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Home » Chicken Recipes » Things to Make with Shredded Chicken

Things to Make with Shredded Chicken

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This post may contain paid links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Shredded chicken is a classic meal prep staple, but if you’re new to meal prep or need some ideas, it might be a challenge to know What to Make with Shredded Chicken! As a lover of pulled chicken, I’ve compiled all my favorites with tips and tricks for keeping pulled chicken tender and getting the most out of every meal. You’ll be a meal prep master in no time!

a hand taking a chip loaded with bbq chicken and queso off a tray of nachos
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If you were to look in my freezer on any random day, there’s one thing I promise you’ll find: portion-sized freezer bags of homemade shredded chicken, ready to turn into delicious dinners for weeks to come.

Having kids got me hooked on meal prep, which I’m sure many of you can relate to! After long days of sports practice and family activities, having an easy, tasty protein on hand made dinners a breeze. It was often a toss up between chicken or leftover pulled pork recipes. Even now that it’s just me and Ron, we love how meal prep leaves us plenty of time to spend with each other on our hobbies.

Looking for easy leftover shredded chicken recipes? Then check here first! These recipes are all super easy, super delicious, and best yet, every single one is a favorite from my kitchen to yours!

Shredded Chicken Meal Prep is Easy

  • Super fast and easy for weeknights
  • Great for make-ahead dinners
  • Large portions are perfect for families!
  • Super kid-friendly!
  • Budget-friendly ingredients; no expensive grocery lists

Recipes using Shredded Chicken

Of course, to make any of these pulled chicken recipes, you’ll need to start with shredded chicken! Luckily, I have the perfect easy pulled chicken recipe just for you, complete with three super-easy methods. Whether in the Instant Pot, slow cooker, or right on the stove in your favorite pot, this recipe makes shredded chicken easy! Cook a few chicken breasts, pack the meat in the freezer, and start meal prepping!

overhead view of shredded chicken in a clear bowl

Shredded Chicken Casseroles

Of all the recipes that use shredded chicken, casseroles are some of my favorites. They’re as easy to assemble as boiling pasta and tossing all the ingredients in a bowl, and you can easily double or even triple the recipe to make big batches. Plus, they freeze up beautifully for easy meals on the fly!

a closeup of a spoon full of chicken noodle casserole in a dish
Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole
My chicken noodle casserole recipe is almost as easy as it is delicious! Done in under an hour and perfect for picky eaters.
Check out this recipe
a plate full of chicken potato casserole with a fork
Quick, Easy, Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole
Whip up a for-sure family favorite in under an hour with my Chicken Potato Casserole recipe! It's cheesy, easy, and flavor-packed!
Check out this recipe
a spoonful of cheesy king ranch chicken casserole in a wooden spoon
King Ranch Casserole Recipe
Whip up the perfect easy and hearty comfort food: King Ranch Chicken Casserole! It's a Tex-mex classic your whole family will love!
Check out this recipe
two white dishes of chicken tetrazzini
Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole
Cozy up with a loved one and enjoy this Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe for Two or double the recipe and make a chicken casserole that the family will love.
Check out this recipe
a casserole dish of chicken noodle bake with a spoon

Easy Pulled Chicken Recipes

When it’s meal prep day, I always think about what I can make in big batches and freeze for appetizers later! My favorites are shredded chicken empanadas, of course, but ever since the grandkids started visiting, chicken taquitos have been an enormous hit. Don’t forget appetizers and snacks when considering what to do with pulled chicken!

a serving dish of taquitos with lime crema and cilantro
Chicken Taquitos Recipe
My easy Chicken Taquitos recipe is a for-sure hit be it for family dinners or big parties! Load up your freezer with these easy appetizers!
Check out this recipe
baked empanadas on a wood board
Chicken Empanada Recipe
This Chicken Empanada Recipe is the perfect way to use leftover chicken! Shredded chicken and caramelized onions are simmered in flavorful spices, then folded in a buttery shortcrust and baked until golden.
Check out this recipe
serving box of pinwheel sandwiches
Pinwheel Sandwiches 3 ways
Learn How to Make Pinwheels for your appetizer trays following this easy pinwheel sandwich recipe! Simply mix, roll and slice.
Check out this recipe
jalapeno popper pinwheels on a white plate with salsa and guacamole.

Sauces for Shredded Chicken

Soups with Shredded Chicken

I love a good chicken soup, and luckily, soup is one of those meals that store well and freeze well, making them absolutely perfect for stocking the freezer and using up leftovers! Plus, they’re easy to make with ingredients as simple as canned beans and chicken stock, making them super budget-friendly, too!

Close up of a bowl of chick-fil-a chicken tortilla soup with fresh limes
Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup is an easy, creamy chicken tortilla soup recipe that's so good, you'll want to lick the bowl when you're done!
Check out this recipe
Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup (Copycat Recipe)
Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup
Our Chick-fil-A chicken noodle soup recipe is the best homemade chicken noodle soup you will ever try! It's a healthy chicken noodle soup that's hearty, comforting, and easy to make, too.
Check out this recipe
Turkey carcass soup in a bowl that says thankful
Turkey Carcass Soup
This recipe is designed to make use of a Thanksgiving turkey carcass, but you can just as easily use shredded chicken, or the carcass of a Rotisseri chicken!
Check out this recipe
almost Chick-fil-A chicken noodle soup
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade chicken noodle soup with egg noodles is a one pan soup recipe made with juicy chicken thighs, wholesome chopped veggies, and a flavorful broth.
Check out this recipe
Bowl of the best chicken chili next to the pot of chili
Chicken Chili Recipe
My chicken chili recipe is so packed with flavor, you won't believe it's done in just 30 minutes! It's the easiest chili you'll ever make!
Check out this recipe
Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup added to a bowl with avocado slices and lime wedges next to a bowl of tortilla strips

More Easy Shredded Chicken Recipes

One of my favorite things about cooking is improvising and finding new combinations of recipes and ingredients to make new favorites. Shredded chicken can be used for pretty much everything, be it chicken enchiladas, buffalo chicken sandwiches, shredded chicken tacos, or a big hearty salad with bacon bits and shreds of cheese.

five chicken tinga tacos on a slice of parchment paper
Mexican Tinga Chicken Tacos
Take Taco Tuesday to a whole new level with my incredibly flavorful and EASY Chicken Tinga Tacos! They're a restaurant favorite from home!
Check out this recipe
Pouring dressing over chicken salad recipe with strawberries
Strawberry Chicken Salad
Strawberry Chicken Salad uses light, wholesome, and simple ingredients for a flavorful separate course salad or main course salad recipe.
Check out this recipe
a top down view of a fully completed carnitas burrito bowl
Burrito Bowl Recipe
Make these burrito bowls with shredded chicken for an easy, delicious lunch any day of the week! Great for using up leftovers from tacos!
Check out this recipe

Meal Prep Ideas

Tips for Pulled Chicken Meals

  • Shredded chicken has a mild flavor, so it’s best served with added seasonings or sauces! I recommend using fresh herbs when you can to brighten up the flavor.
  • Because chicken tends to be a leaner meat than pork or beef, it can dry out easily. Make sure to store leftovers with a little extra water or chicken broth to keep them moist.
  • I like to store pulled chicken in quart-sized plastic bags; it’s the perfect amount for making a meal for two, and it’s extra convenient when you make a big batch.
  • If a dish calls for raw or cubed chicken, you can substitute shredded chicken, so long as there’s plenty of liquid to prevent it from drying out.
  • If you want, you can use a rotisserie chicken and shred it instead of cooking your own.

Meals with Shredded Chicken FAQ

How long does shredded chicken last in the fridge?

Like most cooked meats, leftover shredded meat will last 4-5 days in the refrigerator. I highly recommend freezing it as it will last up to 3-4 months frozen, making it perfect for long-term meal prep!

What ingredients pair well with shredded chicken?

In my experience, you can’t go wrong with cheese and warming Mexican spices like cumin, chili powder, paprika, and chipotle. Buffalo sauce is also a classic, with cheddar cheese, cream sauces, and a fluffy rice or pasta base!

Is Pulled Chicken the same as Shredded Chicken?

Yes, pulled chicken and shredded chicken are the exact same thing.

Easy Dinner Prep Ideas

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Isabel, AKA Family Foodie

About Isabel Laessig

Hi! I’m Isabel Laessig, also known as Family Foodie, creator of Sunday Supper Movement and author of the Sunday Supper Cookbook. Sunday Supper is my mission to bring family back around the dinner table. Join me in making family meal-time a tradition to celebrate!

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