Shredded Chicken Recipes using my absolute favorite, go-to shredded chicken. It’s easy, full of flavor, and fits into so many dishes!

Shredded Chicken Recipes in a bowl ready to be enjoyed or used in another dish.
chelsea

Author’s Notes

This Is My Rotisserie Chicken Swap I’m OBSESSED With 😍

I am so excited to share this recipe because it has truly changed my chicken game. The recipe I make more than any other on this site is my baked chicken thighs. I make them almost weekly and use them in all kinds of meals. My kids love chicken, chicken thighs are my favorite, and it’s a protein I use constantly.

But now I have an even easier way to make unbelievably tender chicken, and it almost feels too simple. Everything goes straight into the slow cooker, and what comes out is chicken that’s so tender it practically melts in your mouth.

Unlike my baked chicken thighs, I kept the seasoning here very neutral so it works in more shredded chicken recipes. While my baked version is great for a lot of meals, the seasoning leans more Mexican. This one works with anything and everything. Anytime you’d use rotisserie chicken, you can use this instead.

It’s versatile, flavorful, perfectly tender, and I am obsessed. I cannot wait to hear what you think!

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Ingredients in this recipe prepped out for easy assembly including the chicken, seasonings, and chicken broth.

Shredded Chicken Recipes: The Base Chicken

Okay, before we get to all the recipes you can make with this magical chicken, let’s break down the actual chicken first!

IngredientHelpful Tip
Boneless skinless chicken thighsThighs stay tender, are more forgiving if they get slightly overcooked, and shred easily. They cook up incredibly tender in the crockpot.
Chicken brothUse a good-quality broth for better overall flavor.
Salt & PepperKeeps the chicken well seasoned without overpowering it.
Garlic & onion powderAdds simple flavor that works in almost any recipe.

Quick Tip

This is my favorite tool for shredding chicken fast for shredded chicken recipes!

The chicken, seasonings, and broth added to a slow cooker to cook the chicken for these shredded chicken recipes.

My Favorite Recipes To Use This Shredded Chicken In

These are some of my favorite Shredded Chicken Recipes and recipes I make on repeat using this easy, go-to chicken.

  1. Easy Weeknight Dinners: Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, stir fry dinners, skillet meals
  2. Comfort Food Favorites: Chicken tetrazzini and other creamy casseroles, chicken gnocchi soup or chicken noodle soup, creamy pasta dishes
  3. Lunches & Meal Prep: Wraps and sandwiches, chicken salad, rice or grain bowls
  4. Game Day: Sliders or pulled chicken sandwiches, nachos, loaded fries
  5. Quick Add Ins: Tossed into salads, loaded baked potatoes, added to mac and cheese

Storage

Store shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely before storing.

For longer storage, freeze the shredded chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. I like to portion it out first so it’s easy to grab just what you need.

Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat it directly in the shredded chicken recipes you’re using.

More FOOLPROOF Methods For Preparing Chicken

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Shredded Chicken Recipes

Shredded Chicken Recipes using my absolute favorite shredded chicken. Easy to make and works with everything.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 3 servings

Video

Ingredients

My Perfect Shredded Chicken
  • 2 to 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup chicken broth good-quality like Swanson
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions 

  • Trim off large pieces of excess fat from the chicken thighs. You don’t need to remove everything, as smaller amounts will render while cooking and keep meat tender. Place the thighs smooth side down in an even layer in the slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper evenly over the chicken. Pour the chicken broth over everything.
  • Cover and cook on high for 2½ to 3 hours or on low for 3 to 5 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
  • Remove the chicken with tongs and shred using two forks or a chicken shredder. Use in any recipe that calls for shredded or rotisserie chicken.
Final step! Please let us know how it was by leaving a review.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Store shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days once fully cooled. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months, portioning as needed. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat directly in the recipe you’re using.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 466kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 76g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 302mg | Sodium: 1432mg | Potassium: 992mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.7g | Vitamin A: 196IU | Vitamin C: 0.6mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Meet Chelsea


Hello, and welcome to Chelsea’s Messy Apron! I’m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. I’m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping by—I hope you find something delicious to make!

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