Today, I’m sharing my favorite way to meal prep chicken for fantastic meals all week long.
Below the video you’ll find all three meal prep ideas, plus 11 more easy shredded chicken recipes. They all work with homemade shredded chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
While I love a crispy, butter-covered roasted chicken in the oven as much as the next all-American girl, I also want ways to enjoy healthy meals that don’t have a ton of oil to keep them light and my digestion easy.
Enter: Healthy Shredded Chicken Meal Prep. Click play on the video above (or watch it on YouTube here) to learn how to do it!
The beauty of meal prepping like this is that you can make this chicken any day of the week and it keeps beautifully for 4 days in the refrigerator.
In the video, you’ll learn how to make:
- Awesome healthy chicken tacos
- A fantastic Za’tar wrap
- My favorite bakery chicken salad sandwich
But those are just ideas to get you started!
The concept here is to easily prep as much chicken as you’ll need for the week and then turn it into great-tasting meals over the next 3-4 days. We often do this on a Sunday and have tacos that night, then use the chicken throughout the week.
Tools Used in the Chicken Meal Prep Video:
- Handheld Mandoline: https://amzn.to/48EWJgx
- CrockPot: https://amzn.to/3Ho3szIÂ
- Instant Pot: https://amzn.to/3vJmbDgÂ
- Ball 4 ounce Mason Jars: https://amzn.to/3u0sNMS (You can also find these at many hardware stores; Mine are from Ace Hardware)
- Hand Mixer with Silicone Beaters: https://amzn.to/4b4wx0r
- Silicone Beaters only: https://amzn.to/47KyRHp
Watch the video for details, and here are the ingredient lists so you have them handy if you need them:
Healthy Shredded Chicken Tacos
- 1 cup pico de gallo (per 4 tacos)
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 of a white onion
- handful of cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- juice of 1 lime
- lettuce
- cheese
- corn tortillas
- 1 spray avocado oil on each side of tortillas
- 1/4 cup shredded chicken per taco; 1 cup for 4 tacos
- 1 tablespoon of water per cup of shredded chicken
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Za’Atar Chicken Wrap
- whole wheat tortilla
- 1/2 cup whole milk Greek yogurt
- 1/2-1 teaspoon Za’Atar seasoning
- 1/4 cup (or how much fits) shredded chicken
- Sweet Red Wine Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey (could substitute for white sugar)
- handful of greens with 1 teaspoon of your dressing
- 3-4 grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced
- red onions
- thinly sliced cucumber
Shredded Chicken Salad
- 2 tablespoons mayo of your choice (can be veganaise or Greek yogurt if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 of an apple, thinly sliced into strips or chopped
- 1 cup shredded chicken
- 1/4 cup celery (1 celery rib), minced
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/4 -1/3 cup walnuts (can sub sliced or slivered almonds)
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 slices whole grain bread
How to Make Shredded Chicken
Here are my two favorite ways to make a big batch of tender shredded chicken: set-it-and-forget-it in the slow cooker, or done in about 30 minutes in the Instant Pot.
Easiest Crockpot Shredded Chicken
This crockpot shredded chicken is one of those back-pocket recipes that makes healthy eating easy. With just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the work, turning simple chicken breasts into tender, juicy shredded chicken you can use all week. It’s perfect for meal prep, tacos, salads, soups, bowls, and wraps, and it freezes beautifully.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken (30 Minutes or Less!)
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is fast, easy, and delicious. Use your chicken in tacos, salads, soups, and more. If you use this recipe to make tacos, start by getting the chicken in the Instant Pot then prepare your favorite taco toppings while the chicken cooks.
More Easy Shredded Chicken Recipes
Once you have a container of shredded chicken in the fridge, these easy meals come together fast. A rotisserie chicken works for every one of them.
Shredded Chicken Tacos
These healthy slow cooker chicken tacos are juicy, tender and packed with flavor. One pound of chicken (about two large breasts) feeds a family of four.
Chicken Burrito Bowls for Meal Prep
These easy Chicken Burrito Bowls are perfect for meal prep, lunch, or dinner. They’re delicious, flexible, budget-friendly, and packed with protein and flavor. Prep time will depend on what type of chicken you use.
Easy Chicken Enchiladas
These easy chicken enchiladas are the perfect weeknight comfort meal. Made with tender rotisserie chicken, flavorful enchilada sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. They come together quickly and are always a crowd-pleaser.
White Chicken Chili Recipe (Slow Cooker or Stovetop)
This easy White Chicken Chili is endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings, easy to make two ways (stovetop or slow cooker), and perfect for meal prep. It’s creamy without any cream, naturally gluten-free and dairy-free if you skip the cheese and sour cream, and packed with flavor from green chiles, cumin, and lime.
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is an all-time favorite. You can make a quick version with pre-cooked chicken and stock in a box, or make it completely from scratch. I recommend the quick version for busy nights, but take time to make the completely homemade version sometime, it’s worth it!
Rotisserie Chicken BBQ Sandwiches
These Rotisserie Chicken BBQ Sandwiches are the ultimate 10-minute dinner. Shredded rotisserie chicken gets tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce, then layered with crisp lettuce and melty cheddar on a toasted brioche bun. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Rotisserie Chicken Chopped Salad (High-Protein, Easy)
This healthy rotisserie chicken chopped salad is one of those easy, no-cook recipes you can throw together in minutes and rely on all week. It’s packed with protein, bright Mediterranean flavors, and simple ingredients you can grab at any grocery store. Note: This can be a lettuce-free chopped salad.
Perfect Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
This classic chicken salad recipe is creamy, fresh, and brightened with dill, Dijon, and a splash of champagne vinegar. Made with celery and green onion, it’s perfect piled on bakery bread with thin apple slices, scooped into lettuce cups, or made ahead for easy high-protein lunches all week.
Summer Chicken Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Enjoy this easy summer chicken salad recipe with 30 grams of protein per serving. It’s perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner any day of the week.
Chopped Chicken Salad with Garlic Vinaigrette
Chopped Chicken Salad is an ode to fresh produce! This healthy chopped salad is easy to make and bursting with delicious flavors.
Cilantro Corn Pasta Salad with Chicken
This Cilantro Corn Pasta Salad is a summer favorite in our house, both kids and adults alike love it! I like to make it with leftover chicken to make prep even easier, but add more time if you need to roast or grill chicken. Sub the cilantro with more basil if you don’t love cilantro.
Shredded Chicken FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes. One rotisserie chicken gives you about 3 to 4 cups of shredded chicken. Pull the meat off while it’s still warm; it’s much easier to shred.
How long does shredded chicken last in the fridge?
Cooked shredded chicken keeps for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze shredded chicken?
Absolutely. Freeze it in portions in freezer bags with a splash of broth to keep it moist, and use it within 3 months for the best quality. Thaw it overnight in the fridge.
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P.S. Here are a bunch more healthy meal prep recipes if you need more ideas.
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