35 Perfect Leftover Chicken Recipes To Cook In Kitchen

After preparing such a large meal it is inevitable that you will be left with scraps of food. However, that does not mean that you have to throw it out.

The great thing about big meals is that there is always room for leftovers, and with leftovers there is so much you can make.

Below we will be listing 35 of the best leftover chicken recipes, allowing you to embark in new and delicious foods.

Quick Table: The 35 Best Leftover Chicken Recipes

Recipe	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Pan Chicken Nachos	451	35 Minutes
Chicken Mac And Cheese	461	50 Minutes
Chicken Soup	87	45 Minutes
Chicken Salad	105	35 Minutes
Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich	415	25 Minutes
Chicken Pasta Salad	330	30 Minutes
Chicken Gnocchi Soup	250	50 Minutes
Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Bake	315	35 Minutes
Moroccan Chicken	268	35 Minutes
Chicken Patties	172	35 Minutes
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna	300	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Chicken Fried Rice	343	40 Minutes
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole	400	50 Minutes
Chicken Cottage Pie	344	55 Minutes
Chicken Fajitas	351	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Chicken Tartiflette	488	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Chicken Ranch Wrap	431	25 Minutes
Chicken Flatbread Pizza	390	50 Minutes
Chicken Tacos	156	20 Minutes
Sweet Potato And Chicken Soup	287	35 Minutes
Chicken Quesadillas	529	25 Minutes
Chicken Chili	218	2 Hours 55 Minutes
Chicken Stew With Dumplings	349	1 Hour 25 Minutes
Chicken Tetrazzini	410	50 Minutes
Chicken Enchiladas	197	45 Minutes
Vietnamese Chicken Salad	544	20 Minutes
Asian Chicken Rice Bowl	150	25 Minutes
Chicken Noodle Soup	87	40 Minutes
Chicken Pita Wraps	360	30 Minutes
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna	352	1 Hour 35 Minutes
Greek Chicken Pasta Salad	413	55 Minutes
Chicken And Potato Bake	379	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Chicken And Mushroom Risotto	634	55 Minutes
Chicken Burgers	515	22 Minutes
Spicy Chicken Curry	490	50 Minutes

1. Pan Chicken Nachos

These Pan Chicken Nachos are a great way to use your leftover chicken.

Combine your leftover chicken with chips, salsa and plenty of cheese, topped with black beans and whatever else you desire.

To complete, place this concoction in the oven until the cheese is melted/slightly golden, then enjoy!

Calories Per Serving: 451

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

2. Chicken Mac And Cheese

Put a twist on the traditional Mac and Cheese by using your leftover chicken to create this unique meal. All you need is macaroni, plenty of cheese and your leftover chicken.

Boil your macaroni until soft, make your cheese sauce in a pot using milk, flour and cheese with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste, combine the two along with the chicken, and cook in the oven for half an hour or until golden.

Calories Per Serving: 461

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

3. Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is the go-to way to use your leftover chicken. It is easy to make, and will last.

Incorporate delicious flavors such as carrots, celery, freshly cut onions and garlic along with the food. Add chicken stock to add flavor and to create a broth.

Choose to cook this slowly on the stove or using a soup maker. Chicken soup is a great meal to keep anyone warm and can be frozen to be eaten another day.

Calories Per Serving: 87

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

4. Chicken Salad

Leftover chicken does not always have to be reheated or turned into a hot meal. Use your leftover chicken to create a healthy and nutritional chicken salad.

Incorporate lettuce, cucumber, fresh tomatoes, croutons, and top with vinaigrette.

Calories Per Serving: 105

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

RELATED: 15 Amazing Chicken With Chile Cheese Rice Recipes

5. Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich

Use your leftover chicken to produce a light lunch sandwich. To make this Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich the main items you will need is your leftover chicken, lettuce, tomatoes.

Blend together lemon juice, garlic, anchovy fillets, mustard, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, salt and pepper and use.

Stir in parmesan cheese into the mixture before coating the leftover chicken with the concoction. Place the chicken between two slices of bread, adding your lettuce and tomatoes, and enjoy.

Calories Per Serving: 415

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

6. Chicken Pasta Salad

Whether you are wanting to consume this as a light lunch meal, a quick dinner, or as a side dish, Chicken Pasta Salad is an easy recipe to follow and a great way to use your leftover chicken.

Choose any pasta you desire and boil until soft, allowing to cool before adding chicken, peppers, spring onions, pieces of bacon, and top off with a creamy dressing.

Calories Per Serving: 330

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

7. Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Bring the taste of Italy into your home with this Chicken Gnocchi Soup! This is a quick and easy meal to make, taking no more than 40 minutes to complete.

Simply sauté carrots, onion and celery for up to 10 minutes, add in garlic and mushrooms, and then add chicken broth, water, chicken, gnocchi and your seasoning.

Stir in your cream and spinach and allow to cook until it is ready to be eaten.

Calories Per Serving: 250

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

8. Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Bake

Create a pasta dish filled with color! A pasta bake is one of the best ways to use up your leftover chicken.

By mixing together the chicken along with broccoli and pasta completed with a delicious cheesy pasta sauce, you will come out with a mouth-watering meal.

Feel free to add other vegetables too such as mushrooms or red bell peppers to enhance the color and flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 315

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

RELATED: 15 Stunning Chicken Teriyaki and Broccoli Recipes

9. Moroccan Chicken

This Moroccan Chicken is a great dish to finish off that leftover chicken. To make, fry onion, cumin and garlic.

After a few minutes, add in the chicken, sugar, tomatoes, and chickpeas and allow to cook. Finish this by stirring in coriander, yoghurt and lemon juice.

Serve this with couscous and take in the delicious Moroccan flavors!

Calories Per Serving: 268

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

10. Chicken Patties

Chicken Patties are a unique and delicious way to use up your leftover chicken.

To make the batter, whisk together 2 eggs, 1/3 cup of mayonnaise, 3 tbsp dill, 1/3 cup flour, tsp lemon zest and salt and pepper to taste.

Shred your leftover chicken and stir into the batter along with mozzarella, making sure it is thoroughly coated.

Once done, allow this to stay refrigerated for half an hour before dividing the chicken batter into separate patties.

Cook this on the skillet until they are each golden brown and ready to eat.

Calories Per Serving: 172

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

11. Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Try a new kind of lasagna using leftover chicken. Instead of your usual beef mince, you will be using chicken.

In the end you will come out with a beautifully cooked lasagna, both unique and scrumptious!

Enjoy this creamy, Italian style meal making the most of your leftover chicken.

Calories Per Serving: 300

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

12. Chicken Fried Rice

Want to make rice with a unique added touch? Use your leftover chicken to create this beautiful fried rice dish!

Using a heated work, scramble your eggs before adding in the leftover chicken and some soy sauce until the chicken is a lovely gold.

Stir in your cooked rice along with garden peas, mushrooms, spring onions and sweetcorn. Serve with chili.

Calories Per Serving: 343

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

RELATED: The 20 Best Canned Chicken Recipes

13. Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Many people are found using their leftovers to make a pie. What better way is there to use up your leftover chicken?

Create this beautiful meaty pie incorporating fresh vegetables such as garden peas and carrots and fill yourselves up with this filling meal.

Calories Per Serving: 400

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

14. Chicken Cottage Pie

Cottage Pie is a great meal for the family to share and goes a long way. It is also an easy method to get rid of your leftover chicken.

Simply replace the usual minced beef with your chicken, adding a variety of chunky vegetables such as carrots and celery, and bake until you see the mashed potato is now golden brown.

This is a warm meal to enjoy and something everyone will love.

Calories Per Serving: 344

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

15. Chicken Fajitas

Chicken Fajitas is a fun recipe to follow and is quick and easy to do. You will have your food out in front of you and ready to eat within 20 minutes of cooking!

First you need to prepare you ingredients by cutting them into strips (bell pepper, leftover chicken, onion).

Once this is prepared, cover the strips in olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Warm up your fajita wraps (if you prefer them warm) using a skillet or oven, then serve up!

Serve with a bowl of cheddar cheese too to add that desired taste.

Calories Per Serving: 351

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

16. Chicken Tartiflette

This recipe is brilliant for leftover chicken, using it to create this layered dish.

Layer sliced, cooked potatoes, spinach, bacon pieces and your shredded chicken with cream before placing into the oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Add cheese on top whilst in the oven for that added finishing touch.

Calories Per Serving: 488

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

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17. Chicken Ranch Wrap

Create something light to eat with this Chicken Ranch Wrap. This is an easy way to use your leftovers, especially if you are wanting to use it up fast or are in a rush.

All you need is cheese, chicken, ranch and minced cilantro. Wrap these ingredients in a tortilla to form a burrito before grilling at a medium heat.

Calories Per Serving: 431

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

18. Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Is there anyone out there who doesn’t enjoy making their own pizza? This is a great recipe to bring the family together and something which all the kids will enjoy.

Simply get your flatbread and smother with tomato puree and sprinkle with cheese.

Then add all the toppings you want including that leftover chicken. Place in the oven and take out once the cheese has melted and the pizza has perfectly browned.

Calories Per Serving: 390

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

19. Chicken Tacos

Use up your leftover chicken with Chicken Tacos. This is an easy meal to prepare and is fun to make.

All you need are your taco shells, leftover chicken sliced, black beans, rice, and cheese.

Lay these out on the table and allow all of the family to put together their own taco, indulging in this great leftover meal.

Calories Per Serving: 156

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

20. Sweet Potato And Chicken Soup

Here is another soup recipe which will be sure to warm the stomach.

By merging the sweetness of the sweet potato with the savory taste of chicken, you will be introduced to a new palette of flavors.

Combine onion, garlic, celery, coriander and ginger on a saucepan and cook for 5-10 minutes.

Then blend your sweet potatoes and combine with chicken stock, chicken and cream Greek yoghurt. Once this is all combined and cooked, it is then time to enjoy this warming soup.

Calories Per Serving: 287

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

RELATED: The 27 Best Ground Chicken Recipes

21. Chicken Quesadillas

This beautiful Mexican dish is great for using leftover chicken. Combine your leftover chicken and vegetables, seasoning well.

After this is completed, place a tortilla in an oiled up pan, topping the tortilla with filling. Place another tortilla on top, sandwiching the filling and cook making sure to press with a spatula.

Flip carefully so the other side is brown too before taking off the heat and cutting up to serve.

Calories Per Serving: 529

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

22. Chicken Chili

Instead of having the traditional chili with minced meat, use your leftover chicken to replace to usual meat. Mix together your spices and cook with onions, chili and garlic.

Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, leftover chicken (shredded) and cook until complete. To finish, add grated cheese on top. You can even serve this with rice.

Calories Per Serving: 218

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 55 Minutes

23. Chicken Stew With Dumplings

There is nothing better than a wholesome stew to warm the soul and serve your appetite.

Use your leftover chicken to create a lovely stew filled with plenty of vegetables, creaminess and, of course, those fluffy dumplings.

Like soup, this is a meal which is made to last.

Calories Per Serving: 349

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 25 Minutes

24. Chicken Tetrazzini

If you are looking to create a deliciously creamy pasta dish, this recipe is the one to try.

This is a savory casserole dish made with chicken, a creamy sauce, mushrooms and wine and is easy to make.

Simply use your leftover chicken as the meat filling and enjoy this gorgeous meal.

Calories Per Serving: 410

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

RELATED: Can You Boil Frozen Chicken?

25. Chicken Enchiladas

You will be needing plenty of leftover chicken to create this delicious Mexican cuisine.

Using wraps, fill it up with your chicken, plenty of cheese, beans, red bell peppers and fold up.

Before placing it into the oven, drizzle your wrapped enchiladas with a homemade tomato sauce and top with cheddar and mozzarella.

Calories Per Serving: 197

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

26. Vietnamese Chicken Salad

Try something new with this Vietnamese Chicken Salad. This is a quick and easy meal to enjoy; all you need is leftover chicken.

Simply combine your chicken with cabbage and carrots and cucumber whilst you are cooking your noodles.

Combine the noodles with the chicken and vegetables and top with dressing (fish sauce, lime juice, red chili).

Calories Per Serving: 544

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

27. Asian Chicken Rice Bowl

This is a great dish which can be eaten either hot or cold depending on preference.

Mix together rice vinegar, minced green onion, soy sauce, toasted sesame seeds, sesame oil, honey and ginger and cook the rice.

In a bowl, combine coleslaw mix with your leftover chicken and serve altogether.

Calories Per Serving: 150

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

28. Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup is another dish to warm you up especially on those cold nights. It is a simple recipe to follow and is great for using up leftover chicken.

In a pot, cook the onion and celery before adding the chicken broth, chicken, noodles and vegetables of your choosing (carrots, celery, leeks).

Once done, you will be ready to enjoy your soup.

Calories Per Serving: 87

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

RELATED: Can You Eat Cooked Chicken Cold (Is It Safe)

29. Chicken Pita Wraps

A Chicken Pita is the ideal choice for those wanting to feast on something small and light. This is great for those who are always on the go or are looking to eat a balanced diet.

All you need for this is a wrap, leftover chicken, lettuce, red onion, sliced carrots, and mayonnaise for dressing.

This is very easy to make and can be altered to fit your food preference.

Calories Per Serving: 360

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

30. Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

Here is another great lasagna recipe you can use with your leftover chicken.

Take the classic Italian cuisine and add you own fun spin to it, replacing minced beef with chicken, dosing it in hot buffalo sauce.

This is a unique dish to make with your leftovers and is something for all the family to love.

Calories Per Serving: 352

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 35 Minutes

31. Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

Add some culture to your chicken salad, turning plain into something exotic and exciting. This salad consists of chicken, pasta, bell pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley and feta.

Simply combine these ingredients and marinade with a gorgeous dressing. To make the dressing mix lemon, garlic, oregano, olive oil, salt and pepper.

This chicken salad will unlock the flavors of Greece and is the perfect way to use up your leftovers.

Calories Per Serving: 413

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

32. Chicken And Potato Bake

Try this beautiful Chicken and Potato Bake, a unique dish to try. What makes this dish unique is the added Cornflake crunch scattered on top of the bake.

Simply toss Cornflake crumbs in a bowl of butter to use later. Then arrange the potatoes in a casserole dish, adding onions on top, and then a layer of butter.

Over the butter, place on your leftover chicken and cover with a mushroom soup/milk mixture. Bake for 1 hour then sprinkle Cornflakes on top, cooking for another 10 minutes.

It will then be ready to eat.

Calories Per Serving: 379

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

RELATED: How Long Can I Keep Costco’s Rotisserie Chicken In The Refrigerator?

33. Chicken And Mushroom Risotto

A great way to use up leftover chicken is to put it in a risotto. To make this dish, stir fry onions and lardons for 5 minutes before stirring in mushrooms and risotto rice.

Add wine and chicken stock and allow to cook for 20 minutes before stirring in the chicken. Once completed cooking serve up and enjoy!

Calories Per Serving: 634

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

34. Chicken Burgers

You may find that you have some fillets of chicken going spare. If this is the case you can easily make a chicken burger.

This is a great dish to make that can be made however you want! All you need are burger buns, the leftover chicken and filling of your choice.

Try adding lettuce, tomatoes, ranch sauce, but the choice is yours.

Calories Per Serving: 515

Preparation Time: 22 Minutes

35. Spicy Chicken Curry

Spicy Chicken Curry is a brilliant recipe to try out with your leftover chicken.

Use the chicken to form a curry using chopped tomatoes, coconut milk, and seasonings of your choice. Serve with plain rice and enjoy!

Calories Per Serving: 490

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

Final Thoughts

This article has thoroughly explored the ways to use your leftover chicken by highlighting 35 of the best recipes.

Choose to incorporate your leftovers into hot meals such as curry or choose to eat something light and refreshing such as a Chicken Caesar Salad.

There is much to choose from when using up your leftovers and many times you will find those meals lasting for days; soup is an example of a leftover dish which will be sure to last long after.

Of course, not everyone enjoys leftovers. It can be a hassle trying to store it away and you may just want a clean slate.

If this is the case, you can compromise by recycling the food for composting or reducing the ingredients you use. However, it is not always this easy.

It is inevitable that at some point you will have leftovers, but just know that there is a way to make this easy.

Try out some of our amazing recipe suggestions and explore the fun of reusing leftover food. There is plenty to make with leftover chicken. You cannot go wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can My Leftover Chicken Last?

Cooked chicken can last for between 3 and 4 days, however it is important to store it correctly. Make sure that it is in a cool environment in the refrigerator.

If you are wanting your chicken to last longer, place it in the freezer – this can last for up to 6 months.

How Long Can You Keep Chicken Once Opened?

If you are ever in a situation where you have used half a pack of chicken and have some left over, do not wait any longer than 2 days to cook it.

If you wait too long, there will be a higher risk of bacteria contaminating the raw meat which can lead to food poisoning.

How Do You Reduce Leftovers?

Sometimes you may not enjoy having leftovers, especially when that food is taking up space and time.

To reduce the chances of having any food leftovers, use less ingredients, repurpose food scraps, or recycle by composting the scraps.