One of the things I hear from clients a ton when we’re finding new and different options to satisfy their hunger on the regular (often I recommend food prepping as a way to have food consistently on hand) and allow them to feel their very best is, “I just don’t know what to DO with the food I make! What this often means is they let the food go to waste… or they’re eating that food because they have it on hand, but it’s not satisfying them, and that defeats the purpose of eating intuitively! Now- let me clarify, eating intuitively doesn’t mean every meal will be 110% satisfying. Some meals will hit the mark, some won’t. But overall, your meals should be satisfying, more often than not. What I like to recommend is preparing ingredients ahead, rather than full meals (unless you’re cool with leftovers for a day or two) so you can use that ingredient in a variety of ways.
Shredded chicken is one of my favorites to do just that- and as a bonus, it’s SUPER easy to make– and it can be used in SO many different ways. It doesn’t have to be boring!
Here’s how to make it:
1-2 pounds chicken (I usually like using chicken breast but you can use thighs as well)
4+ cups water or broth (enough to cover the chicken)
Pinch of salt if using water
Stove top: Combine chicken, water or broth and a pinch of salt in a medium pot or dutch oven. Bring it to a boil and immediately turn down heat to low. Let simmer for 30-40 minutes. Strain, let cool slightly and shred meat using two forks or mixer.
Instant Pot: Place all ingredients in pot. Cover, ensure valve is closed and cook on manual/high pressure 20 minutes. Let release naturally for 10 minutes. Cool and shred.
Slow Cooker: Place in slow cooker and cook on low 4-6 hours. Cool and shred.
Shredded Chicken, 5 ways:
1. Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is one of my FAVORITE ways to use shredded chicken for lunches, and it’s SO easy to make. Here are four of my favorite varieties:
2. Bowls
Who doesn’t love a good power bowl? I know I do, because I LOVE to mix and match ingredients. Shredded chicken is the perfect protein addition.
Here are a few favorites:
Weeknight Peanut Chicken Bowls
Summer Power Bowls
3. Soup
We all love a good chicken soup, am I right? Use up that bone broth you’ve got in the freezer and throw together a quick chicken soup with shredded chicken.
Spring Chicken Soup with Wild Rice
Comfy Chicken Soup
4. Casseroles
Every casserole needs a good protein to round it all out– having shredded chicken on hand makes casseroles mix-and-bake. I know, so mom of me– but casseroles are a GREAT family-feeder. This quinoa fajita casserole is delicious and simple: Quinoa Fajita Casserole.
5. Enchiladas (or tacos!)
Any Mexican food lovers out there? I mean who doesn’t love tacos?! Shredded chicken is a great addition to tacos, burritos, or my favorite– enchiladas.
Try out this easy option: Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
Are you feeling a little more inspired about shredded chicken? I hope so! Share with us in the Healthy Mama Facebook Community your favorite ways to use shredded chicken!
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