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9 Tasty Ways to Reuse Leftover Chicken You Probably Haven't Thought Of

Reduce food waste (and save money!) by using your scraps in these delicious leftover chicken recipes.

leftover chicken recipes
Written by
Riley Baker
Published
You can't help but feel a pang of regret as you hover above the trash can, ready to toss out the leftover chicken from dinner. So much potential, so much flavor, reduced to a forlorn afterthought. But it doesn't have to be. Instead of letting it go to waste, you can use it to create exciting new meals.
Leftover chicken is more than just yesterday's meal. It's a canvas—a starting point for new and exciting dishes that can be just as satisfying, if not more so, than the original meal. All it requires is a touch of creativity, a dash of effort, and a desire to reduce
food waste
and make the most of what you already have on hand.

The Benefits of Using Leftover Chicken

leftover chicken recipes
Why let that deliciously seasoned bird go to waste when it could be the star of another show-stopping meal? Leftover chicken is far from second-best; in fact, it's a culinary gem waiting to shine. Let's dive into the benefits of using this versatile ingredient.

1. Reduces Food Waste

Isn't it a shame when leftover chicken gets tossed in the trash simply because you're not sure what to do with it? Reusing your leftover chicken not only means you get to enjoy a delicious meal, but it also significantly reduces food waste. Think about it: fewer leftovers tossed out uneaten means
less contribution to the landfill
, and that's a major step in the right direction.

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2. Saves Time

The chicken is already cooked, which means half the battle is won. You just need to warm it up or toss it into a new dish. With a good recipe at your fingertips, yesterday's dinner can become today's lunch in a snap.

3. Saves Money

Using leftover chicken helps you stretch your grocery budget. The chicken that was once the centerpiece of your Sunday roast can make a cameo in your Monday stir-fry. And who doesn't love a meal that's both economical and delicious?
The next time you find yourself staring at a container of leftover chicken, consider the possibilities. With a little creativity and a dash of inspiration, that humble leftover can be transformed into a whole new culinary delight.

9 Chicken Recipes That Put Your Leftovers to Good Use

You can easily modify all of these recipes to include the leftover chicken you already have on hand. From fried rice to tacos to stir-fry, creating a quick and delicious meal has never been easier.

1.
Chicken Fried Rice

leftover chicken recipes
Photo: The Recipe Critic
Picture this: the tender chicken and
fluffy rice
brought back to life in a symphony of flavors. The salty tang of soy sauce and the nutty warmth of sesame oil come together to create a dish so savory and satisfying that you'll be licking your plate clean.

2.
Chicken Enchiladas

Photo: Gimme Some Oven
Ever gazed into your fridge and wondered, "What on earth can I do with all this chicken?" Enchiladas are the perfect solution. Not just any enchiladas, but ones that are bursting with a homemade sauce that's as easy to whip up as it is delightfully rich and full-flavored.

3.
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

leftover chicken recipes
Photo: The Cozy Cook
This recipe is a classic way to use up leftover chicken. It combines carrots, celery, and egg noodles to create a warm and comforting soup that's perfect for a chilly day.

4.
BBQ Chicken Pita Pizzas

Photo: Two Peas & Their Pod
This pizza is a fun and creative way to use up leftover chicken. It's easy to assemble, too. You use pita bread for the crust, slather on some BBQ sauce, then add on shredded chicken, cheese, and some red onion.

5.
Chicken Salad

leftover chicken recipes
Photo: The Pioneer Woman
This recipe is a classic way to use up leftover chicken and turn it into a tasty and healthy salad. The chicken is mixed with grapes, slivered almonds, yogurt, and a handful of other ingredients. It's a refreshing and satisfying meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.

6.
Chicken Quesadillas

Photo: Well Plated by Erin
Turn your leftover chicken into a fiesta of flavors with this easy-to-make quesadilla recipe. Between the crispy, golden-brown quesadilla and oozing melted cheese, it's a dish that's as delightful to the palate as it is to the eye.

7.
Chicken Tacos

leftover chicken recipes
Photo: Once Upon a Chef
This recipe is a flavorful and healthy way to use up leftover chicken and turn it into a delicious taco filling. The protein is mixed with tomato sauce and spices, then enjoyed in a crispy hard taco shell and topped with all the right fixings.

8.
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Photo: Jo Cooks
This recipe is a decadent way to use up leftover chicken and turn it into a creamy and indulgent pasta dish. The fettuccine Alfredo is rich, loaded with flavor, and oh-so-satisfying.

9.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

leftover chicken recipes
Photo: Dinner at the Zoo
Whipping up a flavorful stir-fry is the easiest way to use up leftover chicken. Imagine juicy chicken pieces and crunchy broccoli florets, all mingling in a savory homemade sauce. This recipe isn't just a clever way to use up leftovers—it's a passport to a quick, wholesome meal that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes.