65 Shredded Chicken Recipes & Easy Ways to Meal Prep
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Last Updated on September 27, 2023
Shredding chicken is a great way to prep meals. There are so many easy shredded chicken recipes that you can make with your meal-prepped chicken! You can even make and shred your chicken in advance and freeze it in portions for fast dinners later. Check out these 65 shredded chicken recipes for some inspiration.
Shredded Chicken Recipes
Are you looking for some delicious shredded chicken recipes to use up leftover chicken? Then check out these incredible tips on different ways to create an easy weeknight dinner.
The Best Chicken for Shredding
The best shredded chicken comes from boneless skinless chicken breasts. Boneless and skinless chicken thighs can also work well. If you prefer, you can cook a whole roasted chicken and then shred the meat right off the bone!
Why Shredded Chicken is Perfect for Meal Prepping
Shredded chicken is the perfect choice for meal prepping due to its versatility, convenience, and health benefits. This tender and flavorful protein option offers a range of possibilities for creating nutritious and delicious meals throughout the week.
One of the main advantages of using shredded chicken in meal prepping is its versatility. It can be easily incorporated into various dishes such as salads, wraps, sandwiches, gluten-free casseroles, soups, and stir-fries.
Convenience of Shredded Chicken for Meal Prepping
In terms of convenience, shredded chicken takes much less time to cook compared to other cuts of chicken. By pre-cooking and shredding a batch of chicken at the beginning of the week, you’ll have a ready-to-use protein option that can be added to your prepped meals effortlessly.
This time-saving aspect is especially valuable for busy individuals or those who want to streamline their meal preparation process.
How to Make Shredded Chicken in a Crockpot
One great way to make shredded chicken is in a slow cooker.
- Gather your ingredients: You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, chicken broth or water, and any additional seasonings or flavors you prefer, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder.
- Prepare the chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts or thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat if desired.
- Season the chicken: Generously season the chicken with your preferred seasonings. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper or get creative with other spices and herbs.
- Place the chicken in the crockpot: Lay the seasoned chicken in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot. If you’re using multiple chicken pieces, try to arrange them evenly.
- Add liquid: Pour enough chicken broth or water into the crockpot to partially cover the chicken. This will help keep the chicken moist during the cooking process.
- Cook on low heat: Set your crockpot to low heat and cook the chicken for 6-8 hours. Slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender and easily shredable.
- Shred the chicken: Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the crockpot and transfer it to a cutting board or a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. The meat should be tender and easy to pull apart.
- Optional: If you prefer a more flavorful shredded chicken, you can mix in additional seasonings, sauces, or marinades at this stage. This will help infuse more taste into the meat.
How to Make Shredded Chicken in an Instant Pot
You can make a big batch of instant pot shredded chicken to use in your favorite recipes. Pressure cooking chicken to shred is my favorite way to do it.
- Start by gathering the ingredients. You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, chicken broth or water, and any desired seasonings or spices.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other spices of your choice. This step is optional but adds extra flavor to the chicken.
- Place the seasoned chicken into the pot. Pour in enough chicken broth or water to cover about half of the chicken. This will help keep the chicken moist during the cooking process.
- Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the pressure release valve to the Sealing position.
- Select the pressure cook or manual function and set the cooking time. For boneless chicken breasts, cook for 8-10 minutes, and for boneless chicken thighs, cook for 10-12 minutes. Adjust the timing based on the thickness of the chicken.
- After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for 5 minutes. Then, carefully switch the pressure release valve to the Venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- Once the pressure is fully released, open the Instant Pot and use a fork or tongs to shred the chicken. It should be tender and easily fall apart.
- Serve the shredded chicken immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use.
Ways to Shred Chicken
When it comes to shredding chicken, there are two main methods you can use: by hand or in a stand mixer. Let’s explore both options:
- Shredding by hand: This traditional method involves using your hands or two forks to pull the cooked chicken apart. Start by placing the chicken on a cutting board or in a bowl. Use your fingers or forks to tear the meat into smaller, shredded pieces. This method allows for more control over the texture and size of the shredded chicken. However, it can be slightly time-consuming and require some effort.
- Shredding in a stand mixer: This method is quicker and more efficient, especially when dealing with larger quantities of chicken. Start by cooking the chicken thoroughly and allowing it to cool slightly. Place the chicken pieces in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Turn the mixer on low speed and let it do the shredding work for you. Within a few minutes, you’ll have perfectly shredded chicken. This method is ideal for saving time and effort, especially in commercial kitchens or when preparing large batches of shredded chicken.
Alternatively, you can use a hand-held mixer to shred chicken if you don’t have a stand mixer.
How to Store Shredded Chicken
Storing your shredded chicken is critical to ensure you are able to use leftover shredded chicken safely in your meals. Be sure to store leftever shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. You can also freeze it (see below).
Can You Freeze Shredded Chicken?
Shredded chicken can be frozen for three to four months. Make sure it’s stored in an airtight container or a freezer bag for best results.
How to Reheat Shredded Chicken
Shredded chicken can be reheated in the microwave, on the stove, or in a steamer. You can also reheat shredded chicken in the oven, although it might become dry. Adding some chicken stock to the shredded chicken will help it to stay moist when reheating it.
Shredded Chicken Recipes
These shredded chicken recipes are great for the whole family. And you can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken if you don’t have any shredded chicken in your house. Just be sure to check the ingredients for extra things you might not want to eat.
Shredded Chicken Breast Recipes
What are your favorite ways to use shredded chicken breast?
While a chicken pot pie might be out of the question when you are on a grain-free, gluten-free diet, there are many delicious ways to use pulled chicken breast. You can add the chicken to a salad, serve it over navy beans, add it to burrito bowls, or turn it into a yummy AIP soup for a cold winter night.
The cook time will vary depending on how you choose to cook it as high pressure causes chicken to cook faster.
Dutch Oven Shredded Chicken Recipe
Pulled Chicken – This Dutch oven recipe will give you incredibly moist chicken to use in your favorite recipes.
Dutch Oven Pulled Chicken – Make pulled chicken in your Dutch oven. It only takes about 90 minutes and you’ll have chicken ready for your favorite meals.
Easy Shredded Chicken Recipe
Shredded Chicken – Use Italian seasoning or another spice to vary this recipe. It’s a great recipe to write on a recipe card to save.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken – This instant pot chicken only takes a few minutes to prepare once you’ve added the cooking liquid.
Easy Crockpot Shredded Chicken
Easy Shredded Chicken – Make your shredded chicken in the crock pot while you go about your day. Then store the shredded chicken in your fridge or freezer until you need it.
Shred Chicken Cooked in Instant Pot
How to Make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken – This Instant Pot chicken is juicy and delicious. It takes only 12 minutes to cook in your Instant Pot!
Shredded Chicken Recipes for Dinner
If you’re looking for quick dinners on busy weeknights, these shredded chicken recipes are perfect. They have great flavor and are an easy way to get meals on the table.
You can often replace other types of chicken in recipes with shredded chicken, such as in my crustless chicken pot pie recipe.
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
BBQ Chicken – Grab your favorite BBQ sauce to make a delicious BBQ chicken to enjoy at a picnic or on a busy weeknight. It’s an easy recipe to make with your family. If you cannot eat nightshade vegetables, like tomatoes, then you can try this nightshade-free BBQ sauce that I really enjoy.
Green Chile Chicken
Green Chile Chicken – This delicious crockpot shredded chicken recipe can be served on top of cauliflower rice. It’s a great recipe to come home to eat after a busy day.
Salsa Chicken
Salsa Chicken – If you’re looking for the easiest way to use shredded chicken, then check out this yummy salsa chicken recipe. It’s especially delicious on top of a fresh salad.
Honey Garlic Chicken
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken – This gluten-free, allergy-free, paleo recipe doesn’t even include soy sauce in the ingredients, instead it uses coconut aminos. You can serve it on lettuce or cauliflower rice for a delightful and easy lunch or dinner.
Mississippi Chicken
Easy Mississippi Chicken – Toss these ingredients into a crock pot for an easy weekday meal. You’ll end up with a delectable dish that can be served over mashed potatoes, mashed malanga, a cauliflower mash, or sweet potatoes.
Chinese Cold Shredded Chicken
Chinese Cold Shredded Chicken – Make sure that you find a gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce to use before making this delicious shredded chicken recipe.
Appetizers with Shredded Chicken
When making appetizers with shredded chicken, you’ll find that many recipes call for sauces or dressings. Check the brand that you’re using to make sure that you don’t accidentally add gluten or grains to your dish.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo Chicken Dip – This yummy keto, low-carb, and gluten-free dish uses five common ingredients you can find at your local grocery store and is easy to make.
Dairy-Free Buffalo Dip
Dairy-Free Buffalo Dip – Make sure to grab some gluten-free and grain-free chips or use plantain chips to serve alongside this dairy-free, Paleo, Whole30 buffalo dip. You will need to double-check to make sure the ranch dressing you are using is gluten-free since some processing plants use wheat flour as a thickener.
Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
Best Buffalo Chicken Dip – Grab a bag full of vegetables to enjoy this delicious chicken dip recipe. It uses both ranch dressing and hot sauce to create a delectable dish that’s perfect for social gatherings.
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip – This tasty instant pot buffalo chicken dip can also be made in a crock pot. Serve the dip with grain-free tortilla chips or some root vegetables, like carrots.
Greek Yogurt Buffalo Dip
Greek Yogurt Buffalo Dip – This yummy dip uses Greek yogurt to add flavor and texture along with protein. You’ll mix the buffalo dip before placing it in the oven to bake for forty minutes.
Shredded Chicken Salad Recipes
What is better on a hot summer day than a classic chicken salad? These tasty recipes make weekly meal-prep easy and are a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken.
Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds
Shredded Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds – This fun take on the classic chicken salad adds almonds and grapes to the dish. While it’s delicious on the day you make it, it’s even tastier the next day!
California Chicken Salad
California Chicken Salad – Use up any leftover chicken you have with this delectable California chicken salad. You can serve it in a bowl or on some leafy greens.
Chicken Avocado Salad
Chicken Avocado Salad – This delightful chicken avocado salad does call for whole-kernel corn in the recipe. You can always leave out the corn if it’s not appropriate for your diet.
Guacamole Chicken Salad
Guacamole Chicken Salad – This yummy guacamole chicken is quick to put together on a busy day. Once you’ve mixed the ingredients, it’s ready to serve to your family.
Curried Chicken Salad
Curried Chicken Salad – Another fun alternative to the classic chicken salad is a healthy curried chicken salad. It includes curry powder and dried cranberries to make a yummy chicken salad you can serve at a social gathering.
Cranberry Chicken Salad
Cranberry Chicken Salad – This appetizing chicken salad is naturally gluten-free and mixes a tangy dressing with cranberries and walnuts.
Best Chicken Salad Recipe
Best Chicken Salad Recipe – Everyone will love this chicken salad that you can whip up in just a few minutes. The creamy dressing and dill make a delectable combination.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad – Combine tender chicken, ranch dressing, bacon, grape tomatoes, and other ingredients to create a unique chicken salad that everyone in your family will devour.
Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Be sure to use grain-free bread for your pulled chicken sandwiches. If you’re not sure what to use, this yummy grain-free bread recipe is easy to make, dairy-free, and appropriate for GAPS, SCD, and Paleo diets.
Pulled Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Pulled Chicken Sandwiches – Cook up this delicious BBQ chicken recipe in the crock pot. Once it’s made, you can serve it on lettuce or grain-free bread for dinner.
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches – This super easy recipe is great to make on a busy weeknight. Be sure to check and make sure the BBQ sauce is grain and gluten-free.
Easy Shredded Chicken Taco Recipes
Do you have leftover chicken and some taco seasoning lying around your house? Then try one of these fabulous shredded chicken taco recipes. Remember to take a look at your taco seasoning to ensure it’s gluten and grain-free since some brands may include wheat. And if you can’t find grain and gluten-free tortillas or taco shells, serve the chicken on lettuce for a delish taco salad.
Slow Cooker Taco Chicken
Slow Cooker Taco Chicken – This gluten-free, Paleo, allergy-free recipe is a great recipe to make when you know you’re going to be busy all day. Just throw the ingredients into a crockpot and serve it on lettuce for dinner.
Shredded Chicken for Tacos
Shredded Chicken for Tacos – The next time you’re making shredded chicken, try this fabulous taco chicken recipe that includes a bunch of vegetables including corn.
Chipotle Shredded Chicken Tacos
Chipotle Chicken Tacos – Cook chicken in chipotle with adobo sauce, crema, and spices to create a creamy chipotle chicken that’s delicious. You can serve it on a lettuce salad or gluten- and grain-free tortillas.
Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tacos – Mix shredded cabbage, chicken, and taco seasoning to create the best Instant Pot chicken tacos. Be sure to try the taco chicken on a fresh salad for a delicious meal.
Shredded Chicken Tacos
Chicken Tacos – Do you have some frozen chicken you’d like to use? Then let the chicken cook in an Instant Pot with diced tomatoes and spices. The result will be a meal everyone in your family will rave about.
Ranch Chicken Tacos
Ranch Chicken Tacos – This ranch chicken taco recipe tastes divine! You can also make the recipe ahead of time and store it in the freezer for an easy freezer meal.
Teriyaki With Shredded Chicken
Try cooking up shredded chicken in a homemade teriyaki sauce. The result is a divine recipe that everyone in your family will enjoy.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken – This slow cooker teriyaki chicken is soy-free, gluten-free, allergy-free, and Paleo. Just be sure to serve the dish over cauliflower rice to keep it grain-free.
Shredded Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki Chicken – This is another delicious teriyaki chicken recipe to try when you’re not going to be home to cook dinner. Tamari is used in place of the soy sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free.
Mexican Shredded Chicken Recipes
When you’re making these Mexican chicken recipes, check to make sure any tostada shells or tortillas are grain-free and gluten-free before you purchase them.
Chicken Tinga de Pollo
Chicken Tinga de Pollo + Tostadas – If you’re looking for a spicy and tangy stew, this chicken Tinga de Pollo is a great thing to put on your dinner table this week. You’ll need some chipotle in adobo, white onions, and chicken.
Tinga de Pollo
Tinga de Pollo – This recipe makes a thick stew with a great flavor that’s traditionally on tostada shells. Be sure to top it with coconut sour cream.
Mexican Shredded Chicken
Mexican Shredded Chicken – Make a simple chicken dish in the crock pot that you can use for a variety of dishes. It’s especially good when you serve it on a fresh salad.
Instant Pot Mexican Style Shredded Chicken
Mexican Style Instant Pot Shredded Chicken – This tasty shredded chicken is made in an Instant Pot with only a few ingredients. You can then save the chicken to use on a busy weeknight.
Shredded Mexican Chicken
Shredded Mexican Chicken – Toss this heavenly shredded chicken into a lettuce wrap to enjoy for lunch or dinner.
White Shredded Chicken Chili
Are you looking for a tasty chili you can enjoy with your family? Then check out these white chicken chili recipes that taste great!
White Chicken Chili
White Chicken Chili – Mix together some lime juice, white beans, and corn to make a delicious white chicken chili. You can toss the ingredients into the crock pot if you’re going to be out of the house and top the dish with avocado.
Creamy White Chicken Chili
Creamy White Chicken Chili – This deliciously creamy white chicken chili recipe uses shredded chicken and combines cream cheese and corn to make the ultimate comfort food. Plus it is a dish that can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. It does include corn, but you can skip the corn if needed.
Keto White Chicken Chili
Keto White Chicken Chili – This white chicken chili recipe is backed with both nutrition and flavor. You can adapt the recipe to be thinner or thicker as needed.
Shredded Chicken Casseroles
Are you looking for ways to use up some leftover instant pot chicken breast? Make a casserole!
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Chicken Enchilada Casserole – Everyone will love the great flavor of this chicken enchilada casserole. You can prep it ahead of time to make busy weeknights easier. Make sure that you use grain-free and gluten-free tortillas.
Keto Enchilada
Keto Enchilada – This keto enchilada recipe has only five ingredients and 3.5 net carbs. The grain-free, gluten-free dish can also be made with leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
Creamy Chicken Casserole
Creamy Chicken Casserole – Make your weekly meal prep easy by combining shredded chicken breast, a cup of liquid broth, and a creamy sauce to make a chicken casserole without grains or gluten.
Buffalo Spaghetti Squash Chicken Casserole
Buffalo Spaghetti Squash Chicken Casserole – This flavorful casserol uses a type of squash – spaghetti squash. Seasoned with sea salt, dried chives, and five other ingredients make for an easy weeknight dinner.
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Chicken Broccoli Casserole – Make this delicious chicken broccoli casserole in your slow cooker. It’s the easiest way to get a healthy meal on the table.
Shredded Chicken Pasta Recipes
Enjoy one of these shredded chicken pasta recipes with your family. The recipes are sure to become family favorites.
Gluten-Free Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo – Serve this alfredo sauce on your favorite gluten-free pasta substitute, like zoodles, and replace the chicken cutlets with pulled chicken. This will make preparing the meal much simpler.
Paleo Chicken Tetrazzini
Chicken Tetrazzini – This grain-free and dairy-free recipe makes a creamy sauce using plant-based milk and vegan mozzarella cheese.
One Pot Lemon Chicken Pasta
Lemon Chicken Pasta – Be sure to grab yourself some cassava spaghetti before making this flavorful lemon chicken pasta. It’s also an easy recipe to vary as needed.
Shredded Chicken Soup Recipes
If you’re looking for a great recipe the whole family will enjoy on a cold winter day, check out these shredded chicken soup recipes. They use chicken stock, spices, and pulled chicken to make the ultimate in comfort food.
Chicken and Cabbage Soup
Chicken and Cabbage Soup – This cozy chicken soup is packed full of flavor and is easy to make. Just toss the ingredients into the pot, let it simmer for a while, and serve it to your family.
Cabbage and Chicken Soup with Ginger
Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger – Pull out your olive oil, champagne vinegar, and fresh garlic to make this mouthwatering cabbage and chicken soup. You can add jalapenos for a bit more spice if you like.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Stew
Instant Pot Chicken Stew – Pull out your instant pot pressure cooker to make this flavorful chicken stew. It’s filled with carrots, potatoes, chicken, and celery in a tomato-based broth.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup – Be sure to pick up some grain-free tortillas before making this inviting chicken soup. It combines green chilis, black beans, tomatoes, chili powder, and chicken to make a flavorful soup.
Fesenjan Chicken
Fesenjan Chicken – This gluten-free and Paleo chicken soup is a traditional Iranian dish. It’s a filling dish for a cold winter night!
Brunswick Stew
Brunswick Stew – This southern stew uses chicken, frozen corn, and spices along with Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, and hot sauce. So be sure to double-check your sauces to ensure that no gluten or grains are hiding in the ingredient list.
Chicken Kale Soup
Chicken Kale Soup – Sometimes you need a simple one-pot meal as an easy weeknight dinner. This soup is a great way to use up leftover chicken while making a dish everyone in your family will eat. There are a ton of health benefits of kale, and this chicken and kale soup is quite nourishing.
Garlic Chicken Miso Soup
Garlic Chicken Miso Soup – Are you missing homemade chicken noodle soup? Try this delicious garlic chicken miso soup instead. It’s so yummy that even a toddler will eat every bite.
Chinese Chicken and Sweet Corn Soup
Chinese Chicken and Sweet Corn Soup – This delicious soup does add corn starch to a slurry to thicken the soup, so you may wish to substitute arrowroot powder for the corn starch.
Keto Chicken Enchilada Soup
Keto Chicken Enchilada Soup – Make a keto chicken enchilada soup to serve your family this winter. Everyone will love the dish, especially if they like chicken enchiladas.
Shredded Chicken Pizza Recipes
If you’re craving a pizza, try one of these shredded chicken pizza recipes. Even kids will enjoy a chicken pizza on a sweet potato crust.
Thin Crust Chicken Pesto Paleo Pizza
Chicken Pesto Pizza – This chicken pesto pizza can be made with leftover pulled chicken you have around the house. It’s a great way to enjoy a pizza dinner without grains or gluten.
BBQ Chicken Flatbread
BBQ Chicken Flatbread – Grab a loaf of gluten and grain-free naan bread to make this delectable BBQ chicken or cut yourself a thin slice of this yummy grain-free bread. Either way, you’ll be able to make a delightful BBQ Chicken dish that will satisfy your tastebuds. Make sure to use gluten-free naan bread.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza With Sweet Potato Crust
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pizza with Sweet Potato Crust – Combine green onions, buffalo sauce, chicken, and spinach on a sweet potato crust. You can then top the pizza with cheddar cheese or a non-dairy veggie cheese.
BBQ Chicken Pizza With Sweet Potato Crust
Healthy BBQ Chicken Pizza with Sweet Potato Crust – This delish pizza uses a sweet potato crust, veggies, and shredded chicken to make a dish your kids will love. You might even be able to use white sweet potatoes instead of orange ones for this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shredded Chicken
While using shredded chicken in recipes is simple, you may still have a few questions about cooking with shredded chicken. Here are some answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions.
What’s The Difference Between Shredded Chicken and Pulled Chicken?
There is no difference between shredded chicken and pulled chicken other than the terms. In both cases, the chicken is torn apart into small pieces to be eaten or used in other dishes.
What if My Shredded Chicken is Dry?
If your shredded chicken is dry it’s best to add some chicken broth to the chicken. This will add both flavor and moisture to it.
Is It Easier To Shred Chicken Breast Hot Or Cold?
Shred your chicken while it is warm or hot as it will shred better than if it’s cold.
What’s the Best Way to Shred Chicken?
One of the best ways to shred chicken is to put the chicken in a deep bowl after it’s cooked and use a hand mixer to shred it.
Final Summary
If you are trying to avoid gluten and grains in your diet, shredded chicken is an excellent option. YOu will find many great recipes to use that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, the recipes are simple to cook for a busy weekday dinner.
