30+ Leftover Chicken Recipes (2024)

byChristine |Dinner| 02.24.20

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Have leftover chicken? Whether it’s a roasted chicken, rotisserie, or chicken breast, we have the perfect way to make the most of it. Here are our favorite 30+ Leftover Chicken Recipes!

Something that can really help save time and energy is to roast a whole, organic chicken at the beginning of the week (or purchase a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken) and use the leftover meat in recipes throughout the week. It’s also great for saving money!

Today, we’re sharing how to roast a chicken (the easy way) and 30+ leftover chicken recipes that are quick, easy, healthy, and perfect for the busy week ahead. Enjoy, friend!

P.S: Want to save even more time? Have high quality chicken delivered to your doorstep (and get an awesome discount) with Butcher Box!

How to roast a chicken (the easy way)

Preheat oven (or electric roaster) to 375 degrees F.
Clean and remove giblets (if necessary).
Place the thawed chicken in the roaster.
Add about 1″ of liquid – water, juice, broth, etc.
Rub oil or butter over the entire chicken.
Add garlic, dried onions (or fresh), and spices.
Cover and roast for 1.5 – 2 hours, or about 25 minutes per pound.
Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F. and juices should run clear!

The best chicken roasters

The best way to roast a chicken is in an oven or electric roaster. Here are our favorite options for both!

Oven roaster:

Electric roaster:

Leftover Chicken Recipes

1. Meal Prep Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls

2. Skinny Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

Savory, hearty, cheesy,Skinny Creamy Chicken Enchiladas that can also be meal prepped and turned into a freezer meal. This weeknight dinner is delicious and easy to make!

3. Healthy Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe

Healthy Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe loaded with spicy greens, creamy avocado, boiled eggs, fresh tomatoes, corn, delicious grilled chicken, and topped with a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles. So yummy! (Gluten Free)

4. Slow Cooker Skinny Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow cooker life is the best life, right? Especially when it involves something as savory and delicious as this Slow Cooker Skinny Chicken Tortilla Soup!

5. Healthy Sriracha Shredded Chicken Tacos

Healthy Sriracha Shredded Chicken Tacos to put a pep in your step! Delicious, crunchy, wholesome, with a hint of Sriracha spicy goodness. A little bit of feta to top it off and we have ourselves a super easy, quick, and healthy weeknight meal!

6. Healthy Chicken Fajita Tacos

Tacos are LIFE, but especially when they’re these Healthy Chicken Fajita Tacos! Savory, delicious, healthy, and so easy to make.

7. Creamy Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Creamy Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet that only takes a few minutes to put together and is sure to make the entire family happy!

8. Turmeric Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Creamy, savory, deliciously lightened-up Turmeric Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps! These heavenly wraps are a wonderfulhealthy lunch or dinner option that can be taken on-the-go and made in 5 minutes or less.

9. Chicken Fajita Casserole

10. One-Pot Basil Chicken Baked Ziti

Healthy, easy, quick homestyle cooking comfort foodfor the win!This One-Pot Basil Chicken Baked Ziti is perfect for a delicious, easy weeknight dinner!

11. Slow Cooker Fiesta Ranch Chicken Wraps

Spicy, creamy, crunchy, and savory.These Slow Cooker Fiesta Ranch Chicken Wraps are perfect for a busy weekday lunch or dinner!

12. Jerk Chicken Tacos

These Jerk Chicken Tacos w/ Mango Avocado Salsa are one of our favorite leftover chicken recipes! Perfect for a yummy, flavorful healthy dinner.

13. Paleo Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

Paleo Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Meal Prep Bowls that are delicious and SO easy to make!

14. Easy 30-Minute Chicken Fried Rice

Easy 30-Minute Chicken Fried Rice that’s delicious, easy to make (only takes a few minutes), and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner using leftover chicken!

15. Chicken and Seafood Paella

ThisChicken and Seafood Paella is a Spanish-inspired recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for a gluten-free dinner tonight!

16. Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps that are easy to make and so refreshing! Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

17. Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole

Whole wheat pasta, chicken, and broccoli in an easy-to-make creamy cashew sauce that can be ready in 30 minutes. ThisHealthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casseroleis EVERYTHING and perfect for a quick, weeknight dinner!

More easy leftover chicken recipes:

18. Quick & Easy Leftover Chicken Quesadillas

19. Rotisserie Chicken Skillet

20. Chicken Chili Recipe

21. Leftover Chicken Gyros

22. Chicken Noodle Soup

23. Leftover BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

24. Teriyaki Stir Fry Noodles

25. Chicken Bowl Recipe

26. Chicken and Rice Soup

27. Chicken Chilaquiles

28. Cheddar Chicken Quinoa Bake

29. Shredded Leftover Chicken Sandwich

30. Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Skillet

31. Asian Shredded Chicken Salad

These recipes are easy peasy! An entire week of healthy dinners using leftover chicken, just like that. All you need is an oven roaster or electric roaster to get started and you’re good to go!

FAQs

What can you do with dry leftover chicken? ›

A hearty marinara or rich Alfredo sauce will work wonders at restoring moisture and adding flavor to a parched piece of chicken. Substitute rice for pasta to create a teriyaki chicken dish or creamy chicken risotto. When life gives you dry chicken, make chicken salad.

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How long is leftover chicken good for? ›

USDA recommends using cooked chicken within three to four days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within three to four days.

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How do you flavor already cooked chicken? ›

Just because the chicken is already cooked doesn't mean it can't benefit from a rub. Before reheating, make a custom blend of your favorite spices like paprika, cayenne, onion or garlic powder. Mix in dried herbs or a bit of sugar for beautiful caramelization, then sprinkle it evenly over the skin.

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How many meals can you get out of one chicken? ›

1 Chicken = 5 Meals (All gluten free, by the way!)

This would go well served over rice or mashed white or sweet potatoes!

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How do you make leftover chicken taste fresh? ›

That's right: Skip the microwave!

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. You want the oven to heat up fully before you attempt to reheat the chicken. ...
Step 2: Fit a wire rack over a baking sheet. Take your chicken out of the fridge; let it come to room temp. ...
Step 3: Bake for 15 minutes.

Mar 21, 2021

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How do you moisten leftover chicken? ›

Sprinkle a few teaspoons of water over the top of the chicken, then add a drizzle of olive oil—the combination will help keep the chicken moist and improve its flavor. Step 3: Cover and heat. Tightly cover the plate of chicken with microwave-safe plastic wrap and microwave for two minutes.

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Can I eat 10 day old chicken? ›

Raw chicken lasts in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cooked chicken lasts 3–4 days. To detect if chicken has gone bad, check the “best if used by” date and look for signs of spoilage like changes in smell, texture, and color. Avoid eating spoiled chicken, as it can cause food poisoning — even if you cook it thoroughly.

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How do you know if cooked chicken has gone bad? ›

If your chicken starts to look off-color (dark or faded), appears slimy, sticky, or tacky, or smells bad, it's time to throw it out. 2 Of course, chicken that's been marinated or drenched in sauce may not give you telltale clues that it's spoiling.

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Can I eat chicken 5 days after sell by date? ›

You can keep raw chicken in the fridge for one to two days at most, according to FoodSafety.gov. The “best if used by” date printed on the package is for quality assurance purposes, so you should only eat raw chicken within a day or two, even if its printed expiration date hasn't passed yet.

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How to make chicken that tastes good reheated? ›

Directions: - place chicken on a skillet over low-medium heat and add about 1/4 cup of water or chicken broth to cover the entire bottom of the skillet. - place a lid over the skillet and let it cook for 7-10 minutes or until the water has evaporated.

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How do I give chicken the best flavor? ›

Add a touch of spice to your chicken breast by combining paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, ginger, garlic and olive oil to create a paste. Then cover your chicken breast with the paste and pat down to secure.

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What brings out the flavor in chicken? ›

Just sprinkling a little salt on top of your chicken right before cooking it will only season the surface. But seasoning the chicken with salt well ahead of time or brining it in a salt-water solution will draw salt deep into the meat, resulting in a very tasty piece of chicken.

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Is one chicken enough for 7 people? ›

A whole 3 to 4-pound chicken will feed 4 to 6 people, depending on ages and appetite. For Cornish game hens, which are very small chickens, count on one small (1.25 pounds) game hen per person or half of a larger (2-pound) game hen.

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Is one chicken enough for 5 people? ›

An average-size chicken weighs about 1.5kg and will feed 4 people. If you're cooking for 5 or 6, go for a 1.8kg-2kg bird.

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Is a whole chicken too much for one person? ›

Portion Size: A whole chicken is a large portion, and consuming it in one sitting may exceed typical single-serving sizes. It's advisable to consider portion control to maintain a balanced and healthy diet. Nutritional Balance: Eating only chicken may not provide a well-rounded nutritional profile.

Why is leftover chicken dry? ›

When you cook chicken at a high temperature, the muscle fibers of the chicken contract rapidly, causing moisture loss. However, if you cook your chicken too low and slow, the fibers will break down, resulting in a mushy, dry texture.

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How do you rehydrate dehydrated chicken? ›

Rehydrating Dehydrated Pressure Cooked Chicken

Put in your meal, then add boiled water again to cover ingredients. After twenty minutes, it comes out hot like it was not even dehydrated. Alternatively, place meal in a pot with water to cover. Let soak for five minutes, then bring to a boil for a minute or two.

How to make crispy leftover chicken? ›

The best way to reheat fried chicken is in an oven.

Bring it to room temperature: Take the chicken out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before reheating. ...
Give it some air: Place chicken on a wire rack and preheat oven to 400°F. ...
Go high and fast: Bake chicken for 12 to 15 minutes.

Dec 19, 2023