Don’t let leftover chicken go to waste anymore! Here are 10 leftover chicken recipes that will keep you from wasting leftover chicken.
I’ve been wanting to write this post for quite some time. Figuring out how to use leftover chicken is a battle we face often. So I decided I needed a list of leftover chicken recipes.
We have a lot of leftovers in our house. You’d think with feeding five people every day we would rarely make enough extra for leftovers, but somehow we always make too much. My husband doesn’t mind at all because it means he gets to have leftovers for work. He could literally eat chicken over and over again for days, y’all. Just last week, we had a different chicken recipe three days in a row. That meant he also had chicken leftovers for lunch three days in a row. And he didn’t get sick of it at all. Crazy, right?
For me though, I really don’t like leftovers. I don’t know if it’s eating the same thing over again the next day or if it’s the texture of reheated plain chicken, but it’s tough to make myself eat leftovers. But, what I’ve found is that if I repurpose the leftovers into another meal, it’s so yummy and I don’t hesitate to eat the leftovers right up!
On the flip side, I have the hardest time coming up with what to eat for lunch since leftovers rarely sound good (unless they’re pasta!). It’s such a dilemma every single day for me.
The best part of having chicken often though is that it is so versatile. You can docker it up a million ways and come up with new variations every day.
If you get bored of the same old lunch meals, try these lunches or even dinner meals that make use of leftover cooked chicken! It’s important to preface this post by saying you should be using leftover chicken that is just a day or two old. Don’t get sick off leftover chicken!
Buffalo Chicken Dip
via A Joyfully Mad Kitchen
When you get sick of eating asimple chicken breast, this dip is perfect! The original recipe calls for rotisserie chicken, but you can easily use a chicken breast, either shredded or cut into small chunks!
Easy Chicken Roll Ups
via Family Food on the Table
These easy roll ups are the perfect use for leftover chicken the next day. These roll ups would make a great lunch for a busy working couple or even kiddos. Adding the cream cheese will make it a delightful and filling lunch option.
Broccoli and Chicken Baked Mac & Cheese
via A Joyfully Mad Kitchen
This will always be one of my favorite recipes. I’m a mac and cheese girl, what can I say! This recipe calls for fresh cooked chicken but you can make it an even quicker meal by using cubed leftover chicken you may have.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
via The Creative Bite
This buffalo chicken pasta salad looks like the perfect side dish or full meal. It’s perfect for fall and football!
Chicken Spinach Artichoke Dip French Bread
via Cake n Knife
This french bread has all of the things. Chicken, spinach, artichokes and of course bread. Sign me up, please.
Chicken Salad Croissants
via Life in the Lofthouse
Chicken salad is a classic way to use up leftover chicken. Sub in Just Mayo from Hampton Creek for this recipe!
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Soup
via Damn Delicious
Fall is almost here and soups are on my mind. This creak chicken mushroom soup looks PACKED with flavor and with leftover chicken it will be a breeze to make!
Chicken Pot Pie Cupcakes
via Table Spoon
Um, yes. You read that correctly. CUPCAKES. This chicken pot pie idea is so unique. Not being a huge chicken pot pie fan, I can get behind trying this fun way of eating it!
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
via Greens n Chocolate
I could actually drool over these sandwiches. What a perfect way to kick up the flavor and use up leftover chicken for lunch!
Loaded Chicken Enchilada Nachos
via Averie Cooks
Okay this is probably my second favorite leftover chicken recipe. CHICKEN NACHOS. I have always loved Mexican food and there’s something about nachos that I just love. Getting your hands messy, picking up ingredients that fell off the piled high chip. So good. Can’t wait to try these enchilada nachos soon!
If you have the same dilemma I have with leftovers and lunches, hopefully this list will make it a little easier! Which of these yummy leftover chicken recipes is your favorite?
Thanks to Hampton Creek for inspiring this post!
What are your favorite ways to use up leftover chicken?
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