Best Shredded Chicken Recipes for Easy Dinners

Shredded chicken is a versatile ingredient that can elevate countless dishes, making it a staple for busy families and meal preppers alike. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead, knowing how to make shredded chicken and having a repertoire of the best shredded chicken recipes at your fingertips can simplify your cooking. From tacos to casseroles, this guide will provide you with a variety of easy shredded chicken ideas that are sure to please everyone at the table.

Essential Equipment for Shredded Chicken Recipes

Having the right tools can streamline your cooking process and ensure perfect results every time. Here are some essential pieces of equipment for making shredded chicken:

• Slow Cooker: Ideal for hands-off cooking, allowing for tender, juicy chicken.
• Instant Pot: For quick cooking under pressure, yielding perfectly shredded chicken in no time.
• Stand Mixer: A handy tool for easily shredding cooked chicken with minimal effort.
• Forks: The classic method for shredding chicken by hand.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Make Perfect Shredded Chicken (Base Recipe)

This base recipe for shredded chicken can be adapted for various dishes. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup chicken broth or water

Step-by-step Method

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Place the chicken in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, adding the chicken broth or water.
3. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, then allow natural release for 5 minutes before quick releasing the remaining pressure.
4. Remove the chicken from the cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks or a stand mixer to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Notes

• For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken beforehand.
• You can use leftover shredded chicken in various recipes or freeze it for later use.

Top 10 Best Shredded Chicken Recipes

1. Classic Shredded Chicken Tacos

These tacos are a crowd-pleaser and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Step-by-step Method

1. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
2. Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
3. Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.

Notes

• Substitute grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option.
• Leftover chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

2. Creamy Shredded Chicken Salad

This salad is perfect for lunch or as a light dinner option.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Method

1. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard.
2. Add shredded chicken, celery, green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Serve on a bed of greens or in a sandwich.
• This salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

3. BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

A delicious and easy way to enjoy shredded chicken with a smoky flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 4 hamburger buns
• 1 cup coleslaw (optional)

Step-by-step Method

1. In a saucepan, combine shredded chicken and barbecue sauce over medium heat.
2. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
3. Serve on hamburger buns topped with coleslaw, if desired.

Notes

• Use your favorite barbecue sauce for different flavor profiles.
• Leftover pulled chicken can be stored for up to 4 days in the fridge.

4. Shredded Chicken Enchiladas

These enchiladas are a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-step Method

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions until translucent.
3. Add shredded chicken and half of the enchilada sauce, stirring to combine.
4. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll up, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
5. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• Top with sour cream and fresh cilantro before serving.
• These enchiladas can be frozen before baking for up to 3 months.

5. Asian-Inspired Sweet Soy Shredded Chicken

Infused with sweet and savory flavors, this dish is perfect for rice bowls.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions

Step-by-step Method

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and ginger.
2. Combine the shredded chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Cook until heated through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Sprinkle with green onions before serving over rice or noodles.

Notes

• Serve with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

6. Shredded Chicken Chili

This hearty chili is perfect for chilly evenings and is easily customizable.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Method

1. In a large pot, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

• Add corn or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
• This chili can be frozen for up to 3 months.

7. Greek-Style Shredded Chicken Pitas

These pitas are fresh and flavorful, perfect for a quick lunch.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 4 whole wheat pitas
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
• 1/4 cup feta cheese

Step-by-step Method

1. Warm the pitas in a skillet or microwave.
2. Fill each pita with shredded chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
3. Top with feta cheese and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use leftover roasted vegetables for added flavor.
• These pitas can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

8. Shredded Chicken Quesadillas

A quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-step Method

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet, layer with shredded chicken and cheese, and top with another tortilla.
3. Cook until the bottom is golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook the other side.
4. Remove from skillet, slice, and serve with salsa or guacamole.

Notes

• Feel free to add sautéed onions or peppers for extra flavor.
• Quesadillas can be frozen before cooking for up to 2 months.

9. Shredded Chicken Soup

This comforting soup is perfect for a cozy evening.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup egg noodles
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Method

1. In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil.
2. Add carrots and celery, cooking until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add egg noodles and shredded chicken, cooking until noodles are tender.
4. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper before serving.

Notes

• Substitute quinoa or rice for the egg noodles for a gluten-free option.
• This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

10. Baked Shredded Chicken Casserole

This casserole is a hearty dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Step-by-step Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, peas, garlic powder, and half of the cheese.
3. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

• Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
• This casserole can be frozen before baking for up to 3 months.