Cooking

43 Shredded Chicken Recipes for Extra-Fast Weeknight Dinners

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Whether you purchased a whole rotisserie chicken or have leftover chicken from last night’s dinner, there are endless ways to put it to good use. In fact, cooked, shredded chicken is one of the very best weeknight shortcuts, instantly turning soups, pasta bakes, pizza, and more into satisfying, protein-packed meals.

From a Buffalo chicken pasta bake to a sheet pan of loaded nachos, here are 43 tasty ways to transform shredded chicken into dinner.

Soups and Salads

This collection of recipes proves the versatility of shredded chicken. Add it to a cold soba noodle salad (with a two-ingredient dressing!) for a near-instant meal, or stir into a creamy broth for a twist on your favorite Olive Garden appetizer.

9 / 12

Chicken Tortilla Soup

How to make classic chicken tortilla soup in one pot using a few grocery store shortcuts to come together in just about a half hour.

Go to Recipe

10 / 12

Cajun Gumbo

This humble Southern stew represents the marriage of cultures, subtleties of tradition, local ingredients, and, above all, community.

Go to Recipe

Handheld Foods

Sliders, tacos, pizza, taquitos … need we say more? This collection of snacky recipes is just plain fun.

4 / 9

Chicken Burrito

These burritos feature seasoned chicken, beans, cilantro-lime rice, and shredded cheese wrapped in warm flour tortillas.

Go to Recipe

5 / 9

Chicken Sliders

For the best-ever chicken sliders, mix shredded chicken with mayo, sour cream, and scallions. Melty cheese and buttery rolls take things to the next level.

Go to Recipe

9 / 9

Rotisserie Chicken Tacos

Shred the chicken, warm up the tortillas, chop an onion, and “dress” the cabbage with some lime juice and salt. Put it all on the table, and it’s ready to eat!

Go to Recipe

Pastas and Casseroles

Cozy is the theme of these crowd-pleasing bakes, which range from cheesy enchiladas to a shortcut chicken pot pie.

4 / 22

Chicken Parmesan Biscuit Bake

This weeknight-friendly chicken Parmesan biscuit bake is held together by two staples — and smart supermarket shortcuts — for an easy meal the whole family will love.

Go to Recipe

9 / 22

One-Pot Creamy Chicken Orzo

This easy orzo dish is pure veggie-packed comfort. Made all in one pot, it tastes like grown-up mac and cheese — creamy, cheesy, and packed with good-for-you greens and chicken.

Go to Recipe

11 / 22

Caprese Chicken Casserole

This Italian-inspired chicken casserole is packed with all the flavors of a classic caprese salad. Shredded chicken and pasta make it a substantial meal.

Go to Recipe

14 / 22

Chicken Spaghetti

Here’s our version of chicken spaghetti that requires no creamed soups but still delivers on big flavors the whole family will love.

Go to Recipe

16 / 22

Chicken Enchiladas

In the canon of weeknight dinners, none is more apt at using up leftovers in a way that is flavorful, cozy, and easy than enchiladas.

Go to Recipe

18 / 22

Enchiladas Suiza

Baked in creamy salsa verde sauce and topped with gooey Oaxaca cheese, these chicken enchiladas are unbelievably delicious.