Shredded chicken is a versatile and easy-to-prepare ingredient you can use in keto dishes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty dish to feed a crowd, check out these easy shredded chicken recipes!
Chicken is, without a doubt, one of the most, if not the utmost, popular meats in the world. It is delicious, nutritious, and cheap, which makes it a great choice for those on a budget.
However, chicken can also be quite tricky to cook. Overcook it and it will be dry and rubbery. Undercook it and you risk food poisoning. But shredding chicken is an easy way to create a tasty recipe you can serve alone or with a side dish.
This article describes easy shredded chicken recipes you can seamlessly integrate into your keto diet. Rest assured they will be both delicious and nutritious. And, since they’re easy to make, you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen slaving over a hot stove.
25 Easy Shredded Chicken Recipes for Your Keto Diet
Without keeping you on your toes any longer, let’s take a quick tour through some of the most delicious and easy shredded chicken recipes that you’ll ever come across.
1. Leftover Shredded Chicken Recipe
If you just threw a memorable party and ended up with a lot of leftovers, especially chicken, Simply So Healthy has the perfect recipe for you. The key ingredient, of course, in this case, is chicken, but you’ll also need additional items, such as coconut oil, cauliflower, green pepper, garlic, and heavy whipping cream.
This recipe is perfect for those who are looking to get rid of leftovers in a tasty and keto-friendly way. If you have enough friends that stayed through the afterparty, you can even share this dish with them and enjoy some good company.
Just make sure you’ve properly stored your leftovers before you begin cooking. You don’t want your chicken to go bad in the process. Simply So Healthy has an easy-to-follow recipe with step-by-step instructions and a full list of ingredients.
The best part about it? This recipe is not only keto-friendly but it can also be adapted for gluten-free and dairy-free diets. So, no matter what your dietary restrictions are, you can still enjoy this delicious dish.
2. Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy way to cook chicken that doesn’t require much effort, this crockpot shredded chicken recipe from The Recipe Rebel is perfect for you. All you need is a crockpot, chicken breasts, chicken broth, and some seasonings.
That’s it! Just set it and forget it. The crockpot will do all the work for you. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have time to cook a big meal.
If you never cooked with a crockpot before, don’t worry. The Recipe Rebel has simple instructions that even the most novice cook can follow. And, because this recipe only requires a few simple ingredients, it’s perfect for those on a budget.
The only downside is that you’ll have to wait a few hours for the chicken to cook. But, trust us, it’s worth the wait. This crockpot shredded chicken is moist, flavorful, and a guaranteed show-stealer.
3. Healthy Shredded Chicken Recipe
If you’re eating shredded chicken as part of a healthy diet, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the most nutrition possible. That’s why we love this healthy shredded chicken recipe from 40 Aprons.
This recipe is actually a keto chicken salad made from skinless chicken breasts, mayonnaise, chicken broth, and celery. Of course, the recipe has some additional ingredients, such as seasoning and some recommendations, but we chose to focus on the main ones.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s packed with protein and healthy fats. And, because it’s a salad, it’s also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. This recipe is perfect for those days when you’re craving something light but filling.
And, because it will take you a few minutes to prepare, it’s perfect for busy days or nights. Just make sure you have all the ingredients on hand before you begin. 40 Aprons has a full list of ingredients and measurements, as well as clear instructions.
4. Mexican Shredded Chicken
Ever been to Mexico and feel like you’re missing out on all the delicious food because you’re on a keto diet? Well, we’ve got good news for you. This Mexican shredded chicken recipe from KetoConnect is perfect for those on a keto diet who want to enjoy a delicious Mexican meal.
This recipe is made with skinless chicken breasts, lime juice, ghee, cayenne pepper, shallots, garlic, and Adobo sauce. And, it’s actually a pretty healthy dish.
It has a lot of protein and healthy fats and is relatively low in carbs. Plus, it’s easy to make and only takes a few minutes to prepare. KetoConnect has easy-to-follow instructions so that you won’t spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
5. Shredded Chicken Recipe (Crockpot)
If you own a crockpot and had the chance to cook one or two things in it, then you know how convenient it is. It’s like having your own personal chef. This crockpot shredded chicken recipe from The Salty Marshmallow is perfect for those times when you just don’t have the time to cook a big meal.
This recipe is made with skinless chicken breasts, onion powder, garlic powder, chicken broth, and seasoning. Surprised? So were we when we saw how few ingredients this recipe has.
But, don’t let the simplicity of this recipe deceive you. The end result is a flavorful and moist chicken that’s perfect for any night of the week. The Salty Marshmallow has clear instructions and even provides tips on how to shred the chicken once it’s cooked.
6. Best Shredded Chicken Recipe
Ever heard of Downshiftology’s awesome shredded chicken recipe? We hadn’t either until we started keto. But, now that we have, we’re hooked.
It’s not just a recipe, though; what you’ll find there is an actual guide on how to make the best shredded chicken. And, trust us, it’s worth reading.
This guide covers everything from what type of chicken to buy (hint: go for skinless chicken breasts) to how to shred the chicken once it’s cooked. It also includes a mini-guide on how to store the shredded chicken so that it stays fresh.
Most of us shred our chicken by hand, but Downshiftology provides a few different methods, including using a stand mixer processor or two forks. Whatever you do, just make sure you follow their guide so that you end up with the best shredded chicken possible.
The best part about this recipe? You can use it as a base for all the other recipes we’re going to talk about. Just shred the chicken and then add whatever ingredients you want. The possibilities are endless.
7. Keto Shredded Chicken Recipe
If you’re a keto head, then you know that chicken is one of the best things you can eat. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats and is relatively low in carbs. Plus, it’s super versatile and can be used in a variety of different recipes.
However, what might’ve eluded you is crack chicken. It may sound strange, but it’s actually a thing. And, it’s delicious.
This crack chicken recipe from I Can’t Believe It’s Low Carb is perfect for those on a keto diet. It’s made with skinless chicken breasts, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing mix, and bacon. And, it only takes a few minutes to prepare.
Not only does the website provide you with an absolutely mouth-watering photo of the dish, but they also give clear instructions on how to make it. Plus, they provide a few tips on how to make sure the chicken is cooked properly.
8. Shredded Chicken Recipes (Mexican)
It’s no longer a secret: Mexican food is some of the best food out there. And, it’s not just because of the flavor.
Mexican food is also incredibly diverse. There are so many different dishes to choose from that you could probably eat Mexican food every day and never get bored.
One of the best things about Mexican food is that it’s often made with shredded chicken. And, luckily for us, there are a ton of different recipes to choose from.
This Mexican shredded chicken recipe from House of Yumm is made with skinless chicken breasts, paprika, chicken broth, chili powder, and cumin. And, it only takes a few minutes to prepare.
We can’t guarantee that this recipe will be as good as the ones you’ll find in Mexico, but it’s definitely worth a try. And, if you’re looking for something a little different, House of Yumm also has a recipe for Mexican shredded beef.
9. Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Recipe
Do you have a slow cooker just lying around and some chicken breast and don’t know how to add those up? Natasha Kitchen saves the day with an easy and delicious recipe, this time for slow cooker shredded chicken.
But that’s not all. Not only does this recipe help you solve an incredibly easy problem of adding up a slow cooker and some shredded chicken, but the result is BBQ chicken. And, as we all know, BBQ chicken is delicious.
This recipe only requires four ingredients: skinless chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, half an onion, olive oil, and water. That’s it. Just add those to your slow cooker and let it do its thing.
In a few hours, you’ll have perfectly cooked shredded chicken that’s ready to be eaten. And, if you want, you can even put it on a bun and make a sandwich out of it. If you never had pulled meat sandwiches, you’re in for a real treat.
10. Mediterranean Shredded Chicken Recipes
Raody Recipes takes us on a trip to the Mediterranean with this shredded chicken recipe. This recipe is made with skinless chicken breasts, full-fat Greek yogurt, garlic, vegetable stock, and seasoning.
By the way, when we say seasoning, we mean quite a lot of it, too, so don’t expect to get away with just putting a little bit of salt and pepper on this dish. This recipe calls for things like oregano, paprika, lemon juice, grated garlic, and even za’atar seasoning.
For some of these things, you might even have to go to a specialty store. But trust us when we say that it’s worth it. The end result is a flavorful and healthy shredded chicken dish that’s perfect for a summer day.
Of course, if you’re ready to skip on all of this deliciousness, you could skip on some of the ingredients. It will definitely taste different but ultimately it’s your choice and we won’t judge you.
11. Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe
If you never had shredded chicken breast, you must’ve been living under a rock. This is one of the most popular chicken dishes out there and for a good reason, too. It’s incredibly easy to make and it’s also very versatile.
As Boulder Locavore demonstrates in this recipe, all you need to make shredded chicken breast is skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, and some seasoning. And, if you want, you can even add things like garlic or onion to the mix.
But, before you go ahead and put anything else in the pan, Boulder Locavore recommends that you pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet. This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent it from drying out.
Once you’ve done that, just add the chicken to a hot pan with some olive oil and let it cook for a few minutes. Once it’s cooked through, you can start shredding it with a fork or even your hands. And, if you want, you can even add some BBQ sauce or hot sauce to the mix of this chicken breast recipe.
12. Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe
We’ve said it before, but instant pots are blessings in disguise. How else would you be able to cook an entire chicken in less than an hour? This is what this recipe from Gimme Some Oven is all about.
But, before we get into the specifics of this recipe, we have to mention that it’s not your typical shredded chicken recipe. As all other recipes recommend, it’d be best if you used chicken breasts for the best results.
However, the rules of this instant pot chicken recipe are a bit looser, in the sense that it doesn’t forbid you from using bone-in chicken. You’re free to do so, but there’s a warning though: the chicken will be harder to shred.
So, if you decide to use bone-in chicken, make sure to cook it for a bit longer. As for the cooking time, Gimme Some Oven recommends that you cook the chicken for 10 minutes per pound.
13. Shredded Chicken in Crockpot Recipe
There’s something about mixing shredded cooked chicken breasts and crackpots that just works incredibly well. We can’t quite put our finger on it, but it’s definitely a match made in heaven.
And, if you want to try this combination for yourself, we recommend that you give this recipe from Well Plated a try. This is a very simple recipe that only calls for four ingredients: skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
The recipe even encourages you to customize it to your liking. So, if you want to add things like garlic or onion, feel free to do so. Just know that you might have to cook the chicken for a bit longer.
Once you got your ingredients ready, just add them to the crockpot and let it work its magic. Well Plated recommends that you cook the chicken on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
14. Shredded Chicken Sandwich Recipe
You know why so many people give up on keto without giving it a second thought? Because it makes you ditch possible some of your favorite foods, like chips, pizza, potatoes, and bread. But, as this recipe from Mama Bear’s Cookbook proves, that doesn’t have to be the case.
This is a keto-friendly shredded chicken sandwich that will make your non-keto friends jealous. And the best part is that it only requires four ingredients: shredded chicken, low-carb BBQ sauce, golden monk fruit sweetener, and seasoning.
Ok, we cheated, seasoning isn’t just one ingredient, but you get the point. Once you get everything ready, you’ll need a skillet or a slow cooker to get to work. Trust us that the end result will be mouth-watering.
As for the bread, which is the most intriguing part, the recipe doesn’t give actual instructions on how to bake keto-friendly bread or give you some magical free pass on bread. However, it does suggest that you enjoy the chicken as is, or slap it on some keto buns.
15. Recipe Using Shredded Chicken
Although chicken can get pretty boring and repetitive after a while, there are ways to make it more interesting. This low-carb chicken divan recipe from The Modern Proper is the perfect example of that.
This is a low-carb shredded chicken recipe that’s not only delicious but also pretty healthy. It’s packed with veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and cheese, which makes it an ideal meal for those who are looking to get their daily dose of nutrients.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s very easy to make. The only thing you need to do is cook the chicken and veggies and then mix everything together. Once you’ve done that, all that’s left to do is bake it for a few minutes so the cheese can melt.
We might be oversimplifying things a bit, but that’s the gist of it. If you want to try this recipe for yourself, we suggest that you head over to The Modern Proper and check it out.
16. Recipe for Shredded Chicken
Still trying to figure out the whole shredded chicken thing? No worries, we got you covered. Well Plated strikes again with this delicious and healthy recipe for shredded chicken.
This is a very simple recipe that only requires three ingredients: boneless chicken breasts, olive oil, and salt. That’s it! The recipe doesn’t call for any fancy spices or seasonings, which makes it perfect for those who are new to cooking.
After cooking this dish, you’ll be able to enjoy it as is (it’s mouth-watering), or mix it up and create something new. For example, you can use the shredded chicken to make quesadillas, burritos, or tacos.
The possibilities are endless! So, if you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-make recipe, this is the one for you. Save it for later, so you’ll know how to cook and shred your chicken properly if the need ever arises.
17. Shredded Chicken Taco Recipe
Remember just a short while back that we hinted that you could use shredded chicken to make tacos? Well, what do you know, we found a recipe that does just that.
These shredded chicken tacos from Hip2Keto are the perfect blend of flavorful and healthy. And, best of all, they only require a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
To make these tacos, you’ll need boneless chicken breasts, taco seasoning, onion, parsley, jalapeno, chicken broth, shredded cheddar, and a bunch of other ingredients.
This recipe is definitely different than the others on this list. However, it’s still pretty easy to follow, and the end result is definitely worth it. So, if you’re feeling adventurous, we suggest that you give these tacos a try.
18. Mexican Shredded Chicken Recipe
Are you a Mexican food fan? If so, then you’ll love this next recipe. This Mexican shredded chicken recipe from Taste And See is the perfect way to add some flavor to your chicken. It’s made with a few simple ingredients, including fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, chili powder, and fresh lime juice.
As you can probably tell, this recipe has a bit of a kick to it. However, if you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can always adjust the number of chipotle peppers to suit your taste.
This dish is perfect for those who are looking for an easy and flavorful recipe. It’s also very versatile, as you can enjoy it as is, or use it to make tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
Who are we kidding, it’s perfect for anyone who loves good food. So, if that’s you, make sure to give this recipe a try.
19. Shredded Chicken Recipe Ideas
One thing everyone struggles with when it comes to cooking is coming up with new ideas. That’s why we decided to include this next recipe.
Creativity also becomes somewhat of a burden if you have too many choices, and with chicken, this is exactly the case. You can use chicken in almost everything, so it’s hard to settle on just one recipe with so many possibilities.
Well, the folks over at Keto Diet App have come up with a great idea for you. This low-carb sweet and smoky pulled chicken is just the thing you need to spice up your chicken game.
This recipe is a bit more involved than the others on this list, but it’s still pretty easy to follow. And, best of all, it only takes 30 minutes to make. So, if you’re looking for a new and exciting recipe to try, this is the one for you.
20. Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe
Do you own a crockpot? Are you a fan of chicken? Are you following the keto diet? If you answered yes to all three of those questions, then this next recipe is for you.
This crockpot shredded chicken recipe from Family Food On The Table is the perfect way to make a healthy and delicious meal with minimal effort. All you need is boneless chicken breasts, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chicken broth.
You may not believe it, but all you need is to add all of the ingredients to your crockpot and let it handle things from there. If you never cooked in a crockpot before, this may surprise you. We know, we were just as surprised as you probably are right now.
Anyway, in just a few hours, you’ll have tender and juicy shredded chicken that’s ready to be used in any number of recipes. This recipe is perfect for those who are short on time but still want to eat healthily. So, if that sounds like you, make sure to give this recipe a try.
21. Easy Shredded Chicken Recipe
Tempted to join the bandwagon and try out shredded chicken but most of these recipes are a bit too complicated for your liking? Fret not, we have the perfect solution for you – this easy shredded chicken recipe from Low Carb Yum.
The downside is that you’ll need to have a crock pot, which is something a bit specific for someone not well-versed in the world of cooking. It’s not a difficult cooking method, but it is an extra step.
Other than that, this recipe is as easy as it gets. The only other ingredients you’ll need are chicken breasts, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chicken broth.
After gathering all the supplies and ingredients, place them all in your crock pot as the recipe instructs, and cook everything on low for 6-8 hours. Shredding the chicken is actually the hardest part since you’ll have to be careful not to burn yourself.
As we promised, this recipe is specially designed for cooking novices. So, if you’re new to the world of cooking, this is the perfect recipe for you to start with.
22. 15-Minute Quesadilla – Leftover Shredded Chicken Recipe
This next recipe is for those who want to put their shredded chicken to good use but don’t have the time to cook an elaborate meal. This 15-minute quesadilla from Homemade Mastery is the perfect solution.
The reason why this recipe is so popular is that it uses ingredients that are most likely already in your pantry. All you need is shredded chicken, shredded cheese, and tortillas.
If you have those three things, then you’re good to go. Just follow the instructions and have a delicious quesadilla in no time. This recipe is also great because you can easily customize it to your liking.
For example, if you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily swap it out for beef or pork. And, if you want to add some more flavor to your quesadilla, feel free to add some salsa or hot sauce.
Just make sure to use keto-friendly tortillas if you don’t want to mess up your macros and get your body out of ketosis.
23. Easy Recipe with Shredded Chicken
Yet another fan-favorite recipe that won’t have you get a degree in cooking sciences, this easy recipe with shredded chicken from Healthy Recipes is one of the most-searched recipes on the internet.
This chicken casserole is not only delicious but also healthy and low in carbs, making it perfect for those on the keto diet. And, since it’s so easy to make, it’s great for busy weeknights when you don’t have the time or energy to cook a complicated meal.
The best part about this recipe is that it only takes 30 minutes to make, from start to finish. So, if you’re ever in a pinch and need to get dinner on the table fast, this is the perfect recipe for you.
After gathering the ingredients, you just have to mix everything together and let it simmer for a bit. That’s it. And, once it’s finished cooking, you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will love.
24. Keto Chicken Enchilada Bowl – Recipes for Shredded Chicken
This next recipe is for those who are looking for a keto-friendly version of chicken enchiladas. This keto chicken enchilada bowl from Hey Keto Mama is the perfect solution.
Enchiladas are usually made with tortillas, but this recipe skips them altogether, making it low in carbs and keto-friendly. Instead of using tortillas, this recipe has you make the enchiladas in a bowl, so you don’t need to worry about the carbs.
The filling is made with shredded chicken, cheese, and a variety of spices, making it extremely flavorful. If you’d rather have something closer to the original, you can use lettuce leaves instead.
We know that they’re not the same as the real thing, but they’ll still taste delicious. Plus, you won’t have to worry about ruining your macros, so that’s a plus.
25. Crispy Verde – Shredded Chicken Tacos Recipe
These crispy Verde tacos from Tastes Lovely are the perfect way to use up your leftover shredded chicken. Tacos are usually made with ground beef, but this recipe uses shredded chicken instead.
Furthermore, it has instructions on how to prepare this dish in various ways, such as using an instant pot, stovetop, or slow cooker. The secret here is the salsa verde, which gives the tacos a delicious and unique flavor.
And, if you want to make these tacos even more flavorful, feel free to add some shredded cheese or sour cream. Just make sure to use keto-friendly tortillas or skip them altogether if you’re trying to stay low in carbs.
However, we might be oversimplifying things a bit, so if you want to get into the nitty-gritty and read a more comprehensive guide, head over to Tastes Lovely as soon as you get the chance.
The next section gives you more information about shredded chicken recipes.
Easy Shredded Chicken Recipes (FAQ)
This section gives you simple answers to common questions about shredded chicken.
What can I put shredded chicken on?
There are many things you can put shredded chicken on, such as tacos, salads, soups, and more. However, if you’re following the keto diet, it’s important to make sure that you’re using keto-friendly ingredients for the side dishes too.
What is the fastest way to shred chicken?
The fastest way to shred chicken is to use a food processor. However, if you don’t have one, you can also shred the chicken by hand using a fork or a knife. Some users suggest using stand mixers, as they apparently yield impressive results.
What is the difference between pulled chicken and shredded chicken?
The main difference between pulled chicken and shredded chicken is that pulled chicken is usually cooked in a slow cooker, while shredded chicken is cooked using other methods, such as stovetop, oven, or instant pot.
Does chicken shred easier hot or cold?
Some people say that chicken is easier to shred when it’s cold, as it’s less likely to fall apart. However, others say that it’s easier to shred when it’s hot, as the meat is more tender. If you’re not sure, we suggest trying both methods to see which one works better for you.
How long should you boil chicken to shred it?
It depends on how big the chicken pieces are. If they’re small, it might only take a few minutes to shred them. However, if they’re larger, it might take longer. We suggest boiling the chicken until it’s cooked through and then trying to shred it.
Is shredded chicken good for you?
Shredded chicken is a good source of protein and is low in fat. It’s also fairly easy to cook, so it’s a good option for those who are trying to eat healthily but don’t have a lot of time to cook.
Is shredded chicken good for weight loss?
Shredded chicken is a good source of protein, which can help with weight loss. It’s also low in calories and fat, so it’s a good choice for those who are trying to lose weight.
How do I use dry shredded chicken?
Dry shredded chicken can be used in a variety of ways, such as in soups, tacos, salads, and more. If you’re not sure how to use it, we suggest looking for recipes that call for dry shredded chicken.
Is a chicken sandwich good for losing weight?
A chicken sandwich can be a good option for those who are trying to lose weight. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re using keto-friendly bread and toppings.
How long does shredded chicken last in the fridge?
Shredded chicken will last in the fridge for up to 4 days. However, it’s important to make sure that it’s properly stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze shredded chicken?
Yes, you can freeze shredded chicken. Just store it in an airtight container and use it within three months. It’s probably safe to eat after that, but the quality might not be as good.
Do I need to cook the chicken before shredding it?
No, you don’t need to cook the chicken before shredding it. However, we suggest cooking it first so that it’s easier to shred and so that you don’t have to worry about raw chicken getting on your hands or clothes.
The next and final section summarizes the entire article on easy shredded chicken recipes.
Easy Shredded Chicken Recipes (Conclusion)
To wrap it up, these are some of the best easy shredded chicken recipes that we’ve found. We hope you enjoyed them and that they helped you on your keto journey.
As you might’ve noticed, some of them are simpler than others. However, we think that they’re all delicious and easy to make.
Most of them require you to know how to cook chicken. Not only that, but they also require you to shred it, so you’ll also need to know how to do that. But don’t worry if you don’t. We’ve included a few recipes that can teach you how to cook and shred chicken like an expert.
As always, if you don’t feel comfortable cooking chicken, you can always buy it pre-cooked and shredded. Just make sure that it’s keto-friendly.