Are you good at making new meals from leftovers? How about uneaten chicken? If your answer is ‘No’, then these easy leftover chicken recipes could be the start of a whole new era of food prep for you.
Did you know that chicken leftovers are good for you?
A healthy chicken dish contains protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, and is also low in calories. What’s more, some studies show that eating leftovers can boost your metabolism and reduce appetite.
Leftovers are great because they’re already shopped for, prepared, cooked and can simply be reheated. Plus, they’re cheap, convenient, and nutritious.
Chicken is one of the most popular meats consumed worldwide. It’s both easy to prepare and tastes delicious. But when there’s a portion or 2 of chicken leftover initial meal, what can you do with those leftovers?
Here are 24 easy leftover chicken recipes that will satisfy your cravings, whilst saving you time and money.
Love chicken? Looking for a caterer who shares your love of poultry? Give Chick-Fil-A a try.
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice is an all-time favourite comfort meal for so many, and it is dead easy to make at home. This popular dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a quick snack.
This particular recipe uses leftover roasted chicken and brown rice as its main ingredients, along with some common extras such as green onions, garlic, sesame oil, and a load of fresh veggies.
You won’t believe how tasty this dish is. The result is a healthy and flavoursome meal that everyone will love.
Hunting for a new brekkie spot in the Victorian capital. Here are our Best Breakfasts in Melbourne
Chicken Pot Pie
If you love chicken pot pie but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen making it, this is the recipe for you.
You’ll need only a few store cupboard staples like chicken, potatoes, carrots, peas, and corn. You can use frozen vegetables if you don’t have time to prepare them ahead of time.
The filling is made up of cream cheese, butter, flour, and milk, which give the pie a rich taste and creamy texture. Add extra flavour by using homemade gravy instead of canned soup.
You simply mix everything together and bake until golden brown, which takes less than 30 minutes.
The results are mouthwatering and delicious. No wonder we have this on our list of easy leftover chicken recipes.
Alternatively, why not try our Comfort Dinners: Beef Pie Recipe?
Chicken Tacos
Tacos are always fun to eat, especially if you have the remains of a chicken on hand.
These tacos can be made with shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream. The best part about these tacos is that they’re super easy to put together. Just combine all your ingredients and serve.
Start by sautéing some onion and garlic in a skillet. Then, add the shredded chicken and let it simmer while you chop up the rest of the toppings. After that, place everything into a tortilla shell and enjoy.
Better still, this recipe is incredibly easy to adapt. Simply use up whatever vegetables or salad that you have sitting around.
Chicken tacos are super satisfying and delicious—you won’t regret trying them.
Does your love of Mexican food extend beyond the simple taco? See here if you’d like recommendations for the Best Mexican Restaurants in Sydney.
Chicken Salad Sandwich
A chicken salad sandwich is a classic combination of flavours that taste amazing together.
We suggest you combine your leftover chicken with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and mustard greens to create your version of this classic sandwich.
Now we love a chicken sandwich. But we love a toasted chicken sandwich even more. Whether you like your sandwiches sealed or simply pressed, we’ve got the perfect Sandwich Maker for you. Click here for more information and prices.
You start by chopping up the chicken and mixing it with the other ingredients. Next, spread the mixture onto bread slices and top each piece with a slice of tomato before serving.
The result is a light yet filling meal that’s sure to please any hungry guest at your next party. It’s not hard to make, and it’s certain to be a hit among family and friends.
For the Best Sandwiches in Melbourne, click here.
Chicken Enchiladas
If you’ve never had enchiladas before, now is the time to try one. Enchiladas are a Mexican classic that’s usually filled with beans, cheese, and more.
However, you can use leftover chicken instead of ground beef to fill up these tasty little pockets instead.
Chicken enchiladas are made with tortillas, black olives, red peppers, and spinach. They can be stuffed with spicy chicken, melted cheese, and topped off with a salsa.
They’re pretty simple to prepare and will be ready in just 20 minutes. So, get out there and whip up a batch today.
If you’re in Brisbane and craving Mexican food, take a look at our guide.
Chicken Fajitas
Fajitas are a traditional Mexican meal that’s typically prepared with grilled steak.
However, as this is an article on easy leftover chicken recipes, you are going to be replacing the steak with leftover chicken. Then add bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms.
This dish is great because it uses all kinds of veggies and spices, so you’ll be getting a wide variety of healthy nutrients.
It also tastes wonderful, thanks to the addition of coriander (sometimes called cilantro). Topped off with guacamole, fresh lime juice, and hot sauce, fajitas are a perfect way to satisfy your appetite.
The result is a zingy, juicy chicken fajita that’s ready in just 20 minutes, meaning you can easily throw it together after work or school. Serve it with guacamole and corn chips for a complete meal.
And let’s not forget all those fabulous Mexican eateries in Melbourne.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect to warm you up on cold winter days. If you’ve got leftover chicken, then this is the recipe for your next bowl of creamy goodness.
Chicken noodle soup has been around since ancient times, but it’s only recently become popular again due to its health benefits.
This soup is known to be full of vitamins and minerals like protein, fibre, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc. Plus, it’s low in calories and fat.
Serve with Parmesan cheese and with chopped parsley sprinkled on top. Add some crusty bread, and you’ll have yourself a satisfying meal.
It’s also a great one to freeze in batches for another day.
See here, for some advice on freezing liquids with a vacuum sealer.
Chicken Pasta Casserole
Pasta dishes are one of the most versatile meals around. You can easily customise them by using different types of pasta, sauces, and toppings.
Use some leftover chicken and spaghetti squash to create a chicken pasta casserole that’s packed full of flavor. It’s also low in fat and high in protein.
Chop up the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mix it with the remaining ingredients. Then, pour the mixture into an 8×10 baking pan and bake until heated through.
Afterward, top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese, and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Topped with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, this casserole makes for a great weeknight dinner.
Our Boscaiola Recipe is easy, quick and delicious
Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake
Chicken pesto pasta bake is a quick and easy way to enjoy leftovers from last night’s dinner. This dish can be made by combining pasta, broccoli, and chicken, all tossed in a light pesto sauce.
It’s an excellent source of Vitamin C, which helps boost immunity and fight infection. And, it’s also loaded with antioxidants, making it a great choice for weight loss.
There’s no need to cook anything else because this dish comes together quickly and tastes amazing.
Top the pesto pasta bake with Parmesan cheese, and serve it alongside a light green salad for a complete meal.
Or, switch things up with a bowl of Seafood Pasta
Chicken Chilli
Chilli is a hearty stew that’s traditionally made with meat or beans. Instead, you are going to swap out the meat for leftover chicken, and use kidney beans as the base.
If you want to go ahead and add ground beef, you can do so, but be sure to reduce the amount of chilli powder used.
If you want to make this recipe from scratch, it cooks beautifully in a Crock-Pot (Slow Cooker). Don’t have a Crock-Pot (Slow Cooker )? Don’t worry. you can buy one here. It’s an incredibly versatile appliance as all you have to do is pop everything in before you go to work and you’ll come home to a delicious hot meal.
Don’t forget to season this dish with salt and pepper. Then, simmer it over medium heat for about 30 minutes.
We recommend topping it off with cornbread muffins, onions, carrots, green chilies, and coriander. It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for chilly autumn nights.
Are you a fan of Mexican Desserts? See our recipes here.
Chicken Taco Salad
Taco salads are a fun twist on tacos, which are always a crowd-pleaser.
Combine some leftover shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and pico de gallo into a delicious taco salad.
It’ll take just 15 minutes to make this tasty lunchtime option. Just chop everything up, toss it with the dressing, and then sprinkle the top with shredded cheese.
The best part? There’s plenty of room for customisation in this delicious dish.
Add some fresh jalapeño slices, diced red onion, and black olives for extra crunch. Or, you could even try topping it with crumbled feta cheese instead of the cheddar.
You won’t believe how good a chicken taco salad tastes until you try it yourself.
Looking for a new lunch spot? These are our Best Cafes in Adelaide.
Chicken Burritos
Burritos are another popular Mexican dish that’s often filled with refried beans, rice, and cheese. But here, we make our version with leftover chicken, black beans, and corn.
This burrito bowl has a lot of fibre thanks to the black beans and corn – they both help lower cholesterol levels and control blood sugar.
In addition, they’re both rich in potassium. So, don’t skip these two ingredients when planning your next healthy meal.
Toppings can include coriander, lime juice, chopped tomato, sour cream, and shredded cheese. You can also add sliced radishes, cucumber, and/or avocado if you like.
This is a healthy, filling meal that’s sure to satisfy any craving.
Ever considered giving your next party a Mexican theme? Check out our Mexican Catering Foods Ideas
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Cordon bleu is a classic French dish that consists of ham, Swiss cheese, and bacon-wrapped around a piece of chicken breast.
Instead, you are going to ditch the ham and replace it with your leftover chicken. You will then wrap it all up in puff pastry dough before baking it in the oven.
Once baked, you get a cheesy, savory snack that will fill you up while still being low carb. Plus, it’s packed with protein, iron, and zinc, which are essential nutrients for building strong muscles and fighting fatigue.
Top it off with a sprinkling of parsley, and enjoy.
Does all this talk of Cordon Bleu make you hungry for French cooking? If so, take a look at our guide to the Best French Restaurants in Sydney.
Chicken Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a popular snack food throughout Latin America. They’re typically stuffed with cheese, but here, we turn them into savoury chicken quesadillas.
Start by cutting your favorite type of bread into small triangles. Then, spread each triangle with a layer of creamy cheese sauce.
Place a few pieces of cooked chicken onto the cheese-covered bread, followed by a bit of grated Parmesan cheese.
Finally, fold the sides of the triangle over the chicken and cheese mixture, then cook it under the grill until golden brown.
These chicken quesadillas are so easy to make and are a great way to use up leftover chicken from dinner.
See our recommendations for the Best Cafes in Perth
Chicken Pizza
How could we possibly put together a list of easy leftover chicken recipes and not include one for pizza? Pizza isn’t just about dough and cheese anymore. These days, tons of creative toppings can be added to a traditional base.
For example, you could cover your pizza with grilled chicken breasts, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and more. Or, you could simply toss on a handful of your favourite veggies and herbs.
Why not impress you friends and family by upping your pizza game with a home Pizza Oven? Whether you want a model for your kitchen work top, or one for outside, we’ve got you covered. Click here for more information and prices.
If you want to go one step further, consider making a homemade marinara or pesto sauce yourself. The possibilities are endless!
You might find yourself eating this chicken pizza every day. It’s so versatile, you’ll never run out of new ideas. Just remember to keep things simple at first.
The best part is, this chicken pizza is super quick and easy to prepare, so you can prepare it at any time. And it also tastes great the next day.
See here for some info on the Best Pizzas Restaurants in Perth.
Chicken And Cheese Roll-ups
These chicken and cheese roll-ups are a tasty take on nachos. They’re loaded with melted cheese, jalapeños, and diced chicken.
Start by spreading some of your favourite salsa onto a tortilla chips. Next, top the chips with shredded cheese, followed by a layer of diced chicken.
Then, sprinkle on some minced garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh coriander. Finally, place another tortilla wrap on top of everything and bake it in the oven until crispy.
These roll-ups are perfect as an appetiser, or even a main course. If you’d like to spice things up a little, add some chopped jalapeño peppers, and serve alongside your favourite chips.
You can even double the recipe if you want to feed a larger group.
Fancy an afternoon treat? Our guide to the Best Croissant Shops in Sydney has you covered.
Chicken And Avocado Wraps
Wraps are a great choice when you have leftover chicken and veggies. They’re also a convenient option for busy weeknights.
To start, shred a large amount of chicken breast meat. Then, combine all your chosen ingredients except the lettuce and avocado in a bowl. Add some lime juice, soy sauce, and chili powder to taste.
Next, spoon the filling mixture onto a piece of lettuce, then top it with sliced avocado slices, tomato, and hot sauce. Roll the whole thing up, and eat it like a taco.
You can customise these wraps however you please. We recommend stuffing these wraps with fresh cucumber slices, red bell pepper strips, and some creamy ranch dressing. It’s the perfect combination of flavours and textures.
Need a new place to grab lunch in Brissie? See our Best Cafes in Brisbane for inspiration.
Chicken And Black Bean Salsa
Chicken and black bean salsa is a quick and easy way to get dinner on the table quickly. It’s packed with flavour thanks to mild spices and plenty of chopped vegetables and is a great inclusion in our easy leftover chicken recipes.
The best part? Chicken and black bean salsa only take around 15 minutes total to prep. That means you can whip this up after work, and still have time to enjoy dinner before heading off to bed.
Serve the chicken and black bean salsa with cornbread, rice, or pasta. It will be delicious no matter what you choose.
Adding some chilli powder will give it an authentic Mexican taste, while some cumin will add a hint of warmth. For an extra kick, feel free to add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
Our Mediterranean Chicken Bake is perfect for an evening meal.
Chicken And Eggplant Stir Fry
Eggplants and chicken are a match made in heaven.
A colourful stir-fry will have all the essential ingredients for a delicious one-pot meal: tender pieces of chicken, sweet eggplants, crunchy carrots, and aromatic basil.
Cooking the chicken and vegetables together ensures that the chicken gets perfectly cooked without drying out. To make sure they stay juicy, we recommend cooking them separately, then combining them later.
Now you can cook this dish in a frying pan, if you have to. However, for real stir-fry magic, it pays to invest in a Wok. And wok’s are great as you can cook so many things in them – not just chicken and eggplant stir fry! Click here for more information and prices.
If you don’t have any basil handy, simply use parsley instead. In addition, you can substitute zucchini for the eggplants if you prefer. It’s important not to overcook the chicken, because it will become tough.
This is a simple and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weekday night. Just throw everything in a wok or large skillet, and let it cook over medium heat.
Whilst we’re on the subject of stir fries, here’s our recipe for Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce
Chicken And Potato Hash Browns
Hash browns are a comfort food staple found at breakfast buffets across the country, but they can easily become the main course as well.
In this recipe, we pair some grated potatoes with shredded chicken and onions, along with a few other tasty additions. Feel free to experiment with different combinations. We’re sure it’ll becomes one of your go-to easy leftover chicken recipes.
These chicken stuffed hash browns can be served with eggs for brunch, but they would also be delicious with bacon and cheese. It’s a hearty dish that’s ideal for both lunch and dinner.
We highly suggest making your version using leftover chicken and potatoes. The result is a hearty side dish that’s a real winner.
It’s super versatile, too—you can top it with anything from eggs to avocado.
If you want to change things up with some Sweet Potato Recipes, give these a try
Chicken And Broccoli Quiché
Quiches are usually reserved for brunch dishes, but this one is worth making for dinner. It’s filled with tender chunks of chicken, broccoli florets, and Swiss cheese.
You could easily swap out the chicken for ground beef or pork if you wanted. If you ever decide to create your meatless variation, just be careful not to overcook the Quiché.
You can bake it straight from the fridge, so there’s no need to wait until the morning to start cooking.
The crust is made with a mixture of flour, butter, and Parmesan cheese. You should then bake it for 15 minutes before adding the filling.
Looking for a knock-out dessert? Our Toblerone Cheesecake is a winner
Chicken And Mushroom Lasagna
Lasagnas aren’t always healthy, but a chicken and mushroom lasagna can be. By using lean chicken instead of beef, it will cut down on calories without sacrificing any flavour.
Topped with mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, and spinach, this lasagna packs a lot of nutrients into a single serving.
Since your sauce may contain tomato paste, you might want to reduce its amount if you’re watching your sodium intake.
Even though it has mushrooms and spinach, the chicken remains the star of the show, which makes this lasagna extra nutritious.
To make this recipe even healthier, replace the lasagna sheets with spaghetti squash. This makes for an incredibly light meal that’s packed with fibre and vitamins.
And if all this talk of lasagna makes you crave Italian food, why not consult our Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne post?
Chicken And Asparagus Risotto
Risottos are typically eaten for lunch or dinner, but this one works just as well for supper. It’s a comforting rice dish that combines chicken and asparagus.
You can serve it warm or cold, depending on how much time you have left to eat. Either way, it’s a flavorful, nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare!
Because risottos tend to be quite creamy, we recommend topping with quite a bit of Parmesan cheese. It adds extra flavor without weighing down the dish.
If you want to make a similar risotto without chicken, feel free to swap in shrimp or salmon. Just remember to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Looking for an Italian dinner in Sydney? Have a read through our guide.
Chicken And Vegetable Curry
A convenient take on Indian cuisine, chicken and vegetable curry makes good use of leftovers.
All you need to do is shred leftover rotisserie chicken and toss it into the pot along with cauliflower, peas, yellow split lentils and some spices.
If you prefer punchier food, you might want to add some chilli flakes at the end. But don’t worry if you don’t – we’re sure it will still taste amazing!
To finish off the dish, we suggest adding a few tablespoons of yogurt to help thicken the sauce. It will give the curry a slightly tangy taste, plus it helps keep the flavours together.
Take your spice hit in a different direction with our Mango Chicken Curry Recipe
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we hope our easy leftover chicken recipes have inspired you to cook something delicious using leftovers.
Leftover meals are often under-appreciated, but they can be extremely tasty. Use these easy leftover chicken recipes to help you save money and enjoy a new meal every day.
Enjoy!
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
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