30+ Shredded Chicken Recipes

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Jump to Recipe

These Shredded Chicken Recipes are easy dinner ideas that are perfect for meal prep because they all start with easy shredded chicken (Instant Pot and Crockpot recipes included).

collage image for shredded chicken recipes with nine images and title
Table of Contents
  1. Why shredded chicken is the perfect meal prep:
  2. How to make Shredded Chicken:
  3. How to make Crockpot Shredded Chicken:
  4. How to make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken:
  5. How to shred chicken:
  6. How to store shredded chicken:
  7. How to swap shredded chicken for uncooked chicken in recipes:
  8. Shredded Chicken Recipes:
  9. 30+ Shredded Chicken Recipes Recipe

I’ll admit, when I was young, newly married, and childless, I hated leftovers.

Cooking was something I loved, and if I made a huge batch of something and was then forced to eat it for days on end? Not something I looked forward to!

But as life gets busier, the more I value having something prepped and ready in the fridge.

That’s where these Shredded Chicken Recipes come in.

Why shredded chicken is the perfect meal prep:

Shredded Chicken is such a great thing to have prepped ahead because of how versatile (and delicious!) it is!

It really goes with anything, and you can add more or less seasoning or other sauces depending on what you want to do with it.

It’s lean, it’s healthy and high in protein — basically, it checks all of my boxes!

I’ve included two different ways to make chicken for these shredded chicken recipes — in the Crockpot and in the Instant Pot. These are my favorite ways to make tender, juicy shredded chicken without babysitting it on the stove.

From there, the options are endless!

How to make Shredded Chicken:

Using the stovetop to make Shredded Chicken is quick and easy!

The result is incredibly juicy and tender chicken that’s perfect for any of these recipes.

Get my stovetop Shredded Chicken Recipe here.

How to make Crockpot Shredded Chicken:

crockpot shredded chicken pulled chicken

This Crockpot Shredded Chicken recipe is one of my most popular recipes, and for good reason.

It’s moist, juicy and perfectly seasoned! It’s flavorful but not overpowering so it really goes with anything.

Find my Crockpot Shredded Chicken recipe here.

How to make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken:

This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is perfectly moist, perfectly seasoned, and it freezes perfectly for your weekly meal prep! The easy way to cook Instant Pot chicken breast for shredding, from fresh or frozen! It's a healthy addition to soups, salads, pastas or sandwiches throughout the week. #chicken #dinner #recipes #instantpot #pressurecooker

This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is much the same as my slow cooker recipe above, but made with lightning speed!

Pressure cookers make shredded chicken so, so easy and still super juicy, so if you have one, it’s really a great option for meal prepping.

Find my Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe here.

How to shred chicken:

I guess I’m a little old school this way, but I prefer to just use two forks and pull it apart.

There are lots of people who use a hand mixer or stand mixer, and just get in there and it’s shredded in a minute or less, but I find the chicken turns to mush and is super fine.

I like to shred my chicken with forks because I can make the chunks as big or small as I want, and keep some of the texture of the chicken (so you can see it actually is chicken!).

You do you 😉

And now what to do with all of that delicious chicken! Here’s your dinner inspiration for the week ahead:

How to store shredded chicken:

Cooked, shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for 3-6 months.

This makes it a great dinner component to make ahead for busy days!

How to swap shredded chicken for uncooked chicken in recipes:

Some of these recipes call for cooked cubed or shredded chicken, and some call for raw chicken.

Swapping pre-cooked shredded chicken for the raw chicken in any of these recipes is a great way to cut down on prep and cook time and make life easier!

Since the chicken doesn’t require any cooking, you can simply stir it in to soups and pastas in the last few minutes of cook time to reheat.

For casseroles, you will want to add in the chicken before it goes into the oven.

Shredded Chicken Recipes:

instant pot chicken tacos close up
Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
These Instant Pot Chicken Tacos come together quickly and can be made from fresh or frozen chicken breasts or thighs (or both!)! Perfect for tacos, salads, or taco bowls.
Check out this recipe
slow cooker creamy chicken noodle soup scoop
Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
The easiest Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup — gets thick and creamy, unlike those recipes that just add milk or cream. Perfect for a chilly day!
Check out this recipe
scoop of chicken rice soup
Chicken Rice Soup
This Chicken Rice Soup is a hearty, healthy soup recipe that’s perfect for fall! Loaded with vegetables, lean chicken and brown rice it can be made stove top or slow cooker.
Check out this recipe
square overhead image of a bowl of chicken tortellini soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup
This Chicken Tortellini Soup is loaded with vegetables, tender shredded chicken and cheese tortellini! Easily made stove top or crockpot, with fresh or frozen chicken!
Check out this recipe
overhead image of chicken pesto pasta in skillet with wooden spoon
Chicken Pesto Pasta
This Chicken Pesto pasta is made in one pot and ready in 30 minutes! It’s an easy dinner idea that makes great lunches the next day! 
Check out this recipe
close up overhead image of sliced white pizza
Chicken Alfredo Pizza
This Chicken Alfredo Pizza is creamy, cheesy and loaded with chunks of chicken, crispy bacon and spinach! With homemade pizza dough and homemade Alfredo sauce.
Check out this recipe
overhead image of chicken tetrazzini in white baking dish
Chicken Tetrazzini
This Chicken Tetrazzini is made with juicy shredded chicken, sauteed mushrooms, peas, and a creamy homemade sauce, topped with cheese and baked until golden!
Check out this recipe
overhead image of chicken pot pie soup in dutch oven
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
This Chicken Pot Pie Soup is thick and creamy, loaded with vegetables and tender pieces of chicken! It is made in one pot and topped with biscuits or pastry, making it the perfect cold weather comfort food.
Check out this recipe
white chicken skillet in steel pan with spoon scooping some noodles
White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is made with SIX ingredients in ONE pot! It's creamy and hearty and the perfect comfort food.
Check out this recipe
overhead image of white chicken chili with metal ladle scooping.
White Chicken Chili
This White Chicken Chili is ultra thick and creamy, with shredded chicken, white beans and corn and just the right amount of spice! Make ahead and freezer friendly, perfect for pantry cooking.
Check out this recipe
chicken pot pie slice on grey plate with fresh parsley
Chicken Pot Pie
This Chicken Pot Pie is made with homemade pie crust, a thick and creamy filling of chicken and vegetables and baked to golden perfection. The perfect comfort food dinner!
Check out this recipe
grey bowl filled with bbq chicken pasta and garnished with parsley.
One Pot BBQ Chicken and Bacon Pasta
This One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta is full of smoky and savory flavors, with tender chicken breast, crispy bacon, and your favorite BBQ sauce – it's an easy one-pan meal the whole family will love!
Check out this recipe
overhead image of chicken fajita pasta in stainless steel skillet
Chicken Fajita Pasta
This One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is a complete meal in one, with veggies, sliced chicken breasts, and pasta in one flavorful sauce!
Check out this recipe
overhead image of pan of chicken fettuccine alfredo
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is made in ONE pot with just SIX ingredients and in 30 minutes! It really doesn't get easier or more flavorful than this.
Check out this recipe
square image of bowl of chicken gnocchi soup with spoon
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is better than Olive Garden! Loaded with tender chicken, chunks of vegetables, spinach in a creamy, flavorful broth – don't forget the crusty bread!
Check out this recipe
overhead image of chicken alfredo bake with spoon stuck in.
Chicken Alfredo Bake
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is an easy meal-prep and freezer friendly dinner option! Tender pasta and chicken are tossed in homemade Alfredo sauce, topped with cheese, then baked until hot and gooey.
Check out this recipe
chicken barley soup close up
Chicken Barley Soup
This Chicken Barley Soup is hearty, healthy and made with 6 ingredients! Easily customizable and you can make it stovetop or slow cooker!
Check out this recipe
creamy chicken salad
Creamy Dill Chicken Salad
A creamy dill chicken salad sandwich made with fresh dill, mayo, yogurt, garlic, chicken and red onion. The perfect summer sandwich.
Check out this recipe
overhead view of instant pot chicken chilli being scooped out of instant pot.
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
This Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is creamy and hearty with just the right amount of spice! Loaded with lean chicken, white beans, green chiles and corn it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser! 
Check out this recipe
close up image of chicken tortellini soup in white bowl on grey background.
Instant Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup
This Instant Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup is loaded with vegetables and cheese tortellini! The perfect chicken soup for a chilly day — made in 30 minutes or less and freezer friendly!
Check out this recipe
crockpot spaghetti with chicken scoop
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
This Cheesy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is an easy crockpot meal for busy weeknights! It’s made healthier with no canned soups, lean chicken breast and added veggies, and it cooks completely in the slow cooker for less clean up! Includes step by step recipe video. 
Check out this recipe
close up image of white bowl with italian chicken noodle soup and spoon.
Creamy Italian Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
This Creamy Italian Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is hearty, healthy, and flavorful. It's packed with tender chicken, garlic, roasted red pepper, a touch of cream, parmesan, and more.
Check out this recipe
slow cooker chicken and rice in white crockpot
Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is easy, cheesy, and loaded with veggies, fiber and protein for a complete slow cooker dinner that the kids will love, too! 
Check out this recipe
chicken alfredo spaqhetti squash
Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash
Swap spaghetti squash for regular pasta, make this easy, cheesy chicken Alfredo sauce and you have a delicious dish for both veggie and meat lovers.
Check out this recipe
large black skillet of italian tortellini with wooden spoon stuck in.
Italian Chicken Tortellini Skillet + RECIPE VIDEO
This Italian Chicken Tortellini is an easy meal made in just one pot! It's loaded with cheese tortellini, roasted red peppers, spinach, tomatoes, herbs, and cheese!
Check out this recipe
{Slow Cooker} BBQ Chicken Chili Mac
{Slow Cooker} BBQ Chicken Chili Mac: a hearty one-pot pasta meal that cooks completely in the crockpot! Forget dirtying other dishes — you can cook it all together without risking mushy pasta. www.thereciperebel.com
Check out this recipe
Chicken Alfredo Quesadillas
These Chicken Alfredo Quesadillas are an easy lunch, dinner or snack! They’re filled with leftover chicken, Alfredo sauce and cheese — easy comfort food! A 10 minute meal.
Check out this recipe
chicken verde enchilada bake
Chicken Verde Enchilada Bake
Chicken Enchilada Bake is layers of shredded chicken, corn tortillas, green enchilada sauce and cheese topped with a flavorful homemade salsa! It’s a family friendly meal that satisfies!
Check out this recipe
overhead image of chicken chow mein in large white skillet
One Pot Chicken Chow Mein
Loaded with juicy chicken, bell peppers, cabbage, peas and carrots, this One Pot Chicken Chow Mein is a fast and healthy dinner the whole family will love!
Check out this recipe
buffalo chicken sweet potatoes
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Easy, cheesy, and insanely delicious, these gluten-free Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes make a fantastic lunch or dinner any day of the week!
Check out this recipe
chicken spaghetti being scooped out of pan
Healthier Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake
This Healthier Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake is a healthier version of a Pioneer Woman classic — completely homemade with no cream soups! It’s an easy make ahead and freezer friendly meal.
Check out this recipe
thai peanut chicken flatbread
Thai Peanut Chicken Flatbread
Light Thai Peanut Chicken Flatbread is a quick and healthy recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner! A thin and crispy flatbread is topped with Crock Pot Thai Peanut Chicken, cheese and crunchy vegetables and peanuts.
Check out this recipe
chicken fajita chopped salad
Creamy Chicken Fajita Chopped Salad
Creamy Chicken Fajita Chopped Salad comes together in less than 15 minutes! It is packed with fresh veggies, butter lettuce, creamy white cheddar dressing and fajita seasoning.
Check out this recipe
Baked Chicken Tacos
Baked Chicken Tacos
Chicken Tacos are the perfect EASY weeknight dinner. OVEN BAKED chicken tacos have lots of flavor and none of the stress. Best tacos ever!
Check out this recipe

No leftover shredded chicken? This easy Shredded Chicken recipe is perfect for making ahead and using in any of the recipes above.

ashley avatar

Pin this recipe to save for later

Pin this recipe to your favorite board

30+ Shredded Chicken Recipes

5 from 11 votes
These Shredded Chicken Recipes are easy dinner ideas that are perfect for meal prep because they all start with easy shredded chicken (Instant Pot and Crockpot recipes included).
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Servings 6 servings
Calories 97cal

Ingredients

  • cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¾ teaspoon seasoning salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1½-2 pounds

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, whisk together broth, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, pepper and garlic powder.
  • Add chicken breasts to the pan and bring to a simmer over high heat.
  • Reduce heat to a low simmer (don’t boil!) over low or medium-low heat and cover.
  • Cook for 15-20 minutes, until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the chicken breasts reads at least 165 degrees F.
  • Remove chicken from the pan and shred using two forks or an electric mixer. Serve or place back into the liquid to keep warm and moist.
  • Store in the liquid in the refrigerator, or reserve the liquid for another use (it has great flavor!). Cooked chicken can be stored up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 97cal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 396mg | Potassium: 339mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 29IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg
Keywords shredded chicken recipes

Want to save this recipe?

Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again.

Register Now

Tried this recipe?

Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel —
I love to see what you’re making!

Tag @thereciperebel

Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

Read More

You May Also Like

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. okeechobee boar hunting says

    I’m still learning from you, but I’m making my way to the top as well. I definitely enjoy reading all that is written on your blog.Keep the stories coming. I liked it!

  2. Angel says

    Wow!! What a creative, delicious list to choose from for chicken dinners! I can’t wait to try them all! Mostly the healthier side of things…but dang, the comfort level of a lot of these foods makes my taste buds water! Thank you so much for sharing this gold mine of recipes!

  3. Andrea Thueson says

    This is the goldmine of chicken recipes! I bookmarked this page, so I can easily find a tasty idea for dinner! Thank you for making my life so much easier! 🙂

  4. wilhelmina says

    I love all the things that shredded chicken can be used for, such a great addition to so many recipes! Thanks for the great list of ideas!

  5. Theresa Coster says

    I’m debating on the chicken noodle soup or chicken taco bake or chicken tater tots..all look delicious..going shopping soon..I’ll try a few..thank you for the ideas!!

  6. Tiffany says

    See – NOW – I have a problem with this list! I really don’t appreciate it either!! I STILL don’t know what to do with my shredded chicken for dinner tonight because all these recipes look amazing and my mouth is absolutely watering! Thank you for all these great ideas! I printed several and can’t wait to try them!

  7. Nellie Tracy says

    Great compilation of shredded chicken recipes. Some of these are old favorites and some are new! Thank you!

Leave A Reply

Have you tried this recipe? Leave a rating