Leftover shredded chicken is a kitchen champion, and there are countless easy ways to transform it into delectable meals. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy recipe like creamy chicken tortilla soup, a comforting chicken pot pie, fresh salads, a casserole dish, or something with a kick like chicken enchiladas, there's a specific recipe for you.
The best thing about these dishes is that they not only make the most of your leftover chicken but also provide you with a head start for future meals.
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Cooking Methods
Shredded chicken is usually made using a moist cooking method, such as poaching or in a slow cooker, so the meat stays moist yet cooks fully and is easy to shred. Cook and shred several chicken breasts or thighs at a time so you can use them in a variety of dishes.
Poaching
To poach chicken for shredding, use chicken breasts or thighs with the bone and skin. Cooking with the bone in will make the finished chicken more flavorful.
For one chicken breast, add a cup of chicken broth, a slice of onion and a clove of garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink inside.
Drain and let the chicken cool enough to handle. Shred with two forks or your fingers, discarding the bones and skin.
Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker takes longer but is convenient since you don't have to watch a pot on the stove. Simply place the chicken in the slow cooker, cover with chicken broth and let cook on low for about four hours or until chicken is no longer pink inside. Drain and let the chicken get cool enough to handle. Shred with two forks or using your fingers, discarding the bones and skin.
Instant Pot
You can use your Instant Pot to quickly cook your chicken, like I did with salsa chicken. I usually cook a bunch of boneless skinless thighs this way, using about a cup of liquid and an 18 minute cook cycle. Perfectly shredded chicken in a fraction of the time!
Flavorings
Whether you're using a pot or the slow cooker, you can add flavorings to the poaching water depending on how you will be using the chicken.
Herbs such as oregano, bay leaves, marjoram and cilantro are complementary to many other dishes, especially Italian and Mexican ones. Aromatics such as onion, garlic, carrots and celery also add flavor.
The Easiest of All: Rotisserie Chicken
When time is short, nothing beats the convenience of buying a rotisserie chicken. You can quickly pull the meat off the bones and it’s ready to use in any of these recipes!
Uses and Leftover Shredded Chicken Recipes
Shredded chicken can be used in a variety of dishes. Tacos are an obvious choice. Simply put some shredded salsa chicken in a tortilla, add salsa and top with your favorite garnishes, such as lettuce, tomato and sour cream.
Or roll that chicken in a corn tortilla and make air fryer taquitos. Yum!
Try a Southern-inspired pulled-chicken sandwich; mix the chicken with a homemade barbecue sauce, pile it on a bun and top with coleslaw. Shredded chicken can also be added to salads or soups, or piled onto air fryer nachos.
Whether it's from last night's dinner or a store-bought rotisserie chicken, finding easy ways to repurpose tender, skinless chicken breasts or juicy leftover chicken thighs can be a great way to save time and minimize food waste.
Salad Recipes Using Shredded Chicken
Chicken salad makes a delicious lunch. You can serve it on bread or a croissant, or just on a bed of crunchy greens for a flavor filled and satisfying lunch! This Chicken Waldorf salad also includes grapes for an extra burst of sweetness.
Yucatan Chipotle Chicken Spinach Salad offers an excellent way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie pieces with fresh produce like oranges, jicama and avocado in under 30 minutes!
Pomegranate adds an elegant flair to this traditional chicken salad recipe, providing an exciting upgrade that is migraine-safe. Make the most out of your work lunch break by whipping up this delightful treat!
This delicious chicken salad recipe features olive oil, lime juice, green herbs, avocado and cheese for low-carb eating! This classic family recipe for chicken salad was my go-to dish growing up, and is well worth creating if you enjoy fresh and hearty Mediterranean flavors.
Use this light and nutritious leftover shredded chicken kale salad as a light lunch option or bring to any picnic or potluck. Easy to make and always a hit!
Soup Recipes with Shredded Chicken
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Satisfy your cravings with a zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup! Bursting with flavor, it's the perfect comfort food for any day. Ready in under 30 minutes!
This orzo soup is a great dinner shortcut: All you need are five main ingredients and a quick simmer on the stove top. You'd never guess it takes just 30 minutes to throw together!
This white chicken chili with rotisserie chicken is so simple to make! Perfect for your slow cooker and those easy dinners!
Tacos and Wraps with Leftover Chicken
Crispy Chicken Tacos can be created in just seven minutes! Fill your tacos with seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and bake to perfection before topping with your desired ingredients and condiments!
If you love Buffalo chicken but are seeking healthier meals with simple ingredients, look no further. Lettuce Wraps with Buffalo Chicken and a little bit of buffalo sauce could become your new go-to meal!
These delicious homemade BBQ chicken taquitos made in an air fryer are the ideal snack, lunch or party appetizer!
A new take on chicken tacos! Chopped rotisserie chicken gets mixed together with onion, garlic and a Mexican citrus spice blend before being de-glazed with beer! A truly simple yet flavorful taco filling that is sure to please on #TacoTuesday or any day!
Pesto Chicken Crepes feature pesto chicken, onion and cheese wrapped up in crepes topped with Red Pepper Coulis for an appetizing treat perfect for lunch or dinner. A delicious dish perfect for sharing!
Comfort Food Recipes Made with Leftover Shredded Chicken
Chicken and Hash Browns combine to make these creamy and delicious casserole. Include frozen vegetables and you have a complete meal that everyone will love!
Wrap that shredded chicken in puff pastry with some herby cream cheese. You will love every moist bite!
Pot pie is a classic and using leftover chicken (or turkey!)makes it such an easy meal!
This casserole has a rich tomato sauce and the surprising addition of Kalamata olives to deliver Mediterranean flavors in a deliciously comforting casserole.
Super cheesy goodness in this low carb casserole. The kids might want to spoon theirs into hard shells, for a delicious taco meal!
Green enchiladas, commonly referred to as enchiladas verdes, are made with a sauce called salsa verde. This sauce utilizes green chili peppers such as poblano or hatch peppers while for more spice use serrano or jalapeno peppers. Many store bought green enchilada sauces also feature this style of ingredients.
A creamy sauce made with sun dried tomato pesto combines chicken with mushrooms and spinach for this satisfying stove top pasta meal!
White Chicken Enchiladas make an easy and quick weeknight dinner recipe that the entire family will adore! Ready in just 45 minutes, they are perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
With these versatile recipes, you'll never struggle to use up leftover shredded chicken again. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty soup, a fresh salad, or a delicious main course, these ideas will help you make the most of your ingredients while satisfying your taste buds.
Get ready to transform your leftovers into something truly special!
Sherry Ronning
What a great collection of leftover shredded chicken recipes! I bookmarked this link and will be coming back again and again. I loved the chicken taco's recipes the best!!
Sula
We all need these go-to recipes for leftover chicken! I think I might have some tacos this week myself!
Maeve
I love this list!!
I always buy an extra rotisserie chicken as I like chicken sandwiches (with Mayo and salad) but it is so good to have other ideas.
I have made the pesto soup and I loved it. Hubby was as keen but he also isn’t a pesto fan! (That will teach him to steal my lunch 😂😂)
I’ve pinned this so I can find it again in the future.
Sula
Excellent!