Our Best Shredded Chicken Recipes

Move over pulled pork — it’s time for fork-tender shredded chicken to shine! Whether you simmer it for hours in your slow cooker or quickly poach it on the stovetop, it’s guaranteed to be juicy, flavorful and delicious.

April 23, 2021

By: Lauren Tom Cerone

Related To:

Photo By: Teri Lyn Fisher

Photo By: The Youngrens ©Copyright: 2011 The Youngrens, Inc

Photo By: MATT BALL

Photo By: Teri Lyn Fisher

Photo By: AJ Wilhelm Photography

Photo By: Armando Rafael

Photo By: RYAN DAUSCH

Slow-Cooker Shredded Chicken

This simple recipe takes only a few minutes to get into the pot, cooks while you go about your day and will reward you with meals all week. Use the shredded chicken in salads, sandwiches, pastas, quesadillas, tacos, soups — or even as a pizza topping.

Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooker Shredded Chicken

Shredded Spicy Chicken Tostadas

Chicken tinga is easy to make at home. Once you shred your chicken warm it in a flavorful sauce made from chorizo, garlic, chipotle pepper and tomato. Then, simply spoon over store-bought tostadas.

Get the Recipe: Shredded Spicy Chicken Tostadas (Tinga)

Tex-Mex Pulled Chicken

Ree’s recipe for pulled chicken (which is loaded up with smoky spices) will be your new go-to when making tacos, fajitas and even quesadillas.

Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Pulled Chicken

Shredded, Saucy BBQ Chicken Sammies

Forget burger night! Rachael serves up juicy, shredded chicken flavored with a quick, sweet-and-savory sauce made with brown sugar, spices and tomato paste.

Get the Recipe: Shredded, Saucy BBQ Chicken Sammies

Meal Prep Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Cook a couple of pounds of chicken at the start of the week, shred it up, and you have the base for an infinite number of quick and easy meals. This version of the meal prep staple (usually so bland, so blah) is so flavorful, you don't need to do much (or really anything) to dress it up.

Get the Recipe: Meal Prep Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Slow Cooker Pineapple Habanero Pulled Chicken

Who would have thought that a little pineapple could take pulled chicken to delicious new heights? The sweetness of the fruit keeps the spicy habaneros in check, for the perfect balance of flavors.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pineapple Habanero Pulled Chicken

Pulled Chicken Gumbo

Shredded chicken is good for more than just meal prep and sandwiches! Simmer a rich, thick broth with celery, onion and bell pepper and then load it up with shredded chicken for a simple take on gumbo.

Get the Recipe: Pulled Chicken Gumbo

Instant Pot Hawaiian Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Inspired by the sweet-and-savory flavors of the tropics, this shredded chicken features pineapple, garlic and cayenne pepper. Top it with a simple, creamy homemade slaw for the perfect sandwich.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Hawaiian Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Instant Pot Pulled Chicken

There’s no shortage of flavor with this super-simple take on pulled chicken, thanks to diced green chiles, fresh cilantro, chili powder and cumin.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pulled Chicken

Migas-Filled Chile Rellenos with Pulled Chicken, Tomato Salsa and Chiuhaha Sauce

If you’re ready to up your culinary skills, Bobby’s next-level recipe is for you. There’s a bit of work involved but trust us, these chicken-stuffed chile peppers are worth it. They’re creamy, cheesy and delicious — in every bite.

Get the Recipe: Migas-Filled Chile Rellenos with Pulled Chicken, Tomato Salsa and Chiuhaha Sauce