Got leftover chicken in your fridge? You’re in luck! There are tons of tasty ways to use up those extra pieces and create new meals your family will love.
From sandwiches to soups, salads to casseroles, chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into countless dishes.
These 40 leftover chicken recipes will help you turn yesterday’s dinner into today’s delicious meal. You’ll find quick and easy ideas for lunches, dinners, and even appetizers.
With these recipes, you can save time and money while reducing food waste. Get ready to discover new favorite ways to enjoy your leftover chicken!
1. Chicken Alfredo Pizza
Chicken Alfredo pizza is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F.
Spread pizza dough on a baking sheet and prebake for 5 minutes.
Mix Alfredo sauce and spread it on the crust. Add shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and spinach if desired. Sprinkle with garlic and Italian seasoning.
Bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing.
This pizza combines creamy Alfredo flavors with tender chicken for a satisfying meal.
2. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. Mix shredded chicken with cream cheese, hot sauce, and shredded cheddar.
Bake until bubbly and serve with chips or veggies.
Don’t toss extra dip! You can repurpose it in many delicious ways.
Spread it on sandwiches or wraps for a zesty kick. Stuff it into pasta shells or use as a pizza topping.
Try mixing leftover dip with cooked pasta and extra cheese. Bake it for a creamy buffalo chicken pasta bake. Or use it to create crispy wonton cups for a fun appetizer.
For a quick meal, stir the dip into scrambled eggs or use it to top baked potatoes. The options are endless!
3. Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas are a tasty way to use up leftover chicken. You can make them easily at home.
Start by shredding your cooked chicken.
Mix the chicken with cheese, spices, and diced green chiles. Wrap this filling in soft tortillas. Place the rolled enchiladas in a baking dish.
Pour enchilada sauce over the top. Add more cheese if you like. Bake in a 375°F oven until hot and bubbly.
Serve your homemade chicken enchiladas with rice and beans. They’re sure to be a hit with your family.
4. Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken pot pie soup is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. It combines the flavors of chicken pot pie in a cozy soup form.
To make it, start by melting butter in a large pot. Add chopped celery, carrots, and onions. Cook until the veggies soften.
Next, add your leftover chicken, potatoes, and broth. Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
For a creamy texture, stir in some milk or cream.
Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add frozen mixed vegetables for extra color and nutrients.
Serve hot with biscuits or crackers on the side.
5. Barbecue Chicken Flatbread
Barbecue chicken flatbread is a quick and tasty way to use your leftover chicken. You can make this dish in about 20 minutes with just a few ingredients.
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F.
Place a flatbread on a baking sheet and spread BBQ sauce over it, leaving a small border.
Add a generous layer of cheese, then top with your leftover chicken and some sliced red onions. You can also include other toppings you like.
Bake the flatbread for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges turn golden. Cut into slices and enjoy your easy, flavorful meal.
6. Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap
A chicken Caesar salad wrap is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. Start by shredding your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the chicken with crisp romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing in a bowl. Add some croutons for extra crunch if you like.
Lay out a large tortilla and spoon the mixture onto it. Roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
For a warm wrap, you can lightly toast it in a pan. Slice it in half diagonally and enjoy your easy, portable meal.
This wrap works well for lunch or a quick dinner. You can also add tomatoes or other veggies to change it up.
7. Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. It’s quick and easy to make.
Start by heating oil in a pan. Add beaten eggs and scramble them. Set aside.
Next, sauté garlic and ginger. Add diced chicken, veggies, and cooked rice.
Stir in soy sauce for flavor. Mix everything well and cook until heated through.
Add the scrambled eggs back in. Toss to combine all ingredients.
Serve hot. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal using your leftover chicken.
8. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. You can make it in about 30 minutes. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and jalapeños in a pot.
Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Spice it up with chili powder, cumin, and lime juice. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Serve your soup hot with crispy tortilla strips on top. You can also add toppings like avocado slices, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days.
9. Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and waffles is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. You can make this dish by combining crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles.
Start by coating your leftover chicken in a mixture of flour, salt, paprika, and pepper. Fry it until golden brown and crispy.
For the waffles, mix flour, eggs, milk, and melted butter. Cook the batter in a waffle iron until golden.
Serve the crispy chicken on top of the warm waffles. Drizzle with maple syrup for a perfect sweet and savory combo. This dish works great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
10. Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Buffalo chicken wraps are a tasty way to use leftover chicken. You can make them in just a few minutes. Start by mixing your cooked chicken with buffalo sauce.
Warm up some tortillas. Put the saucy chicken on each one. Add lettuce, cheese, and carrots for crunch. A drizzle of ranch dressing adds flavor.
Roll up the tortillas tightly. You can cut them in half if you want. These wraps are great for lunch or a quick dinner.
You can adjust the spiciness by using more or less buffalo sauce. Try blue cheese instead of ranch for a different taste.
11. Chicken Quesadillas
Chicken quesadillas are a tasty way to use up leftover chicken. Start by shredding your cooked chicken and mixing it with cheese and spices.
Heat a pan over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the pan and add your chicken mixture to one half. Fold the tortilla over and cook for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
For extra flavor, try adding sautéed onions and peppers to your quesadillas. You can also include refried beans or salsa for a more filling meal.
Serve your quesadillas hot, cut into wedges. They pair well with sour cream, guacamole, or additional salsa for dipping.
12. Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala is a great way to use leftover chicken. Start by mixing your cooked chicken with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala.
Next, make a sauce with onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes. Cook these ingredients until they’re soft and fragrant.
Add the spiced chicken to your sauce and let it simmer. This helps the flavors blend together.
Finish your dish with a splash of cream or yogurt for richness. Serve your Chicken Tikka Masala over rice with some fresh cilantro on top.
13. Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Chicken Parmesan sliders are a tasty way to use up leftover chicken. Start by cutting slider buns in half and placing the bottoms in a baking dish.
Top the buns with shredded chicken, pizza sauce, and sliced mozzarella cheese. Add the top buns and brush them with melted butter.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered buns. Bake the sliders at 350°F until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden brown.
These mini sandwiches are perfect for parties or a quick family meal. You can easily customize them by adding extra toppings like fresh basil or Italian seasoning.
14. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Chicken Alfredo pasta is a great way to use leftover chicken. You can make this creamy dish quickly and easily.
Start by cooking pasta according to the package directions. While it’s cooking, warm up some Alfredo sauce in a pan.
Add your leftover chicken to the sauce and heat it through. Mix in some garlic powder and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated.
Serve your chicken Alfredo pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting meal that takes little time to prepare.
15. Chicken Pho
Chicken pho is a great way to use leftover chicken. Start by making a flavorful broth with spices like cinnamon and star anise. Add ginger and charred onion for extra depth.
Shred your leftover chicken and set it aside. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
Assemble your pho by placing noodles in a bowl and topping with the hot broth and shredded chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges.
For a quicker version, you can use store-bought chicken stock as a base. Just simmer it with the spices to infuse the flavors before adding the chicken and noodles.
16. Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Chicken lettuce wraps are a tasty way to use up leftover chicken. You’ll need cooked chicken, lettuce leaves, and a flavorful sauce.
Cut your chicken into small pieces. Mix it with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey for sweetness.
Heat oil in a pan and cook some diced onions until soft. Add the chicken mixture and warm it through.
Spoon the filling into large lettuce leaves. Top with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for crunch.
These wraps are light, fresh, and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. They’re also great for warm days when you don’t want to use the oven.
17. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
You can turn leftover chicken into a tasty casserole inspired by the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu. This dish combines chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese for a flavorful meal.
To make it, preheat your oven to 350°F. Layer chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese in a baking dish. Mix melted butter with garlic for extra flavor.
In a bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and spices. Pour this mixture over the layered ingredients. Top with crushed crackers mixed with melted butter for a crunchy finish.
Bake the casserole for about 30 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly. This easy meal is perfect for using up leftover chicken in a new way.
18. Chicken Tacos
Chicken tacos are a quick and tasty way to use up leftover chicken. Start by shredding or dicing your cooked chicken.
Mix the chicken with taco seasoning, salsa, or tomato paste for flavor. Heat this mixture in a pan for a few minutes.
Warm your taco shells or tortillas. Corn tortillas work well when lightly toasted in a dry skillet.
Fill the shells with the warm chicken mixture. Top with cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, or your favorite taco toppings.
For extra flair, add black beans and corn to your chicken mix. These tacos are customizable and perfect for a speedy meal.
19. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Buffalo chicken meatballs are a tasty twist on classic wings. They’re perfect for using up leftover chicken.
To make them, mix ground chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, and spices. Add some diced celery for crunch. Shape the mixture into small balls.
Bake the meatballs in a hot oven until they’re cooked through. While they’re baking, prepare a spicy Buffalo sauce.
Once done, toss the meatballs in the sauce. Serve them with blue cheese dressing and extra celery sticks on the side.
These meatballs work great as an appetizer or main dish. You can even make them ahead and freeze for later.
20. Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry
Chicken and vegetable stir fry is a quick and tasty way to use leftover chicken. Start by heating oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Add your favorite veggies like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Cook them for a few minutes until they’re crisp-tender.
Next, toss in your leftover chicken pieces. Stir in some minced garlic and ginger for extra flavor.
Pour in a simple sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of cornstarch mixed with chicken broth. Cook everything together until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
Serve your stir fry hot over rice or noodles for a filling meal.
21. Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
You can transform leftover chicken into tasty honey garlic wings. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F.
Pat the chicken dry and coat it with a mix of flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush with olive oil and bake for about 35 minutes, turning halfway through.
While the wings cook, prepare the sauce. Combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of vinegar in a pan. Simmer until it thickens slightly.
Once the wings are done, toss them in the honey garlic sauce. The result is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will make your taste buds happy.
22. Chicken Empanadas
Chicken empanadas are a tasty way to use up leftover chicken. You can make these savory pastries in your oven at home.
To start, shred your leftover chicken.
Mix it with cheese, spices, and canned green chiles for extra flavor.
Next, prepare the dough or use store-bought pastry discs.
Place a spoonful of filling on each disc. Fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork.
Brush the empanadas with beaten egg before baking. This gives them a golden-brown color.
Bake until crispy, about 20 minutes at 400°F.
Serve your homemade chicken empanadas with sour cream or salsa for dipping.
23. Chicken and Rice Casserole
Chicken and rice casserole is a great way to use up leftover chicken. This comfort food dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy sauce.
To make it, mix cooked rice with shredded chicken and cream of chicken soup. Add some frozen veggies like peas or mixed vegetables for extra nutrition.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
Bake until hot and bubbly. For added crunch, sprinkle crushed crackers on top before baking.
This versatile recipe can be customized with different spices or vegetables to suit your preferences.
24. Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and sour chicken is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. You can make it in about 15 minutes.
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Heat oil in a pan and cook the chicken until it’s warm.
For the sauce, mix pineapple juice, ketchup, rice vinegar, and brown sugar.
Add this to your pan with the chicken.
Toss in some pineapple chunks and bell peppers for extra flavor and crunch.
Let everything simmer until the sauce thickens.
Serve your sweet and sour chicken over rice for a quick and yummy meal. It’s an easy way to turn leftovers into something new and exciting.
25. Chicken Pad Thai
Chicken Pad Thai is a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. This tasty dish combines rice noodles, chicken, and veggies in a flavorful sauce.
To make it, boil rice noodles for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them.
In a pan, mix your chicken with a sauce made from peanut butter, sesame oil, and rice wine vinegar.
Add in some fresh veggies like carrots and onions.
Toss everything together with the cooked noodles.
For extra protein, scramble an egg into the mix.
This meal comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a delicious alternative to takeout that you can easily make at home.
26. Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Got leftover chicken? Turn it into a tasty Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo dish.
Cook pasta according to package instructions, adding broccoli in the last 2 minutes.
Make a creamy sauce with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Add your cooked pasta, broccoli, and leftover chicken to the sauce.
Stir everything together until well-coated and heated through.
For extra flavor, try adding some Italian herbs or a splash of lemon juice.
Serve with garlic bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.
27. Chicken Bruschetta
Chicken Bruschetta is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. You’ll need cooked chicken, tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Dice the tomatoes and chop the basil. Mix them with minced garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Heat your leftover chicken in a skillet.
Top each piece with the tomato mixture. For extra flavor, add sliced mozzarella cheese on top.
If you like, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the chicken before serving. This dish is quick to make and full of fresh flavors.
28. Chicken Curry
Chicken curry is a tasty way to use leftover chicken.
Start by heating oil in a pan and cooking onions until soft.
Add garlic and ginger, then stir in curry powder.
Mix in tomatoes or mango chutney for sweetness.
Pour in coconut milk or cream for a rich sauce.
Add your leftover chicken and simmer until heated through.
Serve your curry over rice or with naan bread.
You can add veggies like peppers or peas for extra nutrition. This quick meal brings new life to your leftover chicken with warm, spicy flavors.
29. Spicy Chicken Sandwiches
Got leftover chicken? Turn it into a fiery treat with spicy chicken sandwiches.
Start by shredding your chicken and mixing it with hot sauce and spices.
Toast your favorite buns and spread them with a spicy mayo.
Add the seasoned chicken, then top with crisp lettuce and sliced pickles for crunch.
For extra heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
You can also experiment with different hot sauces to find your perfect spice level.
These sandwiches are quick to make and pack a flavorful punch. They’re great for lunch or a easy dinner when you’re short on time.
30. Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken chow mein is a great way to use leftover chicken. This tasty dish combines tender chicken with crispy noodles and colorful veggies.
To make it, heat oil in a large skillet or wok.
Add your leftover chicken and cook briefly.
Toss in some onions, carrots, and bell peppers.
Cook the vegetables until they’re tender.
Add cooked chow mein noodles and a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
Stir-fry everything together until well combined and heated through.
Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Your homemade chicken chow mein will be ready in minutes.
31. Chicken Piccata
Chicken piccata is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. You can make this classic Italian dish in about 30 minutes.
Start by cutting your chicken into thin slices.
Dredge the pieces in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
Cook the chicken in a pan with butter and olive oil until golden brown. Remove it and set aside.
Make a sauce in the same pan with lemon juice, chicken broth, and capers.
Simmer to thicken it a bit.
Put the chicken back in the pan and coat it with the sauce.
Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving.
This bright, tangy dish goes well with pasta or rice. It’s a quick and easy meal that feels fancy.
32. Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a tasty Italian-American dish that’s perfect for using leftover chicken. You can easily transform your leftovers into a new meal.
Start by slicing your cooked chicken into thin pieces.
Heat some oil in a pan and add sliced mushrooms.
Cook until they’re soft and brown.
Mix Marsala wine, chicken broth, and a bit of flour to make a sauce.
Pour this over the mushrooms and let it simmer.
Add your leftover chicken to warm it through.
Serve your Chicken Marsala over pasta or rice.
You can also add some fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor. This quick and easy recipe gives your leftover chicken new life.
33. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
You can transform leftover chicken into a comforting lemon chicken orzo soup.
Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a pot. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Add orzo pasta and cook until tender.
Stir in your shredded leftover chicken.
Finish the soup with fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, zesty flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This soup is quick to make and perfect for chilly days.
You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it great for meal prep.
34. Chicken Gyros
Chicken gyros are a tasty way to use up leftover chicken. You can make them quickly and easily at home.
Start by warming some pita bread.
Shred your leftover chicken and heat it in a pan with olive oil and spices like oregano and paprika.
Add the warm chicken to the pita.
Top it with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.
A dollop of tzatziki sauce brings it all together.
For extra flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top.
You can also add lettuce or feta cheese if you like.
These homemade gyros are just as good as takeout. They’re perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
35. Chicken and Black Bean Nachos
Chicken and black bean nachos are a tasty way to use leftover chicken. Start by layering tortilla chips on a sheet pan. Top with shredded chicken and black beans.
Add shredded cheese and bake until melted. You can use cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend.
Sprinkle on diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and jalapeños if you like spice.
Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole on the side.
This easy meal is perfect for a quick dinner or game day snack. You can customize the toppings based on what’s in your fridge.
36. Chicken Souvlaki
Chicken souvlaki is a tasty way to use leftover chicken.
Cut your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Toss the chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano.
Thread the seasoned chicken onto skewers.
Grill the skewers for a few minutes on each side until heated through and lightly charred.
Serve your chicken souvlaki with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a Greek salad.
You can also enjoy it over rice or in a wrap. This quick and easy meal brings Mediterranean flavors to your table in no time.
37. Chicken Pot Stickers
Chicken pot stickers are a tasty way to use leftover chicken. You can make them easily at home.
Mix shredded chicken with cabbage, carrots, garlic, and green onions.
Add some hoisin sauce and sesame oil for flavor.
Place a small amount of filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold and pleat the edges to seal.
Pan-fry the pot stickers until golden on the bottom.
Then add water and cover to steam them. This creates a crispy bottom and soft top.
Serve your homemade chicken pot stickers with a dipping sauce. They make a great appetizer or light meal.
38. Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Chicken and spinach stuffed shells are a tasty way to use leftover chicken.
Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions.
Mix shredded chicken with ricotta cheese, spinach, and seasonings.
Fill each shell with the chicken mixture.
Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish lined with sauce. Top with more sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Bake the shells in a 375°F oven for about 30 minutes. The cheese will melt and the edges will get crispy.
This dish is great for meal prep and can be frozen for later.
39. Chicken Shawarma
Chicken shawarma is a tasty Middle Eastern dish that’s perfect for using up leftover chicken. You can easily turn it into a quick meal.
Try making a chicken shawarma salad. Chop the leftover meat and mix it with fresh greens.
Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese for extra flavor.
Another option is to create shawarma rice bowls. Warm up the chicken and serve it over rice with your favorite veggies.
Top it off with some hummus or a tangy yogurt sauce.
You can also stuff the leftover shawarma into pita bread with lettuce and tomatoes for an easy sandwich. These ideas will help you enjoy your chicken shawarma in new ways.
40. Chicken Fajita Skewers
Chicken fajita skewers are a fun twist on leftover chicken.
Cut your cooked chicken into chunks and thread them onto skewers with bell peppers and onions.
Brush the skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with fajita seasoning.
Grill or broil for a few minutes until the veggies are tender and slightly charred.
Serve your skewers with warm tortillas, sour cream, and salsa.
You can also add rice and beans on the side for a complete meal.
This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for outdoor gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and add some variety to your meals.
How To Properly Store Leftover Chicken
Proper storage of leftover chicken is key to keeping it safe and tasty. Follow these tips to make your chicken last longer and stay fresh.
Refrigeration Tips
- Put leftover chicken in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.
- Use shallow containers to help it cool faster.
- Keep the chicken in the coldest part of your fridge, usually the back.
- Set your fridge temperature to 40°F (4°C) or below. This slows down bacteria growth.
- Eat refrigerated chicken within 3-4 days. If you can’t eat it that fast, freeze it instead.
- Label containers with the date you stored the chicken. This helps you keep track of how long it’s been in the fridge.
Freezing Methods
- Freeze chicken if you won’t eat it within 4 days.
- Wrap it tightly in freezer paper or plastic wrap. Then put it in a freezer bag.
- Push out as much air as you can before sealing the bag. This stops freezer burn.
- Cut chicken into smaller pieces before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
- Frozen chicken stays good for up to 4 months. Label containers with the date you froze the chicken.
- Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge, not on the counter. This keeps it at a safe temperature.
Using Airtight Containers
- Pick containers that seal tightly. This keeps out air and other contaminants. Glass or plastic containers with snap-on lids work well.
- Don’t overfill containers. Leave a little space at the top. This lets the chicken cool evenly in the fridge.
- Use separate containers for different types of chicken. Don’t mix raw and cooked chicken.
- Clean containers with hot, soapy water before using them. This stops bacteria from growing.
- If using plastic bags, squeeze out extra air before sealing. This reduces freezer burn and keeps chicken fresh longer.
Creative Ways To Use Leftover Chicken
Leftover chicken can be transformed into tasty new meals. Try adding it to salads, soups, and sandwiches for quick and easy dishes.
Incorporating Into Salads
Chop up leftover chicken and toss it into a fresh salad. Mix it with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers.
Add some croutons for extra crunch. You can make a Greek-inspired salad by adding feta cheese, olives, and a tangy dressing.
For a Southwest flair, mix in black beans, corn, and a spicy ranch dressing. Try a chicken Caesar salad with romaine lettuce and parmesan cheese.
Or make an Asian-style salad with mandarin oranges, almonds, and a sesame ginger dressing.
Crafting Homemade Soups
Turn your leftover chicken into a warm, comforting soup. Start with a base of chicken broth and add your shredded chicken.
Toss in some noodles or rice for a heartier meal. Make a classic chicken noodle soup with carrots, celery, and egg noodles.
For a creamy version, try chicken and wild rice soup with mushrooms. You can also go for a spicy chicken tortilla soup.
Add tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Top it with crispy tortilla strips and a dollop of sour cream.
Creating Easy Sandwiches
Use your leftover chicken to make quick and tasty sandwiches. Shred the chicken and mix it with mayo for a basic chicken salad.
Spread it on bread or stuff it in a pita pocket.
Try a BBQ chicken sandwich by mixing the chicken with barbecue sauce. Add some coleslaw on top for extra crunch.
Make a chicken club sandwich with bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
Or create a chicken pesto panini with mozzarella cheese and roasted red peppers.