I ran into this problem the other night. I decided to cook a whole chicken in my new Instant Pot and I was of course left with a ton of leftovers. I went into a bit of panic mode because there was no way I was going to let all of that to waste! I had to come up with ways to repurpose all of that delicious chicken and luckily, leftover chicken has a ton of different uses for quick, weeknight meals.
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It's actually great to have cooked chicken on hand in the refrigerator for those nights when you don't feel like spending an eternity cooking in the kitchen. Check out all of the ways you can use your extra chicken in these leftover chicken recipes.
1. Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
Simplify taco night with these Rotisserie Chicken Tacos. They come together in a flash, so weeknight dinner is nothing but simple. Here's the recipe.
2. Asian Shredded Chicken Salad
This healthy, filling chicken salad makes the perfect lunch or dinner. Loaded with shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, scallions, and a creamy peanut dressing, you'll be adding this salad to your dinner rotation.
For extra protein, toss in some cooked quinoa for an earthy bite. Here's the recipe.
3. Mini Chicken Pot Pies
I love the idea of mini chicken pot pies for busy weeknights when you're craving some comfort food. Using rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken breast you have on hand along with veggies, herbs, and puff pastry, you'll love making these beauties.
4. Leftover Chicken Enchiladas
This simple enchilada recipe requires only six ingredients and little prep time. Top the tortillas with enchilada sauce and extra Mexican cheese and get ready for the whole family thanking you for this one. Here's the recipe.
5. 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
There's nothing better than the savory, classic flavors of chicken soup, especially on a cold day. Shredded chicken cuts down on cooking time, so you can have this soup on the table in no time. Here's the recipe.
6. Leftover Chicken Gyros
For a Greek-inspired dinner, use your leftover cooked chicken in this recipe. Stuff pitas with chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, feta cheese, and a homemade tzatziki dressing for a healthy weeknight dinner. Here's the recipe.
7. Creamy and Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
This comfort dish is rich from the cheesy sauce, but still gives you the nutrition you need from the brown rice and leftover chicken. Even better-you can make this casserole at least three days in advance and just pop in the oven before dinnertime.
8. Waldorf Chicken Salad
I love turning leftover chicken into chicken salad, especially when the recipe calls for the addition of grapes and apples. They add a nice crunch and sweet flavor. Make this into a chicken salad sandwich with two slices of bread or for a healthier twist, romaine lettuce.
9. Leftover Roast Chicken Pad Thai
Use up all of that leftover chicken by making Pad Thai. All you need is chicken, shrimp, veggies, noodles, and Pad Thai sauce and dinner is served! Here's the recipe.
10. Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Leftover or rotisserie chicken, along with hot sauce, marinara sauce, and salty mozzarella and blue cheese kick regular pizza up a notch. Making this in your cast iron skillet will ensure a crispy crust.
11. Chicken Lasagna
I can't help but stare at the gorgeous crust on that lasagna! Filled with veggies, shredded chicken, and a rich cheese sauce, this is the perfect meal all in one dish. Here's the recipe.
12. Barbecue Chicken Cornbread Casserole
Everyone has their favorite casserole recipe, but this bbq chicken casserole has all the flavors your taste buds crave-sweet, tangy, and cheesy. This is a great way to get rid of your leftover chicken, so be sure to try it out. Here's the recipe.
13. Chicken Quesadillas
You'll only need four ingredients for these leftover chicken quesadillas-flour tortillas, cheddar cheese, leftover chicken, and canola oil. Just don't forget the toppings- jalapeños, sour cream, avocado, fresh cilantro, salsa or anything else that comes to mind. Here's the recipe.
14. Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti
Traditional alfredo sauce is usually very heavy. Lighten things up with this delicious recipe. And if you're not sure how to use all of that leftover chicken, just throw it in for extra flavor and protein! Here's the recipe.
15. Chicken Chili
This recipe for chicken chili is great to make on a cold night. It's also great because you can use your leftover shredded chicken to save you from time spent cooking in the kitchen.
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