20 Leftover Chicken Recipes That Will Make Your Taste Buds Dance

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I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Got leftover chicken in your fridge? Don’t let it go to waste! There are so many tasty ways to turn that extra chicken into brand new meals. You can make soups, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and more with your leftover chicken. These recipes are quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast dinner.

Leftover chicken is super versatile. You can shred it for tacos, dice it for pasta, or slice it for a hearty sandwich. With a little creativity, you can make your family think they’re eating a whole new meal. Plus, using up leftovers saves you time and money. It’s a win-win!

Chicken Salad

You can easily turn leftover chicken into a tasty chicken salad. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup diced celery
  • 2 tablespoons diced onion
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Put the chicken in a big bowl.

  2. Add the mayo, celery, and onion.

  3. Squeeze in the lemon juice.

  4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

  5. Mix everything well.

  6. Taste and add more seasoning if needed.

Your chicken salad is ready! You can eat it right away or chill it first. It’s great in sandwiches, on crackers, or over lettuce.

Chicken Noodle Soup

You’ll need:

  • Leftover cooked chicken
  • Chicken broth
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Egg noodles
  • Thyme
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil or butter

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Heat oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.

  2. Add diced carrots, celery, and onion. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

  3. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

  5. Add egg noodles and cook until tender, about 6-8 minutes.

  6. Stir in your leftover chicken and thyme.

  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  8. Simmer for 5 more minutes to heat the chicken through.

Your homemade chicken noodle soup is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Chicken Enchiladas

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Leftover cooked chicken, shredded
  • Tortillas
  • Enchilada sauce
  • Shredded cheese
  • Cream cheese
  • Diced green chiles
  • Corn (optional)
  • Cherry tomatoes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Cooking spray

Let’s make some tasty enchiladas!

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Mix the shredded chicken, cream cheese, green chiles, and corn in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.

  3. Warm the tortillas to make them pliable.

  4. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.

  5. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture and roll it up.

  6. Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the baking dish.

  7. Pour enchilada sauce over the top.

  8. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the sauce.

  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Your leftover chicken has now been transformed into a delicious meal! Enjoy your homemade enchiladas with some sour cream or guacamole on top if you’d like.

Chicken Pot Pie

You’ll love this cozy chicken pot pie! It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken. Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pie crust

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Mix the chicken, soup, veggies, broth, and seasonings in a bowl.

  3. Pour the mixture into a pie dish.

  4. Place the pie crust on top and crimp the edges. Cut a few slits in the center.

  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

  6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

This pot pie is so easy to make! You can add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own. Enjoy your warm, comforting meal!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

You’ll need:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
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Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Mix the shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing in a bowl.

  3. Stir in half the cheddar cheese.

  4. Spread the mixture in a baking dish.

  5. Top with the remaining cheddar and blue cheese crumbles if using.

  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.

  7. Serve with celery sticks, carrots, or crackers for dipping.

Your Buffalo Chicken Dip is ready to enjoy! It’s perfect for game day or any gathering with friends.

Chicken Quesadillas

You’ll need:

  • 4 large tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded leftover chicken
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Taco seasoning to taste

Here’s how to make them:

Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions and peppers, cooking for 2-3 minutes until soft.

Stir in the chicken and taco seasoning. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm through.

Lay out your tortillas and sprinkle cheese on one half of each. Add the chicken mixture on top of the cheese.

Fold the tortillas in half. Cook them in a skillet for about 2 minutes per side, until golden and the cheese melts.

Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve hot. You can add salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side if you like.

This recipe is quick, easy, and a great way to use up your leftover chicken. Enjoy your tasty quesadillas!

Chicken Fried Rice

Ingredients you’ll need:

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup leftover chicken, shredded
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.

  2. Push the rice to one side of the pan. Pour beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble.

  3. Add chicken and vegetables. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

  4. Pour soy sauce over the mixture and stir well. Cook for another 2 minutes.

  5. Add green onions and season with salt and pepper. Give it a final stir.

Your leftover chicken fried rice is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy your tasty meal.

Chicken Caesar Wraps

You’ll need these ingredients:

  • Leftover cooked chicken, chopped
  • Caesar salad dressing
  • Romaine lettuce, shredded
  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Croutons
  • Large tortillas or wraps

Here’s how to make them:

  1. Mix the chopped chicken with Caesar dressing in a bowl.

  2. Lay out a tortilla and add a handful of lettuce down the center.

  3. Spoon some of the chicken mixture on top of the lettuce.

  4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and croutons over the chicken.

  5. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly.

  6. Cut the wrap in half diagonally if you like.

  7. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make more wraps.

You can warm these up in a pan or eat them cold. They’re great for quick lunches or easy dinners. Feel free to add extras like bacon bits or diced tomatoes if you want!

Chicken And Dumplings

You’ll need these ingredients for this comforting dish:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 3/4 cup hot water

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot. Add 1/2 cup flour and stir for 2 minutes.

  2. Slowly pour in the broth and milk, stirring constantly. Simmer until it thickens.

  3. Add the shredded chicken, salt, and pepper. Keep the mixture simmering.

  4. In a bowl, mix 2 cups self-rising flour with hot water to form a dough.

  5. Roll out the dough and cut into small squares.

  6. Drop the dough squares into the simmering chicken mixture.

  7. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

Your chicken and dumplings are ready to enjoy! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken and creates a warm, filling meal.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 pre-made pizza crust
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup leftover BBQ chicken, shredded
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
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Now, let’s make your pizza:

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

  2. Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges.

  3. Sprinkle half the cheese over the sauce.

  4. Add the shredded BBQ chicken and sliced red onion.

  5. Top with the remaining cheese.

  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

  7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

  8. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.

  9. Slice and enjoy your tasty BBQ chicken pizza!

This pizza is a great way to use up your leftover BBQ chicken. The sweet and tangy sauce pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of the meat. Feel free to add other toppings you like!

Chicken Tacos

You’ll need:

  • 2 cups leftover shredded chicken
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream

Here’s how to make them:

  1. Mix the shredded chicken with taco seasoning in a bowl.

  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Warm each tortilla for 30-60 seconds per side until lightly charred.

  3. Microwave the seasoned chicken for 1-2 minutes until hot.

  4. Spoon the chicken onto each tortilla. Top with salsa and your favorite toppings.

  5. Fold the tortillas and enjoy your tasty tacos!

This quick meal turns your leftover chicken into a fun dinner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast and yummy.

Chicken Pasta Bake

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Leftover cooked chicken, shredded
  • Pasta (any shape)
  • Canned tomatoes
  • Onion and garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Herbs (basil, oregano)
  • Chicken stock
  • Cream
  • Cheese (mozzarella and parmesan)
  • Salt and pepper

Now let’s make it!

Cook your pasta until al dente. While it’s cooking, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil.

Add canned tomatoes, herbs, and chicken stock. Simmer for a few minutes.

Mix in your shredded chicken and cooked pasta. Pour everything into a baking dish.

Top with a mix of cream and cheese. Pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Your chicken pasta bake is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy your tasty leftover creation.

Chicken Stir-Fry

You’ll need these ingredients for a tasty chicken stir-fry:

  • Leftover cooked chicken, sliced
  • Mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
  • Garlic, minced
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Cornstarch
  • Vegetable oil

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Mix soy sauce, cornstarch, and a splash of water in a small bowl.

  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over high heat.

  3. Add minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. Toss in your mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.

  5. Add the sliced leftover chicken and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.

  6. Pour in the sauce mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until it thickens.

  7. Drizzle with sesame oil and give it a final stir.

Your quick and easy chicken stir-fry is ready to serve! Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Chicken And Rice Casserole

Here’s a tasty way to use up your leftover chicken:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Mix chicken, rice, soup, mayo, broth, onion, celery, and almonds in a bowl.

  3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

  4. Combine crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.

  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You’ll love how creamy and comforting this casserole is!

Chicken Fajitas

You’ll need:

  • Leftover roast chicken, shredded
  • Bell peppers, sliced
  • Onions, sliced
  • Fajita seasoning
  • Olive oil
  • Tortillas
  • Optional toppings: cheese, sour cream, salsa

Here’s how to make them:

  1. Heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

  2. Add sliced peppers and onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

  3. Toss in your shredded leftover chicken and fajita seasoning. Stir well to coat everything.

  4. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is heated through and veggies are tender-crisp.

  5. Warm your tortillas in the microwave or oven.

  6. Serve the chicken and veggie mix in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

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That’s it! You’ve turned your leftover chicken into a tasty new meal. Enjoy your fajitas!

Chicken And Avocado Sandwich

You’ll love this tasty way to use up leftover chicken! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 slices ciabatta bread
  • 1/2 avocado, mashed
  • 1/4 cup leftover cooked chicken, shredded
  • 2 slices tomato
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Toast the ciabatta bread until golden brown.

  2. Spread the mashed avocado on one slice of bread.

  3. Layer the shredded chicken and tomato slices on top of the avocado.

  4. Spread mayonnaise on the other slice of bread and place it on top.

  5. Cut the sandwich in half and enjoy!

This sandwich is quick, easy, and so yummy. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the tender chicken. Feel free to add extras like cheese or bacon if you want to jazz it up even more!

Chicken Curry

Got some leftover chicken? Let’s turn it into a tasty curry! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for cooking

Directions:

  1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

  2. Toss in garlic and curry powder. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Add diced tomatoes and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer.

  4. Mix in your leftover chicken. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring now and then.

  5. Pour in the cream and stir well. Season with salt and pepper.

  6. Let it bubble for another 5 minutes until thick and yummy.

Your curry is ready! Serve it over rice or with naan bread. Enjoy your transformed leftovers!

Chicken Shepherd’s Pie

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 cup mixed frozen veggies
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups mashed potatoes

Now, let’s make your shepherd’s pie:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Melt the butter in a large pan. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.

  3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

  4. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir for 1-2 minutes.

  5. Slowly pour in the broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

  6. Add the frozen veggies and chicken. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes.

  7. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.

  8. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.

  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Your chicken shepherd’s pie is ready! Enjoy this cozy meal with your family.

Chicken Alfredo

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy chicken alfredo:

  • 2 cups leftover cooked chicken, shredded
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now let’s make it!

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

  2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

  3. Pour in the cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.

  4. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

  5. Toss in the cooked pasta and shredded chicken. Stir to coat everything in the sauce.

  6. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Serve your chicken alfredo right away while it’s hot and creamy. Enjoy!

Chicken Chili

You’ll need:

  • Leftover cooked chicken
  • Canned white beans
  • Chicken broth
  • Diced onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Canned green chiles
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Salt and pepper

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Shred your leftover chicken into bite-sized pieces.

  2. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.

  3. Add the chicken, beans, broth, and green chiles. Stir well.

  4. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

  5. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Your chicken chili is ready! Serve it hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños.

This recipe is perfect for chilly nights. It’s quick, easy, and uses up your leftover chicken. You can adjust the spices to make it as mild or spicy as you like.