There tends be eye rolls when you hear “we’re having chicken for dinner”. But heck, I’d roll my eyes too if that were a boiled chicken breast with some frozen peas and a side of plain rice. I’m here to change the chicken narrative with my most favorite, easy and delicious chicken recipes. Take your chicken from mediocre to mouth watering in no time with these dishes so together we can abolish the statement “chicken is boring” once and for all. If you’re wondering what to make with shredded chicken, find your answer here.
About Shredded Chicken
Chicken is such a versatile protein. It’s plain enough that it can take on almost any the flavors you pair it with and it’s got great texture. From salads, to soups, to sandwiches and entrees, shredded chicken can easily fit into your meal prep routine.
If you’re wondering what kind of chicken is best, there’s no one right answer. If you’ve got leftover chicken breasts, shred them up and use it! Rotisserie chicken, use it! Even canned chicken, drain it and use it!
These recipes are all about flavor beyond the chicken, so whatever you have will work. So let’s get on with it: here are the recipes I’m reaching for whenever someone asks what to make with shredded chicken.
This Healthy Pesto Chicken Salad tastes super fresh, bright, and it's perfect to enjoy for lunch sitting outside in the sunshine or on-the-go! It's incredibly delicious and such a fun way to switch up your mid-day meal.
These crisp, crunchy, and colorful Rainbow Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps make the most perfect lunch. They're full of delicious fruits, veggies, and flavor, and are great for meal prep!
I love packing this fresh and clean Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad for lunch. It's full of delicious flavors and crunchy texture. Roll it into a wrap, sandwich it between your favorite bread, or enjoy with some crackers or potato chips!
Say goodbye to the days of lunch that look like sliced turkey and American cheese slapped between two pieces of wonder bread. Instead try this Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad that turns plain chicken into the lunch of your dreams.
Craving chili? Give this Dairy Free White Chicken Chili recipe a try. It's filled with juicy chicken, hearty beans, and sweet bites of corn—all with a little kick. It's perfect for meal prep, too!
Healthy Chicken Tortellini Soup with warming broth, fresh vegetables, and flavorful chicken. This is a fun twist on the classic chicken noodle soup with cheesy tortellini.
This Fiesta Chicken Soup is a party in your mouth—and you'd never guess it's healthy. Warm tomatoes, juicy chicken, melty cheddar cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips make for a fun and cozy dish!
Consisting of layers of pulled chicken paired with sharp cheddar cheese, green onions, and mild buffalo sauce makes this Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip incredibly irresistible! Serve this game winning dish with fresh celery & carrots or tortilla chips.
Tater tots meet nachos and make them buffalo chicken! These Buffalo Chicken Totchos are loaded up and baked to perfection for a fun combination of two of your favorite game day foods.
I promise these Rotisserie Chicken Hawaiian Sliders will quickly become a family favorite. Hawaiian rolls meet rotisserie chicken and melted pepper jack with spicy mayo… I mean 🤤 This is a sandwich you don’t want to miss out on.
Sweet apple, cabbage slaw makes these Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders an addicting little sandwich. hey’re perfect for parties, game days, have a couple for dinner or even make these for meal prep!
This Oriental Chicken Wrap is full of color, texture, and flavor. A spicy, creamy oriental peanut sauce covers juicy chicken tenderloins and all wrapped up with plenty of fresh veggies. It’s hearty and healthy too and ready in just 20 minutes.
These homemade Buffalo Chicken Crunch Wraps are stuffed with spicy shredded chicken and fresh veggies with creamy feta and ranch dressing to contrast the heat. Tortilla chips are added for a real crunch factor, then wrapped up and grilled to perfection for a handheld, tasty twist on a Taco Bell favorite.
Take the work out of dinner with these warm and juicy Crockpot Chicken Tacos. Made with mojito lime seasoning, sweet beer, onion, and lime, you get the sweet, you get the spicy, and you get the good time!
This Harvest Chicken Casserole features sweet and savory flavors from apples, butternut squash, brussels sprouts, and more. It's the perfect fall dish and great for the holidays!
Al dente noodles covered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce that is seasoned with possibly the best flavoring: ranch. Add in some grilled chicken and this Chicken Ranch Mac and Cheese is a fabulous, protein-packed meal.
What is the difference between pulled chicken and shredded chicken?
There is no difference between pulled and shredded chicken, it’s just what people call it. Both refer to chicken in fine, string like pieces.
How do I shred my chicken?
My favorite way to shred chicken is to use a hand mixer in a large bowl. It shreds it almost instantly.
You can also pulse in a blender or food processor (be sure not to pulse too much or you’ll end up with chicken crumble).
Or if you don’t have any of those kitchen tools, you can also use two forks to pull the chicken apart. I like to use one fork to steady the chicken breast and the other to pull at it.
Do you have to let chicken cool before shredding?
If you’re baking chicken breasts (or cooking another way), let cool slightly (about 10 minutes) before shredding. If you shred it immediately, it will lose all of its moisture and juices. Warm, however, is better shredding conditions than cold, which makes it tougher to shred when the chicken muscle fibers aren’t as loose.
How do you freeze shredded chicken?
If you have cooked, shredded chicken, add to a zip top baggie or airtight container and it’ll last in the freezer for up to 3 months. I like to divide into portion sizes that I think I’ll use in the future for easy thawing.
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. It’s my passion to create dishes that can be shared with others. Tell me something you loved, something that you think it might need, or just say hi!
Please, please leave a review on the individual recipe if you choose to make it. Every 5-star review allows me to provide free recipes to y’all. Thank you SO much!!
