10+ Leftover Chicken Recipes to Enjoy Your Meals Again

Leftover chicken is a versatile ingredient that can help you create delicious meals without much fuss. These recipes can help you reduce food waste while enjoying tasty dishes your family will love.

Whether you have a rotisserie chicken or some extra grilled chicken breast, there are plenty of ways to transform your leftovers into exciting new meals.

Using leftover chicken is not only quick and easy, but it also saves you time and money. You can whip up a variety of dishes, from hearty casseroles to simple soups, all while making the most of what you already have in your kitchen.

Get ready to discover how you can turn your leftover chicken into delightful meals!

1) Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken enchilada casserole is a simple and tasty way to use leftover chicken. It combines layers of tortillas, shredded chicken, cheese, and sauce for a comforting meal.

To make this dish, start by shredding your leftover chicken. Mix it with green enchilada sauce and some spices for added flavor.

Layer the tortillas in a baking dish, followed by the chicken mixture and cheese. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients.

Bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden brown. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 12 corn tortillas
• 20 ounces green enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with green enchilada sauce and garlic powder.
3. In a baking dish, place a layer of tortillas.
4. Add half of the chicken mixture on top of the tortillas.
5. Sprinkle with cheese.
6. Repeat the layers with remaining ingredients.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

2) Chicken & Tzatziki Wraps

Chicken & tzatziki wraps are a quick and tasty way to use up leftover chicken. You can enjoy them for lunch or dinner. The creamy tzatziki adds great flavor to the chicken.

Start by preparing your ingredients. You will need tortillas to wrap everything up. Fresh veggies like cucumber and tomatoes add crunch and color.

Combine leftover chicken with tzatziki sauce, cucumbers, and tomatoes. You can also add lettuce for extra texture. Wrap it all up tightly.

These wraps are not only easy to make but are also refreshing. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal!

Ingredients

• Leftover chicken
• Tortillas
• Tzatziki sauce
• Cucumber, chopped
• Tomato, diced
• Lettuce (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Shred or slice the leftover chicken.
2. Spread tzatziki sauce on the tortilla.
3. Add chicken, cucumber, tomato, and lettuce.
4. Roll the tortilla tightly to make a wrap.
5. Slice in half and serve.

3) Easy Coronation Chicken

Coronation Chicken is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. It combines shredded chicken with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce, making it a perfect sandwich filler.

To start, you’ll need cooked chicken. Mix it with mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder, mango chutney, and lemon juice. The sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the chicken well.

You can enjoy this dish on its own or serve it in a sandwich. It’s also great for BBQs or picnics.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 2 tablespoons mango chutney
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder, chutney, and lemon juice.
2. Stir in the shredded chicken until well coated.
3. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

4) Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice is a quick and tasty way to use up leftover chicken. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can easily turn it into a one-pan meal that everyone will love.

To make chicken fried rice, start with cooked rice and shredded chicken. Add some frozen peas, carrots, and a couple of eggs for extra protein. You can also toss in onions and your choice of seasonings for flavor.

This dish is flexible. Feel free to use what you have on hand. You can make it with leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1-2 cups leftover chicken, shredded
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas and carrots)
• 2 eggs
• Soy sauce to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes.
3. Stir in the chicken and rice, mixing well.
4. Push the mix to one side and scramble the eggs on the other side.
5. Combine everything and add soy sauce to taste.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

5) Leftover Chicken Quesadillas

Leftover chicken quesadillas are a quick and delicious way to use up your extra chicken. They are crispy, cheesy, and can be ready in about 20 minutes. You can make them baked or grilled, depending on your preference.

Simply take your leftover chicken and combine it with cheese and your choice of veggies. You can use soft tortillas to wrap everything up.

These quesadillas are perfect for a busy weeknight meal or lunch. Serve them with salsa or sour cream for added flavor!

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 4 large flour or corn tortillas
• 1 cup salsa
• Cooking oil for grilling

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Spread some oil on one side of a tortilla.
3. Place the tortilla in the skillet, oil side down.
4. Add a layer of chicken and cheese on one half.
5. Fold the tortilla over and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
6. Flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
7. Remove and cut into wedges.
8. Serve with salsa.

6) Creamy Chicken Pot Pie

Creamy chicken pot pie is a comforting dish perfect for using leftover chicken. The creamy filling combines chicken with vegetables in a flaky crust.

Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery until tender. Add your leftover chicken and mix in peas for extra flavor.

Then, pour in a creamy sauce made from milk and seasoning. Pour the mixture into a pie crust and top it with another crust or biscuits. Bake until golden brown at 425°F (220°C).

You’ll enjoy a delicious meal that warms you up and makes great leftovers!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pie crust or biscuit dough

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in a pan.
3. Add the shredded chicken and peas to the pan.
4. Stir in milk, flour, and seasonings until smooth.
5. Pour the filling into the pie crust.
6. Cover with another crust or biscuits.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

7) Rotisserie Chicken Stroganoff

Rotisserie Chicken Stroganoff is an easy and comforting dinner option. It’s perfect for using up leftover chicken. This dish combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy sauce.

You’ll need some simple ingredients to make this meal. Cooked egg noodles work well as a base, making it filling and satisfying. Just pair the chicken with mushrooms and onions for added flavor.

You can reheat leftover sauce and noodles separately for a quick lunch too. This way, you keep the texture just right. It’s a delicious twist on a classic recipe that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup diced onion
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz egg noodles

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, sauté onions and mushrooms until soft.
3. Stir in flour, then add chicken stock.
4. Mix in shredded chicken and cook until heated through.
5. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve over egg noodles.

8) Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delicious way to use leftover chicken. It’s full of flavor and easy to make.

Start by combining shredded chicken, corn, black beans, and spices in a pot. You can add red enchilada sauce and chicken broth for a rich taste.

Let it simmer on medium heat for about 20 minutes. This will warm everything through and mix the flavors perfectly.

Serve your soup hot and top it with crunchy tortilla strips, cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice for extra zest.

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded leftover chicken
• 1 can corn
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can red enchilada sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Spices (like cumin and chili powder)
• Tortilla strips
• Cheddar cheese
• Lime

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine shredded chicken, corn, and black beans.
2. Add red enchilada sauce and chicken broth.
3. Stir in spices to taste.
4. Simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes.
5. Serve hot with toppings. Enjoy!

9) Crispy Chicken Croquettes

Crispy chicken croquettes are a delicious way to use leftover chicken. They are easy to make and perfect for a snack or main dish. You can customize them with your favorite seasonings.

To start, mix your leftover chicken with breadcrumbs, eggs, and some finely chopped onion. Form the mixture into small patties.

Next, you will pan-fry them until they are golden brown and crispy. Cook them over medium heat at about 350°F (175°C) for the best results.

Serve the croquettes hot with your favorite dipping sauce. They are sure to be a hit at your next meal!

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover chicken, shredded
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape the mixture into small patties.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
4. Fry the patties until golden brown. This should take about 3-4 minutes on each side.
5. Drain the patties on paper towels and serve them hot.

10) Chicken Bacon Baguettes

Chicken bacon baguettes are a tasty way to use leftover chicken. This dish combines chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh ingredients in a crunchy baguette. It’s perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.

Start by gathering your ingredients. You can use any leftover chicken, whether it’s grilled or rotisserie. Add some crispy bacon for flavor. Top it with lettuce, cheese, and your favorite sauces.

The mixture goes beautifully inside a sliced, toasted baguette. This creates a delicious contrast between the soft inside and the crunchy outside.

Ingredients

• 2 part-baked baguettes
• 2 cooked and sliced chicken breasts
• 8 slices of bacon
• Lettuce
• 4 tablespoons grated cheddar cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the bacon until crispy.

2. Toast the baguettes per package instructions.

3. Layer the chicken, bacon, lettuce, and cheese inside the baguettes.

4. Serve and enjoy!