30+ Leftover Chicken Recipes (2024)

byChristine |Food| 02.24.20

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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? ›

Make it another dish

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.

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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.

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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.

Get More Info Here ›
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.

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How to make crispy leftover chicken? ›

To reheat fried chicken in the oven, the best method is to turn the oven on high and bake it fast. Preheat the oven to 400°F, and place room-temperature leftovers on a wire rack set on a baking sheet. The wire rack helps hot air circulate to crisp up the underside of the chicken.

Read On ›
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.

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Can I eat 10 day old chicken? ›

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), raw chicken can be kept in your fridge approximately 1–2 days. The same applies to raw turkey and other poultry (1). Meanwhile, cooked chicken can last in the refrigerator approximately 3–4 days (1).

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Can you freeze cooked chicken after 3 days? ›

It's not advised to freeze cooked chicken after four days in the fridge due to possible bacteria growth. Why can't you freeze chicken hot? Hot chicken may lead to temperature changes in your freezer, which could lead to the growth of harmful bacteria. Let the chicken cool to room temperature before freezing.

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What can I do with a week old rotisserie chicken? ›

Soups, salads, sandwiches, quesadillas, tacos, chili, pizzas! I could go on and on. Check out the full post for more scrumptious ways to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. You can even make sure that nothing goes to waste and use the chicken carcass to make homemade stock.

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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.

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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.

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How do you make reheated chicken taste better? ›

Depending on what I'm reheating, I will soak a paper towel sheet in water and wrap the food in it or at least cover the item with the soaking wet towel. Other tips: Pour 1–2 tablespoons of water, chicken or beef broth over the meat when reheating. If it's a creamy or cheesy pasta, add a little milk.

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Why can you only reheat chicken once? ›

Because the quality decreases each time food is reheated, it is best to reheat only the amount needed. Cooked foods that cannot be used within four days should be frozen for longer, safe storage.

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Can you make cooked dry chicken moist again? ›

You can do this by marinating the cooked chicken in a sauce or broth for a while. This can help rehydrate the meat and add some flavor. Just be careful not to over-marinate, as the chicken could become mushy. Steam: Reheating the chicken with steam can help add moisture back into t.

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Can you rehydrate leftover chicken? ›

To reheat boneless, skinless chicken breasts on the stovetop, remove the chicken breasts from the fridge and let them come to room temperature. Add a little bit of water or chicken broth to a medium or large skillet, add the chicken breasts and heat over medium to medium-high.

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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.

Learn More ›
How do you rehydrate dehydrated chicken? ›

Rehydrating Dehydrated Pressure Cooked Chicken

Put in your meal, then add boiled water again to cover ingredients. After twenty minutes, it comes out hot like it was not even dehydrated. Alternatively, place meal in a pot with water to cover. Let soak for five minutes, then bring to a boil for a minute or two.

Keep Reading ›

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