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29 Best Leftover Chicken Recipes: Tasty and Comforting Recipes!

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It is nearly impossible not to have leftover chicken after a large lunch. Which can drive us insane. We would continually try to compel our guests to accept these extra few bits, or even worse, put them into our family’s mouth the next day. As a result, I’ve been on a mission to identify the best meals and snacks to create using these leftovers.

So I no longer have to be concerned about the remaining chicken. On the other hand, I get excited when I find leftovers that will make my cooking easier the next day.

In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the 29 best leftover chicken recipes that are delicious, soothing, easy, and quick to cook, especially on hectic days. From simple nachos to chicken fajitas, this list has something for everyone.

So, what are you holding out for? Gather your leftovers, pick a recipe, and get cooking.

Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos Recipe

Nachos might be one of your favorite weeknight meals, and these quick homemade chicken nachos can save you money and time.

Start with a rotisserie chicken, shred it, use restaurant-style tortilla chips, select a cheese mix, and line a sheet pan with foil to make restaurant-style chicken nachos at home.

Bake the nachos for 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chips around the edges begin to brown. Garnish with black olives, jalapeno, tomato, sour cream, and scallions just before serving.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

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Chicken Cottage Pie Recipe

With this hearty chicken cottage pie, you can repurpose your leftover chicken! This dish is a hit thanks to its chunky vegetables, thick white wine sauce, and cheesy mashed potato topping.

To prepare the mashed potatoes, Boil potatoes in a big saucepan of water until tender. Mash with cream, butter, salt, and pepper after draining. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling and the top is browned, before layering the potatoes on top of the filling.

Allow the cottage pie to rest for 10-15 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

This classic chicken salad dish is a summer picnic and BBQ favorite, and it also works well as a sandwich filling. To prepare this chicken salad, use leftover chicken from the night before, rotisserie chicken, or grilled chicken.

Prepare a traditional chicken salad in 15 minutes using only a few simple ingredients. Only Place cooked and cooled chicken in a large mixing dish with celery and onions. In a mixing basin, combine the dressing ingredients. Combine with the chicken. Serve with buns, bread, or a smear of lettuce.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped 
  • 1 green onion, diced
  • 1 tsp mustard dijon
  • 1/2 tsp seasoned salt
  • 1 tsp fresh dill

Get the recipe here.

Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

This Chicken Quesadillas recipe is a quick and easy way to use up leftover chicken.

Cook the onions and bell peppers separately for 2-3 minutes. Combine the chicken, spices, and water in a mixing bowl. Cook until the majority of the liquid has evaporated.

Spread the cheese on one-half of the tortillas and set aside. Mix in the chicken mixture. Half of the tortilla should be folded over the filling. Brush olive oil on the outside of each tortilla.

Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden and cheese is melted, lightly brown each quesadilla.

Ingredients

  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1/3 cup onion
  • 1-1/2 cup shredded chicken
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese

Get the recipe here.

Butter Chicken Pizza Recipe

This butter chicken pizza dish is quick and easy to prepare, taking less than 15 minutes. It’s made with slow cooker butter chicken, naan bread, shredded provolone cheese, cilantro, and sriracha.

Microwave the chicken for a few seconds to warm it up. Wash and slightly dry the cilantro before coarsely chopping it. Bake naan for 2-4 minutes, directly on the oven rack, until mildly crispy. Take out of the oven and place on a half-sheet pan.

Serve with chicken and cheese on top. Bake for a further 5-7 minutes, or until the naan is golden brown and the cheese has melted. If used, drizzle with sriracha and top with cilantro.

Ingredients

  • 4 naan bread slices
  • 2 cups butter chicken
  • 8 ounces shredded provolone
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro

Get the recipe here.

Tuscan Style Chicken Soup Recipe

This Tuscan Style Chicken Soup is a substantial soup with vegetables and beans that will warm you up! You can save the work for the next day by using leftover chicken.

Begin by sautéing the onion for 10 minutes on low-medium heat.

Cook the garlic, thyme, celery, carrots, and potatoes. Then add the chicken stock, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat for 20 minutes.

Cook until the kale has twisted, then add the drained cannellini beans, shredded chicken, and kale. If necessary, season with additional salt and pepper.

Garnish with fresh parsley, grated parmesan, and a couple of thyme sprigs. Serve alongside some toasted granary bread.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 2 sprigs thyme
  • 1 celery stick 
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 2 medium potatoes
  • 1 liter of high-quality chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Get the recipe here.

Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

Everyone enjoys a tasty, substantial pasta meal! This casserole is stuffed with chicken and delicious macaroni and is sure to become a family favorite! If you have any leftover pre-cooked chicken in your fridge, this is the recipe for you.

Cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain and rinse with cool water before combining it with the sauce, chicken, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl.

Place in a baking dish and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese begins to brown. Serve garnished with parsley.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

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Leftover Roast Chicken Fajitas Recipe

This quick and easy leftover roast chicken fajita recipe can be ready in 15 minutes and tastes fantastic. It’s  Full of flavor and vibrant color.

Warm the tortillas on a pizza stone before frying the chicken, peppers, onions, and seasonings in a large frying pan until lightly browned. Serve with heated fajita wrappers and your favorite toppings.

This chicken fajita recipe can be customized by adding extra vegetables of your liking, so every time it will be like a new dish. 

Ingredients

  • 1 bell pepper
  • 1 cup leftover roast chicken
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked chipotle
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin 
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 to 8 tortilla wraps

Get the recipe here.

Chinese Chicken With Stir Fry Vegetables Recipe

This fast Chinese Chicken with Stir-Fry vegetable recipe is overflowing with flavor, easy to make, and ready in 25 minutes. This chicken and vegetable stir fry recipe requires only a few pantry staples and is absurdly quick and easy to prepare.

It’s savory, a little spicy, a touch sweet, and 100% excellent, with a plethora of taste notes.

To serve, arrange the noodles on a dish and top them with the green tops of the scallions, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top. Serve right away and enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Chili Garlic Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons Sesame Oil 
  • 10 ounces of cooked chicken
  • 8 ounces Asian Noodles

Get the recipe here.

Rotisserie Chicken Skillet Recipe

This Rotisserie Chicken Skillet is a tasty alternative for busy evenings when you need dinner on the table quickly.

You can use any leftover cooked chicken in this recipe. It also includes orzo pasta, carrots, and cream, but if you like, you may substitute coconut milk.

This dish can be made with anything other than heavy cream, and it can also be made with rice instead of orzo. Simply alter the cooking time and the amount of cream used to produce the sauce.

Garnish with grated Parmesan on top before serving.

Ingredients

  • 1 rotisserie chicken
  • 2 tbsp olive oil 
  • 1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 cups carrots
  • 2 cups of chicken broth
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Get the recipe here.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Even the pickiest eaters enjoy these Chicken Patties! They’re crispy on the exterior with a juicy, cheesy interior, and they’re a brilliant way to use up leftover Rotisserie Chicken.

You may make these ahead of time up to the point of breading them, then refrigerate them for a couple of days until ready to sauté.

You can serve these as an appetizer or as a small lunch. Serve them as a main meal alongside mashed potatoes and a fresh salad.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 2 sticks celery 
  • 7 ounces cremini mushrooms
  • 4 cups chicken broth 
  • 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning 
  • 1 pound potato gnocchi
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream

Get the recipe here.

Chicken Patties Recipe

Even the pickiest eaters enjoy these Chicken Patties! They’re crispy on the exterior with a juicy, cheesy interior, and they’re a brilliant way to use up leftover Rotisserie Chicken.

You may make these ahead of time up to the point of breading them, then refrigerate them for a couple of days until ready to sauté.

You can serve these as an appetizer or as a small lunch. Serve them as a main meal alongside mashed potatoes and a fresh salad.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups chicken shredded
  • two large eggs
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup regular flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest 
  • 1-1/3 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup Panko bread crumbs 

Get the recipe here.

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Chicken Tetrazzini is a simple, creamy, cheesy, wonderful dish that everyone enjoys! It’s a terrific make-ahead and freezer-friendly dinner! It’s a pasta bake casserole with chopped chicken or turkey, mushrooms, and a creamy, buttery sauce.

Thin spaghetti noodles, chicken breasts, cream of canned goods, melted butter, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and peas are used to make this pasta casserole. The noodles are cooked until soft and the sauce is bubbling.

Begin by baking and chopping the chicken, then cook the pasta with the sauce and spices. Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and cook for another 15 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth 
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder 
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1 pound cooked chicken

Get the recipe here.

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Crustless Rotisserie Chicken Pot Pie Casserole Recipe

This quick chicken pot pie recipe calls for leftover rotisserie chicken, a few simple accompaniments, and only 15 minutes of active hands. It results in a good, hearty lunch that everyone will enjoy at the end of the day.

Thaw frozen peas and corn, shred or cube the rotisserie chicken, prepare the noodles according to package directions, then add the chicken stock, cream, parmesan, and panko and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside for a few minutes before serving.

Ingredients

  • 2 rotisserie chicken cups
  • 1 frozen cup of corn
  • 1 frozen cup of peas
  • 3-4 cloves garlic
  • 2 cups heavy cream 
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 3 cups cooked pasta
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Get the recipe here.

Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Enchiladas are one of the best ways to use up leftovers in a savory, warm, and easy way, according to the canon of evening dinners.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking sprays a baking dish and add the enchilada sauce, green chiles and juice, chicken, black beans, 2 cups shredded cheese, and cilantro.

Roll the tortillas, place 3-4 cups of filling along the center, tightly wrap the tortilla around the filling, and squeeze the packed tortillas together to form a tight casserole. 1 1/2 cups cheese and the leftover enchilada sauce mixture should be on top.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

In about 30 minutes, you can make this one-pot Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s the easy midweek meal recipe that your family craves.

Cook onion, garlic, and celery in melted butter for 5-6 minutes, or until just soft and the onion are transparent. Pour in the chicken stock, then add the chicken, noodles, carrots, bay leaf, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Stir everything together, then turn the heat up to high and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp. salted butter
  • 2 large garlic cloves
  • 2-1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken 
  • 9 cups chicken broth
  • 10 oz. egg noodles
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil

Get the recipe here.

Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

This chicken fried rice recipe makes use of leftover chicken pieces from your roast chicken entrée. It’s fantastic for repurposing leftovers and freezing them for later.

In a large wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil, then add onion, red bell pepper, garlic, and peas for 5 minutes. Stir in chicken and sesame oil, then add rice and cook for 5 minutes more, stirring regularly. Mix in the eggs, soy sauce, salt, and lemon juice before serving.

This chicken fried rice can be frozen. Refrigerate overnight before reheating in a wok with an extra splash of oil and serving with a squeeze of lemon juice and freshly chopped spring onions.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 peeled onion
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2/3 cup frozen peas
  • 2 cups cooked chicken

Get the recipe here.

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Ricotta and blue cheese, buffalo wing sauce, melty gooey cheese, and wonderfully al dente lasagna sheets are all packed into this buffalo chicken lasagna. It’s delectable, and you’ll get points for both flavor and inventiveness.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Layer 4 noodles, then another 1/4 of the chicken mixture, 1/3 of the cheese mixture, and 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese, then continue with noodles, chicken, cheese mixture, mozzarella, and mozzarella, and end with mozzarella.

Ingredients

  • 12 sheets of oven-ready lasagna noodles
  • 1 cup of ricotta cheese
  • 8 oz. blue cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley 
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 2 cups chicken 
  • 3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce

Get the recipe here.

Leftover Roast Chicken Pasta Recipe

This creamy pasta dish made with a leftover chicken roast is served over spaghetti or any pasta in a sauce made with chicken stock and fresh cream.

Add oil to a pan, then sauté garlic, onions, and mushrooms over medium heat. Cook until the edges of the roast chicken are slightly golden.

Turn the heat up to high, then add the chicken stock and thyme and bring to a boil. Add the spaghetti, red capsicum, and parsley and continue to simmer for two minutes, uncovered, to allow the chicken stock to decrease.

Toss in the cream and parmesan cheese to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Serve with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Ingredients

  • 200 g button mushrooms 
  • 400 g leftover deboned roast chicken
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 250 mL whipped cream
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 6 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Get the recipe here.

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Smoked Chicken Chilaquiles Recipe

Chilaquiles are typical Mexican dishes that are created using leftover tortillas, enchilada sauce, and fried eggs. They’re a savory brunch masterpiece and a fantastic way to use up leftover tortillas.

The Chilaquiles are wet, but not soggy, so either cook the tortillas with a little oil before rolling them in red sauce or substitute tortilla chips for the corn tortillas.

This chicken chilaquiles recipe is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a day or two. Keep in the foil and bake at 350oF for 15-20 minutes to warm.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped leftover smoked chicken
  • 5–6 Tortillas
  • 1-1/2 cup Enchilada Sauce
  • three to four eggs
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/2 chopped red onion
  • 1/2 chopped red pepper

Get the recipe here.

Chicken & Potato Bake Recipe

Casseroles are comfort food, and this creamy Chicken and Potato Bake is a quick and easy weekday dinner. This Chicken and Potato Casserole features leftover chicken, diced potatoes, and a buttery, crispy Corn Flake topping.

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread onion over the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish, dot with butter, arrange chicken on top, pour soup mixture over chicken, cover, and bake for 1 hour. Just before serving, garnish with fresh parsley.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

This Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect comfort dish for you. It’s creamy, with stretchy mozzarella and sharp cheddar.

Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain and rinse with cold water, then add the chicken and onions to a large skillet and cook until the chicken is no longer pink.

Add the flour, milk, and dried mustard, stir until the cheese has melted, then add the pasta and chicken and stir everything together. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

Leftover Roast Chicken Biryani Recipe

This Leftover Roast Chicken Biryani is quick, simple, and only requires one pot!!

In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil, onion, red pepper, and garlic for 3 minutes, then add the garlic, chili, and spices for 2 minutes, then add the chicken, rice, salt, and pepper, toss once, and cover and simmer for 8 minutes.

Finally, fold in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh coriander (cilantro). Serve with more coriander and your favorite side dishes, such as naan bread, pickles, and chutneys.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

Leftover Chicken Curry Recipe

This hybrid curry features leftover roast chicken and a rich spicy thick sauce. If served with a simple salad or cauliflower rice, it is Keto-friendly.

Chop the onion, crush the garlic, and toss in the turmeric, curry powder, and flour until the meat is thoroughly coated. Simmer for 15 minutes after adding the stock and tomato puree. Serve with rice or flatbread.

To make the recipe gluten-free, skip the ordinary flour and add the cornflour and remaining stock all at once.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

Chicken Ranch Wraps Recipe

Grilled chicken and ranch wraps are stuffed with chicken, cheese, and ranch dressing and are really simple to create.

Spread the tortillas out on a clean, flat table. On each tortilla, layer the chicken, ranch, 2 tablespoons of cheese, and minced cilantro. Form a burrito by folding the paper tightly. Preheat a large skillet or grill over medium heat.

Coat the wraps lightly with oil or frying spray and heat for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is crispy and golden. Remove from the heat, cut in half, and serve right away.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups grilled chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup Hidden Valley® Simply Ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup minced cilantro
  • 4 8-inch tortillas

Get the recipe here.

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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

One pot of lemon chicken orzo soup is smooth, substantial, and light in a bowl. It has orzo pasta, chicken breast, veggies, fresh herbs, and a splash of lemon juice. It’s essentially chicken noodle soup, but with a significant boost.

In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the butter and add the onions and garlic, celery and carrots, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and cook for 20 minutes, stirring regularly. Serve right away with extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

Turkey Tetrazzini With Spinach Recipe

This turkey tetrazzini with spinach recipe is a simple, straightforward meal. Above all, it’s comforting, creamy, and cheesy. 

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil, then add the mushrooms, onion, and garlic, sautéing until aromatic. Add the salt, pepper, and flour, whisking until smooth and uniform, then add the chicken stock and heavy cream, stirring until thickened.

Stir in the spinach, noodles, and turkey. Place the mixture in a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes in a preheated oven.

Allow tetrazzini to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This is to ensure that the cream sauce does not get too runny.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

Turkey Potato Chowder Recipe

Leftover turkey potato chowder is a savory, creamy soup cooked using leftover turkey and mashed potatoes. As a result, it’s the ideal post-holiday soup for utilizing those scrumptious leftovers. It’s rich and creamy, and it’s done in less than 30 minutes.

You’ll need butter, onion, garlic, all-purpose flour, chicken stock, mashed potatoes, cooked turkey, corn, half-and-half cream, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, and your favorite toppings to make this wonderful leftover turkey potato chowder.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. melted butter
  • 1/2 diced small onion
  • 1 minced garlic clove
  • 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 3 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp of Italian seasoning
  • 3 cups mashed potatoes leftover

Get the recipe here.

Creamy Turkey Orzo Soup Recipe

This creamy turkey orzo soup is warm and comforting, made with leftover turkey, orzo pasta, veggies, and spinach. It’s the simplest weeknight dish to prepare.

Sauté the veggies in olive oil, then add the garlic, stock, and seasoning and mix for one minute.

Add the flour and sauté for one minute, then add the remaining liquid, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and whisk to blend. Cook for 10 minutes after adding the turkey and orzo. Season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve immediately with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp of olive oil
  • 2 celery stalks 
  • 2 medium carrots 
  • 3 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 5 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Get the recipe here.

Conclusion 

Are you concerned about the leftover chicken? Well, no need to be concerned anymore.

In this article, I’ve compiled a list of 29 delicious and cozy leftover chicken recipes. They’re simple to make and take very little time to prepare because the chicken is already cooked.

So enjoy those leftovers since they have just made your life easier.

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