Top Shredded Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

December 15, 2023

Ah, chicken! A cornerstone of kitchen delights, not only for its versatility but also for its remarkable health benefits. As one of the leanest protein sources available, chicken offers muscle-building amino acids without the hefty calories. While we all have our go-to chicken formats from rotisserie chicken to chicken thighs, there's something uniquely satisfying and convenient about shredded chicken. This humble preparation serves as a blank canvas, eager to adopt a variety of flavors and seamlessly combine them with a diverse array of dishes.

Whether you're whipping up a chicken broth in an instant pot or seeking a protein-packed salad topping, shredded chicken is your trusty culinary companion. In this guide, we will explore the many ways to leverage this delightful ingredient in your next meal.

Do you find yourself constantly on the go, but still want to indulge in protein-packed, healthy foods? The expert chefs at Hungryroot have crafted a wide variety of delicious recipes and healthy snacks delivered straight to your doorstep. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or other commitments, Hungryroot makes sure you can enjoy mouthwatering foods without compromising your health goals. Get started today by taking our personalized quiz and start your health journey right from day one! 

Our Favorite Shredded Chicken Recipes

Cilantro Lime Chicken + Bean Tacos: In just 6 minutes, create a delightful fusion of flavors with this cilantro and lime-infused chicken, paired with a vibrant cucumber corn black bean salad. Dive into a dish that boasts a perfect balance of crispy shredded chicken, tangy lime, and fresh ingredients, all wrapped in a warm, organic tortilla. Remember, great meals don't always require hours in the kitchen; sometimes, they're just a quick, inspired mix away.

Southwestern Protein Bowl: Elevate your day with the invigorating Southwestern-inspired protein-packed bowl—a quick 10-minute recipe that's a symphony of flavors and nourishment, with a focus on one-star ingredient: shredded chicken. This protein bowl features the vibrant hues of cucumber corn black bean salad, velvety avocado crema, the crunch of shaved brussels, and the hearty flavors of lentil quinoa rice mix. The tender chicken is cooked to perfection and paired with a harmonious blend of ingredients to create a bowl filled with protein, fiber, and other key nutrients.

Tangy Rainbow Chicken Tacos: Dive headfirst into a splash of vibrant flavors with these rainbow shredded chicken tacos! In just 13 minutes, you're set to discover a delicious blend of textures and tastes. Begin by sautéing the rich rainbow veggie mix until tender. As they simmer, transform the southwest-style chicken patties into sizzling, seared delights. Layer the chicken and veggies on top of warm tortillas and top each taco with a hint of crumbled goat cheese to finish. To mix it up, layer on your favorite toppings for an extra burst of flavor. 

Zesty Ground Chicken Taco Salad: This chicken salad recipe is an absolute delight that you can whip up in just 9 minutes and features juicy ground fajita chicken, crisp green leaf lettuce, and a refreshing cucumber corn black bean salad. Seared shredded chicken is paired with a refreshing lettuce and bean salad tossed together in a bowl. Divvy up this colorful medley onto plates and sprinkle a handful of cheddar cheese to tie the dish together. Each serving packs a punch of nutrition with 28 grams of protein and lots of fiber to keep you feeling satisfied and energized for the day ahead. 

Roast Ready Pulled Chicken Fajitas: Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with this roast + ready shredded chicken fajitas recipe that’s bursting with flavor and ready in just 17 minutes. Tender Mexican chicken is coated in a savory taco seasoning and baked with a bell pepper onion saute. These ingredients are then layered on top of warm white flour tortillas and elevated with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.  With a generous 44 grams of protein per serving, these fajitas will keep you feeling full and satisfied all day long.

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas: These easy chicken enchiladas for two bring together the bold flavors of green chile with tender seasoned pulled chicken. Starting with the key ingredients: the green chile, white corn tortillas, dairy-free sour cream, and seasoned shredded chicken, this recipe is a treat for those who crave a fusion of health and great taste. The warmed tortillas are filled with this mixture and placed in a baking dish. Enhanced with an extra drizzle of green chile enchilada sauce, the enchiladas are baked to perfection. To serve, a dollop of dairy-free sour cream tops each piece, marrying the heat of the chile with a cool, creamy contrast.

Creamy Chicken Taquitos: This delightful recipe can be prepared in just 16 minutes perfect for a filling lunch or dinner. Central to this dish are the ingredients: organic white flour tortillas, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chile limon shredded chicken, and organic cultured sour cream. To create these savory taquitos, sauté the chile limon chicken, which has been broken into bite-sized pieces, until hot. The chicken is then combined with cheddar cheese and sour cream to form a creamy, cheesy filling. This mixture is divided and rolled into the tortillas which are then baked until crispy. The result is a cheesy and creamy chicken-filled taquito that's as delicious as it is easy to make.

Green Chile Chicken Veggie Bowl: The chicken veggie bowl is a nourishing and quick meal, ready in just 11 minutes. With a focus on wholesome ingredients, this dish combines the zest of green chile, the freshness of a seven-veggie stir-fry, the robust flavors of chile limon chicken, and the tangy touch of cilantro lime white rice. To prepare, begin by sautéing the drained and shredded chile limon chicken in a skillet until hot. At the same time, the cilantro lime white rice is microwaved, then divided among bowls. The veggies are then sautéed in the skillet until they're tender and added to the rice bowls. The pièce de résistance is the chicken, drizzled with green chile sauce, finishing off a hearty bowl packed with taste and nutrition.

Chicken ‘n Guac Bowl: This burrito bowl offers a tasty mix of flavors and textures, ready in just 13 minutes. Essential to this dish are its main components: the creamy avocado crema, hearty brown rice, and quinoa blend, tender Mexican shredded chicken breast, and a vibrant bell pepper and onion sauté. The chicken breasts are lightly seared until warm, then shredded and added to the bowls along with the sautéed bell pepper mix, The finishing touch is a generous drizzle of avocado crema, which brings the bowl together with its smooth, tangy flavor, creating a fulfilling meal filled with nutrition and great taste.

Green Chile Chick’n Veggie Tacos: These tacos offer a delectable fusion of traditional flavors and plant-based ingredients, coming together in just 12 minutes. This recipe boasts the zesty green chile, soft white corn tortillas, a colorful bell pepper and onion sauté, and the standout ingredient, plant-based chopped chick'n. Begin by warming the tortillas in a skillet and setting them aside. In another skillet, the chick'n is sautéed until it's perfectly browned and hot, and then the pepper-onion mix is cooked until soft with a touch of caramelization. Once done, these ingredients are layered on the tortillas, complemented by a drizzle of green chile, bringing forth a plant-based taco experience that’s both flavorful and nutritious.

Southwest Style Chicken Wrap: This chicken wrap is a flavorful and quick meal, ready in just 12 minutes. At the heart of this dish are nutrient-rich baby spinach, creamy fresh guacamole, soft organic white flour tortillas, and the star of the wrap, Southwest-style shredded chicken patties. To create this wrap, start by searing the chicken patties in a skillet until they're fully cooked, breaking them into small bite-sized pieces as they cook. Then, spread a generous amount of guacamole on each tortilla. Layer with fresh spinach and the cooked chicken pieces, roll the tortilla, and you have a delectable chicken wrap with a Southwest twist. As a bonus tip, the remaining spinach can be enjoyed as a fresh side salad with a simple dressing of oil and vinegar.

Roast Ready Pulled Chicken Fajitas: This zesty and easy-to-make dish is ready in 17 minutes and perfect for a dinner or lunch for two. These fajitas bring together white corn tortillas, a delightful bell pepper and onion saute mix, a bold taco seasoning blend made with garlic powder and chili powder, the zest of a fresh lime, and of course, seasoned pulled chicken. Start by tossing the chicken with oil and taco seasoning. Using foil on a sheet pan, portion out the chicken and veggies, adding a drizzle of lime juice and seasoning. After sealing the foil packs, they're baked alongside tortillas wrapped in another foil pack. Once they’re done, simply unwrap, fill the tortillas with the flavorful chicken mixture, and relish the hearty fajitas.

Shredded chicken, with its versatility and ease of preparation, has proven to be an indispensable ingredient in many cuisines across the globe. You can use skinless chicken breast, leftover shredded chicken, a slow cooker, or even a pressure cooker, to create your favorite recipes for your next meal prep or dinner session. Whether it's the spicy allure of enchiladas, the comforting embrace of creamy chicken stock, or the hearty flavors of a chicken pot pie, recipes centered on this tender, pulled poultry always promise a satisfying meal. The ability to seamlessly meld with diverse flavors and ingredients, from hearty vegetables to rich sauces, elevates shredded chicken from a simple ingredient to a culinary star. For both novice home cooks and seasoned chefs, it remains a staple, ensuring delicious, protein-packed meals that cater to a multitude of tastes and preferences.

We know that life can get hectic, but sticking to your healthy lifestyle shouldn't be a struggle. That's why Hungryroot brings you custom-selected, healthy groceries that magically turn into delicious, easy-to-cook meals, delivered right to your door. Our seamless process not only frees up your valuable time but also helps you effortlessly embrace a wholesome lifestyle, letting you savor the rewards of a healthier life. Let us be your trusted partner on your journey — because you deserve to feel good, inside and out.

Start your health journey by taking our personalized quiz to get your personalized recipe and grocery recommendations.

Recommended Reading

If you’ve enjoyed reading our guide on shredded chicken recipes, we think you’d enjoy our other guides:

You may also like