10 Ways to Use Leftover Chicken

Got leftover chicken from last night’s dinner? Don’t let it go to waste! Whether you have roasted, grilled, or baked chicken on hand, there are plenty of ways to transform it into something delicious and new. Here are 10 creative ideas to breathe new life into your leftover chicken.

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Crispy chicken quesadillas with cheese.

1. Refreshing Chicken Salad with a Crunch

   Combine shredded chicken with Greek yogurt, a touch of mayo, diced apples, celery, and walnuts for a refreshing chicken salad. Serve it in lettuce wraps or on toasted bread for a quick lunch.

2. Crispy Chicken Quesadillas

   Layer your leftover chicken with cheese, black beans, and chopped bell peppers between two tortillas. Cook in a skillet until golden brown and crispy. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

3. Comforting Homemade Chicken Soup

   Simmer your leftover chicken with broth, carrots, celery, and onion to make a comforting homemade soup. Add noodles or rice for extra heartiness.

4. Savory BBQ Chicken Pizza

   Spread BBQ sauce over a pre-made pizza crust, sprinkle on shredded chicken, red onions, and mozzarella cheese. Bake until bubbly and top with fresh cilantro.

5. Quick & Tasty Chicken Fried Rice

   Chop up your leftover chicken and stir-fry it with cooked rice, scrambled eggs, soy sauce, and a mix of vegetables. This makes for a quick and satisfying meal.

6. Flavorful Chicken Tacos

   Warm up some tortillas and fill them with your chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and your favorite taco toppings. A squeeze of lime adds a fresh touch.

7. Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

   Mix cooked pasta with a creamy sauce, your leftover chicken, and a handful of fresh spinach. Top with mozzarella and bake until golden and bubbly.

8. Loaded Chicken Nachos

   Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, sprinkle with shredded chicken, black beans, and cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted, then add diced tomatoes, jalapenos, and a dollop of guacamole or sour cream.

9. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wraps

   Toss your leftover chicken in spicy buffalo sauce and wrap it up with lettuce, shredded carrots, and blue cheese dressing for a tangy twist.

10. Classic Chicken Pot Pie

    Use your leftover chicken to make a comforting pot pie. Combine it with mixed vegetables and a can of cream of chicken soup, then bake it under a flaky pie crust or puff pastry.

With a little creativity, leftover chicken can become the star of a completely new dish. These ideas not only help reduce food waste but also make meal prep easier during busy weeks. Give one (or more!) of these ideas a try and enjoy delicious meals without the extra hassle.

Which idea are you excited to try first? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your photos!