What Does Shredded Chicken Go With? 25+ Delicious Ways to Transform Your Leftovers

Ever stared blankly at that container of shredded chicken in your fridge wondering what the heck to do with it? Trust me, I’ve been there more times than I can count! That lonely tupperware of chicken sitting there, practically begging to be turned into something amazing rather than just reheated and eaten plain (again).

As someone who regularly batch-cooks chicken for the week or grabs those irresistible Costco rotisserie chickens (seriously who can resist getting two?) I’ve had to get pretty creative with shredded chicken over the years. And today, I’m sharing my favorite ways to transform this versatile protein into mouthwatering meals that’ll have your family asking for seconds.

Why Shredded Chicken is Your Secret Weapon

Before diving into all the delicious possibilities, let’s talk about why shredded chicken deserves a permanent spot in your meal prep routine:

• It’s super versatile and works with countless flavor profiles
• Saves tons of time on busy weeknights
• Freezes beautifully (I always have bags in my freezer!)
• Provides lean protein that soaks up whatever flavors you pair it with
• Works great with both homemade and store-bought rotisserie chicken

Now let’s explore all the amazing things you can make with that shredded chicken!

Soups and Stews: Comfort in a Bowl

Nothing beats a warm, hearty soup with tender shredded chicken. Here are some classics that never disappoint

• Classic Chicken Noodle Soup – The ultimate comfort food gets even heartier with shredded chicken, noodles, carrots, and celery
• Chicken Tortilla Soup – Southwestern flavors with corn, black beans, jalapeños and crispy tortilla strips
• Buffalo Chicken Soup – Creamy and indulgent with a kick from hot sauce and topped with blue cheese crumbles
• Chicken and Dumplings – A Southern favorite featuring fluffy dumplings cooked right in the broth
• Chicken Posole – A Mexican-inspired stew with hominy, chiles, and fresh lime juice

When I make chicken noodle soup with shredded chicken instead of chunks, the chicken distributes more evenly, giving you that perfect bite every time. Plus, the smaller pieces absorb more broth flavor!

Wraps and Sandwiches: Handheld Perfection

Need a quick lunch? Shredded chicken makes the perfect protein-packed filling:

• Chicken Caesar Wrap – Shredded chicken, crisp romaine, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing
• BBQ Chicken Sandwich – Top with BBQ sauce, melted cheddar, and crispy fried onions
• Buffalo Chicken Wrap – Toss chicken in hot sauce with lettuce, tomatoes, celery, and blue cheese dressing
• Greek Chicken Pita – Stuff with chicken, cucumbers, tomato, red onion, feta, and tzatziki
• Chicken Banh Mi – Layer with pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, and spicy mayo

I’m particularly obsessed with making chicken Caesar wraps for lunch. Pro tip: warm the chicken slightly before assembling so it doesn’t make your wrap cold and soggy!

Mexican-Inspired Favorites

Shredded chicken was practically MADE for Mexican cuisine! The way it soaks up those spices is just chef’s kiss:

• Chicken Enchiladas – Stuff tortillas with chicken, cheese, onions and smother with enchilada or tomatillo sauce
• Chicken Tacos – Season with cumin, chili powder, and cilantro; top with avocado and queso fresco
• Chicken Burritos – Load flour tortillas with chicken, black beans, rice, cheese, and your favorite toppings
• Chicken Tinga – Simmer chicken in a spicy chipotle sauce for tacos that pack a punch
• Chicken Flautas – Roll seasoned chicken in tortillas and fry until crispy for a less messy taco alternative

My family goes CRAZY for chicken enchiladas. I usually make a double batch because the leftovers taste even better the next day after all those flavors have had time to meld together.

Fresh and Filling Salads

Turn basic greens into satisfying meals with protein-packed shredded chicken:

• Chicken Cobb Salad – Chicken, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and blue cheese
• Thai Chicken Salad – Cabbage, carrots, edamame, cilantro, peanuts, and spicy Thai dressing
• Chicken Taco Salad – Lettuce, black beans, corn, tortilla chips, cheese, and lime vinaigrette
• Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad – A lighter take on the classic, using Greek yogurt instead of mayo
• Mango-Lime Chicken Salad – A sweet-spicy combo that’s perfect for summer

When I’m trying to eat healthier, I’ll meal prep a big batch of Greek yogurt chicken salad. It’s lighter than the mayo version but still creamy and satisfying!

Comforting Casseroles and Pastas

Need to feed a crowd or want leftovers for days? These hearty dishes have got you covered:

• Chicken Pot Pie – A classic comfort food with chicken, veggies, and a flaky crust
• King Ranch Chicken – A Tex-Mex casserole with tortilla chips, peppers, and plenty of cheese
• Chicken Tetrazzini – Creamy pasta bake with mushrooms, sherry, and Parmesan
• Chicken and Broccoli Divan – Chicken and broccoli in a creamy sauce topped with cheese
• Chicken Parmesan Pasta – Toss shredded chicken with penne, marinara, and mozzarella
• Creamy Poppy Seed Chicken – A Southern classic served over rice or mashed potatoes

My husband absolutely DEVOURS chicken tetrazzini. It’s become our go-to when we’re entertaining because it feeds a crowd and everyone always asks for the recipe!

Party-Ready Appetizers and Snacks

Got a game day or potluck coming up? Shredded chicken makes crowd-pleasing finger foods:

• Buffalo Chicken Dip – Chicken blended with cream cheese, cheddar, and hot sauce
• Chicken Nachos – Load tortilla chips with chicken, beans, cheese, and jalapeños
• Chicken Quesadillas – Sauté chicken with onions and peppers, stuff in tortillas with cheese
• Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Asian-style chicken served in crisp lettuce cups
• Chicken Sliders – Mini sandwiches with various toppings like pesto mayo or BBQ sauce

Buffalo chicken dip is my absolute weakness! I’ve literally been asked to bring it to every party since the first time I made it. The secret? Using real shredded chicken instead of canned.

Globally-Inspired Dishes

Take your taste buds on a world tour with these international favorites:

• Chicken Fried Rice – A takeout classic made better at home with fresh ingredients
• Chicken Curry – Quick and flavorful served over rice or with naan bread
• Vietnamese Chicken Salad – Fresh herbs, fish sauce, lime juice, and crisp vegetables
• Greek Chicken Stuffed Avocados – A Mediterranean twist on stuffed avocados
• Chicken and Rice Chimichangas – Baked instead of fried for a lighter version

I love making Vietnamese chicken salad when I have mint growing in my garden. The combination of fresh herbs with the tangy dressing and shredded chicken is absolutely divine!

Tips for Perfect Shredded Chicken Every Time

1. Make a big batch – Cook extra chicken whenever possible to have on hand
2. Freeze in portions – Store in 2-cup portions for easy meal planning
3. Season while cooking – Even if you’re not sure how you’ll use it yet, basic seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic) provides a good base
4. Mix it up – Combine white and dark meat for the best flavor
5. Try different cooking methods – Instant Pot, slow cooker, and roasting all work great

Quick Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly with Shredded Chicken

Not sure what sides to serve? These go wonderfully with most shredded chicken dishes:

• Crispy Parmesan potatoes
• Coconut lime rice
• Creamy polenta
• Garlic fried rice
• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Coleslaw (especially with BBQ chicken)
• Potato salad
• Baked beans
• French fries

Final Thoughts

With so many possibilities, shredded chicken should never be boring! From quick lunches to impressive dinners, this versatile protein can do it all. I keep a rotation of these recipes to prevent dinner fatigue, and I’m always amazed at how different the same base ingredient can taste when prepared in different ways.

What’s your favorite way to use shredded chicken? I’m always looking for new ideas to add to my collection! Whether you’re using homemade shredded chicken or picking up a rotisserie bird from the grocery store, these recipes will help you transform that humble protein into meals your whole family will love.

Now excuse me while I go check my freezer to see if I have any shredded chicken stashed away… all this writing has made me hungry for some buffalo chicken dip!

You can pair shredded chicken with sandwiches, tacos, salads, soups, casseroles, and pasta dishes. For classic options, mix it with BBQ sauce for sandwiches, or season it with Mexican spices for tacos or burritos. You can also add it to creamy dishes like chicken gnocchi soup, chicken tetrazzini, or chicken noodle casserole for a comforting meal.