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10 Quick & Simple Shredded Chicken Meal Ideas

Calling all busy moms and foodies alike! I’m about to let you in on a little secret: the power of shredded chicken. It’s versatile, easy to work with, and perfect for whipping up quick, delicious meals on those hectic weeknights.

Whether you’re juggling work, kids, and extracurricular activities, or simply trying to get a healthy dinner, with protein, healthy fat and fiber- on the table without spending hours in the kitchen, shredded chicken is your secret weapon.

It can be cooked in a variety of ways, from slow cooking to pressure cooking, and can be used in countless dishes. From tacos and burritos to salads and casseroles, shredded chicken is a blank canvas just waiting to be transformed into a culinary masterpiece.

And the best part? It’s incredibly freezer-friendly. So cook a batch of shredded chicken and have it on hand for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

So let’s dive into ten easy ways to use shredded chicken in your meals!

Chicken Tacos

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 packet of taco seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Taco shells or tortillas
  • Toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream

Instructions:

  • In a pan, toss shredded chicken, taco seasoning mix, and water.
  • Heat it up until everything’s warm and cozy.
  • Fill your taco shells or tortillas with this seasoned chicken.
  • Pile on your favorite toppings – lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Who can resist the charms of a tasty taco? These chicken tacos are perfect for turning an ordinary day into a mini fiesta.

Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onions
  • 1/2 cup halved grapes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, celery, red onions, and grapes.
  • Stir until it’s all buddies.
  • Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Serve it as a sandwich filling or over some greens.

This chicken salad is like a satisfying mix of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for a light, delightful meal.

Chicken Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 2 cups mixed stir-fry veggies (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
  • Stir-fry sauce (grab it from the store or make your own)
  • Cooked rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice

Instructions:

  • Heat a big pan over high heat.
  • Toss in some oil and stir-fry those mixed veggies till they start getting soft.
  • Add the shredded chicken and stir-fry sauce.
  • Cook it up until everything’s warm and cozy.
  • Serve it over cooked rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.

Say goodbye to dull, everyday dinners. This chicken stir-fry is a quick and colorful way to elevate your mealtime.

Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 4 big flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, whatever you like)
  • Sliced veggies (bell peppers, onions)
  • Salsa and sour cream for dipping

Instructions:

  • Place one tortilla in a hot, non-stick pan.
  • Sprinkle it with shredded cheese, sliced veggies, and shredded chicken.
  • Top it with another tortilla.
  • Cook it till the cheese melts and the tortillas get crispy (about 3-5 minutes on each side).
  • Slice it into wedges and serve with salsa and sour cream.

Cheesy, crispy, and absolutely irresistible – these chicken quesadillas are perfect for a relaxed evening.

Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a big pot, toss in chicken broth, diced carrots, celery, onions, and dried thyme.
  • Get it boiling, then reduce the heat and let it simmer till the veggies are tender.
  • Add the shredded chicken and let it simmer a bit more.
  • Season it with salt and pepper.
  • Serve your homemade chicken soup while it’s still warm.

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of chicken soup to wrap you in comfort and coziness. It’s the ultimate soul-soothing food.

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (check for gluten-free if needed)
  • 4 hamburger buns or gluten-free buns
  • Coleslaw for extra yumminess (optional)

Instructions:

  • In a saucepan, heat up the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce over low heat till they’re all warmed up.
  • Serve the BBQ chicken on the buns, and add some coleslaw for that extra crunch and flavor.

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these BBQ chicken sandwiches. That sweet and smoky sauce will rock your world!

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 cup mixed veggies (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheese)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup milk (or a dairy-free option)
  • Salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings

Instructions:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a big baking dish, mix together shredded chicken, cooked rice, mixed veggies, and shredded cheese.
  • In another bowl, combine chicken broth, milk, a dash of salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings.
  • Pour this liquid mix over the chicken and rice.
  • Bake it for around 30 minutes till it’s hot and bubbly.
  • Let it cool a bit before serving.

This chicken and rice casserole is like a warm, comforting hug in a dish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • Big lettuce leaves (like iceberg or butter lettuce)
  • Sliced celery
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing for a drizzle (or a dairy-free version)

Instructions:

  • Toss the shredded chicken with that zesty buffalo sauce till it’s all coated.
  • Spoon the buffalo chicken mix onto those big lettuce leaves.
  • Top it with sliced celery and drizzle some ranch or blue cheese dressing.
  • Wrap it up and secure it with toothpicks.

These buffalo chicken lettuce wraps bring the heat and the flavor. Perfect for folks who love a bit of spice!

Chicken and Rice Soup

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a big pot, mix chicken broth, shredded chicken, cooked rice, diced carrots, celery, onions, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Get it boiling, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes till the veggies are tender.
  • Serve your homemade chicken and rice soup while it’s still hot.

This chicken and rice soup is a classic comfort food, just what you need on a chilly evening. It’s hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-good.

Chicken Enchiladas

For our last tasty adventure, let’s dive into another scrumptious way to use your shredded chicken – Chicken Enchiladas!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your fave)
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Chopped cilantro and diced red onions for a fancy touch (optional)

Instructions:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Pour a bit of enchilada sauce in a baking dish to coat it.
  • In a tortilla, put a good scoop of shredded chicken and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
  • Roll up that tortilla and place it seam side down in the baking dish.
  • Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
  • Bake it for about 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is all bubbly and golden.
  • Fancy it up with cilantro and diced onions if you like.

These Chicken Enchiladas are a full-on fiesta on a plate! Perfect for a crowd or a special dinner for two. The combo of tender chicken, rich enchilada sauce, and melty cheese is pure magic.

Shredded Chicken, Your Kitchen Sidekick!

There you have it, ten fantastic ways to make the most of your shredded chicken. From tacos to casseroles, these recipes are proof that a little creativity in the kitchen can lead to big, delicious rewards. So, the next time you’re wondering what to do with that leftover shredded chicken, remember this post and embark on a tasty journey. Your taste buds are in for a treat!

Now, get cooking! And if you’re looking for a more personalized approach,  let’s work together!

After years of fad diets, I found myself in an unending cycle of failure. Trying to figure out a healthy lifestyle on my own left me feeling confused and alone. After discovering the science behind food and the behaviors that impact lasting change - I've never gone back. Now, my passion is to help women live energetic and confident lives without the yo-yo dieting.

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