It’s a familiar story. In a rush on the way home from work on a weekday evening, you realize you’ve not taken anything out of the freezer for dinner. So you stop by the grocery store and pick up a rotisserie-cooked chicken and a bag of salad and call it a meal.
The next day you have leftover cooked chicken to contend with. What do you do with the leftovers? What dishes can be made from your leftover chicken? Fear not. We’ve brought all the easiest and best-cooked chicken recipes to one place.
You’ll never have to look elsewhere for the best leftover cooked chicken recipes again. What can I do with my dry leftover chicken, you ask? From soups to casseroles, you can’t go wrong.
These recipes will give flavor and ethnic spice profiles to your dry, bland, leftover chicken. Any one of these recipes will amaze and satisfy even the most discriminating eater.
1. White Chicken Chili
Turn your leftover cooked chicken into a hearty and filling chili.
This recipe turns 2 cups of shredded chicken and some cannellini beans into a delicious alternative to traditional chili.
The savory spices make this a great choice for chilly evenings (see what I did there?).
Top with tortilla chips, cilantro and sliced avocado. The secret ingredient to this recipe is cream cheese to thicken the base. Kick it up spice-wise by using jalapeno or serrano chiles if you like your chili a little more on the spicy side.
2. Chicken Lasagna
What to do with leftover cooked chicken breasts? This Chicken Lasagna features Spinach and a white cheese sauce that is going to transform your leftover chicken into an Italian delight!
Use the traditional Parmesan, Ricotta and Mozzarella cheese combined to make the cheese sauce that will hold the dish together.
Layer your noodles with cheese sauce, chicken, and spinach cream sauce for an incredible leftover chicken dinner idea that will be a sure-fire hit.
Bake this until the cheese around the edges is brown and bubbly for best results. This dish freezes well for easy heat and eats the treat.
3. Best Chicken Enchiladas
This recipe for leftover Chicken Enchiladas includes instructions on how to make your own homemade Enchilada Sauce.
That being said, there’s no shame in opening a can of red or green sauce if you feel like it.
The secret ingredient to making this Mexican comfort food is cheese. Change it up with a Mexican blend, or use some spicy pepper jack.
Aside from the chicken, you can fill them with an almost endless combination of black or whole pinto beans, avocado, and onion. If you struggle with rolling your corn tortillas, try layering the ingredients instead.
4. Leftover Roast Chicken Soup
One of the best, easy ideas for leftover chicken is soup. If you’re not making soup stock out of your chicken bones, you’re missing out on an opportunity to make magic out of leftovers.
Once you’ve simmered the meat off the bones and removed them, you can add your vegetables and seasonings, and done.
You can add rice or noodles or substitute whatever veggies you’ve got sitting around and make a different soup with the same recipe every time.
5. Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Trying to decide what to make with leftover chicken? Here’s a delightful recipe that can’t miss.
A can of crescent rolls and traditional chicken pot pie filling ingredients make a casserole that eats like a pot pie.
The secret ingredient is cream of chicken soup, but you can substitute other cream soups such as mushroom for another layer of flavor.
This soup addition makes your cream gravy and puts the taste of this Chicken Pot Pie Casserole over the top!
6. Barbequed Chicken Pizza
One of our favorite roast chicken recipes is this BBQ Chicken Pizza. This is one of the easiest homemade pizza recipes.
Start with your own pizza crust or buy ready-made. Purple onion, fresh garlic, chicken and BBQ sauce combine with traditional Mozzarella cheese to make this fun and delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza.
Cube or shred your leftover chicken, saute it with the onion and garlic. Sauce your crust, bake, then add toppings.
Sprinkle more cheese on the top and bake until browned and bubbly. This pizza is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
7. Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos are pretty self-explanatory. They’re also an easy answer to the question of what to do with leftover chicken.
Use whole black beans or pintos and add salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side.
You can use a combination of cheeses but pepper jack and a Mexican cheese blend are recommended.
This recipe is a great way to use that leftover chicken and will be a perfect snack for game day or just because it’s Saturday.
8. Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
homemade chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate healing, comforting food for the cold weather months, or for when you are craving something to warm you from the inside out.
This is a favorite of our leftover chicken breast recipes. We’re pretty sure it will soon be yours as well.
It’s quick and easy and tastes like you spent hours when in reality it only takes about 30 minutes.
Tip: Add the egg noodles last and boil until tender, then serve right away before the noodles get mushy. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves.
9. Cheesy Chicken Casserole
This Cheesy Chicken Casserole with your favorite pasta is the perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner to use up your leftover cooked chicken.
You can even put it together in advance and bake it when you’re ready. Use whatever cream soup you might have on hand and try different combinations of vegetables and cheeses to make a different casserole with the same recipe.
This one can’t be beaten for an easy and delicious meal that your family will devour and ask for more!
10. Classic Chicken Salad
This version of the Classic Chicken Salad turns your leftover cooked chicken into a refreshing dish that will serve for lunch on a summer afternoon or as a side dish with dinner.
You can use this chicken salad in a lettuce wrap or pita pocket or simply as a sandwich or stand-alone salad. Add grapes, dried cranberries, blueberries or chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds for another layer of flavor and crunch.
This is a versatile recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.
Tip: Substitute some ranch or cucumber salad dressing for the traditional mayonnaise or combine with mashed avocado for a healthy twist on this classic recipe.
11. Leftover Chicken Curry
This Leftover Chicken Curry has a flavor profile that you might not be familiar with.
If you don’t have the seasonings for this dish on hand, we suggest that you buy them and make them a part of your pantry stores.
Curry is a great way to use leftover chicken. If you have time and bones, it’s always best to make your own chicken stock (which you can freeze), but canned or cubed bullion will do.
It doesn’t take too long to make and the result is worth the effort. Serve with rice for a hearty and delicious meal you’re going to want to make again.
12. Easy Leftover Chicken Quesadillas
Quesadillas are the perfect use for leftover chicken. They are quick and easy to prepare, and this Mexican recipe is delicious.
Few ingredients combined and toasted in flour or the whole-grain tortilla will put a smile on your family’s faces.
This is a great dish to introduce young people to cooking. The secret ingredient in this recipe is cream cheese, queso fresco or sour cream to give a creamy sauce for the chicken.
You can add black or whole pinto beans as a side for a delicious and nutritious meal. Serve with salsa or dipping sauce.
13. Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo is a surprisingly easy and quick dish to make. You can even make the sauce ahead of time.
Scratch sauce is best with cream and butter, but even with jar sauce, you can’t miss it. It’s easy and delicious.
Use your leftover chicken shredded or chopped and a hearty pasta such as fettuccine to make this hearty favorite.
Serve with a salad and garlic toast for a quick and delightful meal that your family will ask for again and again.
14. Easy Leftover Chicken and Potato Casserole
This Easy Leftover Chicken and Potato Casserole is a quick and easy way to stretch your grocery dollar and feed your growing family.
Leftover cooked chicken is combined with cooked potatoes in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with cheese and breadcrumbs and baked until crispy, bubbly and golden brown on the top.
You can throw this together any time for a wonderful meal your family will enjoy. Save leftovers in individual containers for some quick weekday meals on the go.
15. Pad Thai With Chicken
This is easily the most popular Thai recipe to make at home. Use your leftover chicken and add shrimp to vegetables and rice noodles for a fresh and delicious dish your family will love.
We recommend you keep rice noodles and fish sauce on hand for just such an occasion.
The sweet and salty taste is sure to become a favorite in your home. The secret ingredient in Pad Thai With Chicken is the brown sugar that you add to the sauce. This stir-fry is sure to please.
16. Easy Leftover Roast Chicken Pasta
This Leftover Roast Chicken Pasta may just be the easiest dish on our list to prepare. It’s so simple and quick that you can have it ready in the time it takes to cook the pasta.
Simply fry up some bacon and garlic, throw in the cream, shredded chicken and peas.
You can substitute a cream-based soup for heavy cream, and use another frozen vegetable.
Peas are recommended because they cook quickly from the frozen state. Salt and pepper to taste, and top with grated parmesan cheese. This is a weekday meal your family is going to love.
17. Easy Chicken Chili
This Easy Chicken Chili is a quick and tasty dish you can throw together from ingredients in your pantry.
If you have leftover chicken and a craving for something warm and hearty, this recipe is bound to be your new go-to comfort food dish.
Use fresh bell pepper and onion along with your chili spices added to canned tomatoes, mild green chiles and your choice of beans. You can use whole pintos, kidneys or chili beans.
Throw in your shredded chicken and simmer until the flavors meld together. Serve with shredded cheese, onion and sour cream and bread or cornbread to complete the dish.
18. Leftover Roast Chicken Fajitas
This Roast Chicken Fajitas recipe is another quick and easy way to use your leftover chicken. Simple and savory ingredients combine to create a Mexican favorite that smells and tastes heavenly.
When you fry it and serve it sizzling with your favorite side dishes of tortillas, salad or rice and beans, the presentation is perfect.
It will look like you spent hours making this dish when in reality it’s only 20 minutes from stovetop to table. Tip: Squeezing fresh lime juice over your ingredients gives your dish a fresh and bright flavor.
19. Easy Chicken and Dumplings From Scratch
Traditional Chicken and Dumplings can be a day-long process. This dish allows you to make a recipe with leftover chicken and scratch dumplings that you can have on the table in short order.
Use your frozen or canned chicken stock, saute your vegetables, and let them simmer with the chicken while you make the dumplings. Cook them in the broth and serve.
This is a simple and easy recipe that you’re going to want to prepare anytime you’ve got some leftover chicken to use.
20. French Onion Chicken Pasta Casserole
If you love French Onion soup, you’re going to love this Chicken Pasta Casserole. Use sweet onions and thyme to season this dish which starts with beef broth for that well-known flavor profile.
Use fettucini pasta and your leftover chicken, top with crunchy panko crumbs and butter for a crispy finish when you bake.
Substitute creamy white cheddar, gruyere, or another cheese blend for the Swiss. This is a recipe that you’re going to want to put into regular rotation on the menu.
21. Easy Speedy Leftover Chicken Tacos
Easy Speedy Leftover Chicken Tacos uses seasoned cooked chicken which can be made ahead of time, taco shells or fresh tortillas and your traditional taco toppings.
The secret ingredient in this dish is tomato paste which blends the spices and coats the chicken for an extra layer of flavor.
You can make the meat as spicy or mild as you like. Top with your favorite toppings or have a Taco Tuesday taco bar and let everyone make their own.
Guacamole and sour cream are great toppers. Serve with salad on the side or rice and beans for a hearty and filling meal.
22. Leftover Chicken Egg Fried Rice
Chicken Egg Fried Rice is a fun and creative way to use your leftover cooked chicken breasts. Start with cooked rice, or cook and cool your rice before you prepare this dish.
Layer your peppers and onions into hot oil with frozen veggies, then your add your cooked ingredients.
Add your beaten egg towards the end, let it cook for 30 seconds then mix it all together.
This flavorful dish will serve as the main course for a quick and easy dinner that your family is going to enjoy.
23. Chicken Stir-Fry With Bell Peppers
This quick and easy Chicken Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and canned baby corn is a delicious way to use that leftover chicken.
The sauce is your secret ingredient in this recipe and the little bit of wine or sherry that you add gives this dish another layer of depth and flavor.
Serve over rice noodles or rice for a super easy weekday meal that uses your leftover chicken in a fresh and tasty way.
Substitute brown rice for an even healthier option for this Asian- inspired recipe.
24. One Pot Low Carb Leftover Chicken With Spinach
Leftover chicken and baby spinach are at the heart of this One Pot Low Carb Leftover Chicken With Spinach recipe.
This dish is quick and easy; only about 15 minutes from stovetop to table. Saute your onion and garlic and add your other ingredients, then salt and pepper to taste.
You can substitute your favorite peas or beans in this recipe. Use whatever you have in the pantry, and clear out the vegetable crisper in your fridge.
This one-pot wonder is a great weeknight throw-together meal that will satisfy.
25. Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini will quickly become one of your go-to recipes when you have leftover chicken on hand.
This casserole has a cream soup base and your favorite pasta. What more can you ask for? Use Italian cheese blends and fettucini or linguini noodles for best results.
Make sure that you cook them al dente so they don’t overcook when you bake the dish.
This is cheesy, creamy comfort food at its finest. The leftovers keep and freeze well for weekday meals on the go.
26. Southwest Chicken Skillet Dinner
This quick and easy Southwest Chicken Skillet Dinner is ready in 15 minutes.
Use leftover chicken and canned black beans and corn layered with sauteed onion, garlic and peppers for a tasty one-skillet meal that’s a great weekday dinner.
Substitute whole pinto or cannellini beans for the black beans and use a variety of bell peppers and southwest seasonings for a meal the whole family will enjoy.
27. Easy Alfredo Chicken Lasagna
This Easy Alfredo Chicken Lasagna is a perfect way to use your leftover chicken. This dish is a homemade treat that is sure to please everyone at your table.
Fresh spinach and an easy Alfredo sauce with cream, butter and parmesan cheese layered in with lasagna noodles and baked to perfection is the very definition of comfort food.
Freeze leftovers in individual containers for weekday meals on the go.
Substitute jar sauce if you’re in a hurry, and you can also use whole grain pasta for a slightly healthier option.
28. Easy Chicken and Rice Soup
This Easy Chicken and Rice Soup starts with stock and uncooked rice. Use your leftover cooked chicken and fresh carrot, onion and celery to cook up this homemade bowl of love.
This dish is great for cold weather months when you’ve got a sick child, or anytime you want a bowl of warm goodness.
Let it simmer until the rice and the vegetables are nice and tender and serve with warm bread and butter.
If you don’t have homemade stock on hand, you can use canned. We recommend low sodium for a healthier option.
29. Chicken Pasta Bake
One of the easiest and most satisfying of all the leftover chicken recipes on our list; is the Chicken Pasta Bake uses penne or rotini pasta and your leftover cooked chicken in an easy cheese and cream sauce.
Add the chicken and tomatoes to your sauce and mix in the cooked and drained pasta.
Place in a greased baking pan and top with cheese. Bake until the cheese is brown and bubbly and just like that, you’ve got a delicious comfort food casserole that your family will absolutely love.
30. Chicken Patties
This recipe for Chicken Patties will be a revelation to you.
They are easy to make, with just a few ingredients, and can be an appetizer when served with dipping sauce, a sandwich or slider, or, when served with a side dish and salad, can serve as a main course.
You can fry them in oil or in your air fryer. The leftovers can be frozen and reheated at a later time.
This recipe makes more than enough for 2 people, so you’ll definitely have some leftovers to enjoy.
31 Easy Leftover Chicken Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 leftover roast chicken frame - bones
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaf
- 1 c chopped fresh green beans
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place your leftover whole chicken or chicken pieces in a pot to make chicken stock.
- Cover with water and simmer until the meat falls off the bones. Strain out the bones and return the meat to the pot. Add chopped vegetables and seasonings.
- Simmer until vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaves. Salt and Pepper to taste. Serve with crusty bread and butter.