Got leftover chicken in the fridge? These 15 easy and practical Leftover Chicken Recipes will help you stretch one meal into two, without sacrificing flavor or comfort. From cozy casseroles to crunchy salads, these reader-favorite dishes make the most of yesterday's chicken with clever, craveable twists.
Many of these are perfect for repurposing a batch of my Dutch Oven Shredded Chicken, but honestly, even a grocery store rotisserie bird will do the trick.
I make recipes like these all the time, especially when I cook for two, but plan ahead for four or more. Leftover fish becomes fish cakes. Biscuits become bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches. That's just how we roll. Sharon
Frequently asked questions about using leftover chicken
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in meal-size portions and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
Absolutely! A rotisserie chicken is one of the best shortcuts available and works beautifully in all of these leftover chicken recipes.
Reheat in the oven, covered with foil, or in a skillet with a splash of broth or sauce to keep the meat juicy. A microwave works in a pinch, but go low and slow to avoid rubbery results.
My Favorite Leftover Hacks
Leftover chicken is one of the most practical ingredients in my kitchen. When you plan ahead (even just a little), you can cook once and eat twice, without anyone at the table realizing they're eating "leftovers." Here are a few of my go-to tricks for making the most of every bite:
Stretch It Into the Week: I made a big batch of Dutch Oven Shredded Chicken last weekend, and it turned into quesadillas, chicken salad, and a cozy little casserole by Wednesday. That's what I call cooking smarter, not harder.
Quesadilla Quick Fix: The Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas are my go-to when dinner needs to be on the table in under 20. They're crisp, cheesy, and perfect for nights when I had a long day.
Chicken Salad: Whenever I roast or bake chicken, I double the recipe and plan ahead for a dish like Chicken Caesar Salad or Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad the next day. They are both light, fresh, and honestly taste like something from a fancy restaurant.
Warm It Back Up Right: Leftover chicken pasta reheats beautifully; simply add a splash of milk or stock before warming to revive the creamy sauce. Works like a charm!
Southern Crunch Bonus: Don't toss those bits of leftover chicken skin; they crisp up beautifully in a hot skillet and add crunch to salads or wraps. It's like Southern chicken bacon!
Breakfast Makeover: If I've got biscuits leftover from Sunday supper, you better believe they're getting stuffed with scrambled eggs, cheese, and a little shredded chicken the next morning. Breakfast magic!
More chicken recipes to cook once and eat twice
These easy, flavor-packed chicken dinners are perfect for planning ahead and make delicious leftovers you'll actually look forward to.
Wrap-Up
These little tricks have saved me more times than I can count, and they're just some of the reasons I always cook with leftovers in mind. I hope this roundup helps you turn yesterday's chicken into something worth getting excited about.
Have you tried one of these recipes or have a leftover hack of your own? I'd love to hear about it in the comments! And while you're here, be sure to check out more Practical Southern Cooking favorites, because around here, supper always comes with a side of simplicity.
"Here's to leftovers that never feel like second best."
- Practical Southern Cooking
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