Creamy Shredded Chicken with Rotel & Marinara
Busy nights call for easy, delicious meals — and this Creamy Shredded Chicken with Rotel & Marinara is one you’ll want on repeat! It’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together in under 30 minutes with just one pot. The best part? Even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
This recipe combines the comfort of marinara with the creamy richness of cream cheese and a little zesty kick from Rotel. The result is a hearty, family-friendly dinner that’s delicious over pasta or rice, or keep it low-carb with spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles, or simply enjoy as-is.
Think of it as the chicken twist on my Creamy Ground Beef with Tomatoes & Marinara — both are cozy, filling, and perfect for your weeknight dinner rotation.
👉 And if you want to prep ahead, make a batch of my Easy Instant Pot Chicken Breasts to shred for this recipe. Dinner will be ready in a snap!
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Shredded Chicken with Rotel
- Super simple: Minimal prep with pantry staples = stress-free cooking.
- Versatile: Delicious over pasta, rice, low-carb noodles, or on its own.
- Family-approved: Creamy, cheesy, and comforting — a kid favorite!
- Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy it for days.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or deep skillet
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 3 pounds shredded chicken (use my Easy Instant Pot Chicken Breasts recipe)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilis
- 12 oz marinara sauce (use no-sugar-added for keto/low-carb)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
💡 Mom Hack: Since this only uses half a jar of marinara, save the rest for my Creamy Ground Beef with Tomatoes & Marinara skillet. That’s two dinners planned without extra effort!
How to Make Creamy Shredded Chicken with Rotel
1. Melt the cream cheese: Heat a large pot over medium-low. Add cubed cream cheese and whisk until smooth and melted.
2. Add sauces & seasoning: Stir in Rotel, marinara, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt & pepper. Mix until creamy.
3. Mix in chicken: Add shredded chicken, stirring until fully coated in the sauce.
4. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2–3 minutes, until heated through.
5. Serve & enjoy: Sprinkle with parmesan if desired and pair with your favorite sides.
👉 Try it with my Keto Cheddar Biscuits — they’re perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce!
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled chicken in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth, cream, or water if needed.
How to Serve This Creamy Shredded Chicken
- Over spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb dinner
- On mashed cauliflower or potatoes for comfort food vibes
- As a filling for lettuce wraps (great for meal prep lunches!)
- Over pasta or rice for a kid-approved dinner
- Paired with Keto Cheddar Biscuits
💬 Now it’s your turn!
Have you tried this Creamy Shredded Chicken yet? Drop a comment below and let me know how you served it — and whether your family loved it as much as mine does.
More Easy Family Dinners You’ll Love
Creamy Shredded Chicken with Rotel & Marinara
Ingredients
- 3 lbs cooked shredded chicken (see notes below for link to shredded chicken recipe)
- 8 oz cream cheese softened and cubed
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilis
- 12 oz marinara sauce no-sugar-added for keto
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Grated parmesan cheese optional for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-low, melt cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in Rotel, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add shredded chicken and stir until coated.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
- Serve warm with parmesan on top, or pair with sides like pasta, rice, or keto biscuits.
Notes
- Make Ahead Tip: Use my Easy Instant Pot Chicken Breasts recipe to prep perfectly cooked shredded chicken ahead of time.
- Perfect Pairing: Try with my Keto Cheddar Biscuits for a cheesy, satisfying side.
- Low-Carb Options: Serve with spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles, or mashed cauliflower.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled leftovers up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on low, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
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