Easy Shredded Chicken Recipes for Dinner
Ever wondered how one simple ingredient can change your dinner game? Say hello to shredded chicken recipes. They are a game-changer for busy families! Now, you can whip up various meals in under 30 minutes. And they all use shredded chicken.
Shredded chicken is great for a quick, healthy dinner. You can use leftover chicken, roast one, or buy a rotisserie chicken. This guide will show you how to make tasty dinners with it. You’ll see how straightforward and beneficial easy shredded chicken recipes are.
Key Takeaways
- 36 chicken recipes featured take 30 minutes or less to prepare.
- 10 recipes can be ready in 20 minutes or less, showcasing ultra-fast meal options.
- One recipe can be done in just 10 minutes for those ultra-busy nights.
- 4 recipes highlight using rotisserie chicken as a key ingredient for maximum convenience.
- Recipes like chicken pot pie soup, Buffalo chicken enchiladas, and chicken gnocchi soup showcase the versatility of shredded chicken in various cuisines.
- Multiple recipes are suitable for leftovers, perfect for meal planning and reducing food waste.
Why Choose Shredded Chicken for Dinner?
Shredded chicken is perfect for those who are always busy. It’s healthy and quick to cook. You can use it in many recipes, like healthy or quick Instant Pot ones. This makes shredded chicken a fantastic choice for any meal.
Health Benefits of Shredded Chicken
Shredded chicken is full of protein but low in calories. Just one cup has 18 grams of protein with only 80 calories. It’s also low in fat and carbs. This makes it great for a balanced diet. Plus, it tastes great too!
Versatility in Recipes
Shredded chicken can be used in a lot of dishes. Think tacos, salads, soups, and sandwiches. You can add it to Tex-Mex, Italian, or Asian recipes. With over 30 recipes, you won’t get bored. It’s ideal for any gathering.
Quick Cooking and Prep Time
Cooking shredded chicken is quick, especially with an Instant Pot. Some recipes are done in just 30 minutes. This is great for families who need fast meals during the week. Also, using rotisserie chicken saves prep time. This means more time with family!
Classic Shredded Chicken Tacos
Looking for a meal your family will love? Try shredded chicken tacos. I’ll guide you from choosing ingredients to serving. This will help you make the best tacos ever.
Ingredients for Tacos
You’ll need these ingredients for yummy shredded chicken tacos:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 1 ½ pounds (2-3 pieces) |
| Chili Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Smoked Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried Oregano | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Cayenne Pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes | 14.5 oz. can |
| Mild Chopped Green Chiles | 2 tablespoons |
| Tomato Paste | 2 tablespoons |
| La Tortilla Factory Corn Tortillas | 16 tortillas (2 packages) |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Here’s a quick way to make delicious shredded chicken tacos:
1. Season the Chicken: Mix spices in a bowl. Coat the chicken with this mix.
2. Cook the Chicken: Boil, use an Instant Pot, or make rotisserie chicken. Boil for 15-20 minutes, then shred.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Mix shredded chicken, tomatoes, green chiles, and paste in a skillet. Cook for 10 minutes.
4. Warm the Tortillas: Heat them in a skillet for 20-30 seconds on each side. This keeps them from breaking.
5. Assemble the Tacos: Put chicken on tortillas. Add toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your taco night with these ideas:
– Sides: Try Mexican rice, black beans, or corn salad.
– Toppings: Add tomatoes or pico de gallo, lettuce, sliced jalapeños, and lime. Choose quality corn tortillas for the best taste.
– Storage: Keep leftover chicken in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze for 3 months. Store salsa and homemade tortillas in the fridge too.
With these tips, you’ll be a taco-making pro. Whether it’s your first time or you’re exploring new recipes, enjoy cooking these classic tacos!
One-Pot Shredded Chicken Pasta
Ready for an incredibly delicious and easy-to-make dinner? Let’s dive into this one-pot shredded chicken pasta recipe! Imagine combining protein, pasta, and veggies all in one dish – minimal cleanup and maximum flavor! Who doesn’t love that?
Essential Ingredients
The ingredients for this one-pot chicken pasta are straightforward and likely already in your pantry. You’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes
- Optional: 1-2 cups frozen peas or a can of drained corn
These simple ingredients make this easy shredded chicken recipe a family favorite!
Cooking Method
Let’s get cooking! Start by sautéing chopped carrots, onions, and celery. Do this for about 5-7 minutes until they soften. Add the chicken thighs next. Cook them for an additional 5 minutes.
Once the chicken is lightly browned, put in the chicken broth and spaghetti. Stir everything together. Let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking.
Next, add the cream cheese and shredded Mexican cheese. Make sure they’re evenly mixed in. By the end, most liquid will have been absorbed, leaving you with a creamy and tasty dish!
Tips for Flavor Enhancement
Want to take your one-pot chicken pasta to the next level? Here are some tips:
- Season Generously: Use salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to further enhance the taste.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate colorful vegetables like green bell peppers, red peppers, or red pepper flakes.
- Cheese It Up: Sprinkle an extra ½ cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese on top before serving for that gooey goodness!
- Alternative Ingredients: Sour cream can be a great substitute for cream cheese if you want a tangier flavor.
And there you have it – a delightful one-pot shredded chicken pasta that’ll surely become a staple in your easy shredded chicken recipes collection!
Shredded Chicken Salad Variations
Salads are great for enjoying shredded chicken in different ways. Whether you want zesty, hearty, or unique flavors, there’s a recipe here for you. Each one is filled with taste and healthy shredded chicken recipes. These add a nutritious boost to your meals. Here are three top choices.
Southwest Chicken Salad
This Southwest Chicken Salad is perfect if you love bold tastes. Begin with 1 pound of shredded chicken thighs. Add 1/2 cup of avocado oil mayo, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1/4 cup of diced celery. Throw in 1 cup of sliced grapes for a sweet touch and an optional 1/4 cup of slivered almonds for crunch. Top it off with 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill and 1/8 teaspoon of celery salt. Enjoy this bright salad with chips or over greens.
Greek Chicken Salad
The Greek Chicken Salad is a refreshing Mediterranean treat. Start with shredded chicken and add feta cheese, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Dress it with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. It pairs well with pita bread or fresh greens. This salad is a flavorful choice among healthy shredded chicken recipes.
Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad
For something different, try the Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad. Mix your chicken with carrots, cabbage, and green onions. The dressing includes soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey. Add toasted sesame seeds and chopped peanuts for texture. Enjoy it as is or in rice paper wraps. This meal is exciting and easy to love.
Every one of these shredded chicken salad recipes brings something special to the table. They offer Southwestern zest, Mediterranean freshness, and Asian flair. All are healthy and fun to make. Ready to start cooking? Let’s get to it!
Shredded Chicken in Soups and Stews
A warm bowl of soup or stew is always comforting. It’s even better with tender, flavorful shredded chicken. Whether using a slow cooker or making it quickly, shredded chicken makes your chicken soup recipes heartier.
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a favorite of mine. It combines zesty flavors and shredded chicken perfectly. Another favorite is rich, creamy Chicken and Rice Soup. It’s like a warm hug from the inside! Let’s explore these tasty options.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Chicken Tortilla Soup is loved by many! It’s fulfilling and nourishing too. Imagine crunchy tortillas, creamy avocado, and fresh lime in a seasoned broth. Here’s a recipe for 6:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shredded Cooked Chicken | 2 cups |
| Red Kidney Beans | 14.5 ounces (1 can) |
| Black Beans | 14.5 ounces (1 can) |
| Low Sodium Chicken Broth | 4 cups |
| Diced Fire-Roasted Tomatoes | 15 ounces (1 can) |
| Tomato Paste | ¼ cup |
| Whole Wheat Flour (for thickening) | 1-2 tablespoons |
It’s tasty and good for you, at 450 calories and 34 grams of protein per serving!
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
For a creamy treat, try Chicken and Rice Soup. It mixes shredded chicken and rice in a smooth broth. It truly is comfort in a bowl. For best taste, use quality broth and let it simmer.
This soup’s nutrition is impressive with 450 kcal, 52g carbs, and 34g protein per 1.5 cups. It’s a balanced, hearty, and nutritious meal.
Tips for Perfect Soup Texture
For the best soup texture, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose a high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth for better flavor.
- Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes for flavors to blend well.
- Add red kidney and black beans for more protein and fiber.
- Use 1-2 tablespoons of whole wheat flour to thicken your soup.
These tips and recipes for shredded chicken soups will make your meals tastier and healthier. Your family will surely love both the zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup and cozy Chicken and Rice Soup!
Flavorful Shredded Chicken Sandwiches
If you want a meal that everyone loves, try shredded chicken sandwiches. They’re tasty, simple to make, and great for any time.
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
A BBQ shredded chicken sandwich is a real treat. You only need 1.5 pounds of chicken, ½ cup of BBQ sauce, and a bit more to start. Cooking the chicken in a slow cooker with mustard, water, and spices works wonders. After cooking for a few hours, just shred it and mix it back in with the flavorful juices.
This dish isn’t just delicious, it’s also healthy. With 263 calories and lots of protein, it’s a guilt-free choice. Remember, you can store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months.
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Next, let’s talk about chicken salad sandwiches. They’re easy and tasty. You’ll need chicken, cream of chicken soup, and Ritz crackers. Adding jalapeno and garlic gives it a kick.
Mix cooked chicken with the soup and thin, if needed, with chicken stock. Each serving has about 165 calories, making it a balanced meal.
Tips for Toasting Bread
Toasting your bread takes sandwiches to the next level. Lightly brush bread with oil and toast until brown. It adds a nice crunch to your chicken sandwiches.
| Cooking Methods | Slow Cooker | Instant Pot |
|---|---|---|
| BBQ Chicken Sandwich Cook Time | Low: 6-7 hours, High: 3-4 hours | High Pressure: 10 minutes, Keep Warm: 20 minutes |
| Chicken Salad Sandwich Cook Time | 4 hours on low heat | 10 minutes on high pressure, Keep Warm: 20 minutes |
| Calories per serving | 263 kcal | 165 kcal |
Easy Shredded Chicken Wraps
Hey there! Are you craving something quick and delicious for lunch or dinner? Let’s make some easy shredded chicken wraps! These wraps are perfect, whether you want simple recipes or healthy ones to keep your diet in check.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these items to make your wraps:
- 2 cups of cooked chicken (just under a pound)
- 4-5 large flour tortillas (9-inch burrito-sized for ample filling space)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup Chick-fil-A sauce
- 2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
- 2 diced Roma tomatoes
- 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil for frying
Different Filling Options
What’s great about these wraps? They’re versatile. Here are some ideas to elevate your wraps:
- Mediterranean-Inspired: Add olives, feta cheese, and cucumber slices for freshness.
- Classic Mexican: Include black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of cumin for a Mexican touch.
- BBQ Classic: Combine your chicken with coleslaw and extra BBQ sauce for a smoky taste.
- Healthy Veggie: Fill them with bell peppers, avocado slices, and shredded carrots for a health kick.
Quick Assembly Tips
Now, let’s put these wraps together fast:
- Spread a thin layer of either sauce on each tortilla.
- Add about 1/2 cup shredded chicken per wrap.
- Add about 1/2 cup shredded cheese per wrap.
- Top with lettuce, tomatoes, and onion.
- Roll them tightly so everything stays inside.
- For a warm wrap, grill each side for 2-3 minutes until brown!
The total prep time is just 25 minutes. This makes the wraps a superb choice for quick dinners or lunches on the go. Give them a try, and they might just become a staple in your meal rotation!
Tips for Cooking and Storing Shredded Chicken
Having shredded chicken ready for meals is wonderful. Learn to cook and store it right, and you’ll always have tasty chicken ready. Let’s dive into making the most of it!
Best Cooking Methods
To cook shredded chicken well, it’s all about tenderness. First, I brown chicken breasts for 5 minutes. Then, I poach them for another 7-10 minutes until they reach 165°F. It’s a simple process! Chicken thighs can also be poached but may need more time. You end up with juicy chicken that’s ready to shred.
Storing Leftovers Safely
Storing chicken right is crucial. Always refrigerate it if you plan to eat it in the next 3-4 days. Put it in an airtight container to keep it moist. These steps are part of my key shredded chicken storage tips. It’s great to open the fridge and see chicken ready for your next meal!
Freezing for Future Meals
Thinking ahead? Freezing is your friend. Use freezer-safe bags to store chicken for up to 2 months. Remember to mark the date on the bag. Thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to eat. These shredded chicken storage tips keep your chicken tasty and safe. They also make meal prep easy!
With these simple tips for *cooking shredded chicken* and storing it, you’ll have a great ingredient ready for anything. Here’s to tasty meals and smart kitchen prep!
Conclusion: Get Creative with Shredded Chicken
We’ve looked at many shredded chicken recipes. But, there’s more fun to be had! Cooking means trying new things. So, shake things up with different tastes for your chicken. Love spicy, savory, or tangy? The kitchen’s your playground.
Experimenting with Flavors
Ready for a taste adventure? Try new marinades and spices on your chicken. How does lime and cilantro sound? Or a smoky chipotle flavor? You can make meals exciting with creative chicken recipes.
Incorporating Seasonal Ingredients
Use seasonal ingredients to add freshness to your meals. They add color and nutrients too. Think about mixing roasted squash with your chicken for a tasty fall meal. It makes your food fun and uses what the season offers.
Making Meal Prep Easier
Shredded chicken is a meal prep hero. Cook a lot at once, and you’re good for the week! It stays fresh in the fridge for 5 days or freezes for 4 months. This means you can quickly make healthy meals. You’ll save time and always have something good to eat.
So, start cooking with shredded chicken. Let your kitchen creativity flow. Enjoy!