Got leftover chicken in your fridge? Don’t let it go to waste! Leftover chicken can be transformed into tasty new meals with just a bit of creativity. From soups and salads to casseroles and sandwiches, there are plenty of ways to use up your extra chicken.
You can turn leftover chicken into delicious dishes that your whole family will enjoy. These recipes are quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or something light and fresh, there’s a leftover chicken recipe for every taste. Get ready to discover new favorites that will make you excited about leftovers.
Chicken Alfredo Pizza is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. Start with a pizza crust and spread Alfredo sauce over it. This creamy sauce is made with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Shred your leftover chicken and sprinkle it on top of the sauce. Add mozzarella cheese for extra gooeyness. You can also include toppings like spinach or red onions if you like.
Bake the pizza in a hot oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese melts. The result is a rich, satisfying meal that combines the flavors of Alfredo pasta with the convenience of pizza.
Buffalo chicken dip is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. Mix shredded chicken with cream cheese, hot sauce, and blue cheese or ranch dressing.
You can enjoy this dip in many ways. Spread it on sandwiches or use it as a filling for wraps. Try stuffing it into pasta shells for a spicy twist on stuffed shells.
For a fun appetizer, fill wonton wrappers with the dip and bake until crispy. You can also use it to top nachos or as a filling for stuffed peppers.
Get creative with your leftovers. Buffalo chicken dip is versatile and can add flavor to many dishes.
Chicken tacos are a tasty way to use leftover chicken. Start by shredding your cooked chicken. Heat oil in a pan and add garlic, tomato paste, and taco seasoning.
Mix in the shredded chicken and a splash of water or broth. Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 30-60 seconds per side. This gives them a slight char and makes them more flexible.
Fill the warm tortillas with your seasoned chicken. Top with your favorite taco fixings like lettuce, cheese, or salsa. These quick and easy tacos are perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner.
Chicken pot pie is a perfect way to use leftover chicken. You can make this comforting dish quickly with a store-bought pie crust.
Mix shredded chicken with vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions. Add a creamy sauce made from chicken broth and milk. Pour the filling into a pie dish.
Top it with the crust and bake until golden brown. You’ll have a warm, satisfying meal in no time. Chicken pot pie is great for family dinners or when you need a cozy dish.
Chicken and rice casserole is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. It’s quick and easy to make, taking about 10 minutes to prep.
You’ll need cooked chicken, rice, and cream soups like mushroom or celery. Mix these with milk, onion, and garlic for added flavor.
Spread the mixture in a baking dish and top with cheese. Bake until hot and bubbly.
This dish is comforting and filling. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a simple meal. Your family will love this creamy, cheesy casserole.
Start by shredding your cooked chicken. Place it on a tortilla with cheese and your favorite toppings. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until crispy and golden brown.
Try adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or fresh herbs for extra flavor. You can pan-fry your quesadillas or bake them in the oven for a lighter option.
Serve your chicken quesadillas with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side. They make a great lunch, dinner, or even a crowd-pleasing snack.
Chicken noodle soup is a great way to use leftover chicken. It’s warm, comforting, and easy to make.
You can start by sautéing carrots, celery, and onions in a pot. Add chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
Toss in your leftover shredded chicken and egg noodles. Cook until the noodles are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley.
This soup is perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s filling, nutritious, and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
You can customize it by adding different vegetables or using other types of noodles. It’s a versatile recipe that lets you use up what you have on hand.
Chicken fried rice is a great way to use leftover chicken. It’s quick, easy, and tasty.
You’ll need cooked rice, diced chicken, and veggies like peas, carrots, and onions. Heat oil in a large pan or wok. Add the veggies and stir-fry for a few minutes.
Next, add the rice and chicken. Stir-fry until everything is hot and the rice starts to crisp. Season with soy sauce for flavor.
For extra protein, you can add a beaten egg. Push the rice mixture to one side and scramble the egg in the empty space. Then mix it all together.
Serve your chicken fried rice hot. It’s a filling meal that makes good use of leftovers.
Chicken stir fry is a quick and tasty way to use leftover chicken. Start by heating oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Cook them for a few minutes until they start to soften.
Toss in your leftover chicken pieces and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes to warm them through. Mix soy sauce and sesame oil in a small bowl, then add to the pan.
For extra flavor, you can include garlic, ginger, or your preferred seasonings. Serve your stir fry over rice or noodles for a filling meal.
You can turn leftover chicken into a tasty sandwich filling. Shred the cold chicken and mix it with mayo, yogurt, and your favorite add-ins.
Try adding diced celery for crunch, grapes for sweetness, or dried cranberries for tang. Chopped nuts like pecans can give extra texture.
Season your chicken salad with salt, pepper, and herbs like dill or tarragon. Spread the mixture on bread or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
This versatile dish keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or light dinners.
Chicken Parmesan is a great way to use leftover chicken. You can easily transform your chicken into a tasty Italian-inspired dish.
Start by coating your leftover chicken in breadcrumbs. Then, top it with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese melts and gets bubbly.
For a quick version, try a chicken Parmesan casserole. Mix cubed leftover chicken with pasta, sauce, and cheese. Bake it all together for a comforting meal.
Serve your chicken Parmesan with a side salad or garlic bread. It’s a filling dinner that your family will love.
BBQ chicken pizza is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. You can make it with homemade or store-bought pizza dough. Top the dough with BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and red onions.
For extra flavor, add some cilantro after baking. You can cook this pizza in the oven or on the grill. Grilling gives it a nice smoky taste.
This pizza is quick to make, especially if you use pre-cooked chicken. It’s a great choice for a fast weeknight dinner. Kids and adults alike enjoy this savory and slightly sweet pizza.
Chicken and dumplings is a cozy dish that’s perfect for using leftover chicken. You can make it easily at home. Start by sautéing veggies like carrots, celery, and onions in butter.
Add flour to thicken the broth, then pour in chicken stock and milk. Bring it to a simmer. Cut your leftover chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pot.
For the dumplings, mix flour, baking powder, and milk. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering broth. Cover and cook until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
This hearty meal is sure to warm you up on chilly days. It’s a great way to transform your leftover chicken into something new and delicious.
Chicken wraps are a great way to use up leftover chicken. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Start with a soft tortilla as your base. Add some shredded leftover chicken and your favorite toppings. Try lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and avocado for a classic combo.
For extra flavor, spread on some mayo, ranch dressing, or spicy sauce. You can also add crispy elements like bacon bits or tortilla strips for crunch.
Roll it all up tightly and enjoy your tasty chicken wrap. It’s a handy meal you can eat on the go or pack for work or school lunches.
Chicken gyros are a tasty way to use leftover chicken. Start by shredding your cooked chicken. Mix it with lemon juice, oregano, and garlic for flavor.
Warm up some pita bread. Add the seasoned chicken, sliced tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Top with tzatziki sauce and crumbled feta cheese.
For extra freshness, sprinkle on some chopped dill or mint. This quick meal takes about 15 minutes to put together. It’s an easy dinner option that transforms your leftovers into a Greek-inspired dish.
Chicken Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy dish that uses leftover chicken. You start by making a filling with shredded chicken, vegetables, and gravy.
Mix the chicken with peas, carrots, and onions. Create a simple sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth. Pour this over the chicken and veggie mix.
Top the filling with mashed potatoes. You can use leftover mashed potatoes or make fresh ones. Spread them evenly over the chicken mixture.
Bake the pie until the top is golden and the filling bubbles. This hearty meal is perfect for using up extra chicken and pleasing the whole family.
Cook the peppers in boiling water for a few minutes to soften them. Mix shredded chicken with cheese, breadcrumbs, and your favorite seasonings.
Stuff the pepper halves with the chicken mixture. Place them in a baking dish and top with more cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
You can add extra flavors like salsa, black beans, or rice to the filling. This dish is great for meal prep and can be customized to your taste preferences.
Chicken tostadas are a quick and tasty way to use up leftover chicken. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Place corn tortillas on a baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking oil.
Bake the tortillas for 5-7 minutes until crispy. While they cook, mix your shredded chicken with some salsa. Warm up refried beans as well.
Spread a thin layer of beans on each crispy tortilla. Top with the chicken mixture. Add shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and diced onions.
For extra flavor, try adding avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice. Serve your tostadas right away while they’re still warm and crunchy.
Chicken potstickers are a tasty way to use leftover chicken. You can make these dumplings easily at home. Mix shredded chicken with cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Add some ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil for flavor.
Wrap the filling in dumpling wrappers. Pan-fry the potstickers until crispy on the bottom. Then add water and cover to steam them. Serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sugar.
These potstickers work great as an appetizer or light meal. You can also add them to soup for a filling dish. Making potstickers is fun and lets you turn plain leftover chicken into something special.
Chicken skewers are a great way to use up leftover chicken. Cut your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Thread them onto skewers with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
For added flavor, brush the skewers with a garlic parmesan butter sauce. Mix melted butter, minced garlic, grated parmesan, and chopped parsley. Brush this mixture over your skewers.
Grill the skewers for a few minutes on each side to heat through and add a smoky flavor. You can also cook them in a grill pan or under the broiler. Serve your chicken skewers hot as a quick and tasty meal.
Chicken samosas are a tasty way to use up leftover chicken. You can make these crispy, triangular pastries filled with spiced chicken and veggies.
To make the filling, mix diced chicken with onions, garlic, and spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Cook the mixture in a pan until the flavors blend.
Fill samosa wrappers with the chicken mixture and seal them into triangles. You can bake or fry the samosas until golden brown and crispy.
Serve your chicken samosas with chutney or raita for dipping. They make great appetizers or snacks for parties.
Chicken tetrazzini is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. This comfort food dish combines pasta, chicken, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce.
To make it, you’ll need spaghetti, cooked chicken, mushrooms, and a creamy cheese sauce. Mix these ingredients together and bake until bubbly and golden.
You can add peas or other veggies for extra nutrition. Some recipes include white wine for flavor. Garlic and herbs like thyme or parsley can boost the taste too.
Chicken tetrazzini freezes well, making it great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and save some for later. It’s a filling meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Chicken nachos are a tasty way to use leftover chicken. Start by spreading tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
Top the chips with shredded chicken, beans, and cheese. Add corn, jalapeños, or other veggies you like.
Bake the nachos at 350°F for about 10 minutes. The cheese should melt and get bubbly.
After baking, add fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced scallions, and sour cream. Serve your nachos right away while they’re still hot and crispy.
This quick meal is perfect for game nights or casual dinners with friends.
Chicken shawarma is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. You can slice your cooked chicken thinly and season it with Middle Eastern spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic.
Heat the seasoned chicken in a skillet to warm it through. Serve it in pita bread or over rice for a quick meal. Add fresh veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers for crunch.
Try making a shawarma bowl with your leftover chicken. Top rice with the warmed chicken, olives, feta cheese, and a dollop of hummus. Drizzle with tahini sauce for extra flavor.
For a lighter option, wrap the chicken in lettuce leaves instead of pita. This gives you a low-carb meal that’s still packed with flavor.
Chicken satay turns leftover chicken into a tasty Thai-inspired dish. Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate them in coconut milk, soy sauce, and spices.
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill or pan-fry until golden brown and cooked through.
While the chicken cooks, make a peanut sauce. Combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a pan. Heat and stir until smooth.
Serve your chicken satay hot with the peanut sauce for dipping. Add cucumber slices and rice on the side for a complete meal.
Chicken and gnocchi soup is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. Start by sautéing onions, celery, and carrots in a large pot. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Stir in flour to make a roux, then slowly pour in chicken broth. Add cream, Italian seasoning, and thyme. Let the soup simmer and thicken.
Add your leftover shredded chicken and gnocchi to the pot. Cook until the gnocchi is tender and the chicken is heated through. Toss in some spinach leaves for extra nutrition and color.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot for a comforting meal that’s perfect for cool days.
To make it, start by heating oil in a pan. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned. Remove them and set aside.
Next, dredge your leftover chicken pieces in flour. Cook them in the pan until golden. Add Marsala wine, chicken broth, and the cooked mushrooms.
Let the sauce simmer and thicken. Serve your Chicken Marsala over pasta or with a side of vegetables.
For an easy twist, try making a Chicken Marsala casserole. Mix the sauce with cooked pasta and top with cheese before baking.
Health Benefits of Using Leftover Chicken
Using leftover chicken offers nutritional and financial benefits. It’s a smart way to get protein and save money on meals.
Nutritional Value
Leftover chicken is packed with protein. It helps build and repair muscles. Chicken also contains B vitamins, which boost energy and brain function.
It’s low in fat, especially if you remove the skin. This makes it good for heart health. Chicken has minerals like zinc and selenium. These support your immune system.
Using leftover chicken adds variety to your diet. You can mix it with different veggies and grains. This helps you get a range of nutrients in your meals.
Economical Advantages
Cooking with leftover chicken saves you money. You get more meals from one chicken purchase. This cuts down on food waste too.
It’s a time-saver for busy days. You can quickly add pre-cooked chicken to salads or sandwiches. This makes meal prep easier and faster.
Buying whole chickens is often cheaper than boneless cuts. You can use the leftovers in many ways. Try adding them to soups, stir-fries, or wraps.
Leftover chicken helps you stick to your food budget. It’s a cheap protein source compared to other meats. You can stretch your grocery dollars further.
Proper Storage Tips for Leftover Chicken
Storing leftover chicken correctly keeps it safe to eat and tasty for later meals. Good storage practices prevent bacterial growth and maintain quality.
Refrigeration Techniques
Put leftover chicken in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking. Use shallow containers to help it cool faster. Cover the chicken tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
Keep your fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below. Use leftover chicken within 3-4 days.
For easy portioning, cut the chicken into smaller pieces before storing. This also helps it cool more quickly.
Label containers with the date to track freshness.
Freezing Methods
Freeze chicken if you won’t eat it within 4 days. Wrap it tightly in freezer paper or place in freezer bags. Push out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Freeze chicken in meal-sized portions for easy thawing. Use within 4 months for best quality.
For longer storage, use a vacuum sealer. This can extend freezer life up to 9 months.
Don’t refreeze thawed chicken unless you’ve cooked it first.
Safe Reheating Practices
Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge, not on the counter. Use thawed chicken within 1-2 days.
Reheat chicken to 165°F (74°C) to kill any bacteria. Use a food thermometer to check.
Microwave: Cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between.
Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
Stovetop: Add a little liquid and heat in a covered pan.
Don’t reheat chicken more than once. Throw away any leftovers after reheating.
Creative Recipe Ideas
Leftover chicken opens up a world of tasty possibilities. Try these fresh takes on using extra chicken to create exciting new meals.
Innovative Uses in Salads
Toss leftover chicken into a Greek-inspired salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, and olives. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette for a light lunch.
For a Southwest flair, mix chicken with black beans, corn, and avocado. Top with cilantro-lime dressing and crushed tortilla chips.
Make an Asian chicken salad by combining shredded chicken with cabbage, carrots, and mandarin oranges. Add a ginger-sesame dressing and crunchy wonton strips.
Incorporating Leftover Chicken in Soups and Stews
Turn chicken into a comforting tortilla soup. Simmer it with tomatoes, chilies, and corn. Top with crispy tortilla strips and avocado.
Create a quick chicken and dumplings. Add chicken to simmering broth with veggies. Drop in small biscuit dough for easy dumplings.
Make a hearty chicken and wild rice soup. Combine chicken, rice, mushrooms, and carrots in a creamy broth. Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.
Family-Friendly Casserole Creations
Whip up a cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole. Layer chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden.
Try a Tex-Mex inspired chicken enchilada casserole. Stack tortillas with chicken, beans, and cheese. Cover with enchilada sauce and bake.
Make a chicken pot pie casserole. Mix chicken with veggies in a creamy sauce. Top with a flaky pie crust or biscuits and bake until bubbly.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
