sour Shredded Chicken

Sweet and sour shredded chicken is a tasty dish that’s quick to make. You can use leftover chicken or cook some fresh for this recipe.

To make the sauce, mix pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar. Heat oil in a pan and add garlic and ginger for flavor.

Add your shredded chicken to the pan and pour the sauce over it. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the chicken is coated and the sauce thickens.

Serve your sweet and sour shredded chicken over rice or noodles. Add some pineapple chunks and bell peppers for extra flavor and crunch.

15. Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a tasty and light meal option. You can make them in about 30 minutes.

Start by cooking ground chicken in a skillet. Add onions, garlic, and ginger for flavor.

Mix in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar to create a savory sauce. For some heat, add a dash of sriracha.

Include diced water chestnuts and bell peppers for crunch. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions.

Serve the chicken mixture in lettuce leaves. You can use iceberg or butter lettuce as wraps.

This dish is perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer.

16. Pulled Chicken Sandwich

Pulled chicken sandwiches are a tasty and easy meal option. You can make them in a slow cooker for tender, flavorful results.

Start by mixing sauce ingredients like ketchup, BBQ sauce, and spices in the slow cooker. Add chicken breasts or thighs and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Once done, shred the chicken using two forks. Mix it back into the sauce.

Serve the pulled chicken on soft buns for a satisfying sandwich.

You can customize your pulled chicken sandwich with toppings like coleslaw or pickles.

It’s great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

17. Chicken Tinga Tacos

Chicken tinga tacos are a tasty Mexican dish you can easily make at home. You start by cooking chicken with onions, tomatoes, and chipotle peppers. This creates a flavorful, slightly spicy sauce.

Once cooked, shred the chicken and mix it back into the sauce.

Warm up some corn tortillas and fill them with the chicken mixture. Top your tacos with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime.

You can prepare the chicken tinga ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.

This makes it great for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting friends. Serve your tacos with rice and beans for a complete meal.

18. Chipotle Chicken Burrito

You can make a delicious Chipotle-style chicken burrito at home. Start with shredded chicken seasoned with chipotle chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Warm a large tortilla and add cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and your seasoned chicken.

Top with fresh salsa, guacamole, cheese, and sour cream.

Roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.

For a healthier option, try making a burrito bowl instead. Use the same ingredients but serve them over rice instead of in a tortilla.

You can customize your burrito with your favorite toppings. Add sliced avocado, corn salsa, or extra veggies for more flavor and nutrition.

19. Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

Teriyaki chicken bowls are a tasty way to use shredded chicken. You’ll need chicken, rice, veggies, and teriyaki sauce.

Cook your rice according to package instructions. While it’s cooking, heat oil in a pan and add your shredded chicken.

Pour teriyaki sauce over the chicken and let it simmer. Add some broccoli or other veggies to the pan.

Once everything is cooked, assemble your bowl. Start with rice, then add the chicken and veggies. Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce on top.

You can customize your bowl with toppings like sesame seeds or green onions. This meal is quick, easy, and full of flavor.

20. Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta

This zesty dish combines shredded chicken with pasta in a bright lemon sauce.

Cook your pasta until it’s al dente, about 8 minutes. While it cooks, heat olive oil in a pan and add minced garlic.

Toss in your shredded chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.

Pour in some lemon juice and zest for a tangy kick. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and mix well.

If the sauce seems dry, add a splash of pasta water. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

Nutritional Benefits Of Shredded Chicken

Shredded chicken packs a powerful nutritional punch. It offers key advantages that can boost your health and fitness goals.

High Protein Content

Shredded chicken is an excellent source of protein. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 26 grams of protein.

This amount helps meet your daily protein needs.

Protein is vital for building and repairing muscles. It also helps you feel full longer, which can aid in weight control.

Chicken protein contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs. These amino acids support various bodily functions, including:

• Muscle growth • Immune system health • Tissue repair

Low Calorie Option

Shredded chicken is a smart choice for weight management. A 3-ounce serving has only about 140 calories.

This makes it easy to fit into many diets. You can enjoy a filling meal without using up too many calories.

Chicken is also low in fat, especially if you remove the skin. Most of its calories come from protein, not fat.

By choosing shredded chicken, you can:

• Cut calories without feeling hungry • Add protein to meals and snacks • Make recipes healthier

Cooking Techniques For Perfectly Shredded Chicken

Shredded chicken is easy to make at home. You can use different methods to get moist, tasty chicken that pulls apart easily.

Try slow cooking or poaching for the best results.

Slow Cooking Methods

Slow cooking is great for making shredded chicken. Put chicken breasts in your slow cooker with broth and spices.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The long cook time makes the meat very tender.

When it’s done, take the chicken out and shred it with two forks. The meat will fall apart easily. You can also use an electric mixer to shred it faster.

Slow cooking keeps the chicken juicy. It’s perfect for making big batches to use all week.

Poaching For Moisture Retention

Poaching is another good way to make shredded chicken. Put chicken in a pot with water or broth.

Add herbs and spices for extra flavor. Bring the liquid to a boil, then lower the heat.

Let the chicken simmer gently for about 15 minutes. Check that it’s cooked through. The inside should reach 165°F.

Take the chicken out and let it cool a bit. Then shred it with forks or your hands.

Poaching keeps the chicken moist and tender. It’s quick and easy for weeknight meals.

Pairing Shredded Chicken With Complementary Flavors

Shredded chicken is a blank canvas for many tasty flavor combinations. The right spices, herbs, and sauces can turn plain chicken into amazing meals.

Spices And Herbs That Enhance Flavor

Garlic powder adds savory depth to shredded chicken. Sprinkle it on for an instant flavor boost.

Cumin brings an earthy, warm taste that works well in Mexican and Middle Eastern dishes.

For a spicy kick, try chili powder or cayenne pepper. These add heat without overpowering the chicken.

Dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary give a Mediterranean flair.

Fresh herbs brighten up shredded chicken. Chopped cilantro adds a zesty, fresh taste to tacos or salads. Basil pairs nicely with chicken in pasta dishes or sandwiches.

Classic Sauce Pairings

BBQ sauce is a popular choice for shredded chicken. It adds smoky-sweet flavor to sandwiches and wraps.

For a tangy twist, mix in some buffalo sauce. This works great for dips or buffalo chicken pizza.

Teriyaki sauce gives an Asian-inspired taste. Use it in stir-fries or rice bowls.

Creamy sauces like ranch or Caesar dressing make tasty chicken salads.

Pesto sauce adds Italian flair to shredded chicken pasta. For a lighter option, toss chicken with lemon juice and olive oil.

This simple combo is perfect for salads or grain bowls.