Easy Shredded Chicken

If you like to cook in bulk, you'll love this! You can cook up a whole batch of boneless skinless chicken breast and have it shredded and ready to throw on a salad, in soup, or season up for whatever you'd like to eat.

Use your mixer! I use my kitchenaid mixer but a hand mixer will also work. I can throw the hot cooked chicken breasts right in and the mixer shreds them up easily. The key is to do quick bursts of the mixer, don't just turn it on full blast or it'll throw the chicken right out of the bowl. If you're doing a large batch, put just a few breasts in at once, pulse it until you like the level of shredding, then dump it into a large bowl to the side and do the next few breasts. Repeat until it's all shredded.

You can cook large batches of chicken in a crock pot, but it takes hours to cook them. Still better than boiling, but not super fast.

THEN I got my Instant Pot. Hello! Now I don't even have to deal with boiling chicken anymore OR waiting on the crock pot! I can cook 5 lbs of chicken at once - I just throw it in the instant pot with some water, set it to pressure cook for 15 minutes, and walk away.

I actually keep cooked, shredded chicken in my freezer now so I can use it in recipes as needed. I even keep some seasoned with taco seasoning to use on a taco salad or in a lettuce wrap. So convenient!

Some recipes from this blog that you can make with precooked shredded chicken:

Chicken Fajita (P3)
Chicken Apple Slaw (P2)
Chicken Spinach Tomato Soup (P2)
Enchilada (just sub chicken for beef) (P2)
Chicken Soup (P2)
Chicken Chili (P2)
Chicken Salad (P3)

http://www.myhcgcooking.com

P3 Chicken Parm Bites

The chicken parm recipe may be our family's most often-revisited recipe from this blog. It just tastes so good you'd have no idea it was low-carb if someone didn't tell you. I love to make spaghetti sauce, noodle up some zucchini with my awesome spirooli slicer, and have this with it. Delicious.

We started cutting the chicken into chunks to make them all about the same size to aid in cooking, and then our kids started calling them chicken nuggets, and eating them. I don't know why they aren't as into chicken strips but whatever works!

Chicken Parmesan Bites

~1 lb Chicken Breast tenders (I used nine) cut into bite-size chunks
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
1/4 cup Almond Meal
1/2 Tbsp Oregano
1/2 Tbsp Basil
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1 Egg, beaten
3 Tbsp Olive Oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all dry ingredients in one bowl, and beat egg in a separate bowl. Dip chicken pieces in egg, and then into breading. Set onto baking sheet while oil heats. Heat olive oil to about medium high. Brown breaded chicken on both sides in hot oil, then place in a baking dish. Bake until chicken is cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.

The trick to the zucchini noodles is this amazing spirooli slicer.  You don't have to peel the zucchini first but I prefer it peeled.  Stick it in the slicer with the smallest blade inserted, and spin!

Awesome zucchini noodles!  I slice my zucchini vertically, about halfway through so I get a bunch of half-curls.  Spoon hot sauce over them and you almost forget you aren't eating pasta.

http://www.myhcgcooking.com

P3 Stir Fry Chicken and Veggies

This is one of those meals that makes me forget I'm trying to any sort of low carb diet! It's so tasty and filling. And with the cauliflower "rice" I don't even miss the white rice my family is eating.

Mix the following sauce in a glass bowl:
2-3 cloves Garlic, minced
2 Tbsp Oil
4 Tbsp Bragg's, Tamari or Soy Sauce
1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Cut up chicken breast into bite-sized pieces - I use about 5-6 chicken tenders - mix with the sauce and let it marinate while you prepare the other stuff.

Heat 3 Tbsp oil in wok or large pan on medium high. (I like to use sesame oil but whatever kind is fine.)  Stir fry veggies -I like to do onion, bell pepper and broccoli.  Remove veggies to a separate bowl. Stir fry the marinated chicken in the pan until the chicken is done. Throw the veggies back in and stir to coat with sauce.  Serve over cauliflower rice.

http://www.myhcgcooking.com

P3 Chicken Fajita

Meals like this remind me that I don't have to have a tortilla to enjoy Mexican food. It's delicious and satisfying, and best of all low-carb! Plus if the rest of your family insists on the traditional meal, they can use the same filling in a tortilla, so you can stay on your low-carb diet without having to make two different meals. Score!

Chicken Fajita

Cooked Chicken - I just boil some chicken breast until done, then shred or chop.  You can also use leftover chicken if you happen to have cooked extra.


Tomatoes or salsa
Cheese, optional
Sour Cream, optional

Veggies of choice:
Onion, sliced or chopped
Bell Pepper, sliced or chopped

You can also use zucchini or squash if you like. Anything goes!

Mix cooked chicken with fajita seasoning of your choice, or just some garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder.

Saute veggies in butter or olive oil until done, about 15 minutes.

 Top shredded chicken with sauteed veggies, chopped tomatoes or salsa, and cheese if desired. Serve!


http://www.myhcgcooking.com

P3 Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan

~1 lb Chicken Breast tenders (I used nine)
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
1/4 cup Almond Meal
1/2 Tbsp Oregano
1/2 Tbsp Basil
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1 Egg, beaten
3 Tbsp Olive Oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all dry ingredients in one bowl, and beat egg in a separate bowl. Dip chicken pieces in egg, and then into breading. Set onto baking sheet while oil heats. Heat olive oil to about medium high. Brown breaded chicken on both sides in hot oil, then place in a baking dish. Bake until chicken is cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.

http://www.myhcgcooking.com

Fauxback Seasoning on Grilled Chicken

We love our made-up "Fauxback" seasoning on steak (copycat of Outback steak), and recently I tried it on chicken.  It was great!  Totally different taste even though it was the exact same seasoning.  Give it a try!

Fauxback Seasoning

4 tsp paprika
2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
4 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp coriander

http://www.myhcgcooking.com

P2 Chicken Apple Slaw

This was totally different from what I usually eat and I loved it!  It's almost a honey mustard flavor slaw, with the sweetness of apple and the protein included as well.  A great one-dish meal for the warmer weather.

Chicken Apple Slaw

1.5 cups Cabbage, shredded
3.5 oz Chicken, cooked and diced
1 Apple, diced
1 tsp Mustard
1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
5 drops Liquid Stevia

Mix mustard, ACV and stevia in a container large enough to hold the other ingredients.  Add cabbage, apple and chicken and toss to coat.  Eat immediately or refrigerate for later.

http://www.myhcgcooking.com

P2 Garlic Lime Chicken

Super fast and tasty - the lime gives it a little different taste which I appreciated.

Garlic Lime Chicken

3.5 oz Chicken Breast (I use 2 tenders)
Garlic cloves, peeled (I used 10)
1 Tbsp Onion, chopped
1 Tbsp Lime Juice
1 Tbsp Water
1/2 tsp dried Cilantro (or a Tbsp of fresh)
1/2 tsp salty seasoning, I used Adobo (optional)

Preheat oven to 350*.  Place chicken in a foil-lined baking dish.  Combine water, lime juice and seasonings and pour over chicken.  Add garlic cloves and onion.  Close foil and bake until chicken is done, about 25 minutes.

http://www.myhcgcooking.com

P2 Garlic Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry

This was delicious and very filling, which is always nice on HCG Phase 2.

Garlic Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry

3.5 oz Chicken Breast (I use 2 tenders)
10 cloves Garlic, peeled and smashed
1.5 cups Broccoli (I use fresh)
2 Tbsp Water
1 Tbsp Bragg's Liquid Aminos

Steam broccoli for just about 2 minutes to slightly cook it.  (Frozen broccoli may not need this step.)  Stir fry chicken in water until about half done, add garlic and finish cooking chicken.  Add broccoli and Bragg's, stirring to coat.  Serve.

http://www.myhcgcooking.com

P2 Chicken, Spinach, Tomato Soup

Thanks to my friend Kristen for this recipe and the beautiful picture!

If you count the tomato as a fruit, it's not even rogue on HCG Phase 2.

Chicken, Spinach, Tomato Soup

8 oz fat free Chicken Broth

2-4 cups Water (depending how thin you like your chicken broth)

15oz can Diced Tomatoes

2 cups fresh Baby Spinach, washed and chopped

1 portion cooked, chopped Chicken (I used 1/2 chicken breast)

1/2 tsp minced Garlic

1/2 tsp Basil

1/2 tsp Oregano

Salt and Pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients into saucepan over med-hi heat, adding spinach last; it only needs to simmer for 2-3 minutes. 

The original recipe calls for mini-tortellini, which you can easily cook separately and add to the soup if desired (for the rest of the family not on protocol). 

http://www.myhcgcooking.com

P2 Beef Enchilada

Well obviously it isn't a *real* enchilada, since there is no tortilla or cheese.  But it still tastes really good. :)  Plus you could make up a whole batch of it for your family and let the rest of them have the tortillas and cheese while you just eat the filling.  Serve it with a big salad or veggie on the side and you have a great meal.

Beef Enchilada

1 Tbsp Water
1 Tbsp Onion, minced
1 clove Garlic, minced
1/2 can Diced Tomatoes
1/2 tsp Basil
1/2 tsp Oregano
1/2 tsp Chili Powder
1 tsp Cumin

3 ounces of beef (or chicken), cooked and shredded.  See my previous note about preparing meat ahead of time.

Saute onion in water about 2 minutes.  Add garlic and saute 1 minute more.  Add diced tomatoes and spices, mix and let simmer 5-10 minutes to thicken.  Mix in cooked, shredded beef or chicken, let simmer a few minutes more to heat the meat, and serve.

http://www.myhcgcooking.com

P2 Chicken Soup - Comfort Food!

Whether it's cold outside, you aren't feeling 100%, or you just want some good ole comfort food, it's hard to beat homemade chicken soup! This is an easy one to make in bulk so you have some meals ready to go in the fridge or freezer.

Chicken Soup

3.5 oz Chicken Breast, diced
1/2 cup Celery, sliced
1/2 small Onion, diced
1 cup fat-free Chicken Broth
Water, to taste
1 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Basil
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Onion Powder

(you can add any seasonings you like - try Bragg's, Chili Powder, Tobasco, etc. and let me know what you liked best!)

Heat chicken broth in sauce pan.  Add onion and celery and cook for about 5 minutes.  Add seasonings and chicken, let simmer until chicken is done.  Taste and add water as needed until it's just right.

I quadrupled this recipe so I have 3 more meals ready to heat.  I ordered a bulk package of gladware containers - these for meals like this, and some smaller ones for freezing meat portions.

http://www.myhcgcooking.com

P2 Creamy Salsa Chicken (rogue)

Oh my goodness, this is one of those ideas that will become a staple in my menu. I already confessed to using my ranch dressing while on P2 without any issue, so this time I mixed it in with my Salsa Chicken for an amazing creamy meal. It's labeled "rogue" because of the ranch.

Creamy Salsa Chicken (rogue)

3.5 oz Chicken Breast (I use 2 tenders)
1/2 cup to 1 cup Salsa
2 Tbsp Ranch Dressing

Preheat oven to 350*. Place chicken in baking dish, cover with salsa. Cover dish with foil and bake until chicken is done, about 20-25 minutes. Cut up chicken and mix in ranch dressing. Serve.

http://www.myhcgcooking.com

P2 Salsa Chicken

This dish was inspired by Melissa's P3 chicken idea, adapted for P2. Delicious and easy!

Salsa Chicken

3.5 oz Chicken Breast (I use 2 tenders)
1/2 cup to 1 cup Salsa

Preheat oven to 350*. Place chicken in baking dish, cover with salsa. Cover with foil and bake until chicken is done, about 20-25 minutes. Serve.


http://www.myhcgcooking.com

P3 Cheesy Salsa Chicken

This recipe and photo are from my friend Melissa who has been part of my HCG support group since I started. Yum! Thanks so much, Melissa, for this super simple and delicious idea!

Cheesy Salsa Chicken

Grill chicken breast. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese until melted. Cover with salsa and serve.


http://www.myhcgcooking.com

P2 Chicken Chili

Using diced chicken in chili made for a nice change in this meal.

Chicken Chili

3.5 oz Chicken breast, diced
1/2 cup Onion, diced
1 clove Garlic, diced
1/2-1 cup Water
1/2 cup Tomato Sauce
1 large Tomato, diced
1 tsp Cumin
1/2 tsp Chili Powder, to taste
1/2 tsp Cilantro
Salt and Pepper to taste

In a medium sauce pot or pan, cook chicken with onion, garlic and water until chicken is done. Add water as needed to keep things moving around. Add tomato sauce, diced tomato and spices. Allow to simmer until tomatoes are cooked and the mixture thickens.

http://www.myhcgcooking.com

P2 Curry Chicken

I loved this chicken! I ate it by itself with a salad on the side.

Curry Chicken

1/4 cup Chicken Broth
1/4-1/2 cup Water
1/2 cup Tomato Sauce
1-2 tsp Curry Powder
1/3 cup Onion, chopped
3.5 oz Chicken Breast, diced

In a medium pot or pan, heat broth, water and tomato sauce. Stir in curry powder. Add onion and cook until chicken is done. Remove chicken and continue simmering broth until it reduces and thickens into a sauce. Pour over chicken.


http://www.myhcgcooking.com

P2 Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

We ate stir fry on rice pretty often before I started HCG, and I was missing it, so I thought maybe if I chopped some cabbage finely, I could convince myself it was almost like rice. It wasn't, but it was still very tasty. This became one of my staple recipes. It's very filling!

Marinade:
1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
2 drops Liquid Stevia
1-2 Tbsp Bragg's Liquid Aminos
2 cloves Garlic, minced
chopped Onion if you like

Marinate 3.5 oz chopped up chicken while you chop cabbage.

Chop cabbage as finely as you can. I was able to get a pretty good shred with my knife. I used half of a small head of cabbage.

Stir-fry cabbage with a little water until cabbage is mostly done. Remove cabbage to a separate bowl. Cook chicken until done, and remove. Let remaining water boil until sauce thickens up some. Throw everything back in and toss to coat. Serve. YUM!

http://www.myhcgcooking.com

P3 Chicken Salad

This is another great recipe my mom made while I was visiting. I had some on a piece of flatbread, and later just ate it over salad greens. Yum! The kids loved this one too.

3 whole Chicken Breasts, cooked and chopped or shredded
½ cup Onion, finely chopped
½ cup Celery, finely chopped
1 Apple, finely chopped
½ cup Mayonnaise (just watch for sugar - my mom uses Duke's sugar-free mayo)
½ tsp Salt or to taste
¼ tsp Pepper or to taste
Garlic Powder – a pinch or to taste
Onion Powder – a pinch or to taste.

Mix together, chill and enjoy.

http://www.myhcgcooking.com

P3 Bruschetta Chicken

I made this for a pot luck and it got rave reviews! I love when people can't believe they're eating my "diet" food.

Bruschetta Chicken

2 lbs Tomatoes, diced (4-6 medium tomatoes)
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 Tbsp Basil
2 lbs Chicken Breast, diced
salt and pepper
1 cup Mozzarella cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 350*. Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and basil. Add diced tomatoes and stir to coat. Set aside.



Cut up chicken breast and spread in the bottom of a deep baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and mix around. Pour tomato mixture over chicken. Cover and bake for about 40 minutes or until chicken in the center is done. Pour off some of the liquid if desired. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake additional 5 minutes to melt cheese.

http://www.myhcgcooking.com