Ever had leftover grilled chicken in your fridge? It happens to everyone. You might wonder, “What can I make with this?”
Many people love making new meals with leftovers. In fact, half of all families cook with leftovers weekly. This shows we all want to be creative and save food.
Using leftover chicken is smart. It saves money and reduces waste. A rotisserie chicken can make several meals. This means you can enjoy tasty food without spending a lot.
So, why just reheat chicken? You can make amazing dishes like salads, casseroles, or tacos. Your leftover chicken is ready for something special.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of leftover grilled chicken. Ready to make something amazing? Let’s get started!
Transform Leftovers Into a Flavorful Chicken Salad
Grilled chicken leftovers can make quick, tasty meals. These chicken salad recipes turn last night’s dinner into today’s healthy dish. You can choose from classic to avocado or Greek yogurt versions.
Classic Chicken Salad
The Classic Chicken Salad has grilled chicken, veggies, and creamy dressing. Start with poached chicken breast at 160°F to 165°F. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Mix diced chicken with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Add celery, green onions, and almonds for crunch. Red grapes add sweetness. Parsley and tarragon give a fresh taste. Finish with lemon juice.
Nutritional Values per Serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 524 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Protein | 36g |
| Fat | 38g |
| Sodium | 454mg |
Avocado Chicken Salad
Avocado Chicken Salad is full of healthy fats. It’s creamy and satisfying. Start with grilled chicken, sliced avocados, and mixed greens.
This salad has 360 calories per serving. It’s rich in protein and healthy fats. It’s good for the heart and tastes great.
Keep it in the fridge for 1-2 days. Or up to 3-4 days with the dressing separate. It’s perfect for meal prep.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad is light but flavorful. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It’s creamy and low in fat.
Mix it with bell peppers, carrots, and seasonings. Add a bit of red pepper for spice. It’s a tasty, healthy choice.
Amazing Leftover Grilled Chicken Tacos
Turn leftover grilled chicken into a fun taco night. You can choose from many tasty options. It’s a great way to use leftovers and makes dinner fun for the whole family.
Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa
Try something new with chicken and mango salsa. The mango’s sweetness goes well with the chicken. It’s a quick and tasty way to use leftovers.
- Ingredients: Grilled chicken, mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, tortillas.
- Directions: Mix mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Warm tortillas and fill with chicken and mango salsa. Enjoy!
Spicy Chicken and Corn Tacos
Love spicy food? Try these tacos. They mix spicy chicken with fresh corn for a crunchy bite.
- Ingredients: Grilled chicken, corn kernels, jalapeños, sour cream, tortillas, chili powder.
- Directions: Cook corn and jalapeños with chili powder. Warm tortillas and fill with chicken, corn mix, and sour cream.
Southwestern Chicken Tacos
Make your taco night special with Southwestern chicken tacos. They have smoky flavors that feel like a trip to the southwest.
- Ingredients: Grilled chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, smoked paprika, tortillas.
- Directions: Mix black beans and corn with smoked paprika. Warm tortillas and fill with chicken, bean mix, and avocado.
These ideas will make your meal exciting and tasty. Choose from mango salsa, spicy, or smoky flavors. There’s a taco for everyone.
Quick and Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Fried rice is a great quick meal. Adding leftover grilled chicken makes it even better. You can make a basic recipe and add lots of veggies. This makes a colorful, balanced meal that’s tasty and saves food.
Basic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
This recipe is easy and quick. You need three chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. Also, 4 cups of cooked rice, 2 medium carrots, 1 small onion, ½ cup frozen peas, 3 cloves of garlic, 3 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of oil, 3-4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 eggs, and some optional ingredients.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and sauté until fully cooked, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced carrots and cook for a few minutes until soft.
- Push the vegetables to one side and scramble the two eggs on the other side of the pan.
- Add the cooked rice and chicken back into the pan.
- Pour soy sauce over the mixture and stir to combine, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Optional: Add 2 teaspoons of oyster sauce and ½ teaspoon of sesame oil for extra flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy one of your favorite leftover chicken ideas.
Vegetable-Loaded Chicken Fried Rice
Adding more veggies makes your chicken fried rice better. It’s a healthy way to use leftover chicken.
- Follow the basic chicken fried rice recipe steps, but add 1 cup of broccoli florets, 1 cup of shredded cabbage, and an additional ½ cup of diced carrots and chopped onions.
- Sauté these vegetables until tender before adding the chicken and rice to the pan.
- Continue with the remaining steps of the original recipe, ensuring the vegetables are evenly mixed.
- This addition not only enhances the flavor but also adds a burst of color to your dish.
Fried rice is a favorite for many families. It’s affordable and easy to make. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to three months.
Leftover Grilled Chicken Recipes
Using leftover grilled chicken can make many tasty meals. In the U.S., about 50% of homes cook chicken weekly. This means lots of chances to use leftover chicken in new ways.
One great idea is to add shredded chicken to instant ramen. It makes the meal better without extra cooking. This trick can save you about 30 minutes compared to cooking fresh chicken.
For comfort food lovers, creamy skillet gnocchi is a great choice. Adding leftover chicken at the end makes it easy and tasty. If you like spicy, try BBQ chicken pizza with jalapeño ranch sauce for a fun twist.
Cheese-crusted quesadillas are another creative use for leftover chicken. They’re quick and delicious. Parmesan sandwiches with mozzarella and toasted bread also show how versatile leftover chicken can be.
Grain bowls are a fun way to use leftover chicken. You can mix and match toppings for a great meal. Chicken Caesar salad is a classic that works well with leftover chicken.
More people are cooking with leftovers to save food and money. 72% think using leftovers helps reduce waste. Food blogs with leftover chicken recipes get 50% more views, showing their popularity.
| Recipe | Key Benefit |
|---|---|
| Instant Chicken Ramen | Enhances flavor without extra cooking |
| Creamy Skillet Gnocchi | Easy and comforting |
| BBQ Chicken Pizza | Creative and flavorful |
| Cheese-Crusted Quesadillas | Quick and tasty |
| Parmesan-Inspired Sandwiches | Simple and versatile |
| Grain Bowls | Customizable for meal prep |
| Chicken Caesar Salad | Practical and popular |
Leftover grilled chicken is great for making tasty, easy meals. It turns simple leftovers into something amazing.
Savory Chicken Pasta Dishes
Pasta dishes are a great way to use leftover chicken. You can make something creamy, zesty, or herbaceous. These recipes will make your leftovers into a tasty meal. Here are some yummy options for leftover chicken pasta recipes that are also healthy.
Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Try Chicken Alfredo Pasta for a classic dish. It has leftover chicken, fettuccine, Parmesan cheese, and Alfredo sauce. This recipe is quick and ready in 15 minutes.
Cooking duration for chicken: Approximately 5 to 8 minutes until fully cooked
- Total preparation time: 30 minutes (10 minutes prep, 20 minutes cook)
- Calories per serving: 498.3 kcal
- Protein per serving: 36.3 g
- Fat per serving: 15 g
Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta for a fresh twist. It has leftover chicken, olive oil, lemon, and garlic with spaghetti. This dish is light but full of flavor.
Nutritional Snapshot:
| Nutrient | Value per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 364 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Protein | 27 g |
Pesto Chicken Pasta
Pesto Chicken Pasta is a vibrant and herbaceous dish. It mixes leftover chicken, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and penne pasta. The flavors are fresh and satisfying.
Quick Facts:
- Total preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking duration for peppers and shallots: 4 to 7 minutes for browning
- Recommended storage time in the fridge for leftovers: up to 3 days
Choose any recipe, and these leftover chicken pasta dishes will be favorites. They’re great for a quick and healthy meal.
Hearty Leftover Chicken Soups
Warm up your evenings with hearty soups made from leftover grilled chicken. These soups are easy to make. They’re perfect for cozy family dinners or solo meals.
Did you know you can keep leftover chicken in the fridge for up to three days? Or freeze it for up to three months? This makes it easy to use for soup later.
Try a chicken ramen recipe for a tasty soup. Use one or two packets of instant chicken ramen and add leftover grilled chicken. It’s a quick and flavorful meal.
For creamy soup, try the Creamy Skillet Gnocchi soup with chicken. It has gnocchi, kale, and artichoke hearts. This soup is comforting and easy to make.
For a bold flavor, make chicken tortilla soup. It uses leftover grilled chicken and has lots of spices. It’s a tasty way to use up chicken.
| Recipe | Time Required | Calories per Serving | Protein per Serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup | 35 minutes | 247 kcal | 28g |
| Quick Chicken Ramen | 15 minutes | 347 kcal | 28g |
| Chicken Tortilla Soup | 30 minutes | 298 kcal | 25g |
Use these leftover chicken dinner ideas in your meal planning. They make quick and satisfying meals. These recipes turn leftovers into delicious dishes.
Delicious Chicken Wraps for Lunch
Wraps are great for a quick and healthy lunch. Use leftover grilled chicken in a Chicken Caesar Wrap for a classic taste. Or try a Buffalo Chicken Wrap for something spicy. These wraps are easy to carry and taste amazing, perfect for busy days.
Chicken Caesar Wrap
This recipe adds elegance to your lunch. Use leftover chicken to make a tasty Chicken Caesar Wrap. Mix the chicken with Caesar dressing, romaine lettuce, and Parmesan cheese.
Roll it all up in a whole-wheat tortilla. You’ll have a delicious, easy lunch ready for work or school.
Buffalo Chicken Wrap
For a spicy lunch, try the Buffalo Chicken Wrap. It’s easy to make with leftover chicken, buffalo sauce, and veggies. Here’s what you need:
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 wraps
Make the Buffalo Chicken Wrap in just 5 minutes. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken (cooked, shredded) | 1 pound |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Buffalo wings sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Smoked paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Lettuce (romaine or iceberg, shredded) | 2 cups |
| Shredded carrots | 1/2 cup |
| Red onion (half moons) | 1/2 medium onion |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1/2 cup |
This recipe is quick and can be adjusted to your taste. You can use mild buffalo sauce or add Greek yogurt for balance. The Buffalo Chicken Wrap is a favorite for its taste and convenience.
Homemade Chicken Pizza
Make your pizza night special with homemade chicken pizza. It turns leftover chicken into a tasty meal. Grilled chicken adds a unique flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Taste the delightful fusion of flavors with a homemade chicken pizza, topped with succulent grilled chicken, melty mozzarella, and fresh vegetables. Explore the ease and richness of each bite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Prepare your pizza dough by baking it for 5 minutes at 425°F.
- Spread homemade Alfredo sauce over the dough.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Cream cheese: 2 ounces
- Milk: ½ cup
- Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup
Layer with 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese (divided).Top with 1 cup of cooked, diced chicken and ½ cup of cooked and crumbled bacon.Add 1-2 cups of baby spinach for a nutritional boost.Bake the assembled pizza for 10-12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 571 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Protein | 33 g |
| Total Fat | 31 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Sodium | 990 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Vitamin A | 548 IU |
| Calcium | 455 mg |
This pizza is a hit with its mix of flavors. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat at 350°F until warm.
Healthy Chicken and Quinoa Bowls
Quinoa and leftover grilled chicken make great bowls. They are tasty and good for you. You can try many flavors, like Mediterranean or BBQ.
Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls
The Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls are tasty and filling. They mix Mediterranean flavors with quinoa and chicken. You need 2 cups of cooked quinoa, leftover chicken, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and feta cheese.
Make a lemon vinaigrette with lemon juice, olive oil, and honey. This dressing lasts up to 10 days in the fridge.
BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls
The BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls are smoky and sweet. Start with 2 cups of cooked quinoa. Add leftover BBQ chicken, black beans, corn, and cheddar cheese.
Top it with BBQ sauce. These bowls are full of protein, fiber, and nutrients.
| Ingredient | Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl | BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowl |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked Quinoa | 2 cups | 2 cups |
| Cooked Chicken | 1 cup | 1 cup |
| Vegetables | Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion | Black Beans, Corn |
| Cheese | Feta | Cheddar |
| Dressing | Lemon Vinaigrette | BBQ Sauce |
These bowls are packed with nutrition. Each bowl has 8 grams of protein from quinoa and chicken. They are great for meal prep, making lunches or dinners easy.
Exquisite Chicken Casseroles
Chicken casseroles are great for leftover chicken. They are warm and tasty. Let’s look at a favorite recipe that will make your family happy.
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
The Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comfort food dream. It’s quick to make and delicious. You’ll love it!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Halves | 6 |
| Uncooked Rice | 2 cups |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 1.5 cups, divided |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | 2 cans (10.5 oz each, undiluted) |
| Water | 3 cups |
| Onion Soup Mix | 1 packet |
| Salt | 0.5 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
Bake at 350°F for an hour. Add 15 minutes if using brown rice. It’s a hit with 4.92 stars from 109 votes.
It has 406 kcal per serving. It’s good for you with 27 g of protein and 41 g of carbs. Serve with veggies or a salad for a full meal.
Chicken casseroles offer many flavors. Try the Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole or Chicken Fajita Casserole. They’re all tasty and easy to make.
The Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is great for using leftover chicken. It’s good for the planet and makes a tasty meal.
Creative Use of Chicken in Breakfast Recipes
Start your day with a tasty breakfast. Try crispy waffles with leftover grilled chicken. It’s a mix of textures and flavors that’s great for breakfast or brunch.
Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and waffles is a creative breakfast idea. It serves 4 and has chicken on a crispy waffle. It’s sweet and savory, perfect for mornings.
To make it, reheat chicken while cooking waffles. It takes about 5 minutes. Each serving has 285 calories, with 180 from fat.
The dish has a lot of saturated fat, 9g per serving. But, it’s good to mix it with other healthy breakfasts. It also has a lot of cholesterol, 361mg, so eat it in moderation.
The sodium is 537mg, and potassium is 406mg. It has 7g of carbs, 1g of fiber, and 4g of sugar. But, it’s high in protein, 19g per serving.
This dish is full of vitamins. It has Vitamin A, C, Calcium, and Iron. Eating chicken for breakfast helps keep blood sugar stable and supports muscle growth.
Leftovers can last up to 24 hours in a sealed container. For more ideas, visit Lucinda Recipes. Adding chicken to breakfast is nutritious and fun.
Conclusion
Using leftover grilled chicken in new recipes is smart and fun. It helps you avoid throwing food away. You can make tasty chicken salads, tacos, casseroles, or soups from it.
Precooked chicken makes meal prep easy. You can whip up chicken fried rice or a quinoa bowl quickly. Just remember to store it right to keep it fresh and safe.
Get creative with your leftover grilled chicken. Try making BBQ chicken pizza or a chicken Caesar salad with Calabrian chili paste. These ideas will make your meals exciting and delicious.
FAQ
How can I transform leftover grilled chicken into a flavorful chicken salad?
You can make many chicken salads with leftover grilled chicken. Try a Classic Chicken Salad with crisp veggies and creamy dressing. Or, make an Avocado Chicken Salad for a rich texture.
Also, you can make a Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with tangy yogurt and crunchy veggies.
What are some exciting recipes for leftover grilled chicken tacos?
You can make Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa for a sweet twist. Or, try Spicy Chicken and Corn Tacos for a spicy kick.
Southwestern Chicken Tacos are also great, adding different flavors to your dinner.
What are quick and easy recipes for making chicken fried rice with leftovers?
Start with a Basic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. For more nutrients, add Vegetable-Loaded Chicken Fried Rice. This adds colors and balance to your meal.
What are some delicious pasta dishes that use leftover grilled chicken?
Try Chicken Alfredo Pasta for a creamy delight. Or, make Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta for zesty flavors.
Pesto Chicken Pasta is also good, adding fresh herb notes to your dish.
How can I make comforting soups with leftover grilled chicken?
Turn leftover grilled chicken into warm, hearty soups. These are perfect for chilly nights or when you need comfort.
These soups are filling and healthy, too.
What are some easy lunch ideas using leftover grilled chicken for wraps?
Make a Chicken Caesar Wrap for a classic taste. Or, try a Buffalo Chicken Wrap for a spicy kick.
These wraps are great for busy days because they’re portable and tasty.
How can I use leftover grilled chicken to make homemade pizza?
Add leftover grilled chicken to your homemade pizza. Use your favorite sauces, cheeses, and veggies for a custom meal.
What are healthy options for chicken and quinoa bowls using leftovers?
Mix quinoa with leftover grilled chicken for Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls. Add olives and feta for extra flavor.
Try BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls for a smoky, sweet taste. These bowls are packed with nutrients.
What are some casserole recipes using leftover grilled chicken?
A Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a great choice. It’s creamy, comforting, and loved by all.
Can leftover grilled chicken be used in breakfast recipes?
Yes, pair crispy waffles with leftover grilled chicken. This mix of textures and flavors makes a hearty breakfast or brunch.
