Shredded Chicken is a delicious way to elevate your weeknight meal prep game! It's juicy, tender, and seasoned with smoky paprika, aromatic garlic, and zesty lime. Enjoy this versatile protein for tacos, burrito bowls, wraps, or salads!

Tongs holding a serving of shredded chicken for tacos and bowls that's suitable for sensitive stomachs and irritable bowel disease.

This is our go-to chicken recipe for meal prepping. We love it for Taco Tuesday in our Healthy Chicken Tacos because it compliments our Creamy Avocado Relish and a warm tortilla perfectly. It is also delicious on a bed of Cilantro Lime Rice. It's a great option for ulcerative colitis because it's easy on the stomach, requires minimal effort, and is flavor-packed for the whole family!

Looking for other chicken recipes? Try these Chicken Meatballs or this Juicy Chicken Burger.

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Why You'll Love This Shredded Chicken
Key Ingredients
Substitutions and Variations
How to Make Shredded Chicken
Cooking Tips
Related Recipes
Love This Shredded Chicken Recipe?
Shredded Chicken (for Tacos, Burrito Bowls, and More)

Why You'll Love This Shredded Chicken

Taste - The seasoned chicken is bright and a little zesty.
Texture - Shredding the chicken makes it tender and allows the chicken to soak up more seasoning and juices.
Effort - All you need to do is season, cook on the stovetop, and shred!
Time - It takes about a half hour to prep the chicken then about an hour and half to cook.

Key Ingredients

Ingredients for shredded chicken for ulcerative colitis, chicken thighs, garlic, lime juice and zest, kosher salt, paprika, and olive oil.

Chicken - You can use thighs, breast, or a mix depending on your preference.
Smoked paprika - Smoked paprika adds a light and smoky spice.
Extra virgin olive oil - Olive oil is a tasty and healthy fat to cook the chicken in.
Water or chicken broth - Use water or chicken broth to deglaze the pan.
Garlic cloves - Garlic adds a pungent aroma.
Lime juice and zest - Lime juice and zest brighten up the tacos and balance the other rich flavors.

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions and Variations

BBQ pulled chicken - Try this BBQ pulled chicken for a smoky alternative.
Herbs - Add finely chopped cilantro or oregano for extra fresh flavor.
Seasoning - Use seasonings to your liking, like garlic powder, cumin, dried oregano, and more. Just make sure they are suitable for a sensitive stomach if you're in a flare!
Slow cooker - Prepare in a slow cooker for hands-off preparation. Add 3-5 tablespoons of water or broth, then cover the slow cooker with the lid, and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours. If the chicken seems dry, add more water or broth.

How to Make Shredded Chicken

Steps to make shredded chicken for tacos and burritos, season chicken thighs with smoked paprika and kosher salt, heat oil, and sear on both sides until cooked through.

Season the chicken - Season both sides of the chicken with paprika and salt. (Photo 1)
Heat oil - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil in a large heavy bottomed pan over medium heat. (Photo 2)
Cook Chicken - Once the skillet is hot, use a pair of tongs to place the chicken in the skillet and sear for 3-5 minutes on each side until each side is golden brown. Please note that cook time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken. (Photo 3 and 4)

Steps to make shredded chicken for sensitive stomachs and ulcerative colitis, shred chicken, heat garlic in pan, add chicken, lime juice and zest, and toss.

Shred and reheat - Turn the heat off, transfer the chicken to a large bowl, and shred using two forks. Once the chicken is shredded, return the skillet to medium heat. Heat another tablespoon of olive oil then add the minced garlic. Once fragrant, add the chicken back into the skillet and stir in the garlic. (Photo 5 and 6)
Toss chicken - Deglaze the pan with 1-2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape the fond (browned bits). Use a pair of clean tongs to toss the chicken in the pan. Then place a tight fitting lid on the skillet and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat. (Photo 7 and 8)
Season and serve - Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lime zest and juice, if using. Then Enjoy the chicken in tacos, burrito bowls, enchiladas, and more.

Pro tip - Be sure not to overcook the chicken or it can dry out.

Cooking Tips

Use a stand or handheld mixer to shred the chicken and save time. If using a stand mixer, just add the chicken then use the paddle attachment to shred.
Drizzle any leftover juices from the skillet onto the chicken when you serve it for extra flavor!

Tongs placing shredded chicken in a tortilla that's suitable for sensitive stomachs and ulcerative colitis.

Love This Shredded Chicken Recipe?

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