Chicken is a staple protein that you can cook in a variety of ways. It’s also an easy leftover that you can use in many recipes for your next meal.
Not quite sure what to do with those leftover chicken pieces in your fridge? Well, worry no more.
From comforting soups to exotic stir-fries and salads, here are 45 easy leftover chicken recipes that will make your lunch or dinner a delicious and satisfying experience.
45 Easy Leftover Chicken Recipes
1. Chicken Fried Rice
Quickly sauté some garlic, ginger, onions, and leftover chopped chicken in a pan. Add cooked rice, a scrambled egg, some soy sauce, and voilà! A delicious and economical way to use your leftover chicken.
2. Leftover Chicken Quesadillas
Spread shredded cheddar cheese and diced chicken over a tortilla, top with another tortilla, and then cook both sides until crispy. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa or guacamole.
3. Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup
If you have leftover chicken and some veggies lying around, you can easily whip up a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup. Cook some noodles separately, simmer the chicken and veggies in chicken broth, bring to a boil, and let it simmer for a while.
4. Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry
Stir-fry sliced onions and leftover diced chicken in a pan, add some garlic, ginger, and broccoli florets. Drizzle a bit of soy sauce, and you’re done! Serve with rice for a hearty meal.
5. Chicken Caesar Salad
Chop up some leftover chicken and mix it with your favorite greens, tomatoes, and croutons. Drizzle with a creamy Caesar dressing and enjoy a healthy and refreshing salad.
6. Chicken Wraps
Use leftover chicken to make delicious wraps. Spread hummus on the wrap, sliced avocado, and chicken. Top off with some fresh greens, roll up, and serve.
7. Chicken Enchiladas
These are tortillas filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and topped with enchilada sauce. Pop into the oven and serve with rice and beans for a satisfying meal.
8. Chicken Pot Pie
Use leftover chicken to make a comforting pot pie. Mix together chicken, veggies, and cream of chicken soup. Pour the mixture into a pie crust and bake until golden brown.
9. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Sauté garlic and onions in a pan, add cooked pasta, leftover chicken, and a jar of Alfredo sauce. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and you have an easy and comforting meal.
10. BBQ Chicken Sliders
Shred the leftover chicken, toss it with BBQ sauce, and pile it high on slider rolls. Add cheese and coleslaw for crunch and color.
11. Chicken Fajitas
Brown leftover chicken in a pan with sliced onions and bell peppers. Serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, and sour cream.
12. Chicken Parmesan
Bread the leftover chicken pieces, top with marinara sauce and cheese, and bake in the oven until crispy and gooey. Serve with pasta for a classic Italian dish.
13. Chicken, Cheddar, and Broccoli Casserole
Mix leftover chicken with cooked broccoli, cheddar cheese soup, and top with breadcrumbs. Bake until bubbly and serve with a side salad.
14. Leftover Chicken Tacos
Shred leftover chicken, add spices, and serve with taco shells, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, lettuce, and your favorite hot sauce.
15. Chinese Chicken Salad
Combine leftover chicken with shredded cabbage, sliced bell peppers, and a sesame dressing. Top with toasted almonds for crunch.
16. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Mix shredded leftover chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and cheddar cheese. Bake until bubbly and serve with tortilla chips.
17. Leftover Chicken Curry
Cook onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan, add leftover chicken, a can of coconut milk, and curry paste. Simmer for 10 minutes and serve with rice.
18. Leftover Chicken Burgers
Mix shredded chicken with breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, and form into patties. Cook in a pan or grill and serve with your favorite burger toppings.
19. Chicken Queso Dip
Mix shredded leftover chicken and a jar of queso sauce. Heat up and serve with tortilla chips.
20. Chicken Pho
Cook leftover chopped chicken in chicken broth with rice noodles, ginger, garlic, and herbs like basil and cilantro. Top off with a squeeze of lime, bean sprouts, and jalapenos.
21. Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Combine leftover chicken with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a lemony vinaigrette dressing.
22. Chicken Alfredo Pizza
Use leftover chicken and store-bought pizza dough topped with Alfredo sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings.
23. Chicken Tenders
Bread and bake leftover chicken strips for a quick and tasty snack. Serve with your choice of dipping sauces.
24. Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken
Roast leftover chicken with a mixture of lemon, garlic, herbs, and olive oil for a flavorful and aromatic dish.
25. Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
Sauté mushrooms, onions, and garlic in a pan, add Arborio rice, leftover chicken, and chicken broth. Cook until creamy and garnish with Parmesan cheese.
26. Chicken Tikka Masala
Simmer leftover chicken in a rich tomato and cream sauce with Indian spices. Serve with naan or rice.
27. Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Combine leftover chicken with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and drizzle with a honey mustard vinaigrette.
28. Crispy Chicken Tacos
Bread leftover chicken pieces and fry until crispy. Serve in taco shells with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
29. Sesame Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry
Sauté leftover chicken with bell peppers, snap peas, and a sesame ginger sauce. Serve over rice or noodles.
30. Chicken and Corn Chowder
Create a creamy chicken and corn chowder by simmering leftover chicken with corn, potatoes, and a blend of herbs and spices.
31. Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Fill jumbo pasta shells with a mixture of leftover chicken, spinach, and ricotta cheese, then bake with marinara sauce and mozzarella.
32. Chicken and Waffles
Serve crispy leftover chicken on top of freshly made waffles, drizzle with maple syrup, and enjoy this sweet and savory combination.
33. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Marinate leftover chicken in teriyaki sauce, skewer it with vegetables, and grill for a delicious and easy meal.
34. Chicken Tarragon Salad
Mix leftover chicken with mayonnaise, fresh tarragon, and diced apples. Serve as a sandwich or on a bed of lettuce.
35. Chicken and Rice Casserole
Combine leftover chicken with cooked rice, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sauce. Bake until bubbly and golden.
36. Curry Chicken and Rice
Sauté onions, garlic, and curry powder, add leftover chicken and coconut milk. Serve over rice for a flavorful curry dish.
37. Chicken and Black Bean Burritos
Fill tortillas with leftover chicken, black beans, rice, and your choice of toppings for a hearty burrito.
38. Chicken Pesto Pasta
Toss leftover chicken with cooked pasta and a homemade or store-bought pesto sauce. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
39. Chicken and Sweet Potato Hash
Sauté sweet potatoes, onions, and bell peppers, then add leftover chicken and season with your favorite spices for a hearty hash.
40. Chicken and Corn Salsa Tostadas
Top tostada shells with leftover chicken, corn salsa, and a dollop of sour cream for a quick and tasty meal.
41. Sesame Orange Chicken
Combine leftover chicken with a homemade orange sauce and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles.
42. Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Sauté broccoli and garlic, add leftover chicken, and stir in Alfredo sauce. Serve over fettuccine for a creamy pasta dish.
43. Chicken and Bacon Ranch Wraps
Use leftover chicken to make wraps with crispy bacon, ranch dressing, lettuce, and tomato.
44. Chicken and Vegetable Kebabs
Thread leftover chicken, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions onto skewers. Grill for a flavorful and healthy meal.
45. Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Dip
Make a creamy dip by combining leftover chicken, spinach, artichokes, and cheese. Serve with pita chips or crusty bread.
Final Thoughts,
Don’t let your leftover chicken go to waste. With these 45 easy leftover chicken recipes, you have endless options for your next meal.
From stir-fries to soups, salads, and pasta dishes, you’re sure to find something that fits your taste. So, go ahead, raid your fridge, and whip up a delicious meal that won’t break the bank. Happy cooking!
