What Does Shredded Chicken Go With? 23 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Chicken

Shredded chicken is one of the most versatile ingredients to have on hand. It can transform a simple weeknight dinner into something restaurant-worthy in minutes. Whether you cook and shred a whole chicken yourself or use leftover rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken has endless possibilities. In this article, we’ll explore 23 delicious ways to use leftover chicken so you can get creative with this protein-packed staple.

Soups and Stews

Shredded chicken is a natural addition to hearty soups and stews The small pieces mix perfectly into brothy dishes, adding protein and soaking up flavors Some classic shredded chicken soup recipes include

• Chicken Noodle Soup – The ultimate comfort food, made extra hearty with shredded chicken, noodles, carrots and celery.

• Chicken Tortilla Soup – Southwestern flavors like corn, black beans, jalapenos and tortilla strips pair well with shredded chicken and zesty seasonings.

• Buffalo Chicken Soup – Creamy and indulgent, made spicy with hot sauce and topped with blue cheese crumbles

• Chicken and Dumplings – Fluffy dumplings cooked right in the chicken broth make this Southern classic truly satisfying.

• Chicken Posole – Hominy chiles and lime juice lend Mexican flair to this hearty chicken stew.

Wraps and Sandwiches

Shredded chicken makes an easy protein-packed filling for wraps, sandwiches and pitas. Try mixing it with flavorful sauces and crunchy vegetables. Recommended combinations include:

• Chicken Caesar Wrap – Shredded chicken, romaine lettuce, Parmesan and Caesar dressing.

• BBQ Chicken Sandwich – Top shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, melted Cheddar and crispy fried onions on a bun.

• Buffalo Chicken Wrap – Toss chicken in hot sauce with lettuce, tomatoes, celery and blue cheese dressing.

• Greek Chicken Pita – Chicken, cucumbers, tomato, onion, feta and tzatziki sauce.

• Chicken Banh Mi – Chicken, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro and spicy mayo.

Enchiladas, Tacos and Burritos

Shredded chicken is ideal for Mexican cuisine. It soaks up spices and blends well with beans, rice and veggies. Ways to enjoy it include:

• Chicken Enchiladas – Stuff tortillas with chicken, cheese, onions and top with enchilada or tomatillo sauce.

• Chicken Tacos – Season chicken with cumin, chili powder and cilantro and add toppings like avocado, queso fresco and pineapple salsa.

• Chicken Burritos – Load flour tortillas with chicken, black beans, rice, cheese, lettuce, salsa and sour cream.

• Chicken Tinga Tacos – Chicken sautéed in a spicy, tangy chipotle sauce with shredded lettuce and queso fresco.

• Chicken Fajitas – Sizzle chicken with bell peppers and onion, then wrap in warm tortillas.

Salads and Bowls

Toss shredded chicken with fresh greens, veggies and flavorful dressings for satisfying salads and bowls. Ideas include:

• Chicken Cobb Salad – Chicken, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, onion and blue cheese on lettuce.

• Chicken Caesar Salad – Romaine lettuce, chicken, Parmesan, croutons and creamy Caesar dressing.

• Chicken Taco Salad – Chicken, lettuce, black beans, corn, tortilla chips, cheese, salsa and lime vinaigrette.

• Thai Chicken Salad – Chicken, cabbage, carrots, edamame, cilantro, peanuts and spicy Thai dressing.

• Chicken Buddha Bowl – Chicken, quinoa, sautéed veggies, avocado and tahini dressing.

Casseroles and Pastas

Stretch shredded chicken by baking into comforting casseroles or tossing with pasta. Try recipes like:

• Chicken Pot Pie – Chicken, vegetables and sauce baked between a flaky pie crust.

• King Ranch Chicken – Chicken, tortilla chips, peppers, cream of chicken soup and cheese make this Tex-Mex classic.

• Chicken Parmesan Pasta – Toss chicken with penne, marinara sauce and mozzarella.

• Chicken Tetrazzini – A creamy blend of chicken, pasta, mushrooms, sherry and Parmesan cheese.

• Chicken Lasagna – Layer lasagna noodles with chicken, ricotta, mozzarella and marinara sauce.

Snacks and Appetizers

Shredded chicken also shines in finger foods and party appetizers. Some crowdpleasing recipes include:

• Buffalo Chicken Dip – Chicken blended with cream cheese, Cheddar, hot sauce and served with tortilla chips.

• Chicken Nachos – Top tortilla chips with chicken, beans, salsa, cheese and jalapenos.

• Chicken Sliders – Pile chicken on petite buns with toppings like pesto mayo, bacon and Swiss cheese.

• Chicken Quesadillas – Sauté chicken with onions and peppers, stuff in tortillas with cheese.

• Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Stir-fry chicken in an Asian-style sauce and serve in lettuce cups.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using up leftover shredded chicken! With a little creativity, you can give weeknight meals exciting new flavor. Shredded chicken is budget-friendly, nutritious and easy to incorporate into all kinds of global cuisines. Keep your fridge stocked with this versatile ingredient so you’re never short on quick and delicious dinner ideas.