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Shredded chicken is a simple, easy, and effective way to utilize juicy, moist chicken in various recipes. From casseroles to dips, tacos to soups – here are more than 45 of our favorite shredded chicken recipes.

12-image cover graphic for 45+ of the best shredded chicken recipes.

Why We Love These Recipes

How could you not?! First of all, they all incorporate one of our favorite versions of chicken… shredded chicken. Shredded chicken is so easy to make, and it’s perfect to keep in the fridge or freezer for anytime you need protein in a pinch. Chicken is so versatile – you can literally use it in almost any recipe, with almost any seasonings or sides.

All of the recipes in this list either call for shredded chicken explicitly, or can at least use it with no noticeable difference. If you’re new to shredded chicken, start with the basics. The Best Shredded Chicken actually goes over five easy shredding methods that will work for any cooked chicken, so just pick your favorite and let’s get cooking!

Basic Recipes for Shredded Chicken

Shredded chicken in a bowl

1. The Best Shredded Chicken (Plus 5 Shredding Methods)

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eThis is the very best shredded chicken! Moist, tender, and full of flavor (never dry or bland!), it’s easy to make and perfect in so many recipes, like casseroles, chicken salad, Mexican recipes, and more.u003c/pu003e
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Shredded salsa chicken in an Instant Pot.

2. Instant Pot Salsa Chicken (Only 3 Ingredients)

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eSo easy to make and with only three ingredients, this Instant Pot salsa chicken is tender, delicious, and full of flavor. Perfect for tacos, enchiladas, or really any Mexican chicken dish, this versatile dinner recipe is on repeat at our house!u003c/pu003e
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The bbq chicken shredded in an instant pot ready to serve

3. Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eMaking BBQ chicken in the Instant Pot couldn’t be easier with this recipe! It uses only 3 ingredients but is loaded with flavor, plus a hack for shredding the chicken easily. Can be made Whole30, paleo, low carb, keto.u003c/pu003e
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Slow cooker shredded Mexican chicken in a large cast-iron skillet, garnished with lime wedges and cilantro.

4. 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eA favorite recipe in my house for well over a decade now, this slow cooker Mexican chicken is a total dream. It’s completely hands-off and made with only 3(!) store-bought ingredients, plus it’s perfect in tacos, salads, burritos, quesadillas, bowls, or nachos. I’ve always got the ingredients for this one on hand!u003c/pu003e
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A large white bowl of Instant Pot shredded chicken.

5. Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eThis shredded chicken is seriously juicy and tender, made in the Instant Pot. With a secret for making this better than your average shredded chicken, it’s quick, easy, and loaded with flavor. This is my favorite way to make shredded chicken, and my hack for shredding makes it faster than ever! Perfect in any recipe that calls for shredded chicken, like chicken salad, casseroles, soups, and more.u003c/pu003e
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Shredded Chicken Salads & Dips

A close-up look at a large neutral bowl holding marry me chicken salad, with sun dried tomatoes and fresh basil.

6. Marry Me Chicken Salad

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eAll the flavors of our fan-favorite Marry Me Chicken, in tender, creamy chicken salad form! Shredded chicken, loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and parmesan cheese, this twist on chicken salad is packed with flavor and a favorite at every BBQ and potluck I’ve been to!u003c/pu003e
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Top-down view of a bowl of Mexican chicken salad with shredded chicken, peas, carrots, and sour cream in a large bowl.

7. Mexican Chicken Salad (Ensalada de Pollo)

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eMexican chicken salad is tender shredded chicken tossed in a creamy sauce with mixed veggies, fresh cilantro, and jalapeños… Tons of flavor! One of my favorites from my time in Texas and California, this is a great dish to serve at any potluck, cookout, or BBQ and will be gone in no time. Delicious on tostadas, with saltines for dipping, as a sandwich, or even eaten straight with a fork!u003c/pu003e
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A white woman's hand holds a ridged potato chip, using it to scoop Nashville hot chicken dip out of a large bowl.

8. Nashville Hot Chicken Dip

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eThis irresistible recipe blends buttery breadcrumbs, dill pickles, Nashville Hot chicken seasoning, and tender shredded chicken for all the flavors of Nashville Hot chicken in a dip! Unique and guaranteed to delight, serve this Nashville Hot chicken dip with potato chips, veggies, or pretzel crisps for the most fun potluck, football, Super Bowl, or entertaining dish!u003c/pu003e
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9. Cranberry Chicken Salad

Recipe from Easy Healthy Recipes
u003cpu003eCreamy, sweet, and tangy, this simple cranberry chicken salad recipe is absolutely amazing! It’s filled with fresh ingredients and bright flavors, from celery, apples, and cranberries, to creamy mayo, dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. It’s a favorite in my home every winter – one bite and you’ll see why!u003c/pu003e
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Overhead view of Instant Pot buffalo chicken dip in a cast-iron skillet. Dip is topped with blue cheese crumbles and green onions.

10. Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eThis creamy, spicy, totally delicious buffalo chicken dip is made even quicker and easier in the Instant Pot! A football-season staple, I could eat this tailgating-worthy dip every day, and everyone will love how packed with flavor it is. With ranch dressing, cream cheese, tender shredded chicken, and cheddar, this buffalo chicken dip is just the best!u003c/pu003e
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Overhead view of BBQ chicken salad in a bowl surrounded by corn on the cob, watermelon slices, and other barbecue essentials.

11. BBQ Chicken Salad

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eThis BBQ chicken salad is a delicious take on a picnic or potluck classic. Smoky, sweet barbecue sauce turns this shredded chicken salad into a new favorite, delicious by itself, on a bed of lettuce, or on a bun for a make-ahead barbecue sandwich! Here in Memphis, we know a thing or two about barbecue, and I know you’ll love this upgrade to a traditional dish!u003c/pu003e
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A bowl of tarragon chicken salad with slivered almonds.

12. Tarragon Chicken Salad with Sliced Almonds

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eDress up your everyday chicken salad with fresh tarragon and sliced almonds for a slightly fancy feel. Perfect for baby or bridal showers, served in lettuce cups or on croissants, or made in advance for easy meal prep lunches. Naturally Whole30, paleo, low carb, and keto.u003c/pu003e
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Chicken salad with grapes on a buttered croissant

13. Chicken Salad with Grapes

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eThis is the ultimate chicken salad with grapes! Positively packed with flavor, thanks to red grapes, celery, green apple, green onion, and toasted pecans, this is the last chicken salad recipe you’ll ever need. Quick and easy to make, it’s perfect for entertaining, like for potlucks, brunches, or showers.u003c/pu003e
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A large white bowl of buffalo chicken salad garnished with green herbs.

14. Buffalo Chicken Salad

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eCreamy chicken salad spiked with spicy buffalo sauce makes for the perfect lunch or party dish! This buffalo chicken salad is super easy to make and is completely addictive. Made with deliciously tender, shredded chicken, it’s perfect as a sandwich or with chips or crackers as a dip.u003c/pu003e
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Keto chicken salad in a large ceramic bowl

15. Keto Chicken Salad (Classic Shredded Chicken Salad)

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eThis creamy, shredded chicken salad is the perfect go-to chicken salad recipe… and it’s keto! Made in the style of beloved shredded chicken salads like Chicken Salad Chick or Costco’s rotisserie chicken salad, it’s quick and easy to make and perfect for meal prep all week. 0g net carbs!u003c/pu003e
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Shredded Chicken Soups, Chilis, & Gumbos

Overhead image of a white bowl holding deep reddish brown chicken an sausage gumbo with a mound of white rice in the center.

16. Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eSavory, hearty chicken and sausage gumbo is packed with flavor and delicious ingredients. Andouille sausage, tender chicken, a rich roux, the holy trinity, and a handful of spices, with a cooking method that forces you to slow down and take it easy. This is one of our favorite one-pot recipes for soup season or anytime!u003c/pu003e
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Overhead view of a bowl of white chicken chili, cooked in the Instant Pot, with avocado, cilantro, and tortilla chips.

17. Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eCreamy, savory white chicken chili is even better when it’s made in the Instant Pot. With tender white beans, juicy chicken breasts, sweet corn, spicy green chiles, and a blend of spices, this nutritious one-pot meal is hearty and flavorful – exactly what you need this soup season.u003c/pu003e
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18. Chicken Florentine Soup

Recipe from Easy Healthy Recipes
u003cpu003eThis chicken florentine soup is creamy, comforting, and surprisingly healthy! It’s packed with fresh veggies, chicken, and a few simple seasonings.u003c/pu003e
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Angled view of a misshapen white bowl containing pale orange buffalo chicken soup topped with green onions and cheese.

19. Buffalo Chicken Soup

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eCreamy and cheesy delicious, this buffalo chicken soup recipe is perfect as an appetizer or main entrée for all buffalo lovers! Made with veggies, tender shredded chicken, cheddar and cream cheese, this spicy buffalo chicken soup is everything you’d hope for!u003c/pu003e
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Shredded Chicken Tacos, Enchiladas, & Burritos

Close-up of a chicken carnitas taco with Instant Pot chicken carnitas.

20. Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eTender, flavorful chicken carnitas are made quickly and easily in the Instant Pot. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or taco salads, this recipe is loaded with flavor and one of our favorite dinners! My entire family loves this twist on traditional pork carnitas.u003c/pu003e
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Healthy chicken tostadas on a plate in front of a pan of tostadas.

21. Healthy Chicken Tostadas

Recipe from Easy Healthy Recipes
u003cpu003eHealthy baked chicken tostadas are a simple Mexican recipe packed full of authentic flavors. The tasty chicken tinga is quick to make and is a great easy weeknight meal.u003c/pu003e
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Close-up of Instant Pot chicken tacos with flour tortillas, lettuce, crumbled queso, pico, and a lime wedge.

22. Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eThese Instant Pot chicken tacos are so easy to make but don’t skimp on flavor! Made with simple ingredients, these tacos feature tender, shredded chicken cooked in salsa and taco seasoning, stuffed into tortillas, and topped with an optional (but delicious!) avocado-jalapeño sauce. A must for every weeknight dinner rotation!u003c/pu003e
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A stack of buffalo chicken quesadilla triangles.

23. Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

Recipe from Easy Healthy Recipes
u003cpu003eThese buffalo chicken quesadillas are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and they’re loaded with tangy buffalo chicken and melty cheese on the inside! With a few simple ingredients and in just 10 minutes you’ll have a flavor-packed lunch or dinner.u003c/pu003e
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24. Baked Chicken Tacos

Recipe from Easy Healthy Recipes
u003cpu003eBaked chicken tacos are THE perfect taco night recipe. Quick and oh-so-easy, hard taco shells are stuffed with seasoned, shredded chicken, refried beans, tangy salsa, and shredded cheese, then baked until warm, melty, and deliciously crunchy.u003c/pu003e
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3 burritos suizos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

25. Burrito Suizo with Shredded Chicken and Pinto Beans

Recipe from Easy Cheap Recipes
u003cpu003eThis easy and delicious burrito suizo is filled with seasoned rice, pinto beans, shredded chicken and Mexican cheese. Topped with enchilada sauce and gooey melted cheese, this recipe is sure to be loved by the whole family.u003c/pu003e
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Overhead photo showing 4 jerk chicken tacos lined up on a sheet of parchment paper with tortilla chips and mango salsa.

26. Jerk Chicken Tacos

Recipe from Easy Cheap Recipes
u003cpu003eLoaded with flavor, these jerk chicken tacos are a delicious twist on Caribbean flavors. Tender and juicy jerk chicken is layered with a creamy jerk aioli, a simple, tangy slaw, and topped with a sweet touch from the pineapple salsa. Absolutely delicious!u003c/pu003e
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Four shredded chicken tacos arranged on a sheet of parchment paper.

27. Shredded Chicken Tacos

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eThese shredded chicken tacos are absolutely perfect! Quick and easy to make, we like them even better than ones from our local Mexican restaurant. Easy to adapt to different diets and delicious loaded up with toppings!u003c/pu003e
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Chicken birria tacos arranged on a blue and white platter.

28. Chicken Birria Tacos

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eIf you’re a fan of bold, tangy, smoky flavors, crispy taco shells, melty cheese, and tender, juicy chicken, then you will absolutely LOVE these chicken birria tacos as much as I do! This restaurant-quality dish is surprisingly easy to cook at home and makes enough to feed a group or double as tonight’s dinner and tomorrow’s lunch. Transform your basic Taco Tuesday with these saucy chicken-stuffed tacos!u003c/pu003e
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Close-up of Crockpot chicken tacos lined up in a row on a platter.

29. Crockpot Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eThese easy, hands-off Crockpot chicken tacos have been a favorite in my house for years. So tender and full of flavor, they’re perfect for a busy weeknight dinner – the slow cooker does almost all the work! The creamy avocado-cilantro sauce puts them over the top. Just add your favorite toppings and enjoy!u003c/pu003e
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Shredded Chicken Pastas

Overhead photo of a large white rectangular casserole dish holding a baked buffalo chicken mac & cheese.

30. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eRich and creamy buffalo chicken mac and cheese is comfort food perfection. With just enough heat, balanced beautifully by an incredible cheese sauce, this tender pasta dish is the perfect side for BBQs, potlucks, or your next family dinner.u003c/pu003e
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A bowl of chicken and noodles cooked in the Instant Pot.

31. Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles

Recipe from Easy Healthy Recipes
u003cpu003eInstant Pot chicken and noodles is the epitome of comfort food! With juicy shredded chicken, tender egg noodles, and a creamy sauce, all cooked quick and easy in the pressure cooker. You’ll want to make this cozy pasta dish over and over!u003c/pu003e
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Two chicken and spinach stuffed manicotti topped with melty cheese and a sprinkle of minced herbs.

32. Chicken and Spinach Manicotti

Recipe from Easy Cheap Recipes
u003cpu003eChicken and spinach manicotti is such a delicious comfort dish the whole family will absolutely love! The manicotti shells are filled with a delicious well-seasoned ricotta mixture. Topped with a creamy Alfredo sauce, this recipe is amazingly ooey-gooey cheesy!u003c/pu003e
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Close-up of chicken pesto pasta in a bowl

33. One-Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eThis one-pot chicken pesto pasta is a weeknight dinner dream! Made with a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, it’s loaded with delicious pesto-y flavor and only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken and is one of our favorite meals made with fridge and pantry staples.u003c/pu003e
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Shredded Chicken Casseroles

34. Ultimate Chicken Casserole

Recipe from Easy Cheap Recipes
u003cpu003eUltra creamy, easy to make, and loaded with bacon, cheese, corn, chicken, and egg noodles…there’s no doubt why this is called the ULTIMATE chicken casserole! Super family friendly, savory, and satisfying, this casserole also reheats well. It’s just delicious!u003c/pu003e
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Overhead view of a white rectangular casserole dish full of cheesy chicken, broccoli, and rice.

35. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eThis cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole positively oozes comfort. Totally homemade (right down to the cheese sauce – no canned soups here!) and full of delicious flavor and satisfying ingredients. Simple, and simply incredible, this is one recipe your family will beg you to make over and over again.u003c/pu003e
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Poppy Seed Chicken Overhead Shot

36. Poppy Seed Chicken

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eThis poppy seed chicken is a cheesy, creamy dream! The best part is, it takes little time and effort to make. Serve it alongside roasted veggies for a simple, yet delicious meal.u003c/pu003e
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A large pan of fries topped with buffalo chicken, green onions, and ranch dressing.

37. Buffalo Chicken Fries

Recipe from Easy Healthy Recipes
u003cpu003eGame day just got a whole lot tastier! These loaded buffalo chicken fries are the ultimate app – easy to share, full of flavor, and super satisfying. Your favorite fries topped with shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and creamy ranch dressing. Your guests will ask for these again and again!u003c/pu003e
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Chicken pot pie casserole in a square dish, with a corner scooped out to show some of the filling.

38. Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eAll the flavor of a creamy, savory chicken pot pie, in an easy-to-make casserole topped with buttery, flaky puff pastry! A perfect dinner recipe for fall, this recipe is rich, filling, and satisfying. Family friendly and irresistible, even my picky toddlers will scarf this down!u003c/pu003e
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A scoop of creamy chicken and stuffing casserole being lifted out of a casserole dish, showing the creamy sauce and green beans inside.

39. Creamy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eA full chicken and stuffing dinner, all made quick and easy in one dish! My little secret is that I actually like this better than traditional chicken and stuffing, because of the deliciously creamy sauce! My kids love this for a weeknight dinner, or sub it in on a holiday for a small group or single.u003c/pu003e
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Other Shredded Chicken Recipes

Overhead view of buffalo chicken egg rolls on a sheet of parchment paper next to a ramekin of ranch dressing.

40. Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eBaked buffalo chicken egg rolls are a tasty, easy-to-make snack that’s great for parties, game days, or any time at all. They’re a little spicy and deliciously crunchy, made with only 5 ingredients and ready to eat in 30 minutes.u003c/pu003e
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A close, angled view of a white woman's hand pulling a buffalo chicken slider away from other sliders, with an ooey gooey cheese pull connecting them.

41. Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eNo flag on this play – these buffalo chicken sliders are perfect for tailgates, game day gatherings, or enjoying all on your own. They’re easy, impressive, and totally delicious, combining spicy shredded chicken, creamy ranch, melty mozzarella, sweet bread, and a savory seasoned butter topping for a crowd-pleasing take on a classic party dip.u003c/pu003e
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Close up of BBQ chicken bowl with sweet potatoes and coleslaw

42. BBQ Chicken Bowls with Sweet Potatoes and Coleslaw (Whole30)

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eThese BBQ chicken bowls are loaded with so much goodness: shredded BBQ chicken, seasoned cubed sweet potatoes roasted until crisp, a simple coleslaw, and quick homemade dill pickles. They’re paleo and filling and surprisingly quick and easy. Whole30 and paleo, too.u003c/pu003e
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These Whole30 Instant Pot Mexican stuffed sweet potatoes with chicken are the perfect Whole30 dinner: insanely full of flavor, filling, and full of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Your new go-to Whole30 Mexican recipe! A great anytime paleo Mexican dinner, too.

43. Mexican Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eThese Mexican stuffed sweet potatoes are a favorite dinner recipe! Stuffed with tender chicken and topped with a quick guacamole, they’re so healthy and insanely full of flavor. Whole30 and paleo, these stuffed sweet potatoes are filling, full of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. u003c/pu003e
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Buffalo chicken meal prep with avocado, cauliflower rice, and ranch dressing in container

44. Buffalo Chicken Ranch Whole30 Meal Prep (Paleo, Keto)

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eThis Whole30 buffalo chicken ranch meal prep is Whole30 meal prep perfection! Totally loaded with flavor, protein, healthy fats, and fiber, this is a great meal prep idea for lunch. With cauliflower rice and homemade ranch dressing, this will definitely become one of your favorite meal prep recipes.u003c/pu003e
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Crockpot-cooked pulled BBQ chicken on a sandwich bun with pickle chips and coleslaw.

45. Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eA classic Southern dish made even easier with a Crockpot, these BBQ chicken sandwiches basically scream “summer cookout”. Tender, juicy pulled chicken smothered in a savory, slightly sweet, smoky BBQ sauce and served on toasted brioche with a dollop of tangy coleslaw. A favorite in my family for years!u003c/pu003e
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Buffalo chicken stuffed sweet potatoes topped with ranch dressing and green onions.

46. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Buffalo Chicken u0026 Ranch

Recipe from 40 Aprons
u003cpu003eA long-time 40 Aprons favorite, our recipe for tender sweet potatoes stuffed with creamy buffalo chicken is nutritious, delicious, and unbelievably simple. It’s a full meal that’s full of flavor, thanks to the baked sweet potatoes, shredded chicken, and creamy buffalo ranch sauce. Made with just a few ingredients, it’s perfect to throw together for a busy weeknight dinner. Whole30 and paleo-friendly, too!u003c/pu003e
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More Recipe Roundups

Cheryl Malik

In addition to being a certified health coach, certified yoga instructor, and mom of 3, Cheryl is also the recipe developer, editor-in-chief, food photographer, and passionate foodie behind 40 Aprons. Having spent the last 10+ years as a food blogger, she's become known for her flavorful recipes, detailed instructions, gorgeous photography, and down-to-earth approach to food and cooking in general.

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One Comment

  1. I’ve never seen so many ways to make shredded chicken taste much better than it does, since it’s one of my least favorite ingredients, really for the texture unless its mixed with great ingredients, like with sweet potatoes in chilaquiles, so thank you for all of these

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