The best easy shredded chicken recipes! From tacos, sandwiches, salads, soups, casseroles, and more, all are easy, delicious, and healthy ways to use leftover shredded chicken. You’ll be sure to find one you love!
We always have a batch of shredded chicken in our fridge. It’s one of my favorite proteins to prep because it’s so easy and so versatile. All you need is chicken breasts or thighs (whichever you prefer), water or broth, and some salt and pepper. I usually cook it in the Instapot, but a slow cooker or on the stove works the same!
Of course, using a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store works the same too. We throw it into soups, casseroles, pasta, tacos, chicken salad, and more for easy meals throughout the week. There is no need for plain boring chicken when it can be used in so many different ways!
To help inspire you, we are rounding up 22 easy shredded chicken recipes. Broken down by different dishes, you are sure to find one you love!
Why we love easy shredded chicken recipes
- shredded chicken is super easy to make
- great for meal prep as it’s so versatile!
- makes meals full of protein
How to make shredded chicken
We have a full post about how to make shredded chicken to reference. Feel free to use chicken thighs or chicken breasts to make it – both work the same.
Instant pot shredded chicken:
- Pour water or chicken broth into your pressure cooker to cover the bottom.
- Cook chicken. Add chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Close the lid and make sure it is locked and the valve is set to seal. Set on manual mode for high pressure for 13 minutes. The amount of time will depend on how thick your breasts are. Let the pressure release naturally or turn the valve to venting for quick pressure release.
- Shred. Remove, let cool for 10 minutes, add to a dish, and shred with 2 forks. Add in some of the liquid from the instant pot to keep it moist.
Crockpot shredded chicken:
- Pour water or chicken broth into your slow cooker to cover the bottom.
- Cook chicken. Add chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred. Remove, let cool for 10 minutes, add to a dish, and shred with 2 forks. Add in some of the liquid from the slow cooker to keep it moist.
Stovetop shredded chicken:
- Add chicken to a large pot and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover with 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Let simmer for 10-16 minutes or until internal temperate reaches 165 degrees.
- Shred. Remove, let cool for 10 minutes, and shred.
How to shred chicken
There are quite a few ways to shred cooked chicken. I typically use 2 forks as I find this the easiest way and uses the least amount of dishes. That being said, there are other ways that people really enjoy.
- with 2 forks – probably the easiest way for me, but it does take a little elbow grease. Just simply leave it in the pot or move it to a bowl and use 2 forks to pull apart the chicken.
- in your stand mixer – put your cooked chicken in the stand mixer bowl and use the paddle attachment at low speed to shred the chicken. While people love this way, I find it really shreds into small pieces, which I don’t love.
- with a hand mixer – I have only done this once or twice, but it works well if you don’t have a stand mixer. Add the chicken to a large bowl and shred with the hand mixer on low.
To get juicy chicken that is easy to shred, allow it to rest for 10 minutes. It should be warm to the touch, but not hot. If you shred it right away, all the juices will release when shredding. Cold chicken will be harder to shred.
How long is shredded chicken good for in the fridge?
Shredded chicken will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Can you freeze shredded chicken?
Yes, shredded chicken is something easy to freeze to have on hand for later. Cook according to directions and let the chicken cool completely. Add to a bag (we love these silicon reusable ones) or a freezer dish. You can use a large container or freeze in individual servings. Defrost for a quick and easy protein option. Chicken should last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Shredded chicken salad recipes
Healthy chicken salad with grapes, toasted almonds, celery, herbs, and tossed with creamy greek yogurt for extra protein. Serve it in a salad, in a sandwich, on lettuce wraps, or eat it as is. Perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy lunch.
Cranberry pecan chicken salad is full of celery, pecans, dried cranberries, cinnamon, and lemon and tossed together with mayo. It makes a protein-packed and filling meal for lunch or dinner! Made with just 7 ingredients and ready in 5 minutes.
Buffalo chicken salad combines two classic flavors, buffalo and ranch, into a protein-packed, gluten-free, and healthy chicken salad recipe. Serve it in a salad, in a sandwich, on lettuce wraps, or just eat as is. Perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy lunch.
Shredded chicken taco recipes
Mexican shredded chicken tacos recipe is quick, easy, healthy, flavorful, and everything you love about tacos. Shredded chicken is seasoned with lots of spices and then piled in tortillas with all your favorite toppings (lettuce, tomato, cheese, salsa, avocado….) for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Crispy chicken tacos are a fun spin on traditional tacos. Shredded chicken gets tossed in a simple homemade taco seasoning, then stuffed into corn tortillas with cheese, and cooked in the oven until perfectly golden & super crispy!
Shredded chicken enchilada recipes
Red chicken enchiladas are made with shredded chicken, veggies, cheese, greek yogurt, and a delicious homemade enchilada sauce. Packed with protein and make a healthy, filling, and delicious meal that will for sure be a crowd-pleaser!
Cheesy green chicken enchiladas with veggies and green enchilada sauce are so good, easy to make, and a delicious way to use leftover chicken. They are the perfect easy weeknight meal that you will love!
Shredded chicken sandwich recipes
BBQ chicken sandwiches make an easy and delicious meal! Made with shredded chicken tossed in a flavorful BBQ sauce! Always a favorite!
Chipotle chicken grilled cheese is the chicken sandwich you never knew you needed. It’s simple to make and bursting with flavor!
Shredded chicken pasta recipes
Chicken caesar pasta salad is a fun twist on a classic caesar salad. Made with pasta, shredded chicken, lettuce, parmesan cheese, and a homemade healthy caesar dressing. Perfect for an easy meal or for summer cookouts.
Buffalo chicken pasta salad has shredded chicken, veggies, pasta, hot sauce, and a greek yogurt blue cheese dressing. Serve this pasta salad as a side dish for BBQs and picnics or as a complete meal.
Shredded chicken casserole recipes
Chicken taco casserole makes the best, easy, and most delicious dinner recipe. Shredded chicken, black beans, peppers, corn, salsa, and greek yogurt all bake together and then topped with cheese and tortilla chips. It’s a hearty and healthy meal ready in 40 minutes. Serve with your favorite sides for the ultimate taco night. High protein, gluten-free, and great for meal prep.
Jalapeño popper chicken casserole combines your favorite aspects of jalapeños poppers and packs it into a warm and comforting healthy casserole recipe. Loaded with shredded chicken, jalapeños, veggies, and a lightened-up cream cheese and greek yogurt mixture and then topped with shredded cheese and crushed pretzels. It makes a delicious and hearty one-pan recipe perfect for dinner, as a dip, or for a party!
Healthy buffalo chicken casserole combines your favorite aspects of buffalo chicken and packs it into a warm and comforting healthy casserole recipe. Loaded with shredded chicken, rice, veggies, and a delicious buffalo sauce and then topped with shredded cheese. It makes a delicious and hearty one-pan recipe that is ready in 30 minutes perfect for dinner or for a party!
Shredded chicken soup recipes
Creamy chicken mushroom soup is an easy and healthy soup recipe. Ready in 35 minutes, packed with protein and veggies, and given a super creamy consistency thanks to blended coconut milk and mushrooms. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb.
Chicken tomato soup tastes like childhood but in a grown-up way. Homemade creamy tomato soup is loaded with shredded chicken, lots of vegetables, and an optional addition of pasta. Use shredded chicken instead of chicken breasts to make it come together even faster!
White chicken chili is easy to make with hearty white beans, zesty seasonings, and rotisserie chicken. A favorite weeknight meal that’s ready in 30 minutes!
Creamy buffalo chicken soup will be your new favorite healthy chicken soup recipe. It’s hearty and comforting, full of protein, lots of veggies (carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes), and thickened without any dairy or flour. Made in one pot on the stove and ready in 45 minutes. Swap out the chicken breasts for already shredded chicken to use up your leftovers!
Shredded chicken dip recipes
Baked chicken enchilada dip is packed with chicken, veggies, and a spicy homemade enchilada sauce making a healthy, lightened-up, flavor-packed dip, appetizer, or game day dish!
Healthy buffalo chicken dip is a delicious, lighter version of your favorite appetizer! Easy, gluten-free, keto & loaded with flavor – you’ll love it!
Cozy shredded chicken recipes
Healthy chicken pot pie is the perfect light dinner. Filled with a creamy chicken and vegetable filling and an easy homemade crust in under an hour for a delicious meal!
BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes make a healthy, satisfying, and easy meal. Super flavorful, packed with protein and complex carbs, and perfect for meal prep!
And if you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
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