Have some chicken leftovers in your fridge? Guess what? That leftover chicken in your fridge is like a secret treasure chest of yumminess! Leftover chicken can be a culinary goldmine, offering endless possibilities for quick, delicious meals. Whether you have roasted, grilled, or rotisserie chicken on hand, these 17+ leftover chicken recipes will transform your extras into mouthwatering dishes that your family will love.
17+ Best Leftover Chicken Recipe Ideas
1. Chicken Patties (Easy Chicken Cakes)
These crispy, golden chicken patties are a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken. Made with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, eggs, cheese, and a blend of herbs, these patties are bound together with a combination of panko and regular breadcrumbs for an irresistible texture. For an extra flavor kick, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the mixture. Pan-fry them to perfection and serve with a side salad or as a delicious sandwich filling for a quick and satisfying meal. What’s great about these patties is that they freeze well, making them perfect for meal prep – whip up a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week!
2. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This delicious casserole combines tender leftover chicken, crisp broccoli, and fluffy rice in a creamy cheese sauce made with cream of chicken soup. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s both filling and nutritious. For a time-saving hack, use rotisserie chicken to make prep even quicker. The casserole is topped with a layer of melted cheddar cheese, creating a golden, bubbly crust that’s simply irresistible. One of the best things about this dish is that you can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when needed, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
3. 20 Minute Chicken Ala King
Chicken ala King is a classic leftover chicken recipe that’s creamy, comforting, and ready in just 20 minutes. This version features tender chicken pieces in a rich sauce with mushrooms, bell peppers, and peas, all swimming in a luscious cream base. For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of sherry to the sauce. Serve it over toast, rice, or pasta for a quick and satisfying meal. The best part? This versatile sauce can be customized with your favorite vegetables, making it a great way to use up any leftover veggies in your fridge too!
4. Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
This Italian-American pasta dish is the ultimate leftover chicken recipe. Tender leftover chicken and spaghetti are baked in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with a layer of melted cheese. To get an extra crunchy topping, try toasting the breadcrumbs before sprinkling them over the casserole. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and create a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. One of the best things about this dish is that it can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months, making it a perfect option for busy families or meal preppers.
5. Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This casserole looks so tasty! It’s a deconstructed version of classic Chicken Parmesan that is a breeze to make with leftover chicken. Tender chicken pieces are layered with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and crispy breadcrumbs. It’s a family-friendly dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. My tip here is to use a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella for extra flavor.
6. Chicken Fajita Pasta
This fusion dish combines the bold flavors of chicken fajitas with the goodness of pasta. Tender leftover chicken strips, bell peppers, and onions are tossed with fettuccine in a creamy, spicy sauce. For a bright, zesty finish, add a squeeze of lime juice before serving. It’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The best part? You can easily customize the heat level to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile dish that the whole family can enjoy.
7. Teriyaki Chicken Yaki Udon (Stir-Fried Udon Noodles)
My kids love Teriyaki and they love noodles, which makes this recipe the perfect leftover chicken recipe for them! This Japanese-inspired dish features chewy udon noodles stir-fried with leftover chicken and vegetables in a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. For an extra touch of richness, try adding a fried egg on top. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor and ready in just 15 minutes. The best part about this dish is its flexibility – you can use any combination of vegetables you have on hand (or you kids like), making it a great way to clean out your fridge!
8. High Protein Chicken Enchiladas
These 30-minute enchiladas are a protein-packed meal that’s perfect for using up leftover chicken. Corn tortillas are filled with a spicy chicken mixture, rolled, and topped with enchilada sauce and cheese. For an extra protein boost, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the filling. They’re a healthier take on the classic dish without sacrificing flavor. One of the best features of these enchiladas is that they can be made ahead and frozen for quick weeknight meals, making them a great option for meal prep.
Related: 20 Easy High Protein Salads for Meal Prep
9. Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad (No Mayo)
This recipe is definitely a unique one! This creamy chicken salad swaps mayo for mashed avocado, creating a healthier version that’s just as delicious. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats from the leftover chicken and avocado, and brightened with Greek yogurt and lemon juice. For added texture, try mixing in some chopped nuts or seeds. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner option. One of the best things about this salad is its versatility – serve it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb meal, or use it as a sandwich filling for a heartier option.
10. Chicken Shawarma Rice
Bring the flavors of Middle Eastern street food to your kitchen with this easy Chicken Shawarma Rice. Leftover chicken is seasoned with aromatic shawarma spices and served over fluffy rice with a healthy tahini dressing. For an authentic touch, try adding some pickled vegetables on the side. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile – you can easily turn it into a bowl by adding extra vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.
11. Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
This twist on the classic shepherd’s pie uses leftover chicken instead of lamb or beef. It’s topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. For an extra indulgent touch, try adding a layer of cheese under the mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. One of the best features of this dish is that it can be made in individual ramekins for easy portion control, making it great for family dinners or meal prep.
12. Crunchy Spicy Chicken Salad
This refreshing salad combines crisp mixed vegetables with tender leftover chicken in a spicy, tangy dressing. For extra crunch and flavor, try adding crushed peanuts or crispy wonton strips. It’s a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for hot summer days. One of the best things about this salad is its versatility – you can serve it in lettuce cups for a low-carb option, or over rice for a more filling meal.
Related: 20 Refreshing Summer Salads to Make for a Crowd
13. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Transform your leftover chicken into a crowd-pleasing party dip. This creamy, spicy dip combines shredded chicken with cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese. For easy serving at parties, try using a slow cooker to keep the dip warm. It’s perfect for game day or casual gatherings, and can be customized to be mild or extra spicy to suit your taste. Serve it with celery sticks, carrots, or tortilla chips for a delicious appetizer that’s sure to be a hit.
14. Chicken Pot Pie Soup
This comforting soup has all the flavors of chicken pot pie without the fuss of making a crust. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with leftover chicken and mixed vegetables. For added depth of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the broth. Serve it with biscuits for a complete meal. One of the best features of this soup is that it can be made in a slow cooker for hands-off cooking, making it perfect for busy days.
15. BBQ Chicken Pizza
Put a twist on pizza night with this BBQ Chicken Pizza. Leftover chicken is tossed in tangy barbecue sauce and topped with red onions and cilantro for a flavor-packed meal.
16. Chicken Fried Rice
This quick and easy fried rice is a great way to use up leftover chicken and vegetables. It’s a complete meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, featuring chicken, rice, mixed vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce. For the best texture, use day-old rice – it’s drier and will crisp up better in the pan. Twitch the chicken in the recipe with your leftover chicken. One of the best things about this dish is how customizable it is – you can use any vegetables you have on hand, making it a great clean-out-the-fridge meal.
17. Chicken Quesadillas
These cheesy quesadillas are a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. They’re crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, filled with seasoned leftover chicken and melted cheese. For added nutrition and flavour, try mixing in some peppers, onions, garlic. Serve with salsa for dipping. What’s great about these quesadillas is that they can be made ahead and reheated for a quick lunch, making them perfect for meal prep or busy families.
Related: 25+ Best Chicken Meal Prep Recipes to Try This Week
18. Crack Chicken Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Here is another easy and creative leftover chicken recipe you have to try. This recipe combines creamy, ranch-seasoned chicken with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese, all nestled inside a fluffy baked potato. To make the filling, simply mix shredded chicken with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar. For the perfect baked potato, rub large russet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking.
If you’re short on time, you can even microwave the potatoes. Once the potatoes are cooked, split them open, fluff the insides, and load them up with the crack chicken mixture. Top with extra cheese and bacon, then broil until the cheese is melty and bubbly. For an extra flavor boost, try garnishing with fresh chives and a drizzle of ranch dressing. This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile – you can easily adjust the quantities to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week ahead.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these 17 leftover chicken recipes demonstrate the versatility of this kitchen staple. From comforting casseroles to zesty salads, there’s a leftover chicken recipe for every taste and occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, these recipes will help you transform your leftover chicken into delicious, satisfying meals. So the next time you have extra chicken on hand, don’t let it go to waste – try one of these creative and tasty leftover chicken recipes instead!
