32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (2024)

Shredded chicken is such a smart, time-saving trick for quick dinners during the week. We love having shredded chicken around, already prepped for the week. These top-rated shredded chicken recipes are terrific, whether you're using up leftover chicken, roasting a chicken specifically for shredding, or simply dropping by the grocery store for a pre-made rotisserie chicken to shred.

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Broccoli Chicken Divan

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (1)

Combine cubes of leftover cooked chicken with chopped broccoli, shredded Cheddar cheese, a creamy broccoli soup mixture, and dried bread crumbs. BBake until bubbly and delicious.

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Chicken Enchiladas

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (2)

"A great way to use leftover chicken," recipe creator Steph says. "Even kids love these!" There's no tomato-based enchilada sauce in this chicken enchiladas recipe, just a satisfying cheese, and shredded chicken filling, all topped with a creamy sauce. It's always a family favorite.

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Sarah's Easy Shredded Chicken Taco Filling

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (3)

"I came up with this recipe when I was craving tacos but didn't want ground beef," says Holiday Baker, who submitted the recipe. "Serve this warm chicken filling in a taco shell, covered with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, or other favorite toppings."

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Buffalo Chicken Dip

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (4)

"I have been making this for years and it is always a big hit at parties," shares one Allrecipes community member. "I modify the recipe by using rotisserie chicken instead of bland canned chicken. I also use almost double the amount of chicken called for in the recipe and add extra hot sauce (we like it fairly spicy)."

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Pollo Mechado (Shredded Chicken)

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (5)

A traditional Venezuelan recipe with shredded chicken, capers, garlic, tomato, and a snap of sherry. "This was great," reviewer roz says. "I used can chicken and added cumin and put them on arepas. The sherry really gives it an awesome flavor."

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Mango-Lime Shredded Chicken Tacos

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (6)

"If you like sweet and spicy together, this is a great dinner idea!" recipe submitter stephynewhouse says. "Fill shells with chicken, lettuce, tomato, fresh cilantro, and your choice of hot sauce. Enjoy!"

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Chicken Stuffed Baked Avocados

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (7)

"I made this as is, and it was awesome," reviewer ViperGirl says. "I also made another batch and added fresh cilantro, chopped poblano, shredded Cheddar, and garlic. It was so tasty and delicious! And so quick and easy. I used the leftover stuffing to make quesadillas."

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Spicy Rice Noodle Salad

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (8)

Here's a simple and spicy Asian salad with rice noodles and chicken, plus carrots, green onions, and fresh herbs—basil, cilantro, and mint—tossed with a super-easy dressing.

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Restaurant Style Chicken Nachos

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (9)

"This is one of our favorite quick snacks/meals," reviewer Sarah Jo says. "If I have it on hand, I'll use leftover chicken taco filling or even leftover chicken fajita filling from the night before. I like to use homemade salsa and sometimes, I'll add a layer of homemade refried beans. ... Pure comfort food."

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Quinoa Pilaf with Shredded Chicken

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (10)

For a super-easy weeknight meal, simply combine shredded chicken with quinoa, coconut oil, and sage. "This was the BEST quinoa recipe I've tried so far!" reviewer Kris says. "... This recipe could be easily used for a [vegetarian-and-carnivore couple], as the chicken can be thrown in at the last minute."

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Salsa Chicken Burrito Filling

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (11)

"Quick, easy burrito/taco filling that is delicious and freezes great," recipe creator JUBEEFISH says. "I serve this with tortillas, shredded Cheddar cheese, and a little sour cream. You could fill the tortillas and put them all in a baking dish. [Then you could] cover with salsa and cheese and bake for about 10 minutes if you don't want a mess at the table."

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Vietnamese Chicken Salad

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (12)

"My Vietnamese mother-in-law makes it just like this and it's delicious," writes reviewer rumtum05. "She always adds mint and I would definitely not go without it. ... Don't be afraid of the fish sauce. If you're concerned about it, add extra lime and extra sugar. I often serve this as a party appetizer scooped on top of tortilla chips. Everyone loves it."

13of 33

Cheater's Chicken Chili

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (13)

Enjoy this quick-and-easy chicken chili plain or over rice. "Top with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, plain yogurt, and/or green onions," says recipe submitter Vicki. "Could also be served over tortilla chips for a great nacho dish."

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Chicken Tamale Pie

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (14)

"Easy and great alternative to all the work of hand-wrapping chicken tamales, with no masa!" says recipe submitter laidback. "Leftover cooked turkey works great, too!"

15of 33

Chicken Biscuit Pie

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (15)

"This is the best chicken pie recipe I have ever tried," reviewer Jaime says. "I substitute Bisquick for the topping for time's sake. I have also topped it with a pie crust instead of the biscuits. It tastes great both ways."

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Chicken Salad with Apples, Grapes, and Walnuts

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (16)

"I had chicken breasts left over from a barbecue I had and decided to make a chicken salad," home cook Jo Stinnett-Junkins says. "I played around and came up with this. It is delicious!"

  • Top-rated Chicken Salad Recipes

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Thai Chicken Pizza with Carrots and Cilantro

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (17)

"This is an especially good recipe," reviewer Ruthy Stapleton says. "I like to make my own peanut sauce out of a mixture of creamy peanut butter (hydrogenated), soy sauce, Asian chili oil, and honey. The chili oil gives it a little extra kick that you won't find in store-bought Thai peanut sauce."

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Chicken Tetrazzini

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (18)

"I've made this twice, and it's been a hit both times," reviewer Connie says. "Did it with penne pasta and added garlic and oregano. Love the penne instead. Heartier!"

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Poppy Seed Chicken

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (19)

"This is an excellent way to use up leftover chicken," recipe creator SHONDA93 says. "This is served up at our house at least once a month. We like it with mashed potatoes or rice and a green vegetable."

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Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (20)

"This is an AWESOME dish," reviewer mdhendrick6 says. "The entire family loved it. I used wide egg noodles and cooked them in the chicken broth as suggested. It tasted great. I have already made it twice and will be making it again."

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Chicken Chimi in the Oven

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (21)

Shredded chicken in this recipe is seasoned in a spicy mixture, rolled up into flour tortillas, and baked. "This was such a great recipe to make with a leftover roasted chicken," says reviewer RENA21.

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Silver's Savory Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (22)

"This is an easy to make recipe that is great for potlucks, church gatherings, holidays, or outside gatherings," says recipe creator Silver ShadowWolf.

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Baked Chicken and Rice Chimichangas

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (23)

Consider this a lighter take on a restaurant classic. "This was an excellent dish and made easier when I prepared the ingredients ahead of time for a large gathering," reviewer SandyS says. "I shredded the meat from a rotisserie chicken and made Mexican rice and beans from scratch earlier in the day, then assembled and baked the chimichangas later."

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Chicken Encilantrada

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (24)

This unique dish gets its name from its ingredients: cooked chicken, tomatillo sauce, and fresh cilantro. "This recipe was a good meal to throw together when you are low on groceries because it didn't have a lot of ingredients," says reviewer Nicki Crain.

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Shrimp, Sausage, and Chicken Gumbo

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (25)

This hearty, tomato-based gumbo is loaded with shredded chicken, Italian sausage, and shrimp. "I liked that the recipe was straightforward and didn't have 40 ingredients," reviewer Lisa Taylor says.

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Easy Chicken Flautas

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (26)

Tacos are great and all, but they can be a real mess to eat. Enter flautas, which are basically rolled, soft tacos. "With a family of seven, I'm always on the lookout for new Taco Tuesday ideas," says reviewer tmhonor. "(You know, I don't want to keep repeating the same meal every week!) Everyone LOVED these flautas!"

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Herbed Chicken Shepherd's Pie

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (27)

"Green beans, chicken, herbs, a creamy sauce, and mashed potatoes are the foundation of this variation of a classic comfort food," recipe creator Catman-do says. "I have made this my wife and for her family and all have enjoyed it."

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Chicken, Tomato, and Spinach Quesadillas

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (28)

Quesadillas always make for a fast, throw-it-together, weeknight dinner. This simple recipe is no exception. "Everyone loved it," says reviewer EspressoDave. "A fast meal to put together."

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Pulled Chicken Pretzel Sliders

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (29)

These four-ingredient appetizers are the perfect party starter. Shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, Cheddar cheese squares, and bacon are stacked on top of a flat pretzel. Reviewer Elizabeth says: "Really easy to throw together and a good way to use up some leftover barbecue chicken. I used an aged white Cheddar and some Cherrywood-thick smoked bacon and it turned out great!"

30of 33

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (30)

Skip the mayonnaise — Greek yogurt not only lightens up traditional chicken salad, but it also gives a pleasant tang.

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Rotisserie Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (31)

"The crispy topping on this old-fashioned casserole is easy to make with a quick-cooking stuffing mix," says recipe creator CathyP. "A store-bought rotisserie chicken is required, but if you have leftover chicken on hand, use it!"

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Chicken Tortilla Soup

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (32)

Shredded chicken, chopped chiles, and an aromatic tomato-based broth make this savory dish a winner. Top with sliced avocado and crushed tortilla chips for a perfectly balanced spoonful.

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (33)

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32 Recipes That Start with Shredded Chicken (2024)

FAQs

How long is shredded chicken good for in the fridge? ›

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) recommendations, leftover cooked chicken should be refrigerated at 40 F (or less) and used within 3 to 4 days.

What is the difference between shredded chicken and pulled chicken? ›

There is no difference between shredded chicken and pulled chicken; both terms can be used interchangeably. Both refer to meat cooked until tender, then “pulled” or “shredded” along the meat's grain. Shredded and pulled chicken are popular in sandwiches, soups, pizzas, tacos, enchiladas, and casseroles.

How many people will 3lbs of shredded chicken feed? ›

How many people will 3 pounds of shredded chicken feed? - Quora. A pound is 16 ounces. Assuming each person eats 4 ounces per serving and has only one serving each, 3 pounds should feed 12 people. However, always plan for extra food.

What to do with tough shredded chicken? ›

Shred and Add Sauce: If the chicken is suitable for shredding (e.g., grilled or baked), consider shredding it and then mixing it with a sauce or gravy. This can help mask the dryness and add flavor. Make a Stew or Soup: Incorporate the tough chicken into a stew or soup.

Can I eat chicken after 7 days in the fridge? ›

USDA recommends using cooked chicken within three to four days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within three to four days.

Can I eat chicken 5 days after use by? ›

never eat food after the use-by date, even if it looks and smells ok. it is safe to eat food until midnight on the use-by date shown on a product, but not after, unless the food has been cooked or frozen. food can be cooked until midnight on the use-by date listed on the product and then cooled and kept in the fridge.

Can you overcook shredded chicken? ›

If the chicken is cooked too long, it will become dry and tough. Check your chicken for doneness early, especially if it is one of your first times making it. I also like to use a programmable slow cooker to deter overcooking.

Can I reheat shredded chicken in a crockpot? ›

Can you reheat cooked chicken in a slow cooker? Yes, you can reheat cooked chicken in a slow cooker. However, you should make sure that the chicken is fully cooked before reheating it. You can do this by checking the internal temperature of the chicken with a food thermometer.

Why is my shredded chicken rubbery? ›

It's easy to throw in an Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup or shred it in Healthy Chicken Enchiladas. Rubbery chicken is usually an indicator of overcooked chicken. The longer the chicken cooks, the more moisture it loses, and without moisture, the protein fibers become elastic, AKA rubbery.

How much pulled chicken to feed 30 people? ›

Smoked whole chickens that are pulled, includes white and dark meat. Our Full tray of Pulled Chicken on average will feed 20-30 people. We estimate a third of a pound per person to go, so if you have big eaters grab some more food to go!

How much shredded chicken for 30 people? ›

Plan for ¼ pound of chicken per person. One pound of chicken will yield about 2 cups of pulled chicken. When you're making it for a large group, don't worry if you over estimate so you don't run out of food.

How many people does 5 lbs of shredded chicken feed? ›

We recommend grabbing 5 pounds of chicken if you're looking to have enough shredded chicken for 12 adult servings (think: 3 (4-serving) meals). If you're not looking to cook that much chicken, feel free to reduce the amount of chicken based on the amount you do need.

Why is my crockpot shredded chicken tough? ›

Aside from accidentally overcooking the meals, the most common reason we see for tough, rubbery, or overdone chicken is customers using a Crockpot that is far too big.

How do you moisten shredded chicken? ›

Moisture: Introduce moisture to the chicken to help soften it. You can do this by marinating the cooked chicken in a sauce or broth for a while. This can help rehydrate the meat and add some flavor. Just be careful not to over-marinate, as the chicken could become mushy.

Is raw chicken OK in the fridge for 5 days? ›

You can keep raw chicken in the fridge for one to two days at most, according to FoodSafety.gov. The “best if used by” date printed on the package is for quality assurance purposes, so you should only eat raw chicken within a day or two, even if its printed expiration date hasn't passed yet.

Does shredded chicken go bad? ›

Signs That Your Shredded Chicken Has Gone Bad

Touch: If touching the chicken feels like you're petting a slimy sea creature, it's time to say goodbye. Smell: If your chicken is giving off an unusual odor (anything besides what shredded chicken is supposed to smell like), it's a good idea to simply toss it.

Is it safe to reheat shredded chicken? ›

Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator or the freezer, and then reheated in many different ways. I recommend using the oven for best results. The best way to keep the chicken from drying out is to add more liquid (water, stock, etc.) while reheating.

Is chicken still good after 6 days in fridge? ›

Raw chicken lasts in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cooked chicken lasts 3–4 days. To detect if chicken has gone bad, check the “best if used by” date and look for signs of spoilage like changes in smell, texture, and color.

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