If you’re a busy mom trying to lose weight, keep your family fed, and not lose your mind by 5:00 PM… let me introduce you to your new favorite dinner hack:
Shredded chicken.
Yep. That’s it. It sounds simple, but hear me out—this ONE thing will save you hours in the kitchen, eliminate the “what’s for dinner?” panic, and help you stay on track with your goals.
When I lost 80 pounds, one of my biggest game-changers wasn’t cutting out carbs or spending hours meal prepping elaborate dishes. It was learning how to make simple, high-protein meals that I could throw together fast.
Here’s why shredded chicken is the MVP of weight loss meal prep:
- It’s versatile (see below 👇).
- It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen.
- It pairs easily with veggies, grains, wraps, or salads.
- It’s high in protein and low in fat—aka perfect for fat loss.
✅ How to Prep It:
Make a big batch of shredded chicken using any of these easy methods:
- Crockpot: Add chicken breasts, a little broth or water, and seasoning. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then shred.
- Instant Pot: Pressure cook chicken with broth for 15 minutes.
- Boil & shred: Super quick, especially for frozen chicken.
Now… let’s get into 10 dinner ideas you can make with shredded chicken, so you don’t eat the same thing on repeat and get bored by day three.
1. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Toss shredded chicken in buffalo sauce and wrap in romaine or butter lettuce. Top with diced celery and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese yogurt dressing.
2. BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls
Top a roasted sweet potato with shredded chicken mixed in BBQ sauce. Add steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for a complete meal.
3. Chicken Street Tacos
Warm up corn tortillas and load with chicken, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a squeeze of lime. Add avocado if you want some healthy fats!
4. Protein-Packed Chicken Salad
Mix shredded chicken with plain Greek yogurt, mustard, diced pickles, and a little seasoning. Serve with crackers, cucumbers, or in a wrap.
5. Southwest Chicken Bowls
Layer shredded chicken with rice or cauliflower rice, black beans, corn, salsa, and avocado. Sprinkle some shredded cheese if you’re feeling it!
6. Chicken Alfredo Zoodle Skillet
Heat chicken with a light alfredo sauce and spiralized zucchini noodles (or use hearts of palm noodles). Add spinach for extra fiber and volume.
7. Crispy Chicken Tostadas
Spread mashed black beans on baked tostadas, top with chicken, shredded lettuce, and hot sauce. Bonus: your kids will love this one too.
8. Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups
Toss shredded chicken in coconut aminos, a little sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Serve in lettuce cups with shredded carrots and cucumber.
9. Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry
Sauté your favorite stir fry veggies, toss in shredded chicken, and add low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos. Serve over rice or quinoa.
10. High-Protein Chicken Pasta
Toss shredded chicken into a high-protein pasta with marinara or pesto and roasted veggies. Easy comfort food—without blowing your goals.
✨ Pro Tip:
Store prepped shredded chicken in 2-cup containers or baggies so it’s grab-and-go ready. Label and freeze any extras so you’re never stuck on a busy night!
You don’t need to make different meals for your family and yourself. You don’t need to spend your entire Sunday meal prepping. You just need a system that works with your life.
And prepping your protein ahead of time is the exact kind of system that helps busy women like you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.
Want more simple, family-friendly weight loss strategies like this?
📥 Grab my free guide: One Meal, Two Ways – it shows you how to make meals your whole family will love without falling off track.
You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to make it easier.
Let shredded chicken be your first step. 😉