Using shredded chicken, one of the meals prepared by the cook can be changed into many meals. It is very good for diversifying the possibilities of rotisserie chicken, using leftover poached chicken breasts, or cooking a large mass in the slow cooker. The next recipes include warm soups, colorful salads, and dinners with unique sauces. Select some to cycle through, and save the rest for the busy weeks ahead.
Contents
- 1) Classic Chicken Salad
- 2) Buffalo Chicken Dip
- 3) Chicken Enchiladas
- 4) Green Chile Enchiladas
- 5) Chicken Tostadas
- 6) Chicken Taco Filling
- 7) Chicken Quesadillas
- 8) White Chicken Chili
- 9) Chicken Tortilla Soup
- 10) Chicken Noodle Soup
- 11) Creamy Chicken Soup
- 12) BBQ Chicken Sliders
- 13) BBQ Chicken Pizza
- 14) Chicken Alfredo Bake
- 15) Chicken Pesto Pasta
- 16) Chicken Fried Rice
- 17) Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- 18) Chicken Ramen
- 19) Chicken Caesar Wraps
- 20) Greek Chicken Pitas
- 21) Chicken Shawarma Bowls
- 22) Chicken Parmesan Sliders
- 23) Stuffed Baked Potatoes
- 24) Chicken Burrito Bowls
- 25) Chicken Fajita Skillet
- 26) Chicken Pot Pie
- 27) Chicken And Dumplings
- 28) Chicken Stuffed Shells
- 29) Chicken Banh Mi Sandwiches
- 30) Chicken Chowder
1) Classic Chicken Salad
This is the reliable lunch that is always appreciated when it’s in the fridge. Mix shredded chicken with mayo, diced celery, a little Dijon, salt, and plenty of black pepper. Add some halved grapes or a spoonful of relish if you enjoy a sweeter taste. Serve on toasted bread, wrapped, or stacked on crackers.
2) Buffalo Chicken Dip
The pulled chicken dip I made for dinner contains pulled chicken. To prepare it, combine the chicken with cream cheese, hot sauce, and either ranch or blue cheese dressing, then bake until everything is adequately heated. Naturally, the dip’s surface will turn golden and scoopable, which is the goal! It pairs well with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or toasted baguette slices.
3) Chicken Enchiladas
Enchiladas are a fantastic way to transform a little bit of chicken into an entire sheet pan dinner. To make, combine shredded chicken with chopped and sautéed onions, some enchilada sauce, and shredded cheese, then wrap them in tortillas. Top with more sauce and bake until everything is bubbly. For some freshness, add some sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime.
4) Green Chile Enchiladas
If you enjoy creamy and zesty flavor combinations in your enchiladas, this recipe is for you! You’ll combine shredded chicken with roasted green chiles and a creamy sauce (usually sour cream), then roll and bake until the edges are nice and crisp and the middle stays gooey. Top with freshly chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor!
5) Chicken Tostadas
The flavor of chicken tinga has slight spiciness, smokiness, and a rich tomato base which keeps things interesting. The shredded chicken is simmered in a sauce that consists of tomatoes and chipotle with sweet caramelized onions. Top off the tostadas with some of the chicken tinga, some crunchy lettuce, and a drizzle of cream. It’s messy (but in a good way) so have some napkins ready.
6) Chicken Taco Filling
In regards to the question, “I need dinner in 15 minutes,” here’s what you can do. In a skillet, warm the shredded chicken with taco seasoning, adding a little broth to keep it juicy. Let it simmer until the sauce sticks to every strand. Use it for tacos, burritos, or a fast taco salad.
7) Chicken Quesadillas
You can use any cheese along with leftover chicken to make some quesadillas. Fry a tortilla filled with some shredded cheese and chicken, and it will turn golden and crispy. As the chicken is reheated inside the tortilla, it will also stay moist. They can also be enjoyed with some salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
8) White Chicken Chili
White chicken chili is creamy comfort without needing a long simmer. Combine the shredded chicken, white beans, broth, cumin, and green chiles, and allow them to simmer. If you wish, you can finish it with lime juice and a little cilantro. This makes it even more desirable for meal prep since meal is even more delicious the following day.
9) Chicken Tortilla Soup
Toppings are what differentiates the chicken soup from others. This soup is made heartier with the addition of shredded chicken. Simmer chicken in a tomato-chile broth with onions and spices, then add corn or black beans if you want. Scoop into bowls, and add toppings of tortilla strips, avocado, and lime juice. To achieve the best level of crunchiness, keep the tortilla strips in a different container until it is time to serve.
10) Chicken Noodle Soup
Shredded chicken offers the comfort of warm food without the lengthy preparation time. In a small quantity of oil, sauté the diced carrots, celery, and onions. Add the broth and cook until the vegetables are soft. To prevent overcooking, add shredded chicken and noodles at the end. Chopped parsley will improve the freshness of the entire bowl.
11) Creamy Chicken Soup
Even though this soup could be considered a dinner meal due to being so filling, it does taste more like a lunch soup. The wild rice gives a nice nutty flavor which pairs great with leftovers. I added shredded chicken at the end so that it could stay tender. You could have it with a simple salad or some bread to enjoy with the soup.
12) BBQ Chicken Sliders
Barbeque sauce accompanied by shredded chicken is a winning combination. You can use any barbeque sauce of your choice and warm the chicken until it is glossy and coated with sauce. For added crunch, you can put coleslaw on the slider buns. These are simple to make for parties and are also perfect for “breakfast for dinner” type meals.
13) BBQ Chicken Pizza
BBQ Chicken Pizza is one of the easiest pizzas to make as you do not have to cut up the pizza to serve it. Just spread some BBQ sauce on the base, then top it with shredded chicken, red onion, and cheese. Bake it until the base is crispy and the cheese is bubbly. For a classic touch, finish it off with some chopped cilantro.
14) Chicken Alfredo Bake
With the addition of chicken, this is comfort food that can stretch a family’s meal. Toss cooked pasta with Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, and a little mozzarella, then bake until hot. I particularly enjoy when the top turns a little brown and becomes crispy. You may add peas or spinach to increase the green vegetables content.
15) Chicken Pesto Pasta
Pesto enhances the taste of simple shredded chicken. Combine the hot pasta with the pesto, then mix in the chicken to warm it up. To balance the richness of the pesto, a squeeze of lemon will do the trick. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and some cracked pepper.
16) Chicken Fried Rice
Fried rice is ideal for leftover chicken and day-old rice. After mixing the diced vegetables with the eggs and cooking them, add rice along with the chicken that has been shredded. If desired, you can season with soy sauce and sesame oil. You’ve developed a filling meal that is easy to prepare and can utilize whatever you have left in your fridge.
17) Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Even though the wraps are light, they still give the satisfaction of having a full meal. Spoon the warmed shredded chicken combined with the sauce (soy and garlic with a hint of sweetness) into the leaves of lettuce. For some added crunch, top it with peanuts and shredded carrots. They are great for warm evenings when a heavy meal is not desired. See the FULL RECIPE here.
18) Chicken Ramen
There are a number of ways to enhance instant ramen to make it a healthier and more complete meal. Shredded chicken can be added to the broth as a protein source and it will also assist with heating the broth. Wait until the very end to add spinach or bok choy so they will remain bright and vibrant. If you would like to have some spice, now is a good time to add scallions and chili oil.
19) Chicken Caesar Wraps
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Chicken Caesar wraps are a grab-and-go lunch that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Mix shredded chicken, romaine and Caesar dressing, then place the mixture in a large tortilla and wrap it up. To enhance the crunchiness, incorporate Parmesan cheese and crushed croutons. Make sure you perform a tight roll so that the dressing does not leak out on the first bite.
20) Greek Chicken Pitas
There is a refreshing herbal quality to the shredded chicken as a result of the Greek flavors. Heat the chicken along with the oregano, olive oil, garlic, and lemon. Accompany it with pitas and tzatziki, as well as chopped tomatoes and cucumbers. This is a nice change from the thicker sauces.
21) Chicken Shawarma Bowls
Using kitchen spices, you can replicate the shawarma experience in your own home. Warm shredded chicken with cumin, paprika, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon. Pair the food with a tub of yogurt sauce, a chopped salad, and a side of rice. Would you consider pickles or pickled onions?
22) Chicken Parmesan Sliders
This still satisfies your craving for chicken parmesan but omits the breading and frying. Warm shredded chicken in marinara and tuck it into buns with mozzarella. Broil only until the cheese melts and the tops turn a light brown color. Including a basic salad on the side can help add some balance to the meal.
23) Stuffed Baked Potatoes
You can combine baked potatoes with any kind of chicken you have. Take some of the fluff and mix it with shredded chicken and cheese and let the cheese melt as the fluff steams. If you want, sour cream, hot sauce, and chives are great toppings. It’s easy to build and comforting.
24) Chicken Burrito Bowls
Burrito bowls are easy to create as they can be customized based on your personal preferences with various ingredients! You can start with some rice and layer on black beans, shredded chicken, and some fire roasted salsa. Avocado is a great addition, and lime is a must for the drink to prevent it from tasting flat. To prepare this in advance, keep the wet toppings separated to ensure freshness before serving.
25) Chicken Fajita Skillet
You can still enjoy fajitas that don’t begin with fresh meat. Sauté peppers and onions until they get a little color, then stir in shredded chicken and spices. Ultimately, a splash of lime juice at the end elevates the entire dish. This can be enjoyed with rice, tortillas, or greens.
26) Chicken Pot Pie
The recipe for this cozy classic has been simplified by using shredded chicken. Stir chicken into a creamy filling with peas and carrots, then top with biscuits. Bake until the biscuits are brown and the filling bubbles around the edges. Leave it for a minute or two so the servings stick together.
27) Chicken And Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings is the perfect meal for the Sunday slow cooker feeling, even with pre-cooked chicken! Just make some quick broth with some veggies and add the shredded chicken to heat it up. Place dollops of the dumpling dough on top of the chicken and make sure to cover them so they steam to fluffy goodness. It’s an inviting aroma dinner!
28) Chicken Stuffed Shells
Making stuffed shells ahead of time is an excellent option for dinner, and if you add shredded chicken to the filling, it makes it even heartier. Combine the chicken, ricotta, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, and then fill the cooked shells with the mixture. Nestle in marinara and bake until hot and bubbly. Since you are already working on this, you might as well freeze another tray.
29) Chicken Banh Mi Sandwiches
This dish features warm chicken, spice, and crunchy vegetables. Pull apart the chicken and mix it with a sauce that is just spicy enough to be enjoyable. Add this to a baguette along with some quick-pickled vegetables and sliced cucumbers. If you like it hot, you may also want to include sliced jalapeños and fresh cilantro. The crunch helps balance the heaviness of the sandwiches.
30) Chicken Chowder
Corn chowder is naturally sweet and cozy, and shredded chicken makes it a full meal. While the potatoes, broth, and corn are warming, add the chicken at the end. Adding a bit of cream (or milk) will soften everything easily. You can also serve it with buttered toast for dipping or with crackers.
