Chicken is probably one of the most widespread meats that are used in food recipes.
Whilst most chicken tends to not hold too much flavor in itself, it has a great ability to hold on to flavors from other ingredients very well, which, when paired with how little space chickens take to care for and look after when compared to other animals, make them a popular across the world.
Because of this widespread use and versatility, chickens can be prepared and used in a massive range of recipes. It can be roasted, grilled, steamed, shredded, or extra variety.
Plus, shredded chicken helps the texture and flavors of the meat spread out better in a dish, and makes it a popular option for servings.
The only issue you may find when finding a shredded chicken recipe is that there are just so many of them! It can be difficult to narrow this huge array of dishes to just one or a few.
Well, that’s a problem that we’re going to solve today!
We’re going to cover some of the most delicious recipes you can make with shredded chicken from a range of different cuisines.
Vietnamese Chicken Salad
Starting off our list with a delicious recipe from Asia, we have an excellent salad recipe that utilizes shredded chicken masterfully.
Vietnamese is a type of cuisine that has started getting the recognition it deserves in recent years, and this recipe is a brilliant entry point to then try other beautiful foods from this beautiful country.
Whilst the dressing that is used in this recipe does utilize a lot of ingredients that may be a little hard to source in a typical supermarket, you’ll be able to find most, if not all, at a local Asian market, which gives you a great chance to look for other Vietnamese and other East Asian foods that you may find yourself interested in.
The soft shredded chicken will absorb the dressing wonderfully, as well as give a nice mix of textures with the crunch of the vegetables.
If you want a recipe that balances nutrition, texture, and flavors, you can’t go wrong with this recipe!
Loaded Southwest Chicken Spring Rolls
Staying on the theme of Asian and East Asian food, we have a spring roll recipe here that makes for both an amazingly delicious snack, as well as the perfect appetizer to a flavor-filled main course!
These spring rolls are unlike pretty much any other that you may have tasted.
Not only are they packed to the prim with color and flavor, but the softness of the shredded chicken also contrasts textures and flavors in front of the crispy roll and its contents that much better.
Spring rolls may be a traditional Chinese or East Asian dish, the use of plenty of red beans, green chilies, cilantro, and red onion, plus so much more, means that there is just as much Mexican flavor in these rolls as it is Chinese.
It is the perfect fusion of cuisines, married in a beautifully tasty roll!
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Sandwiches
Of course, many people, when making their ideal shredded chicken, will opt for using a slow cooker to get just the right flavors and textures.
If you are in this camp and love the taste of a good ranch burger or sandwich, then this recipe is going to be at the top of your to-cook list!
Preparation is the key ingredient here, (besides the chicken of course), as it is with all slow cooker recipes. You’ll need at least 5 hours of cooking time to get the chicken right.
However, once you have the chicken ready and done right, the rest is incredibly easy.
All you’ll need are a good few burger salad fillings, such as tomatoes and lettuce, as well as some good ranch dressing to use, and you’re good to go!
Chicken Noodle Soup
Who doesn’t love a good chicken noodle soup? It’s the perfect answer to a cold day outside or feeling under the weather on the inside.
So, if you are a lover of finer comfort dishes, this is the recipe for you!
Not only is this recipe delicious, but thanks to the abundance of vegetables and other healthy sources of vitamin C, it is a very balanced meal too.
This is the perfect soup recipe to make for the whole family, especially young kids that don’t normally like eating their greens in their meals.
The trick to making a good noodle soup, much like when preparing chicken in a slow cooker, is giving it the time it needs to mix all of its flavors.
Allowing the soup to stew or slow cook for a good while, at least 45 to 50 minutes, will give you the best results.
Any longer, you may find that your veggies are too soft, or your noodles are overcooked.
White Bean & Chicken Ranch Tacos
Of course, if we are talking about shredded chicken recipes, we can’t exactly miss how they’re perfect for a good taco or Mexican recipe.
This is a delightfully simple recipe for folks to try at home, or perhaps if they want to bring a Mexican-themed side or appetizer to a buffet or party.
Just remember that the white beans and shredded chicken will need plenty of flavor from the ranch and taco dressings to get that full punchy flavor
One of the other great things about taco recipes is that you can make them however you want, once you have the template figured out from the original recipe and the same is true for this recipe.
So long as the taco can fit it, it can go in it!
Half-Hour Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake
Of course, one of the things that can drive cooks up the wall is just how long it takes for a recipe to cook.
Fortunately, this is a problem that this 30-minute chicken pasta bake does not have!
The trick with this recipe is making sure that your pasta and shredded chicken dish is loaded with plenty of ricotta cheese, the creamiest you can find!
The chicken will hold the flavor very nicely, and the pasta will be able to carry plenty of sauce, especially if you are singing rigatoni or macaroni pasta.
Once the recipe is topped with a soft and stretchy touch of mozzarella cheese in it, you’ll have the perfect blends of cheeses to go with this easy-to-make pasta bake!
Brunswick Stew
Chicken is a popular meat to use in a last-minute soup or stew.
Because it holds flavor so nicely, as well as it is easy to use if you have leftovers lying around, it has found its way into many a stew pot.
And this Brunswick stew is one of the best that you’ll find out there!
Chicken might just be one of many types of meat that is used in this classic southern state staple, but it would be missing a lot without it.
Just make sure that you give everything plenty of time to cook and… well, stew, before serving this with some freshly baked dipping bread!
Alternatively, if you are running a little low on time to not be waiting around 3 to 5 hours, the recipe does also recommend using a slow cooker to cut that long time down.
Just make sure that the gals and onions are sautéed first!
Asian Chicken Salad
Going back to the salads, you may not usually be the biggest fan of greens on your plate. But we guarantee that making an exception for this Asian salad recipe will be worth it!
This salad can be made from pretty much any vegetables that you may have leftover at the back of your pantry or fridge, from carrots to celery, to radish and scallions.
Of course, you should make sure that you also got plenty of chicken in there! Good broiling is all you’ll need to get the most out of this recipe!
Slow-Cooker Chicken Burritos
Back to the Mexican dishes, we go for this final recipe. And, with a slow-cooked burrito like this, we might have just saved the best for last!
The best burritos are always those that can pack plenty of flavor and ingredients into them, without overfilling and spilling out at the same time, although the temptation can be pretty hard to miss!
Packed full of chicken, peppers, and cilantro, alongside other burrito staples such as avocado and pinto beans, this might be the perfect summer dish for any occasion!
Closing Thoughts
As you can see, shredded chicken isn’t just a way for stretching out whatever chicken you have leftover.
With the right preparation, it can be one of the best ways that this meat can be presented!
My love of food extends challenges into cooking, trying new restaurants, and much more. That is why I’ve created The Gannet, as a place to teach people all my tips and tricks surrounding food and cooking. Don’t forget the food challenges!
So, stay a while and learn from someone that has been interested in food their whole life. Who knows, maybe I’ll meet you on a wall of fame somewhere.
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