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Leftover chicken doesn’t have to be boring! With these 45+ easy and delicious recipes, you can turn yesterday’s dinner into a brand-new meal that’s just as satisfying. From quick stir-fries to hearty casseroles, these creative dishes will have you repurposing your chicken in no time.
BBQ Chicken Pizza with Red Onions
This BBQ chicken pizza is a fun and tasty way to use leftover chicken. The combination of sweet barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and fresh toppings makes it a hit for any meal.
The image shows a delicious pizza topped with chunks of chicken, vibrant red onions, and fresh herbs. The melted cheese adds a comforting touch, while the colorful ingredients make it visually appealing.
To make this pizza, start with a pre-made crust or your favorite homemade dough. Spread a layer of barbecue sauce on the base, then add shredded chicken. Top it off with sliced red onions and cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly, and finish with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
Spicy Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa
These spicy chicken tacos are a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken. The tacos are filled with tender, seasoned chicken and topped with a fresh avocado salsa that adds a burst of flavor.
The image shows two soft tortillas filled with shredded chicken, vibrant diced tomatoes, and creamy avocado. Fresh cilantro and lime wedges add a touch of brightness, making these tacos not just tasty but also visually appealing.
To make these tacos, start by shredding your leftover chicken. Mix it with spices like cumin and chili powder for that spicy kick. For the salsa, combine diced avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro, and squeeze some lime juice over it. Serve everything in warm tortillas, and you have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Buffalo Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese
This Buffalo Chicken Salad is a fun and tasty way to use leftover chicken. The vibrant orange pieces of chicken are coated in spicy buffalo sauce, giving it a kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy blue cheese. Fresh herbs and crunchy veggies add a nice touch, making this salad both satisfying and refreshing.
To make this dish, start with cooked chicken. Toss it in buffalo sauce until well coated. Then, mix in some diced celery and onions for crunch. Crumbled blue cheese adds a rich flavor that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce. Serve it over a bed of greens or enjoy it on its own!
For a complete meal, consider adding some sliced avocado or a side of whole-grain bread. This salad is perfect for lunch or a light dinner, and it’s sure to impress anyone who loves bold flavors.
Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta is a delightful way to use up leftover chicken. The image shows a bowl of perfectly cooked spaghetti, coated in a rich, creamy sauce. The mushrooms add a nice earthy flavor, while the chicken pieces make it hearty.
To make this dish, you’ll need cooked chicken, pasta, mushrooms, garlic, cream, and some cheese for topping. Start by sautéing the mushrooms and garlic in a pan. Then, add the chicken and cream, letting it simmer until everything is well combined.
Once your pasta is ready, toss it in the sauce and serve with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh parsley. This meal is not just easy to prepare; it’s also comforting and satisfying. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Chicken Quesadillas with Salsa
Chicken quesadillas are a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken. They’re quick to make and packed with flavor. The image shows golden, crispy quesadillas filled with tender chicken and veggies, served with a side of fresh salsa.
To make these quesadillas, start with some tortillas. Fill them with shredded chicken, cheese, and your favorite veggies like bell peppers or onions. Cook them on a skillet until they are crispy and the cheese melts. Serve with salsa for a zesty kick!
This dish is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s easy to customize. You can add spices or different toppings to suit your taste. Enjoy these cheesy, satisfying quesadillas any day of the week!
Chicken Fried Rice with Vegetables
Chicken fried rice is a fantastic way to use leftover chicken. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The image shows a colorful bowl of fried rice, filled with tender grains, vibrant peas, and crunchy carrots. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
To make this dish, start with cooked rice and leftover chicken. You’ll also need some vegetables like peas and carrots. A splash of soy sauce adds a savory kick. Simply stir-fry everything in a pan until heated through. This is a great way to clear out your fridge while enjoying a delicious meal.
Feel free to customize it! Add bell peppers, corn, or even scrambled eggs for extra protein. Chicken fried rice is versatile, making it perfect for any night of the week.
Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce
These chicken enchiladas are a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken. The image shows a plate of enchiladas drizzled with a vibrant green sauce, topped with fresh cilantro. The colors are inviting, making it hard to resist a bite!
To make these enchiladas, you’ll need some cooked chicken, tortillas, green enchilada sauce, cheese, and a few spices. Start by shredding the chicken and mixing it with some sauce and cheese. Then, fill the tortillas, roll them up, and place them in a baking dish.
Pour more green sauce over the top, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until bubbly. Serve with lime wedges and extra cilantro for a fresh touch. This dish is not just easy to prepare; it’s also packed with flavor!
Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
This chicken and vegetable stir-fry is a colorful and tasty way to use up leftover chicken. The vibrant mix of bell peppers and green beans adds a fresh crunch to the dish.
Start by chopping your leftover chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat some oil in a pan and toss in the chicken. Add sliced bell peppers, green beans, and any other veggies you have on hand. Stir-fry everything together until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
For flavor, you can add soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. These ingredients will bring everything together beautifully. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
This dish is quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce food waste while enjoying a delicious meal!
Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Quinoa
This Mediterranean Chicken Bowl is a delightful way to use leftover chicken. The dish features juicy, grilled chicken slices resting on a bed of fluffy quinoa. Bright cherry tomatoes and black olives add a pop of color and flavor, while fresh herbs bring everything together.
To make this bowl, start by cooking quinoa according to package instructions. For the chicken, season it with olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs before grilling. Once cooked, slice the chicken and arrange it over the quinoa. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, olives, and a squeeze of lemon for freshness.
This recipe is not only easy but also packed with nutrients. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s customizable! Feel free to add other veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers. Enjoy your tasty Mediterranean meal!
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Pineapple
These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Pineapple are a delightful way to use leftover chicken. The combination of tender chicken and sweet, juicy pineapple creates a tasty dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
To make these skewers, start by cutting your leftover chicken into bite-sized pieces. Marinate them in a simple teriyaki sauce for added flavor. Next, alternate threading the chicken and pineapple chunks onto skewers. Grill them until they’re nicely charred and cooked through.
Serve these skewers with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. They pair wonderfully with a side of rice or a fresh salad. Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe!
Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk
This chicken curry with coconut milk is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for using up leftover chicken. The creamy coconut milk adds richness, while spices bring a delightful flavor. You can see the tender pieces of chicken swimming in a luscious sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro for a pop of color.
To make this dish, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in a pot. Add your leftover chicken and let it brown slightly. Then, pour in coconut milk and your choice of spices, like curry powder and turmeric. Simmer until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
Serve it over rice or with naan for a complete meal. This recipe is not just easy; it’s also a great way to enjoy a cozy dinner without much fuss.
Chicken Fajitas with Grilled Peppers
Chicken fajitas with grilled peppers are a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken. This dish is colorful and packed with flavor, making it a hit at any meal. The image shows perfectly grilled chicken pieces alongside vibrant bell peppers and onions, all sizzling together.
To make these fajitas, start with your leftover chicken, cut into strips. Sauté them with sliced bell peppers and onions in a hot skillet. Season with your favorite spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder for that extra kick.
Serve the mixture on warm tortillas, and don’t forget to add toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. This recipe is not only quick but also a great way to enjoy a delicious meal without much fuss. Enjoy your tasty chicken fajitas!
Chicken Caesar Wraps with Romaine
Chicken Caesar wraps are a fantastic way to use leftover chicken. They are quick to make and packed with flavor. In the image, you can see a wrap filled with juicy chicken pieces, fresh romaine lettuce, and a sprinkle of cheese. The colors are vibrant, making it look appetizing and fresh.
To make these wraps, start with some cooked chicken, romaine lettuce, and your favorite Caesar dressing. You can also add croutons for extra crunch. Simply lay the ingredients on a tortilla, roll it up, and enjoy a delicious meal in minutes!
This recipe is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to get your greens in while enjoying the savory taste of chicken Caesar. So, grab your leftovers and give this wrap a try!
Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells
These Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells are a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken. The image shows large pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of chicken and spinach, topped with a rich tomato sauce. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
To make this recipe, start by cooking the pasta shells until they are al dente. In a bowl, mix shredded leftover chicken with fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, and some spices. Stuff the mixture into the cooked shells and place them in a baking dish. Pour tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden.
This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to sneak in some veggies. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy this easy and satisfying recipe!
Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Crust
Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that brings warmth to any meal. The image shows a freshly baked pie, with steam rising from its golden, flaky crust. This pie is not just a feast for the eyes; it promises a delicious blend of tender chicken and savory vegetables in a creamy sauce.
To make this dish, you’ll need leftover chicken, carrots, peas, and potatoes. A rich broth, some herbs, and a touch of cream will enhance the flavors. The flaky crust is made from simple ingredients like flour, butter, and a pinch of salt, rolled out to perfection.
Start by sautéing the vegetables until they are soft. Then, mix in the chicken and broth, letting it simmer until thickened. Pour this mixture into a pie dish and cover it with the crust. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Serve it hot, and enjoy the cozy flavors!
