Cooking with shredded chicken is one of my favorite ways to whip up a comforting meal, and trust me, it couldn’t be easier! This easy dinner recipe with shredded chicken is a lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish is that it appeals to everyone, from the littlest eaters to the most seasoned palates. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; you can tweak it to fit any dietary needs or preferences. Just picture it: tender chicken, vibrant peppers, and a zesty salsa all coming together in one delightful skillet. It’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl—perfect for gathering around the table with family or friends. So get ready to enjoy a meal that’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it the ideal choice for any night of the week!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need for this easy dinner recipe with shredded chicken. I’ve made sure to break it down clearly so you know exactly what to grab:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 cup diced bell peppers: Any color works—red, yellow, or green! Just chop them into nice bite-sized pieces.
- 1 cup diced onions: Use yellow or white onions for a slightly sweet flavor. Dice them small for even cooking.
- 1 can black beans: That’s about 15 ounces. Make sure to rinse and drain them well to remove excess sodium.
- 1 cup corn: You can use frozen or canned corn, just thaw the frozen kind or drain the canned version.
- 1 cup salsa: Choose your favorite brand or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. A medium salsa adds a nice kick!
- 1 cup shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work beautifully. It melts so well on top!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This is for cooking the vegetables, giving them a lovely flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season! This will enhance all those yummy flavors.
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! This method is straightforward and perfect for those who might be new to the kitchen. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
- Heat the olive oil: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it warm for about a minute; you want it to shimmer but not smoke.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the 1 cup of diced onions and 1 cup of diced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and fragrant. This step brings out their natural sweetness!
- Add the chicken and beans: Next, stir in your 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 1 can of rinsed and drained black beans, and 1 cup of corn. Mix everything together well and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Incorporate the salsa: Pour in 1 cup of salsa and stir it all together. Allow it to simmer gently for about 2 minutes. This is where the magic happens—every bite will be bursting with flavor!
- Melt the cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Oh, that gooey cheese is the best part!
- Season to taste: Finally, don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it one last stir, and it’s ready to serve!
Serve warm with your favorite sides, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this easy dinner recipe with shredded chicken!
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional value of what you’re cooking can be really helpful, especially when you want to make healthier choices. Here’s an estimated breakdown for this easy dinner recipe with shredded chicken. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
This dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal that can help keep you full. It’s a great option for a low-fat dinner without sacrificing flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation: In just 25 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table, perfect for those busy evenings.
- Comforting flavors: The combination of shredded chicken, zesty salsa, and melted cheese creates a warm, satisfying dish that feels like a hug!
- Healthy ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the black beans and corn, this meal is both nourishing and filling.
- Versatile for dietary needs: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences—use turkey instead of chicken, or adjust the veggies to what you have on hand!
Tips for Success
To make sure your easy dinner recipe with shredded chicken turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got some handy tips to share!
- Don’t rush the sauté: When you’re cooking the onions and bell peppers, take your time. Let them soften for a full 5 minutes. This step really brings out their sweetness, which makes the dish so much more flavorful!
- Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover roasted chicken or even turkey, feel free to use that instead! It cuts down on prep time and adds a delightful twist to the flavors.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a little heat, consider using a spicy salsa or adding some diced jalapeños. On the other hand, if you’re cooking for little ones, stick to a milder salsa to keep it family-friendly.
- Mix in some greens: For an extra boost of nutrition, toss in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last minute of cooking. They’ll wilt beautifully and add color to your dish!
- Let it sit: After you sprinkle on the cheese and cover the skillet, let it sit for a couple of minutes off the heat. This allows the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Don’t forget to taste: Always give your dish a taste before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to really enhance all those wonderful flavors.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to whipping up a delightful meal that your family will love. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit or cater to specific tastes and dietary needs, I’ve got some delightful variations for this easy dinner recipe with shredded chicken! Feel free to get creative and make it your own:
- Turkey instead of chicken: Using cooked shredded turkey is a fantastic way to give this dish a different flavor profile. It’s especially great if you have leftovers from Thanksgiving!
- Different vegetables: Swap in your favorite veggies! Zucchini, diced carrots, or even spinach can work wonders. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly for firmer vegetables.
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the mix. For a milder version, use sweet corn salsa or a mild salsa verde.
- Beans galore: Instead of black beans, try pinto beans or kidney beans. You could even mix in some chickpeas for a hearty twist!
- Cheese choices: Experiment with different types of cheese! Pepper Jack adds a nice kick, while queso fresco gives a lovely creaminess. Just pick what you love!
- Herbs and spices: Consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley right before serving for a burst of freshness. A dash of cumin or smoked paprika can also enhance the flavor beautifully.
- Make it a casserole: If you prefer a baked version, transfer everything to a greased baking dish after mixing in the salsa and cheese. Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top!
With these variations, you can enjoy this easy dinner recipe with shredded chicken in so many different ways! Don’t be afraid to play around and find what works best for you and your loved ones.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this easy dinner recipe with shredded chicken, the possibilities are as delightful as the dish itself! Here are some simple and tasty ideas to complement your meal:
- Fluffy Rice: A side of white or brown rice works wonderfully to soak up all that zesty goodness from the chicken mixture. You can even add a little lime juice and cilantro for a fresh twist!
- Warm Tortillas: Serve the chicken mixture in soft flour or corn tortillas for a fun taco night! Let everyone build their own tacos with toppings like avocado, sour cream, or extra salsa.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a splash of vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the warm dish. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
- Crunchy Tortilla Chips: For a bit of crunch, serve some tortilla chips on the side. They’re perfect for scooping up the chicken mixture and make for a fun, interactive meal!
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli or green beans adds color and nutrition to your plate. Plus, they’re quick and easy to prepare—just steam until tender!
- Guacamole or Avocado Slices: A dollop of creamy guacamole or some fresh avocado slices can elevate the dish even more. They add a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices!
These serving suggestions not only round out your meal but also make it easy to cater to everyone’s tastes. So, gather around the table, enjoy the deliciousness, and make some wonderful memories together!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers are one of the best parts of cooking, and this easy dinner recipe with shredded chicken is no exception! Here’s how to store and reheat your delicious meal properly so it stays just as tasty as when you first made it.
Storing Leftovers: Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, let any leftovers cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them into airtight containers. Make sure they’re sealed well to keep out any air, which can cause them to dry out. You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Just portion them out in freezer-safe containers or bags, and they’ll be good for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, you have a couple of options. For the quickest method, pop them in the microwave. Just place your portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it (to prevent splatters!), and heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it’s warmed through. If you prefer the stovetop, simply place the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat for about 5-7 minutes until everything is hot and bubbly again. This method helps maintain that lovely texture and keeps the flavors vibrant!
Regardless of how you choose to reheat, always check that it’s heated all the way through before serving. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time around!
Print
Easy Dinner Recipe with Shredded Chicken: 5 Cozy Delights
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and comforting dinner recipe featuring shredded chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened.
- Stir in shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and salsa.
- Cook until everything is heated through.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and cover until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Substitute chicken with turkey for a different flavor.
- Use fresh vegetables for added nutrition.
- Consider low-sodium beans and salsa for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: easy dinner recipe with shredded chicken
