10+ Leftover Chicken Recipes to Make Your Meals Easy and Delicious

Leftover chicken is a handy ingredient because it saves time and reduces food waste. You might wonder how to use it in meals that taste fresh and exciting.

Using leftover chicken lets you create quick meals without starting from scratch. Whether you want something light or filling, there are plenty of easy options to fit your schedule and taste.

1) Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken enchilada casserole is a great way to use leftover chicken. It’s simple to make and tastes like a warm, comforting meal.

You layer shredded chicken with tortillas, cheese, and enchilada sauce. This dish works well if you want something easy to prepare ahead of time.

You can freeze it and bake it later. Use green or red enchilada sauce depending on your flavor preference.

Add some garlic powder or salsa verde to boost the taste. It’s a great way to enjoy your leftover chicken in a tasty new form.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 10-12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (green or red)
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in a baking dish.
3. Layer tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
4. Top with cheese.
5. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

2) Rotisserie Chicken Stroganoff

Rotisserie chicken stroganoff is a quick way to enjoy a classic dish using leftover chicken. You use shredded rotisserie chicken, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce.

It pairs well with egg noodles and is easy to make on a busy night. The sauce is rich but simple, made with onions, mushrooms, sour cream, and broth.

Cook these ingredients gently and then add your chicken. Store the sauce and noodles separately if you want to keep leftovers fresh.

Reheat the sauce slowly with a little water on the stove so it stays creamy. This keeps your meal tasting fresh.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup diced onion
• 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
• 12 ounces egg noodles
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and mushrooms. Cook until soft.
3. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in shredded chicken and cook until heated through.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve the sauce over the cooked noodles.

Find more tips on making this dish at Simply Recipes.

3) Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup is a great way to use leftover chicken. It is warm, tasty, and full of healthy ingredients like beans, corn, and tomatoes.

Add crispy tortilla strips on top for extra crunch. This soup is easy to make in about 30 minutes.

You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Customize it by adding avocado, cheese, or sour cream.

The flavors come together nicely, making it a favorite for many families.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded leftover chicken
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Tortilla strips for topping
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add chili powder and cumin, cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in chicken broth, tomatoes, beans, and corn.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Stir in shredded chicken and cook until heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve topped with tortilla strips.

4) Easy Chicken Pot Pie

You can make a tasty chicken pot pie using leftover chicken. It’s a great way to use simple ingredients like frozen vegetables and a ready-made pie crust.

This recipe is quick and doesn’t need a lot of prep time. The filling is creamy and full of flavor from chicken and veggies.

You don’t have to make the crust from scratch, which saves time. Just bake it until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked leftover chicken, chopped
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (or homemade sauce)
• 1 store-bought pie crust
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix chicken, veggies, soup, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Pour the mixture into a pie dish.
4. Cover with pie crust and seal edges.
5. Cut a few slits in crust to vent steam.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes until crust is golden brown.
7. Let cool a few minutes before serving.

5) Leftover Chicken Croquettes

You can turn your leftover chicken into tasty croquettes. These are small, crispy patties that are great for snacks or a quick meal.

Mix chopped chicken with bread crumbs, eggs, onions, and some seasoning. Cook croquettes in an air fryer or oven to make them extra crunchy without much oil.

Serve them with your favorite sauce for a simple, satisfying dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ cup golden breadcrumbs
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup sautéed onions
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, onions, salt, pepper, and parsley in a bowl.
2. Shape the mixture into small patties.
3. Preheat your air fryer or oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Cook the croquettes for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
5. Serve warm with dipping sauce if you like.

More details can be found in this leftover chicken croquettes recipe.

6) Chicken & Tzatziki Wraps

Chicken and tzatziki wraps are a great way to use leftover chicken. The cool, creamy tzatziki sauce pairs well with the chicken’s flavor.

Add fresh cucumber, tomato, and lettuce to make the wrap light and refreshing. These wraps come together quickly, making them perfect for a fast lunch or dinner.

Use tortillas or pita bread to hold all the tasty ingredients. Try adding a bit of feta cheese for extra flavor.

Bake your chicken at 400°F (200°C) or use already cooked chicken. Spread tzatziki sauce over the wrap, layer the chicken, veggies, and roll it up.

Ingredients:

• Leftover cooked chicken, chopped
• Tzatziki sauce
• Tortillas or pita bread
• Cucumber, sliced
• Tomato, chopped
• Lettuce leaves
• Feta cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Warm your tortillas or pita bread.
2. Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on each wrap.
3. Add chopped chicken, cucumber, tomato, and lettuce.
4. Sprinkle feta cheese on top if you like.
5. Roll the wraps tightly and serve.

For a quick recipe idea, check out these Chicken Tzatziki Wraps.

7) Chicken, Bacon & Watercress Baguettes

This recipe is a great way to use leftover chicken. You’ll get a fresh, tasty baguette with crispy bacon and peppery watercress.

Spread some crème fraîche mixed with lime juice inside the baguette. Then add your leftover chicken and cooked bacon.

The watercress adds a nice crunch and flavor. It’s simple but delicious.

Perfect for a quick lunch or snack. You can also swap the bacon type to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• Leftover roast chicken (around 300g)
• 6 rashers unsmoked back bacon (or 8 rashers streaky bacon)
• 50g watercress
• 100ml crème fraîche
• ½ lime
• 1 crusty baguette

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the bacon until crispy and set aside.
2. Mix crème fraîche with lime juice.
3. Cut the baguette in half and spread the lime crème fraîche inside.
4. Add sliced leftover chicken and bacon.
5. Top with watercress.
6. Close the baguette and serve.

For more ideas, see Chicken, bacon & watercress baguettes recipe.

8) Easy Coronation Chicken

Coronation chicken is a simple, tasty way to use leftover chicken. It’s creamy and slightly spicy with a sweet twist.

Mix cooked shredded chicken with mayonnaise, curry powder, and mango chutney for flavor. This dish works great as a sandwich filling or served over salad.

It only takes a few minutes to prepare but feels special and different from regular chicken recipes. Adjust the spices and ingredients to your taste.

Add yogurt or lemon juice for a fresh, tangy kick. Try this easy recipe for a quick and delicious meal using your leftover chicken.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons mango chutney
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, mango chutney, curry powder, yogurt, and lemon juice.
2. Add shredded chicken and stir until well coated.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

9) Mexican Chicken Quesadillas

Mexican chicken quesadillas are a quick and tasty way to use up leftover chicken. You simply layer the chicken with cheese and some veggies inside a tortilla.

Cook the quesadilla until the outside is crispy and the cheese is melted. You can add corn, peppers, or onions for extra flavor.

Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly here and makes the quesadilla filling juicy. This dish is great for lunch or a simple dinner.

It only takes about 15 to 20 minutes to make. You don’t need any special tools to get a great result.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 4 large flour tortillas
• ½ cup canned corn, drained
• ½ cup diced bell peppers
• ¼ cup diced onions
• Cooking spray or a little oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly oil it.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet.
3. Sprinkle half the cheese evenly on the tortilla.
4. Add shredded chicken, corn, peppers, and onions over the cheese.
5. Top with the remaining cheese and a second tortilla.
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the bottom tortilla is golden and crispy.
7. Carefully flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and cut into wedges. Serve warm.

For more ideas, check this leftover chicken quesadillas recipe.

10) Chicken Fritters

Chicken fritters are a tasty way to use leftover chicken. They cook quickly and work well as a snack or meal.

You can make them with shredded chicken, cheese, herbs, and cream cheese for extra flavor. These fritters turn golden and crispy when cooked.

Add any herbs or spices you like to make them your own. You can eat them with your hands or serve them with a salad or dip.

Making chicken fritters is simple. Leftover or rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups shredded leftover chicken
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or chives)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, egg, flour, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture and flatten slightly into fritters.
4. Fry each fritter for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Try this easy recipe for quick, delicious chicken fritters! Chicken and Chive Chicken Fritters has more ideas to customize them.