40 Amazing Recipes Using Leftover Chicken
Leftover chicken doesn't have to be dull; it can be the starting point for a variety of delicious meals.
By adding a few ingredients, you can create entirely new dishes that are both quick and satisfying.
Consider crafting a hearty chicken pot pie, a spicy stir-fry, or a fresh chicken salad.
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
A delicious chicken spaghetti recipe features a sauce made from tomatoes and heavy cream, along with five cloves of garlic for extra flavor.
Whole wheat pasta can be used to make this dish heart-healthy.
Cooked chicken breast adds protein and richness, and the entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes.
Once the sauce is ready, mixing in fresh basil elevates it to something special for family gatherings.
Traditional recipes often use cream cheese, but this version offers a delightful twist that everyone will enjoy.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup warms the heart and fills hungry bellies.
Families often turn to this dish for comfort during tough times, hoping it might ease their colds.
Leftover chicken paired with boxed or canned broth creates a delicious meal that everyone loves.
After enjoying it together, any extra soup makes for a tasty lunch the next day.
Few meals provide such cozy satisfaction as this classic favorite does.
Leftover Chicken Chili
Leftover chicken chili makes a satisfying meal, especially when using shredded chicken.
Spice levels can be adjusted to suit everyone’s taste, whether your team prefers heat or something milder.
Serving options abound; enjoy it in a hearty bowl or pile it on nachos, burritos, baked potatoes, or enchiladas wrapped in tortillas.
Adding sliced avocado and sour cream enhances the flavor beautifully.
Cornbread also pairs wonderfully with this dish for an extra treat.
Leftover Roast Chicken Biryani
Leftover chicken can lead to exciting meals.
Biryani, a flavorful dish, showcases how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.
In just 40 minutes, dinner is ready to impress guests with its elegance and taste.
This recipe not only highlights creativity but also cleverly hides vegetables in the mix.
No one will suspect that this delightful meal originated from last night’s roast chicken.
Chicken Ranch Wrap
Wraps provide a nutritious alternative to sandwiches, offering endless flavor possibilities with various tortillas.
Whole wheat and low-carb options cater to health-conscious choices, while lettuce wraps add a fresh twist.
Simple ingredients make preparation easy; ranch dressing pairs well with leftover chicken and fresh veggies that are likely in your kitchen already.
For an extra indulgence, crispy bacon can elevate the taste but is not necessary.
Preparing these wraps ahead of time allows for quick meals on busy mornings; just wrap them in cling film for convenience as you head out the door.
Chicken Stroganoff
Leftover rotisserie chicken shines in this creamy chicken stroganoff.
Busy weeknights call for quick and satisfying meals, and this dish fits the bill perfectly.
Rich flavors blend seamlessly with tender pieces of chicken, creating a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.
Say goodbye to traditional beef stroganoff; this version brings a delightful twist to your dinner table.
Enjoy the ease of preparation while savoring every bite!
Leftover Easy White Chicken Chili
Leftover chicken can turn into a delightful dish with white beans, often using cannellini.
Yellow onions and green chiles add rich flavors, while a squeeze of lime enhances the taste even more.
Cheese and cilantro sprinkled on top create an appealing finish before serving.
Enjoy this chili alongside tortillas, diced avocado, sour cream, or chips for a satisfying meal.
For those interested in traditional recipes featuring leftover chicken, there’s also a link to explore chili made with it!
Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Leftover chicken can turn into a delicious lunch with quick and easy chicken shawarma wraps.
This dish features tender, spiced meat that pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice.
Making these flavorful wraps offers a satisfying way to use up extra ingredients from dinner.
A sprinkle of fresh vegetables adds crunch and color, enhancing the overall experience.
Chicken Mac And Cheese
Leftover shredded chicken makes a great addition to mac ‘n cheese, turning a simple meal into something special.
Chicken and cheese blend together perfectly, creating a satisfying dish that kids will love.
Making this combination is easier than expected; it can be prepared from scratch or paired with your go-to boxed version for quick dinners.
The idea of mixing these two ingredients seems obvious now, but it took time for someone to discover this delicious match.
Chicken Enchilada Tamale Bake
A delicious blend of Tex-Mex flavors awaits with a chicken enchilada tamale bake.
This one-dish meal combines the best elements of tamales and enchiladas without the hassle.
Layers of ingredients create a delightful mix, topped with a cornbread crust and zesty enchilada sauce.
Cheese melts beautifully throughout, while fresh cilantro adds brightness to each bite.
Families who enjoy some spice will find this dish irresistible at dinner time.
Leftover Chicken Pasta Salad
A pasta salad can easily turn into a satisfying main dish when packed with leftover chicken and fresh vegetables.
Flavor shines through with ingredients like crispy bacon, crunchy bell pepper, sweet carrots, creamy avocado, zesty Dijon mustard, and tangy cider vinegar.
Each bite offers a delicious mix that fills the plate and pleases the palate.
Combining these elements creates a meal that is both hearty and refreshing.
Simple Chicken A La King
Growing up, many enjoyed Chicken a la King as a comforting meal.
This dish features tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and rich heavy cream for a creamy texture.
Olive oil adds flavor while minced garlic enhances the aroma.
Chicken broth brings everything together with its savory depth.
A delightful choice for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this classic recipe never fails to please the palate.
Leftover Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas have become a favorite twist on the classic dish that once only featured ground beef.
Grilled chicken works wonderfully in this Tex-Mex casserole, making preparation easy and enjoyable.
Fire-roasted diced green chiles add a burst of flavor without overwhelming heat, though milder options are available for those who prefer less spice.
Shredded cheese melts beautifully throughout the dish, ensuring it pleases even the pickiest eaters.
For added convenience, enchilada sauce can be homemade or simply grabbed from a store shelf.
Thai Chicken Soba Noodle Salad
A chilled salad filled with vegetables, rotisserie chicken, and a tasty peanut dressing works wonderfully as a filling main dish.
Packing this meal for the week makes lunch planning easier and more enjoyable.
Layering ingredients in mason jars offers another convenient way to prepare lunches; simply pour everything into a bowl at mealtime for an instant mix of flavors.
Whole wheat linguine or buckwheat noodles add fiber while enhancing the meal's satisfaction.
For work lunches, grabbing your container from the fridge ensures that you have something delicious ready to enjoy anytime.
Thai Chicken And Coconut Curry Soup
Craving a warm bowl of Thai chicken curry coconut soup?
Leftover chicken and rice noodles serve as the base for this comforting dish.
Spices play an important role, with red curry paste, curry powder, coriander, turmeric, fish sauce, and fresh cilantro enhancing the flavors.
This recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy familiar ingredients in a new form.
Savoring each spoonful brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal.
Leftover Chicken Stew With Dumplings
Hearty stew featuring shredded rotisserie chicken and dumplings brings comfort to any meal.
Potatoes play a crucial role, adding substance that fills the belly.
Thyme introduces a warm flavor that feels like home, enhancing every bite.
For dumplings, options abound; homemade recipes echo those from grandmother’s kitchen while canned biscuits offer quick convenience.
Pinching off small pieces of dough creates delightful little balls, making preparation easy and enjoyable.
This traditional dish evokes memories similar to chicken pot pie with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Leftover Roast Chicken Pasta
Cooking this dish takes only about 15 minutes, making it a quick option for busy days.
Ingredients are likely already in your fridge or pantry, simplifying the preparation.
For families that enjoy bacon, this meal is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Sweet chili sauce adds a delightful kick while heavy cream creates a rich flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Feel free to use penne pasta or any other type you have available; versatility enhances its appeal even more.
Leftover Roasted Chicken Pot Pie
A super easy chicken pot pie makes for a comforting meal.
Using a store-bought pie crust saves time, but homemade options work well too.
Rich flavors emerge from Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and tarragon.
Creamy goodness comes from combining chicken broth with flour and heavy cream or milk.
This dish warms the heart and satisfies the appetite with every bite.
Pesto Chicken Sliders
Leftover chicken from Saturday night can easily turn into delicious sliders for a game-day treat.
These mini sandwiches serve as excellent finger food, making them great for both solo lunches and gatherings with kids.
Each bite is packed with flavor, ensuring everyone enjoys the meal.
Quick to prepare and satisfying, these sliders add fun to any occasion without much effort involved.
Perfectly sized for small hands or casual snacking, they promise a tasty experience every time.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
The Chicken Gnocchi soup from Olive Garden has captured the hearts of many across the country.
A recipe closely resembling this beloved dish is available for those eager to recreate it at home.
Store-bought potato gnocchi serves as a convenient base for this delightful meal.
Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, while red pepper flakes provide just the right amount of heat.
Half-and-half or heavy cream enriches the soup, giving it that creamy texture everyone loves.
Chicken Shepherds Pie
Shepherd’s pie shines as a comforting casserole that many enjoy.
Leftover chicken can replace the traditional ground lamb or beef, offering a tasty twist.
Frozen mixed veggies make preparation quick and easy, but canned vegetables or broccoli work just as well if frozen options aren’t available.
Instant potatoes serve as another time-saving alternative for those in a hurry, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish without much fuss.
A sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese on top adds extra flavor; just remember to loosely cover the pan while baking to prevent scorching.
Tuscan Chicken Soup
Homemade versions of Zuppa Toscana have gained popularity among fans of this tasty Olive Garden soup.
Packed with fresh vegetables, the Tuscan chicken soup includes carrots, celery, potatoes, kale, and cannellini beans.
Many enjoy recreating this comforting dish in their own kitchens.
The combination of flavors creates a warm and satisfying meal that warms the soul on chilly days.
Savory ingredients come together to make every bowl a delightful experience for all who try it.
Creamy French Onion Chicken And Rice Bake
Comfort food finds a special place in many hearts, and chicken casserole with rice holds a timeless appeal.
This creamy French onion chicken and rice dish stands out for its rich flavors.
Grated Gruyere cheese combined with onion soup mix elevates this classic meal beyond the ordinary.
Preparation takes just five minutes, leaving plenty of time for relaxation or family activities in the evening.
Leftover Chicken Curry
Chicken curry stands out as a beloved dish that many enjoy.
Leftover chicken turns into something extraordinary with a creamy sauce filled with spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, cinnamon, and turmeric.
Adding vegetables enhances the flavor and nutrition of this meal while offering endless options for creativity.
Preparing this dish in one pot simplifies cooking and cleanup significantly.
Leftover Chicken Fried Rice
Dinner can be a breeze with quick and easy Chinese food takeout, making weeknights less hectic.
Chicken fried rice or stir fry appeals to even the pickiest eaters, ensuring everyone enjoys their meal.
Leftover chicken from your fridge can easily turn into a tasty dish in about 20 minutes, offering a home-cooked option that rivals delivery time.
Adding broccoli enhances both flavor and nutrition, while soy sauce serves as an excellent condiment.
Preparing rice the night before or using a timer on your rice cooker allows for even faster dinner prep when you return home.
Leftover Chicken Lentil Soup
A big pot of vegetable soup or beans can be even better with a little meat added for heartiness.
Many cooks have traditionally used ingredients like bacon, ham hocks, or salt pork to enhance the flavor of their dishes.
Leftover shredded rotisserie chicken offers a clever alternative for seasoning soups and legumes while keeping them light.
Chicken stock pairs well with lentils too, providing rich taste without extra fat.
Families who enjoy this combination often find comfort in hearty meals that satisfy everyone at the table.
Asian Chicken Rice Bowl
Serving meals in a bowl feels satisfying and easy.
Many restaurants feature their dishes in bowls, often referred to as "soul bowls." Creating your own version at home is simple and enjoyable.
Ground chicken works well for these recipes, but leftover roasted chicken can be an excellent alternative for a personal twist.
Sweet chili sauce combined with ginger elevates the flavor, making every bite special.
Breakfast Shredded Chicken Hash
Breakfast can be exciting with leftover chicken.
Chicken hash offers a tasty way to start the day, combining chopped russet potatoes, eggs, smoked paprika, and your favorite hot sauce.
Adding some gooey cheddar cheese enhances the flavor even more.
This dish turns simple ingredients into a hearty meal that satisfies morning cravings.
Leftover Chicken And Mozzarella Flatbread Pizza
Pizza ranks high on the list of favorite meals for many.
Homemade versions allow everyone to personalize their slices, ensuring satisfaction for all.
Using pre-made flatbread can speed up dinner preparation, making it even more convenient.
While takeout pizza from beloved restaurants is tasty, crafting one at home proves surprisingly simple and enjoyable.
The options for toppings and styles are limitless, inviting creativity in every bite.
Classic Chicken Tetrazzini
Creamy chicken tetrazzini makes a comforting meal that can be enjoyed any time, not just after Thanksgiving.
Leftover chicken works perfectly for this dish, allowing you to savor its rich flavors throughout the year.
Key ingredients include sautéed mushrooms, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream combined with frozen peas and your preferred dry pasta.
Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce while ensuring a delightful texture in every bite.
This hearty recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to any table.
Leftover Chicken Salad
Using leftover chicken opens up many delicious options.
Traditional smoked chicken salad ranks high on the list, as it’s quick to prepare and perfect for sandwiches.
A twist on this idea includes a Waldorf salad featuring apples, grapes, celery, and red onion; these ingredients create a satisfying meal.
Adding pecans or walnuts enhances the dish with healthy protein and good fats while providing an enjoyable crunch.
Few recipes rival this one when it comes to utilizing leftover chicken effectively.
Chicken Breakfast Egg Bake
Chicken makes a fantastic addition to breakfast dishes, enhancing flavors in everything from casseroles to omelets.
An egg bake featuring chicken stands out as a wonderful choice for your morning meals.
Preparing this dish the night before allows for easy cooking when morning arrives.
Simply place it in the oven and enjoy a hearty breakfast without much hassle.
Adding this recipe will surely enrich your collection of breakfast ideas.
Chicken Empanadas
Delicious empanadas serve as a beloved Latin American treat, reminiscent of pasties or Hot Pockets.
These handy pies can be filled with various meats or leftover vegetables, including chicken.
Convenience shines through with the option to purchase pre-made dough shells for quick preparation.
Versatile in nature, empanadas cater to different tastes and preferences.
Leftover Roast Chicken Risotto
A short prep time was essential when searching for a risotto recipe using leftover chicken.
Tossing your favorite vegetables and rotisserie chicken into a pot with rice makes the process easy.
Brown rice enhances health benefits while delivering great flavor, often surpassing white rice in taste.
Asparagus contributes a delightful crunch and vibrant color to the dish, making it visually appealing as well as tasty.
Enjoy this comforting meal that requires minimal effort yet satisfies hunger beautifully.
Leftover Chicken Tacos
Every week, Taco Tuesday can become a fun tradition at home.
Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for making chicken tacos, and taco seasoning simplifies the process.
Adding toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, or sautéed vegetables enhances flavor and nutrition.
Sneaking in extra veggies and healthy fats helps keep meals balanced for the family.
Pairing these tasty tacos with slow-cooked beans or a hearty black bean soup creates a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Leftover Bbq Chicken Quesadilla
Finding ways to use leftover BBQ chicken can be tricky.
Quesadillas provide a delicious solution, offering layers of creamy cheese and bold flavors in every bite.
The crispy tortillas enhance the delightful mix inside, creating an exciting taste experience.
Adding BBQ seasoning from your chicken to make it truly memorable.
Chorizo Chicken Paella
Chorizo sausage adds an exciting burst of flavor to any meal.
Leftover chicken, especially dark meat, works well in this recipe.
Key ingredients include Spanish or Mexican chorizo, dry white wine, bell pepper, smoked paprika, roasted red peppers, and a hint of saffron.
These components come together to create a dish that is rich and satisfying.
Cooking with these ingredients promises a delightful experience for the taste buds.
Peanut Butter Chicken Salad Sandwich
Unbelievably delicious flavors come together in this sandwich.
Chicken and peanuts create a classic Thai taste, enhanced by fresh basil.
Sliced or shredded chicken works well, but chicken salad adds an extra layer of flavor.
Leftovers from a hearty chicken salad can turn into a delightful spread on peanut butter sandwiches the next day.
Mixing peanut butter with mayonnaise ensures everything holds together beautifully for each bite.
Easy Chicken Croquettes
Leftover chicken can turn into delicious croquettes that vanish quickly.
Many people enjoy salmon croquettes, so why not try a chicken version?
Using a favorite recipe for salmon croquettes works well with this ingredient swap.
Alternatively, following a specific recipe for chicken croquettes will yield tasty results.
Enjoy the crispy outside and flavorful filling that everyone loves!
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
A delicious lasagna can easily become a favorite meal.
Swapping marinara sauce for creamy Alfredo sauce adds a delightful twist to the traditional recipe.
Leftover chicken combines beautifully with garlic powder, creating a rich flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Sprinkling parmesan cheese on top enhances the dish even more, making it truly satisfying.
Pairing this casserole with salad and garlic bread makes for an enjoyable dining experience at any time of day.