Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! We’ve all been there. You cook a big batch of chicken, put the leftovers in the fridge, and a few days later, you remember it’s there. But now what? Don’t let that perfectly good chicken go to waste! Leftover cooked chicken is a weeknight dinner hero waiting to happen. It’s a fantastic shortcut for getting a delicious, satisfying meal on the table in a flash. Here are my top 7 easy ways to rescue that leftover chicken you forgot was there.
Why I Love These Ideas
These ideas are all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort. They take advantage of the fact that the main protein is already cooked, which cuts down on a ton of time. They’re also incredibly versatile, so you can use whatever vegetables, sauces, or spices you have on hand. Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, cheesy, or a little bit spicy, these ideas will help you turn that leftover chicken into a new favorite meal.
1. Simple Chicken and Rice Casserole
This is the ultimate comfort food hack. By using cooked chicken, you’re halfway to a delicious, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner.
How-To
- In a baking dish, mix together your leftover shredded chicken, cooked rice, a can of cream of mushroom soup, and a splash of milk.
- Add in some frozen vegetables like peas and carrots, and top with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
This is so easy and delicious, you’ll be making it on repeat. For a more Mexican-inspired twist, you can check out my recipe for a Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole.
2. Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Enchiladas might sound like a lot of work, but with leftover chicken, they’re a breeze. All you have to do is assemble, bake, and enjoy!
How-To
- In a bowl, mix your shredded chicken with a little bit of enchilada sauce.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into warmed tortillas and roll them up.
- Place the rolled tortillas in a baking dish, top with more enchilada sauce and a generous amount of shredded cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This is a fantastic way to get a flavorful, satisfying meal on the table. For more delicious inspiration, you can check out my recipe for easy chicken enchiladas.
3. Creamy Chicken Sliders
Sliding into a delicious meal has never been easier! By mixing your leftover chicken with a simple sauce, you can create a crowd-pleasing slider that’s perfect for a party or a fun dinner.
How-To
- In a bowl, mix your shredded chicken with a little bit of mayonnaise or ranch dressing, a splash of buffalo sauce, and some shredded cheese.
- Spoon the chicken mixture onto a slider bun and top with another layer of cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are toasted.
If you’re a fan of sliders, you can check out my recipe for easy cheesy chicken sliders with marinara garlic butter.
4. Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas
A quesadilla is the ultimate fast food, and it’s so much better when you make it yourself. It’s cheap, easy, and endlessly customizable.
How-To
- In a skillet over medium heat, place a large flour tortilla.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over half of the tortilla. Add a handful of your shredded chicken and a few of your favorite vegetables.
- Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
For another easy and cheesy crowd-pleaser, you can check out my recipe for sheet pan quesadillas.
5. Simple Chicken Tacos or a Walking Taco Bar
Tacos are a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken. All you have to do is warm the chicken in a pan with some taco seasoning, and you’re ready to go!
How-To
- In a skillet, warm your shredded chicken with a tablespoon of olive oil and a packet of taco seasoning.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into a warm tortilla and top with all your favorite taco toppings.
- If you want to get creative, you can set up a walking taco bar with individual bags of chips, the chicken, and all the toppings.
6. Quick Chicken Salad
This isn’t your average chicken salad! By swapping out the mayo for something a little healthier and adding some fresh veggies, you get a light, tangy, and incredibly satisfying meal.
How-To
- In a medium bowl, combine the leftover shredded chicken, a little bit of Greek yogurt or a creamy dressing, and some chopped celery and red onion.
- Stir in some fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt and pepper, and mix everything together until it’s well combined.
- Serve immediately in a sandwich, on a bed of lettuce, or with crackers.
7. Cheesy Chicken Nachos
Nachos are the ultimate party food, and with leftover chicken, they’re a breeze to make!
How-To
- On a baking sheet, spread out a layer of tortilla chips.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese, a handful of your shredded chicken, and some black beans over the chips.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with sour cream, salsa, and jalapeños.
Final Thoughts
These seven ideas are a fantastic starting point for rescuing that leftover chicken. They’re all easy, delicious, and will help you save time and money. Don’t let that leftover chicken go to waste—turn it into a new favorite meal!
What’s your favorite way to use up leftover chicken? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as simple as they are delicious.
7 Easy Ways to Rescue That Leftover Chicken You Forgot Was There
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Tortillas or rice for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers, sauté until soft.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, and salsa; cook until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the mixture in tortillas or over rice, topped with cheese and cilantro.
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