The perpetual problem of leftover chicken has a simple solution: get creative with it! Whether you’ve overestimated your meat needs or scored a bargain on a whole bird, having a stash of shredded chicken in the fridge doesn’t have to be a recipe for disaster. In fact, this versatile ingredient can be used to whip up a wide range of tasty dishes. From comforting casseroles and savory main courses to satisfying snacks and side dishes, the possibilities are endless.
Take, for instance, the humble chicken & dumplings, a classic comfort food that’s sure to become a family favorite. Or perhaps you’d prefer something a bit more adventurous, like a flavorful chicken taco salad or a hearty chicken pot pie. Whatever your taste buds crave, rest assured there’s a leftover shredded chicken recipe waiting to be discovered. And the best part?
You don’t have to settle for just one – with over 37 delicious options at your fingertips, you’ll never have to worry about wasting a single morsel of that good meat again. So go ahead, get cooking, and make the most of your leftover chicken!
Shredded Chicken Enchiladas
As we begin our culinary journey, let’s embark on a flavorful adventure to Mexico! Our first recipe is a delightful blend of cheesy, saucy, and slightly spicy flavors that can be enjoyed at any time of day, whether as a satisfying lunch or a comforting dinner. For those who crave an extra kick, feel free to swap out the mild chilies for their hotter counterparts, elevating the dish to a new level of excitement.
Chicken Fajita Casserole
When it comes to this scrumptious shredded chicken dish, think Mexican American cuisine with a cheesy, saucy twist. What sets it apart is the use of chili powder instead of chilies for that signature heat. For an extra kick, consider adding some chili flakes or cayenne pepper to amplify the flavor.
Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Looking for an alternative to traditional sloppy joes that’s just as tasty and easy? Try using leftover rotisserie chicken instead! Simply shred the cooked chicken, mix it with your favorite barbecue sauce, and serve it in a soft bun. The result is a satisfying meal that’s just as messy and saucy as its popular counterpart.
Mac & Cheese With Shredded Chicken
Shredded chicken mac and cheese casserole is a kid-friendly favorite that can be easily elevated with some creative tweaks. Instead of sticking to traditional elbow macaroni, why not mix things up with different pasta shapes? The fun, twisty fusilli or vibrant multicolored pasta are great options for kids who love variety in their meals.
Shredded Chicken Pizza
When it comes to indulging in a delicious meal, few options satisfy quite like pizza. And the best part is that it’s incredibly versatile – whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, there are plenty of ways to make this classic dish your own. To get started, simply choose between using your own tried-and-true pizza dough recipe or opting for the convenience of store-bought dough.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delectable recipe! The best part? It’s a meal-prep dream come true – simply freeze and reheat whenever you need it. Just remember to keep the noodles separate, adding them only when you’re ready for a fresh serving.
Chicken & Macaroni Salad
This refreshing dish is ideally consumed chilled. The harmonious blend of ingredients yields a salad that’s not only tangy, but also bursting with freshness and a delightful array of textures. When properly stored – specifically refrigerated for up to four days in an airtight container – this salad remains vibrant and ready to be enjoyed.
Chicken & Dumplings
This mouthwatering leftover shredded chicken recipe is a complete meal in a bowl. Each serving features a rich broth, satisfying crunch from fresh vegetables, soft and fluffy dumplings reminiscent of bread, and an abundance of juicy shredded chicken. The addition of buttermilk gives the dish a delightful tanginess with each bite, making it a well-rounded and flavorful meal option.
Chicken Pot Pie
Like a satisfying bowl of chicken and dumplings, this recipe is a self-contained meal that’s easy on the palate and the planet. You have the flexibility to opt for store-bought pastry or craft your own from scratch, making it a versatile option for any day. Moreover, this dish cleverly repurposes leftover shredded chicken and veggies, minimizing food waste in the process.
Its resourceful nature only adds to its appeal, making it a great choice for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
Baked Potatoes With Shredded Chicken
Whether serving it alongside a fresh salad or featuring it as the star of the show, this versatile recipe shines. Its greatest strength lies in its ability to breathe new life into leftover shredded chicken, offering yet another creative outlet for meal prep enthusiasts and home cooks alike.
Leftover Chicken Potato Bake
When pressed for time, this recipe proves to be a reliable option for a speedy meal. Its unique characteristic lies in its use of small, waxy potatoes that maintain their texture and structure even after cooking, making it an excellent choice for a quick casserole that’s ready in under 60 minutes.
Chicken Salad Stuffed Buns
A timeless combination is brought together by the harmonious union of mayonnaise, mustard, dill, celery, and chicken, resulting in a richly flavored sandwich filling that will leave you craving more. To take this dish to the next level, consider introducing a tangy and sweet contrast through the addition of pickle relish or pineapple tidbits.
Chicken Nachos
Get ready to score big at your next game night with this easy and delicious nacho recipe! Simply line up a baking sheet with tortilla chips, followed by a generous helping of melted cheese, savory beans, and any other toppings you love. Then, pop it in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and the flavors are combined. Serve warm with a side of tangy sour cream or creamy guacamole for a match made in heaven.
Chicken Chili
Transforming the classic chili recipe, this one-pot masterpiece yields an unexpected yet equally mouthwatering outcome. By skipping the traditional tomato sauce and substituting juicy chicken for hearty beef, you’ll discover a lighter yet no less delightful bowl of fiery flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Chicken Tacos
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this mouthwatering dish! The use of crispy taco shells is a great starting point, but feel free to substitute them with soft shell options made from corn flour tortillas. For added convenience, you can also opt for ready-made taco seasoning if you don’t have all the required spices on hand.
Chicken & Tortilla Soup
A delicious Mexican-inspired dish takes center stage once again! This recipe cleverly combines leftover shredded chicken with a rich, flavorful broth and an array of spices that offer a delightful balance of mild and bold flavors. To add a satisfying textural element, the tortilla is cut into strips and layered on top (with extra strips on the side) to provide a delightful crunch that complements the soup’s savory goodness.
Chicken Quesadilla
From south of the border comes a culinary delight that’s sure to please. When you find yourself with leftover chicken, do yourself a favor and try this mouthwatering dish! It’s all about striking the perfect balance: crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. The best part? This cheesy treat requires no oven time at all – simply heat it up in a trusty skillet and enjoy!
Chicken Burrito Bowl
In addition to exploring the rich culinary landscape of Mexico, let’s not overlook the opportunity to reimagine a beloved classic – the humble burrito. By disassembling its components and presenting them in a new way, we can create a satisfying bowl that’s perfect for any meal.
Leftover Chicken Pasta
Looking to tackle those lingering leftovers? Look no further! This Italian-inspired recipe is the perfect solution. With a mere combination of pasta, chicken, cream cheese, and greens, you can transform any leftover ingredients into a delicious one-pan dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also saves you from the hassle of washing up.
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this mouthwatering cheesy chicken casserole recipe. Perfectly balancing flavors, it’s a harmonious blend of gooey cheese, fresh herbs, and rich creaminess – all while making the most of leftover ingredients.
Chicken Alfredo Pizza
When you merge pasta sauce, a pizza crust, and leftover chicken, something special is born. This unexpected combination yields a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for both lunch and dinner. For those who prefer convenience over cooking from scratch, rest assured that store-bought options are always available to simplify the process.
Chicken Lasagna
If you’re looking to mix things up when it comes to making lasagna, consider swapping out traditional beef sauce for something new. Shredded chicken from a previous meal can be a great substitute, adding protein and flavor to your dish. Another twist on the classic recipe is to omit the tomatoes altogether, resulting in an all-white lasagna that’s just as delicious as its more colorful counterpart.
Chicken Bagel Pizza
Craving a creative spin on the classic bagel? Look no further! Try combining your go-to pizza sauce with melted cheese, leftover shredded chicken, and a few sliced bagels. Simply top the mixture off and pop it under the broiler until golden brown.
Chicken Broccoli Rice
Combine the comforting warmth of casserole-style dishes with the convenience of using leftover shredded chicken by trying out this recipe. It’s a harmonious blend of broccoli, rice, cheese, and chicken, perfect for satisfying your hunger. To give it an extra boost of flavor, add a pinch of heat by sprinkling some cayenne or chili powder before baking. This twist will elevate the dish from a simple comfort food to a hearty meal that’s sure to please.
Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Looking to impress your loved ones with a delicious meal? This recipe is sure to please! The beauty of it lies in its versatility – use red, yellow or green peppers, whichever suits your taste. With a subtle Mexican flair, this dish is both savory and slightly spicy, with just the right amount of cheesy goodness.
Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Satisfy your pizza cravings without the hassle of making a crust from scratch! One simple solution is to repurpose flatbread into a delicious and satisfying meal. All you need is your favorite flatbread, some pizza sauce, a blend of shredded cheeses, and leftover shredded chicken. Combine these ingredients and you’ll have a tasty and effortless pizza that’s sure to hit the spot.
Buffalo Chicken Rollups
Imagine sinking your teeth into a flavorful and savory twist on classic buffalo chicken wings, but this time in the form of a crispy tortilla rollup. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover shredded chicken and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even as a satisfying side dish. Its versatility makes it a great addition to any gathering or meal.
Chicken & Sausage Gumbo
Step into the vibrant culinary scene of New Orleans without leaving your kitchen. This delectable dish is infused with the rich flavors of France and West Africa, blending the best of both worlds. The perfect accompaniment to this hearty meal is a warm bowl of fluffy rice, guaranteeing a truly satisfying dining experience.
Vietnamese Chicken Salad
Goi Ga, a refreshing Vietnamese salad, steals the show with its bold flavors. This cabbage and cold chicken concoction is reminiscent of Vietnam’s culinary charm, where bold and contrasting tastes come together in perfect harmony. The combination of fresh mint, cilantro, red onion, and peanuts creates an addictive medley of textures and aromas. But what truly elevates Goi Ga is the dressing, which masterfully balances saltiness and spice using fish sauce and garlic chili sauce.
Each bite is a testament to the country’s love for bold flavors, and it’s no wonder that this salad has won over hearts and taste buds alike.
Chicken Taco Salad
Indulge in the vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors of this delectable salad, an excellent accompaniment to any dinner. The taco seasoning blend provides a harmonious balance of tastes that elevate this dish into a scrumptious chicken taco salad experience. For added richness, pair it with your go-to ranch dressing, either drizzled on top or served as a side, allowing the creamy texture and tangy zip to enhance each bite.
Chicken Avocado Salad
This refreshing salad is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a multitude of ways. It’s perfect for adding to sandwiches, serving as a side dish, or even using as a dip or filling for tortilla wraps. What’s more, this recipe boasts the added benefit of being completely mayo-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Chicken Pho
Indulge in the flavors of Vietnam from the comfort of your own kitchen with a simple and delicious recipe for homemade pho. You’re probably already familiar with this popular noodle dish, which is just as easy to make at home as it is to order at your favorite Vietnamese restaurant. To start, simply shred any leftover chicken you have on hand, then prepare the noodles and rich broth according to your taste preferences.
Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a steaming hot bowl of authentic-tasting pho right in your own living room.
Spicy Chicken Dip
While mayonnaise is a classic dip component, it’s not the only game in town. Case in point: this recipe that combines shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and seasonings for a chunky, flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with crackers and crunchy veggies. The heat comes from hot sauce, but feel free to swap in other spicy options like cayenne or chili powder. For an extra kick, top it off with some chili flakes – the perfect addition for those who like their dips on the spicier side.
Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
Indulge in the rich flavors of a saucy chicken shepherd’s pie, elevated by the comfort of mashed potatoes. This creative twist on a classic recipe utilizes leftover shredded chicken, reimagining it into a satisfying meal. To add an extra layer of delight, sprinkle grated cheese on top before baking, resulting in a crusty and golden-brown finish.
Chicken & Mushroom Soup
While considering pasta options for this soup, you can explore various choices such as orzo, stelline, or even acini di pepe. Alternatively, feel free to enjoy the creamy soup on its own without adding any pasta.
Chinese Chicken Salad
Indulge in a delightful chicken salad that’s tailored to your palate. This recipe is a blank canvas just waiting for your personal touch. Want an extra kick of crunch? Simply add crispy fried wontons or chow mein noodles to the mix, and watch as they bring a satisfying textural element to each bite. Feeling adventurous? Swap out the ginger sesame dressing for your go-to vinaigrette and experience a bold new flavor profile.
Chicken Chopped Salad
This refreshing salad eschews traditional mayonnaise-based dressings for a creamy Greek yogurt and avocado combination. The incorporation of chopped vegetables like lettuce and cilantro adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. To make this dish even more suitable for keto dieters, simply omit the corn component, allowing the other nutritious ingredients to shine through.
The bottom line
With a treasure trove of 37 innovative leftover shredded chicken recipes, it’s clear that this humble protein has the potential to be transformed into a multitude of mouthwatering dishes. From savory appetizers and satisfying snacks to hearty soups and main courses, not to mention side dishes – the possibilities are truly endless. And the best part? No need for leftovers to go to waste, as these recipes showcase the versatility of shredded chicken in a variety of delectable preparations.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration for a quick snack or a satisfying meal, this collection has got you covered. So why not get creative and turn that leftover chicken into a culinary masterpiece?
