Leftover chicken...something that always ends up in the kitchen, right? They grilled a large bird overnight, and while everyone had a hearty meal, there's plenty left over.
You buy a fried chicken or two of everyone's favorite. You had the bird, but there's still a plate full of meat to shred and you don't know what to do. Don't even think about throwing it away. It's your chance to create a second meal that tastes just as fresh and different than when you originally ate your chicken.
ThisLeftover chicken recipeThey're super quick since the chicken is already cooked, and super delicious since you'll be adding so many different flavors and ingredients. This list is your eventual savior for busy weeknights when you want to make dinner in under 30 minutes. This list is your friend and cares about you.
From the simplest stews to hearty soups, quick stir-fries, nachos and tacos... For a fun evening of pizza and healthy snacks and salads. You can use already cooked chicken and make it easier on yourself.
The next time you run out of overcooked chicken, refrigerate for the second meal the next day or freeze and reuse later for easy meals. (Now I know next time you'll buy that extra fried chicken just to try some of these soon... 🙂)
1. Chicken Pie Casserole
We're starting this leftover chicken list with everyone's favorite meal, chicken pot pie! This EASY chicken pie recipe is loaded with carrots, peas, chicken and topped with a flaky pie crust. What a perfect ending for this leftover chicken. This will all end when they all dip into this pot.
pick it up[email protected]Streit
2. Easy Baked Chicken Nachos
Who would want these nachos for their next family gathering or Sunday? They're easy to make if you have leftover cooked chicken in your fridge. These nachos pack a punch: layered chicken fries with salsa and black beans, topped with all your favorite toppings.
3. Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
Reinvent your leftover chicken with this delicious Chicken Pot Pie! Lumpy veggies, rich white wine sauce, and a cheesy mashed potato topping make this casserole a winner! Great family plate.
4. Chicken Salad
This simple and classic Chicken Salad recipe with Rolled Grapes and Almonds is the best for all those leftover chickens you don't know what to do with. Make a sandwich between croissants or bread. Perfect for your weekday lunch or any type of meeting. People love classic chicken salad sandwiches any time of the day.
Get the recipe @houseofnasheats
5. Chicken Quesadillas
Chicken QuesadillasThey are great food. Quick, easy, and the perfect way to use up leftover chicken! This recipe combines cooked chicken and cheese with spices and veggies! Simply place your favorite toppings in a tortilla and fry until melted and crispy! Yummy…
Get the recipe @gastecompennies
6. Butter Chicken Pizza
This Butter Chicken Pizza recipe is dinner #2 for this time, eat twice, cook! Once you've made your favorite butter chicken, don't forget to save some for the pizzas! The next day it's time to turn it into pizza for a quick meal that takes less than 15 minutes! Do it for your company and surprise them with these innovative pizza flavors.
Get the recipe @myeverydaytable
7. Tuscan Chicken Soup
This Tuscan Chicken Soup is a super healthy soup with veggies and beans to warm up your tummy! The broth is really tasty yet easy to make, and you can use leftover cooked chicken too! Great option for dinner without much fuss.
Get the recipe @ kitchensanctuary
8. Grilled Chicken Alfredo
A comfort food classic that's perfect for feeding a crowd! This Chicken Alfredo Bake Penne Pasta features cooked chicken and a creamy sauce! Topped with cheese and baked to perfection, no one can resist this delicious dish!
Get the recipe @cravinghomecozido
9. Thai Coconut Chicken Curry Soup
Fancy Asian flavors? This Thai Coconut Curry Chicken Soup is a healthy vegetable, chicken, and noodle soup with fresh and vibrant Thai flavors! And you'll love the addition of crunchy peanuts to top it off. It's the perfect year-round soup recipe. You don't even have to cook the chicken as the fried chicken goes into this pan. Fast and easy!
10. Leftover Baked Chicken Fajitas
This quick and easy Leftover Chicken Fajita recipe comes on the table in 15 minutes and is absolutely delicious. Bursting with vibrant flavor and color, these chicken fajitas are so, so good! Serve them with the ingredients you like best. Perfect for your busy weeknights.
Get the recipe @fussfreeflavors
11. Chinese Chili Fried Chicken
This Chili Chicken Stir Fry is bursting with flavor, texture, and heat! Tender pieces of chicken breast, crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs and pasta in a spicy sauce with a hint of sweetness.
This Chili Chicken Recipe is so easy to make! It's a complete meal with protein, vegetables, carbohydrates and gravy. It can be prepped and ready and on the table in 30 minutes or less! Aren't you glad you had a leftover fried chicken from last night?
Get the recipe @nospoonnecesario
12. Fried chicken in the pan
Dinner will be served in 30 minutes... all thanks to that leftover fried chicken. This easy skillet comes with chicken, orzo, carrots, peas, and onions, plus some heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Mix everything up and dinner will be ready in minutes if everyone is hungry.
13. Chicken Pasta Salad
This is a large batch of chicken pasta salad with lots of creamy dressing, tossed with a combination of sour cream and mayonnaise, with lots of toppings. Carrot, celery, bell pepper, green onion, bacon and cheese. Do it today, enjoy it for days! Another option is to feed the crowds or as a perfect candidate for potlucks and gatherings.
14. Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is super quick and easy. It takes 35-40 minutes to prep and is a great way to use up leftover chicken if you have any. The soft gnocchi melt with lots of vegetables and protein to a creamy delight on the tongue.
Get the recipe @saltandlavender
15. Easy Chili Chicken
This chili goes fast. There's something so comforting about a pot of pepper simmering on the stove. Especially when this chili comes together in minutes with super easy ingredients, with the main ingredient being fried chicken. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when the whole family comes over. You can top it with tortilla strips, sour cream, chives and of course cheese! EAT on
Get the recipe @mybakingaddiction
16. Chicken Meatballs
These chicken patties or buns are crispy on the outside with a moist, cheesy center and are a great way to use up leftover roast chicken. Make a batch and watch everyone eat. Easy and cheap.
Get the recipe @natashaskitchen
17. Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Have you ever tried tetrazzini casserole? If not, this will become your next comfort favorite. It's a creamy, cheesy pasta baked with leftover chicken in a creamy sauce along with mushrooms. You only need 15 minutes for the preparation, the rest is done by the oven you trust. Great one pot meal for everyone.
Get the recipe @thecookierookie
18. Crustless Baked Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
cake without cake? Yes, if you're craving those cozy, comfortable flavors without the extra work. This is for those lazy days. Try this quick casserole for those awkward moments when everyone is hungry and you want something simple but delicious.
get the recipe
19. Pollo-Tikka-Gyros
Making your own chicken tikkas is extremely easy and delicious. If you're making a large batch of this famous Indian appetizer, there are plenty of ways to have it as leftovers. Try them out in this Indian-Greek fusion way. Put them together with pita breadTzatziki, a fresh Greek salad, a good pinch of feta and a great gyros is ready.
get the recipe
20. Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Making chicken enchiladas from leftovers is a great way to turn leftovers into an easy and flavorful meal. Tender grilled chicken is seasoned with a hot, flavorful enchilada sauce, topped with shredded cheese, then wrapped in soft tortillas and baked hot.
Simply delicious! Perfect for a night of effortless Mexican cravings.
21. Roasted Chicken Noodle Soup
This is when you're craving chicken noodle soup but don't have the time to make it completely from scratch. Using a fried chicken is a great lifehack. It's the comfort food recipe your family wants for an easy weeknight dinner.
Get the recipe @foodfolksandfun
22. Chicken Fried Rice
This Chicken Fried Rice is a great recipe to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or rotisserie chicken. Super quick and delicious Asian flavors that beat any takeaway.
Get the recipe @ kitchensanctuary
23. Baked Chicken Shawarma Pita Wraps
This chicken shawarma wrap is easy as it starts with already cooked grilled chicken combined with shawarma seasoning. This takes a few minutes in the pan. All that's left is to wrap it in flatbread along with lots of veggies like carrots, radishes, cucumber, sliced red onion, some leafy greens and a lemon garlic yogurt sauce. You are ready to take a bite out of this fast food.
Get the recipe @seasonsandsuppers
24. Fiesta Chicken Casserole
Fiesta Chicken Casserole is an easy chicken casserole recipe that's so easy to make with cooked chicken, pasta, black beans, corn, spices and cheese. This is a favorite family dinner recipe that is always a hit. Simple one-pot meals like these are your saviors.
Get the recipe @Togetherasfamily
25. Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna will be your new favorite twist on a classic. Filled with flavorful chicken wing sauce, tender chicken and cheese galore, this dish combines 2 drool-worthy meals to make the most delicious lasagna you've ever tasted.
Get the recipe @cravinghomecozido
26. Leftover Fried Chicken Batter
Leftover Roast Chicken Pasta is a creamy roast chicken pasta dish served over spaghetti or other pasta in a sauce of chicken broth and crème fraiche.
27. Frango Bacon Rach Flatbread Pizza
This 15-minute chicken and bacon flatbread pizza is loaded with creamy ranch, crispy bacon bits and melted mozzarella cheese. It's a quick comfort food that everyone will love! Pizza time has never been easier thanks to the already cooked chicken you saved the other day.
Get the recipe @simplyhomecozido
28. Brathähnchen-Enchilada
This skillet chicken enchiladas takes under 30 minutes to make. Leftover shredded chicken, beans, corn, onions, peppers along with leftover rice. Everything is mixed with enchilada sauce and covered with cheese. botch easy.
Get the recipe @ crazyforcrust
29. Greek Chicken Pasta Salad
Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is the perfect refreshing and hearty summer dish with its medley of veggies and tangy lemon garlic dressing. Great use of leftover chicken thighs.
30. Smoked Chicken Chilaquiles
Leftover chicken is the perfect excuse to make this Mexican breakfast! All you need is 20 minutes and a skillet for this perfect carnivorous breakfast.
A classic Mexican breakfast and the perfect way to burn through yesterday's tortillas. Roll leftover meat and tortillas in enchilada sauce and cook in a pan with fried eggs on top. They are your breakfast nachos.
31. Fried chicken and potatoes
Prepare Baked Chicken and Potatoes for an easy dinner any night of the week! This dish consists of layers of sliced potatoes and diced chicken in a creamy white sauce of mushroom and cream sauce. The whole family will love this easy and healthy casserole!
Get the recipe @theseasonedmom
32. Grilled Chicken Carnitas with Ananas-Jalapeño-Salsa
These Roast Chicken Carnitas are delicious and a lot easier to make than the traditional ones. All you do is grill shredded chicken until crispy and make an easy Pineapple Guacamole Salsa. Fold these warm tortillas in big blobs of these easy chicken carnitas.
Get the recipe @theendlessmeal
33. Buffalo Chicken Salad Wraps
Its addicting buffalo chicken flavor in lettuce wraps...a new healthy and delicious meal that's super quick and super fun. Try it out with everyone this weekend.
Get the recipe @ oursaltykitchen
34. Green chicken enchiladas
Salsa verde, green peppers, leftover fried chicken, and Monterey Jack cheese make the best late night enchiladas! Trust me you will love these green enchiladas. What a great way to reuse leftover chicken.
35. Tinga-Huhn-Tacos
We're closing out this incredibly useful list of leftover chicken with these easy Tinga Chicken Tacos. FAST, super easy and super juicy chicken has REAL smoky Chipotle TASTE!! If you're craving tacos, these are the tacos you need to make! Mexican nights consist of these…
there you go we show you these easy and delicious ways to make a second meal from what you already have in your fridge. Don't throw away the excess chicken you've cooked or bought. With all these great ideas, you can have your next lunch or dinner ready in no time.
Pin or bookmark this page and you'll know exactly where to look. You have plenty of cooked chicken on hand. Please let us know if you have tried any of the second meal options above. Leverage…
Harvest:6 servings
construction time:10 mins
Time to cook:20 minutes
Total time:30 minutes
This great collection ofLeftover chicken recipeIt will give you lots of easy weeknight dinner ideas!
Ingredients
- grilled chicken
- grilled chicken
- boiled chicken
- grilled chicken
instructions
- Choose a recipe that looks delicious. Try something you've never tried before, it's fun to try!
- Make a shopping list and stock up on ingredients.
- Cook your new favoriteLeftover Chicken Recipe!
Nuts
- Let me know what recipes you try, I look forward to hearing from you!
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