30+ Leftover Chicken Recipes (2024)

byChristine |Dinner| 02.24.20

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy

Have leftover chicken? Whether it’s a roasted chicken, rotisserie, or chicken breast, we have the perfect way to make the most of it. Here are our favorite 30+ Leftover Chicken Recipes!

30+ Leftover Chicken Recipes (1)

Something that can really help save time and energy is to roast a whole, organic chicken at the beginning of the week (or purchase a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken) and use the leftover meat in recipes throughout the week. It’s also great for saving money!

Today, we’re sharing how to roast a chicken (the easy way) and 30+ leftover chicken recipes that are quick, easy, healthy, and perfect for the busy week ahead. Enjoy, friend!

P.S: Want to save even more time? Have high quality chicken delivered to your doorstep (and get an awesome discount) with Butcher Box!

30+ Leftover Chicken Recipes (2)

How to roast a chicken (the easy way)

  1. Preheat oven (or electric roaster) to 375 degrees F.
  2. Clean and remove giblets (if necessary).
  3. Place the thawed chicken in the roaster.
  4. Add about 1″ of liquid – water, juice, broth, etc.
  5. Rub oil or butter over the entire chicken.
  6. Add garlic, dried onions (or fresh), and spices.
  7. Cover and roast for 1.5 – 2 hours, or about 25 minutes per pound.
  8. Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F. and juices should run clear!

The best chicken roasters

The best way to roast a chicken is in an oven or electric roaster. Here are our favorite options for both!

Leftover Chicken Recipes

1. Meal Prep Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls

These Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls (southwest edition) are pretty easy to make! They’re gluten-free and only take about 30 minutes to put together. They’re great for lunch on the go or for a quick and easy dinner for busy weeknights!

2. Skinny Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

Savory, hearty, cheesy,Skinny Creamy Chicken Enchiladas that can also be meal prepped and turned into a freezer meal. This weeknight dinner is delicious and easy to make!

3. Healthy Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe

Healthy Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe loaded with spicy greens, creamy avocado, boiled eggs, fresh tomatoes, corn, delicious grilled chicken, and topped with a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles. So yummy! (Gluten Free)

4. Slow Cooker Skinny Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow cooker life is the best life, right? Especially when it involves something as savory and delicious as this Slow Cooker Skinny Chicken Tortilla Soup!

5. Healthy Sriracha Shredded Chicken Tacos

Healthy Sriracha Shredded Chicken Tacos to put a pep in your step! Delicious, crunchy, wholesome, with a hint of Sriracha spicy goodness. A little bit of feta to top it off and we have ourselves a super easy, quick, and healthy weeknight meal!

6. Healthy Chicken Fajita Tacos

Tacos are LIFE, but especially when they’re these Healthy Chicken Fajita Tacos! Savory, delicious, healthy, and so easy to make.

7. Creamy Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Creamy Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet that only takes a few minutes to put together and is sure to make the entire family happy!

8. Turmeric Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Creamy, savory, deliciously lightened-up Turmeric Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps! These heavenly wraps are a wonderfulhealthy lunch or dinner option that can be taken on-the-go and made in 5 minutes or less.

9. Chicken Fajita Casserole

Dinner tonight, lunch tomorrow! Whether you’re a leftovers kinda person or not, thisdelicious Chicken Fajita Casserole can be made in advance and served throughout the week!

10. One-Pot Basil Chicken Baked Ziti

Healthy, easy, quick homestyle cooking comfort foodfor the win!This One-Pot Basil Chicken Baked Ziti is perfect for a delicious, easy weeknight dinner!

11. Slow Cooker Fiesta Ranch Chicken Wraps

Spicy, creamy, crunchy, and savory.These Slow Cooker Fiesta Ranch Chicken Wraps are perfect for a busy weekday lunch or dinner!

12. Jerk Chicken Tacos

These Jerk Chicken Tacos w/ Mango Avocado Salsa are one of our favorite leftover chicken recipes! Perfect for a yummy, flavorful healthy dinner.

13. Paleo Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

Paleo Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Meal Prep Bowls that are delicious and SO easy to make!

14. Easy 30-Minute Chicken Fried Rice

Easy 30-Minute Chicken Fried Rice that’s delicious, easy to make (only takes a few minutes), and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner using leftover chicken!

15. Chicken and Seafood Paella

ThisChicken and Seafood Paella is a Spanish-inspired recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for a gluten-free dinner tonight!

16. Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps that are easy to make and so refreshing! Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

17. Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole

Whole wheat pasta, chicken, and broccoli in an easy-to-make creamy cashew sauce that can be ready in 30 minutes. ThisHealthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casseroleis EVERYTHING and perfect for a quick, weeknight dinner!

More easy leftover chicken recipes:

18. Quick & Easy Leftover Chicken Quesadillas

19. Rotisserie Chicken Skillet

20. Chicken Chili Recipe

21. Leftover Chicken Gyros

22. Chicken Noodle Soup

23. Leftover BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

24. Teriyaki Stir Fry Noodles

25. Chicken Bowl Recipe

26. Chicken and Rice Soup

27. Chicken Chilaquiles

28. Cheddar Chicken Quinoa Bake

29. Shredded Leftover Chicken Sandwich

30. Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Skillet

31. Asian Shredded Chicken Salad

These recipes are easy peasy! An entire week of healthy dinners using leftover chicken, just like that. All you need is an oven roaster or electric roaster to get started and you’re good to go!

30+ Leftover Chicken Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What can you do with dry leftover chicken? ›

A hearty marinara or rich Alfredo sauce will work wonders at restoring moisture and adding flavor to a parched piece of chicken. Substitute rice for pasta to create a teriyaki chicken dish or creamy chicken risotto. When life gives you dry chicken, make chicken salad.

Read On ›
How long is leftover cooked chicken good for? ›

USDA recommends using cooked chicken within three to four days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within three to four days.

Continue Reading ›
How to make leftover chicken breast juicy? ›

add chicken broth or water. again to the bottom of the dish, add your chicken damp paper towel, cook for about 2 minutes, flipping halfway through, and this gives a great result.

Continue Reading ›
How long will dried chicken last? ›

It is best to store dehydrated meat, including chicken, in an airtight container or sealed bag in the freezer until you're about to use it or pack it for a trip. Try to use up your chicken within six months of dehydrating it and within a week of opening your container or Ziploc bag.

View More ›
How do you moisten dry rotisserie chicken? ›

Remove the rotisserie chicken from the packaging and place it in an oven-safe dish. To keep the chicken moist, pour a cup of chicken broth into the bottom of the dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Let the chicken roast for approximately 25 minutes.

Find Out More ›
Is it OK to eat cooked chicken after 5 days? ›

How Long Can You Keep Cooked Chicken in the Fridge? The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that cooked chicken can last three to four days in the refrigerator, if stored at 40°F or less. 1 And that goes for any type of cooked chicken—store-bought, homemade, or restaurant leftovers.

Read More ›
Can I eat 10 day old chicken? ›

Raw chicken lasts in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cooked chicken lasts 3–4 days. To detect if chicken has gone bad, check the “best if used by” date and look for signs of spoilage like changes in smell, texture, and color. Avoid eating spoiled chicken, as it can cause food poisoning — even if you cook it thoroughly.

See Details ›
Can I eat chicken 5 days after sell by date? ›

You can keep raw chicken in the fridge for one to two days at most, according to FoodSafety.gov. The “best if used by” date printed on the package is for quality assurance purposes, so you should only eat raw chicken within a day or two, even if its printed expiration date hasn't passed yet.

Continue Reading ›
When should you throw out a rotisserie chicken? ›

The USDA guidelines clearly state that rotisserie chicken is good for 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator. Additionally, rotisserie chicken can be stored in the freezer where it will be good for a longer period of time. If frozen it will keep best, maintaining its optimal flavor and texture, for 4 months.

Tell Me More ›
Is it OK to eat cold rotisserie chicken? ›

Yes, it is generally safe to eat leftover roasted chicken meat cold, as long as it has been stored and handled properly.

Get More Info ›

How do you add flavor to leftover chicken? ›

Just because the chicken is already cooked doesn't mean it can't benefit from a rub. Before reheating, make a custom blend of your favorite spices like paprika, cayenne, onion or garlic powder. Mix in dried herbs or a bit of sugar for beautiful caramelization, then sprinkle it evenly over the skin.

Get More Info ›
What can I do with overcooked dry chicken breast? ›

Now, if you do happen to overcook your chicken breasts — don't sweat it. The best way to save them is to reintroduce moisture, which means whipping up a buttery pan sauce or a silky yogurt sauce.

Learn More ›
Why is leftover chicken dry? ›

When you cook chicken at a high temperature, the muscle fibers of the chicken contract rapidly, causing moisture loss. However, if you cook your chicken too low and slow, the fibers will break down, resulting in a mushy, dry texture.

Read The Full Story ›
How to make crispy leftover chicken? ›

The best way to reheat fried chicken is in an oven.
  1. Bring it to room temperature: Take the chicken out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before reheating. ...
  2. Give it some air: Place chicken on a wire rack and preheat oven to 400°F. ...
  3. Go high and fast: Bake chicken for 12 to 15 minutes.
Dec 19, 2023

View Details ›
Top Articles
This Is The Easiest and Best Cabbage Soup Recipe On the Internet
6 Tantalizing Turkey Meatball Recipes
David Benavidez vs. Demetrius Andrade: Opposites Attack
Nicole Zavala Loves Being the "Most Hated B***h" on 'Cartel Crew'
Latest Posts
15 Of The Best Instant Pot Soup Recipes To Try This Fall And Winter
Easy Thai Carrot Soup - Vegan Family Recipes
Article information

Author: Fredrick Kertzmann

Last Updated:

Views: 5551

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fredrick Kertzmann

Birthday: 2000-04-29

Address: Apt. 203 613 Huels Gateway, Ralphtown, LA 40204

Phone: +2135150832870

Job: Regional Design Producer

Hobby: Nordic skating, Lacemaking, Mountain biking, Rowing, Gardening, Water sports, role-playing games

Introduction: My name is Fredrick Kertzmann, I am a gleaming, encouraging, inexpensive, thankful, tender, quaint, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.