8 Easy Leftover Chicken Recipes

Leftover chicken can be a versatile and time-saving ingredient, perfect for creating quick and delicious meals. In this article, we’ll share eight easy leftover chicken recipes that are not only mouthwatering but also simple to prepare.

Whether you have roasted, grilled, or boiled chicken on hand, these recipes will help you transform leftovers into culinary delights that your family will love.

1. Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover chicken, shredded
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots), sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Add the shredded chicken and soy sauce, toss to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Drizzle with sesame oil and stir well.
6. Serve over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired.

2. Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover chicken, diced
• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Add the fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the diced chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined and the sauce has thickened.
5. Add the cooked pasta and spinach to the skillet, toss to coat with the creamy sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

3. Chicken and Avocado Wrap

Ingredients:

• 1 cup leftover chicken, sliced
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 4 whole wheat tortillas
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
2. Lay out the tortillas and evenly distribute the sliced chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the ingredients.
4. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly. Cut in half and serve.

4. BBQ Chicken Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pizza dough
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup leftover chicken, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the pizza dough package.
2. Roll out the dough and place it on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
3. Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and red onion on top.
5. Bake in the preheated oven according to the dough instructions, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

5. Chicken and Vegetable Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 1 cup leftover chicken, shredded
• 1 cup mixed bell peppers, sliced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bell peppers and red onion, sauté until softened.
2. Lay out a tortilla and sprinkle half with shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Add a layer of shredded chicken and sautéed vegetables. Top with more cheese.
4. Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently.
5. Cook the quesadilla in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and the cheese is melted.
6. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa and sour cream.

6. Chicken and Rice Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover chicken, shredded
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
3. Add the shredded chicken and cooked rice. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

7. Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover chicken, shredded
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. Steam or blanch the broccoli until tender-crisp. Place it in the bottom of the baking dish.
3. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture over the broccoli.
4. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
6. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Conclusion

Leftover chicken doesn’t have to be boring. With these eight easy recipes, you can turn your leftovers into culinary masterpieces that will have your family asking for seconds. From stir-fries to casseroles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, next time you have leftover chicken in the fridge, put these recipes to good use and savor the delicious results.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen leftover chicken for these recipes?

A1: Yes, you can thaw frozen leftover chicken before using it in these recipes. Simply place it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.

Q2: Can I substitute the chicken with tofu or a plant-based alternative?

A2: Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the chicken with your preferred plant-based protein for a delicious vegetarian version of these recipes.

Q3: How long can I store leftover chicken in the refrigerator?

A3: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before using it in recipes.