Shredded chicken is a tasty and versatile ingredient for many meals. You can use it in sandwiches, salads, soups, casseroles, and more.

It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for quick weeknight dinners.

These 21+ shredded chicken recipes will give you new ideas for using this handy protein. You’ll find options for many types of cuisines and flavors.

From Mexican-inspired dishes to classic comfort foods, there are recipes here to suit different tastes and occasions.

1. Shredded Chicken Tacos

Shredded chicken tacos are a tasty and easy meal option. You can make them quickly using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or by cooking chicken breasts yourself.

To prepare the filling, shred the chicken and mix it with taco sauce and spices like cumin and chili powder.

Heat this mixture in a skillet to combine the flavors.

Serve the warm chicken in taco shells with your favorite toppings.

Try chopped onions, tomatoes, and avocado for added freshness and crunch.

These tacos are perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. You can even set up a taco bar and let everyone build their own.

2. Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce

Chicken enchiladas with green sauce are a tasty Mexican dish you can make at home. You’ll need shredded chicken, corn tortillas, and a green chile sauce.

To make the filling, mix shredded chicken with sautéed onions and garlic. Add some Monterey Jack cheese for extra flavor.

For the sauce, use store-bought salsa verde or make your own with tomatillos and green chiles.

Pour some sauce in a baking dish, roll the filled tortillas, and place them seam-side down.

Top the enchiladas with more sauce and cheese. Bake until the cheese melts and the edges are crispy. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chicken enchiladas with green sauce.

3. Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for game days or parties. You can make this creamy, spicy dip with just a few simple ingredients.

Start by combining softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing in a bowl.

Mix in shredded chicken, some cheddar cheese, and blue cheese if you like.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with more cheese.

Bake it in a 375°F oven until it’s hot and bubbly. Garnish with green onions for extra flavor.

Serve your buffalo chicken dip with celery sticks, carrots, or tortilla chips for dipping. It’s a tasty way to use up leftover chicken and satisfy your buffalo wing cravings.

4. Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Honey garlic chicken stir fry is a tasty and quick meal you can make at home. You’ll need chicken, veggies, and a few simple ingredients for the sauce.

Start by cutting chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Cook them in a pan with some oil until they’re golden brown.

Next, add your favorite veggies. Broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers work great.

Cook them until they’re crisp-tender.

For the sauce, mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a bit of cornstarch.

Pour it over the chicken and veggies. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s fast, easy, and packed with flavor. Serve it over rice for a filling meal.

5. BBQ Chicken Sliders

BBQ chicken sliders are tasty mini sandwiches perfect for parties or quick meals. You can make them in under 30 minutes using shredded cooked chicken.

Mix the chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl. Warm it in the microwave, stirring every minute.

Cut slider buns in half.

Place the chicken mixture on the bottom buns. Add cheese if you like.

Put the top buns on and brush with melted butter.

For extra flavor, mix brown sugar and Italian seasoning into the butter before brushing.

Bake the sliders until warm and the cheese melts.

Serve your BBQ chicken sliders with fries, chips, or a salad. They go great with lemonade or iced tea.

6. Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps

Chicken Caesar salad wraps are a tasty way to use shredded chicken. You’ll need cooked, shredded chicken, Caesar dressing, lettuce, and tortillas.

Mix the shredded chicken with Caesar dressing in a bowl. Warm up the tortillas for easier rolling.

Add the dressed chicken to each tortilla. Top with chopped lettuce for crunch.

You can also add cucumber slices and croutons if you like.

Roll up the wraps tightly. Cut them in half for easier eating. These wraps make a quick lunch or light dinner.

For extra flavor, try using rotisserie chicken. You can also make your own Caesar dressing at home for a fresher taste.

7. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers are a tasty twist on classic stuffed peppers. You start by mixing shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and cream cheese.

Cut bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Fill each pepper half with the buffalo chicken mixture. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake the stuffed peppers in a covered dish for about 25-30 minutes at 350°F. The peppers should be soft and the cheese melted when done.

This dish combines the zesty flavor of buffalo chicken with the freshness of bell peppers. It’s a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy meal.

8. Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta

Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta is a tasty way to use shredded chicken. You can make this dish in about 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

To start, cook your pasta of choice. While it’s cooking, prepare the sauce.

Mix lemon juice, zest, garlic, and herbs in a pan. Add some butter or oil to make it creamy.

Toss in your shredded chicken and warm it through. Then combine everything with the cooked pasta.

Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

This pasta is light and refreshing. The lemon adds a bright taste that goes well with the herbs and chicken. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make.

9. Chicken Quesadillas with Avocado

Chicken quesadillas with avocado make a tasty meal you can whip up quickly. Start with shredded chicken, cheese, and sliced avocado as your main ingredients.

Use flour tortillas as the base. Spread the shredded chicken, cheese, and avocado slices on half of each tortilla.

Fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape.

Cook the quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. The cheese will melt and the tortilla will turn golden brown and crispy.

For extra flavor, add some salsa verde and chopped cilantro before folding the tortilla. Serve your quesadillas hot, cut into wedges for easy eating.

10. Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Spicy chicken lettuce wraps offer a tasty, low-carb meal option. You can make them with shredded chicken, veggies, and a zesty sauce.

Start by cooking chicken with onions, celery, and bell peppers. Add garlic and ginger for extra flavor. Mix in some salsa or a spicy Asian-style dressing.

Serve the chicken mixture in lettuce leaves. Top with crunchy elements like water chestnuts or crushed ramen noodles. Green onions make a great garnish.

You can adjust the heat level to your liking. Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for more kick. These wraps work well as an appetizer or light main course.

11. Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Chicken Alfredo Pizza is a tasty twist on classic pizza. It uses creamy Alfredo sauce instead of tomato sauce.

You’ll need pizza dough, Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, and mozzarella cheese.

Spread the sauce on the dough. Add the chicken and cheese on top.

Bake the pizza until the crust is golden and the cheese melts. Some recipes add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

This pizza is perfect for using leftover chicken. It’s a great option for those who don’t like tomato sauce. You can make it at home for a fun family dinner.

12. Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

Teriyaki chicken bowls are a tasty way to use shredded chicken. You can make them in about 30 minutes for a quick meal.

Start by cooking your shredded chicken in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. The sauce often has soy sauce, brown sugar, and other flavors.

Add steamed broccoli and carrots to your bowl for crunch and color. You can also include sliced red peppers for extra vitamins.

Serve your chicken and veggies over rice. For a lighter option, try cauliflower rice instead.

This bowl gives you a good mix of protein, veggies, and grains. It’s filling and full of flavor.

13. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup is a tasty way to use shredded chicken. You can make this Mexican-inspired dish easily at home. The soup has a tomato and chicken broth base.

Add veggies like onions, peppers, and corn to the broth. Mix in shredded chicken and beans for protein. Spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano give it flavor.

Top your soup with crispy tortilla strips, cheese, and fresh cilantro.

You can cook it on the stove or in a slow cooker. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

This soup is filling and fun to eat. You can customize it with your favorite toppings. Try sour cream, avocado, or extra hot sauce if you like spice.

14. White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili is a tasty twist on traditional chili. It’s creamy, spicy, and packed with shredded chicken.

To make it, you’ll need white beans, corn, and tender shredded chicken. Spices like cumin and chili powder give it a kick.

Start by cooking onions and garlic in oil. Add the spices, then stir in chicken broth and beans. Simmer until the flavors combine.

Mix in shredded chicken and corn near the end. For extra creaminess, add some sour cream or heavy cream.

This hearty dish is perfect for cold days. You can make it ahead and freeze it for later. Serve with toppings like cheese, cilantro, or tortilla strips.

15. Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and rice casserole is a comforting dish that’s easy to make. You’ll need cooked shredded chicken, rice, and cream of chicken soup as the base.

Add frozen vegetables like peas or a mixed blend for extra nutrition. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to enhance the flavor.

Mix everything in a casserole dish and top with shredded cheese. Bake until hot and bubbly.

This meal can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for later use. Just thaw and reheat when ready to eat.

Chicken and rice casserole is versatile. Try different spices or cheeses to create new variations of this classic dish.

16. Greek Chicken Gyros

Greek chicken gyros are a tasty way to use shredded chicken. You can make them at home with a few simple ingredients.

Start by seasoning chicken breasts with paprika, oregano, garlic, and olive oil.

Grill or bake the chicken until it’s fully cooked. Let it rest, then shred it into thin strips.

Warm up some pita bread on the grill or in the oven.

Fill the pitas with the shredded chicken. Add tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, and onions for extra flavor. You can also include lettuce or cucumber if you like.

These gyros are great for a quick meal or for feeding a group. They’re packed with protein and taste just like the ones from a Greek restaurant.

17. Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl

You can make a tasty Chipotle-style chicken burrito bowl at home. Start by marinating chicken in a mix of spices, lime juice, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

Cook the chicken and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Prepare cilantro-lime rice as a base for your bowl.

Add black beans, corn, and chopped romaine lettuce. Top with the cooked chicken, salsa, sliced avocado, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.

You can customize your bowl with different toppings.

Try adding diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapenos for extra flavor and crunch.

These bowls are great for meal prep. You can store the ingredients separately or assemble them in containers for quick lunches during the week.

18. Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken cacciatore is a tasty Italian dish that works great with shredded chicken.

You can make it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop for an easy meal.

To prepare, cook chicken with vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, and onions in a flavorful tomato sauce.

Add wine, herbs, and spices for extra flavor.

Once cooked, shred the chicken and return it to the sauce. This creates a hearty, saucy dish perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or polenta.

You can customize your cacciatore by adjusting the vegetables or seasonings. It’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

19. Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata is a tasty Italian-American dish you can easily make at home. It uses thin chicken cutlets cooked in a zesty lemon-caper sauce.

To make it, coat chicken breast slices in flour and pan-fry them until golden.

Then create a sauce with butter, lemon juice, white wine, and capers.

The chicken goes back in the pan to soak up the flavors. The result is tender meat with a tangy, buttery sauce.

Serve your chicken piccata over pasta or with a side of vegetables. It’s a quick meal that looks fancy but is simple to prepare.

20. Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

A chicken parmesan sandwich takes a classic Italian dish and puts it between two slices of bread. You’ll start with breaded chicken breast, pounded thin and fried until golden.

Top the chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Place it on a toasted bun or between slices of garlic bread for extra flavor.

For a quick version, use pre-cooked chicken and heat it in a slow cooker with sauce and cheese. This method makes the chicken tender and easy to shred.

Add some crispy bacon or fresh basil to give your sandwich an extra kick. Serve it hot, with the cheese melted and gooey for the best taste.

21. Coconut Curry Chicken

Coconut curry chicken is a tasty way to use shredded chicken. You can make it with coconut milk, curry powder, and other spices.

The dish has a rich, creamy sauce that coats the tender chicken. It’s often served over rice to soak up the flavorful curry.

You can adjust the spice level to your liking. Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.

This meal comes together quickly, especially if you use pre-cooked shredded chicken. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and filling.

The Art of Shredded Chicken

Mastering shredded chicken opens up a world of quick and tasty meal options. The key lies in proper cooking and choosing the right cuts.

Perfect Cooking Techniques

To get tender, juicy shredded chicken, start with the right method.

You can boil, bake, or use a slow cooker.

For boiling, place chicken in a pot and cover with water. Add salt and spices. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

Baking is simple. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Season chicken breasts and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Slow cooking creates extra-tender meat. Put chicken in your slow cooker with broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

After cooking, let the chicken cool slightly. Use two forks to pull the meat apart into shreds.

Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts

Picking the best cuts makes a big difference in your shredded chicken dishes.

Chicken breasts are lean and shred easily. They work well in salads and sandwiches.

Thighs have more fat and flavor. They’re great for tacos and BBQ dishes.

A whole chicken gives you a mix of white and dark meat. It’s perfect for soups and casseroles.

Look for fresh, high-quality chicken. Avoid cuts with excess fat or discoloration.

For best results, use boneless, skinless cuts. They’re easier to shred and cook more evenly.

Flavor Combinations and Enhancements

Shredded chicken is a blank canvas for many tasty flavors. You can add spices, sauces, and other ingredients to create unique and delicious meals.

Spices and Marinades

Try sprinkling your shredded chicken with chili powder, cumin, and garlic for a Mexican-inspired dish. For an Italian flair, use basil, oregano, and thyme.

Make a simple marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. Let the chicken soak it up before cooking. This adds moisture and flavor.

BBQ sauce is great for a tangy, smoky taste. Mix it with vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes for a Carolina-style BBQ chicken.

For Asian flavors, try soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. These work well in stir-fries or salads.

Balancing Ingredients for Texture

Add crunch to your shredded chicken dishes with nuts or crispy veggies.

Sliced almonds or chopped celery work well in chicken salads.

Creamy elements like cheese or sour cream can balance spicy flavors.

Try this in tacos or enchiladas.

Mix in some cooked rice or pasta to make your meal more filling.

This works great for casseroles or one-pot dishes.

For a fresh twist, add diced fruits like pineapple or mango.

They bring sweetness and a nice contrast to savory chicken.