Got some leftover chicken breast sitting in your fridge and wondering what to do with it? I’ve been there more times than I can count! With grocery prices being so crazy high these days, throwing away perfectly good chicken just isn’t an option Plus, having pre-cooked chicken on hand is actually a huge time-saver for busy weeknights
In this article, I’ll share my favorite ways to transform that leftover chicken into delicious meals that your whole family will love. From quick 15-minute dinners to hearty comfort food classics, these recipes will help you say goodbye to food waste and hello to tasty meals!
Why Leftover Chicken Breast is a Kitchen Superstar
Before diving into the recipes, let’s talk about why leftover chicken breast is so awesome:
- Time-saving: Having pre-cooked chicken means you’re already halfway to dinner
- Budget-friendly: Using leftovers reduces food waste and stretches your grocery budget
- Versatile: Chicken works in almost any cuisine from Mexican to Thai to Italian
- Meal prep magic: Cook once, eat multiple times with different flavors
How to Store Leftover Chicken Properly
To make the most of your leftover chicken, proper storage is key:
- Keep cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
- For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months
- If your chicken seems a bit dry, don’t worry! Many of these recipes add moisture back with sauces and broths
Quick Tips for Using Leftover Chicken
When working with leftover chicken remember these important points
- Add it last: Since the chicken is already cooked, add it toward the end of cooking time just to warm it through
- Chop it small: If your chicken is a bit dry or overcooked, chopping it into smaller pieces helps disguise this
- Sauce it up: Sauces, broths, and dressings add moisture back to chicken
- Don’t waste the opportunity: Leftover chicken is perfect for meal prep lunches!
Now. let’s get to the good stuff – the recipes!
Easy Comfort Food Classics with Leftover Chicken
1. Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits
Nothing says comfort like a creamy chicken pot pie! This version uses biscuits on top for an extra touch of deliciousness.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, chopped
- Frozen mixed vegetables
- Cream of chicken soup
- Refrigerated biscuits
- Butter, onion, garlic
This is perfect for those nights when you need something cozy and filling. I make this at least once a month during winter!
2. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
This soup is just what the doctor ordered on a chilly day. The wild rice adds great texture, and the creamy broth is so satisfying.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, shredded
- Wild rice blend
- Carrots, celery, onion
- Chicken broth
- Half-and-half or cream
- Herbs and seasonings
Pro tip: This is a great recipe if your chicken is on the drier side, as the creamy broth will add moisture back.
3. Chicken Enchilada Casserole
My kids go crazy for this green chile chicken enchilada casserole! It’s got all the flavors of traditional enchiladas but in an easy-to-make layered dish.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, shredded
- Corn tortillas
- Green chile enchilada sauce
- Cheese (lots of it!)
- Sour cream
- Black beans (optional)
This takes just 10 minutes to prep and is perfect for busy weeknights.
Quick Weeknight Meals (Ready in 30 Minutes or Less)
4. Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
These quesadillas are perfect for when you need dinner in a hurry! The spicy buffalo sauce transforms basic leftover chicken into something exciting.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, chopped
- Buffalo hot sauce
- Flour tortillas
- Cheddar or monterey jack cheese
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
5. BBQ Chicken Pizza
Why order delivery when you can make this delicious BBQ chicken pizza at home in less time? Use store-bought pizza dough to make it even quicker.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, shredded
- BBQ sauce
- Pizza dough
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Smoked gouda or mozzarella cheese
- Cilantro for garnish
6. Chicken Fried Rice
Got leftover rice too? This chicken fried rice is a match made in heaven! It’s even better than takeout and ready in just 15 minutes.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, diced
- Cold cooked rice
- Frozen peas and carrots
- Eggs
- Soy sauce, sesame oil
- Green onions
Fresh and Healthy Options
7. Chicken Strawberry Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This bright, flavorful salad is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. The combination of sweet strawberries, salty feta, and crunchy almonds is irresistible.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, sliced
- Fresh strawberries
- Mixed greens
- Feta cheese
- Toasted almonds
- Homemade poppyseed dressing
8. Thai Chicken Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce
This Thai-inspired salad packs a flavor punch! The spicy peanut sauce transforms simple ingredients into something special.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, sliced
- Cabbage and carrots, shredded
- Red bell pepper, sliced
- Cilantro and mint
- Peanuts for crunch
- Spicy peanut sauce and sweet chili dressing
9. Chicken Avocado Wrap
These wraps are perfect for lunch or a light dinner. They’re fresh, filling, and ready in just minutes.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, sliced or diced
- Avocado, sliced
- Lettuce and tomato
- Tortilla wraps
- Mayo, mustard, or your favorite sauce
Hearty Family Favorites
10. Chicken Mac and Cheese
This isn’t your basic mac and cheese! Adding leftover chicken turns this classic into a protein-packed meal the whole family will devour.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, diced
- Pasta (macaroni or your favorite shape)
- Cheese sauce (made with cheddar, gruyere, or your faves)
- Breadcrumbs for topping
- Optional: broccoli or peas for some veggies
11. White Chicken Chili
This creamy, flavorful chili is a nice change from traditional beef chili and comes together in about 30 minutes.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, shredded
- White beans
- Green chiles
- Chicken broth
- Onions, garlic
- Sour cream for serving
- Cilantro and lime for garnish
12. Chicken Noodle Soup
Sometimes the classics are best! This homemade chicken noodle soup is perfect when someone in the family is feeling under the weather.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- Egg noodles
- Carrots, celery, onion
- Chicken broth
- Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley
Global Flavors with Leftover Chicken
13. Chicken Pad Thai
Skip the takeout and make this easy Pad Thai at home! It’s quicker than delivery and you can adjust the spice level to your preference.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, sliced
- Rice noodles
- Bean sprouts
- Eggs
- Pad Thai sauce (or make your own with fish sauce, tamarind, lime, and sugar)
- Crushed peanuts and green onions for garnish
14. Chicken Enchiladas
These homemade enchiladas are a thousand times better than anything from the freezer aisle!
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, shredded
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Enchilada sauce (red or green)
- Cheese (lots of it!)
- Onions, green chiles
- Toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro
15. Buffalo Chicken Dip
This crowd-pleasing dip is perfect for game day or any gathering! It’s creamy, spicy, and absolutely addictive.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, shredded
- Cream cheese
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Buffalo hot sauce
- Shredded cheese
- Serve with chips, crackers, or veggies
Make-Ahead Meal Prep Ideas
16. Chicken Salad
Classic chicken salad is one of the best ways to use leftover chicken! It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or on top of greens.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, diced
- Mayo or Greek yogurt
- Celery, grapes, and nuts
- Herbs and seasonings
- Serve on bread, croissants, or lettuce cups
17. Freezer-Friendly Chicken Burritos
Make a batch of these burritos to freeze for easy grab-and-go meals anytime!
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, shredded
- Rice
- Black beans
- Cheese
- Salsa or enchilada sauce
- Large flour tortillas
Wrap individually in foil, then freeze. When ready to eat, remove foil and microwave for 2-3 minutes.
What to Do With Overcooked or Dry Chicken Breast
If your leftover chicken is a bit overcooked or dry, don’t worry! These recipes are perfect for rescuing it:
18. Chicken Pot Pie Soup
The creamy broth in this soup will add moisture back to dry chicken.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, shredded or diced small
- Potatoes, carrots, celery, peas
- Chicken broth
- Cream or half-and-half
- Herbs and seasonings
- Serve with biscuits or crusty bread
19. BBQ Chicken Sliders
Tossing dry chicken in BBQ sauce is a great way to add moisture and flavor!
What you’ll need:
- Leftover chicken breast, shredded
- BBQ sauce
- Hawaiian sweet rolls
- Cole slaw
- Pickles
- Optional: garlic butter and parmesan topping for the rolls
Time-Saving Tips for Using Leftover Chicken
To make weeknight cooking even easier:
- Prep ahead: Chop or shred your leftover chicken before storing it
- Portion it out: Divide chicken into meal-sized portions before refrigerating
- Label clearly: Note the date you cooked the chicken so you know when to use it by
- Think ahead: Plan at least one “leftover chicken” meal when you cook chicken breasts
Final Thoughts
With these awesome recipe ideas, you’ll never look at leftover chicken breast the same way again! Instead of dreading what to do with it, you’ll be excited about the possibilities.
The next time you’re staring at that container of leftover chicken in your fridge, remember this article and get creative! Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting like chicken pot pie, something light like a strawberry chicken salad, or something with global flavors like pad thai, leftover chicken can be transformed into an amazing meal your family will love.
What’s your favorite way to use leftover chicken breast? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
Fresh ideas for leftover chicken
We have a whole host of soothing soups, speedy curries, tempting risottos and mouth-watering salads that mean you will never look at your leftovers in the same way again…
Create delicious wraps by layering succulent chicken chunks with crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes and creamy tzatziki. These simple wraps not only boast a delightful combination of flavours and textures, but also fit seamlessly into your budget, requiring only six ingredients. Plus, you can whip them up in under 30 minutes, making them a quick and satisfying meal option.
Roll up a savoury treat for lunch with more of our wrap recipes.
Top of the list has to be the classic chicken sandwich. Weve given ours a lift with a zesty sauce of watercress, crème fraîche, lime and cracked black pepper, plus a portion of crispy bacon for extra flavour.
Check out our sandwich recipes for more sandwich, wrap and bun fillings.
Weve served this coronation chicken in sandwiches, but its equally as delicious served atop fluffy jacket potatoes or spooned onto salads. Its easy to throw together using storecupboard ingredients, too – youll just need some mayonnaise, mango chutney, curry powder, cinnamon and sultanas to create a flavour-packed chicken dish.
Spruce up chicken with a hint of curry in our coronation chicken recipes.
Fill soft tortillas with a variety of tasty toppings to create this speedy supper – you could even serve it family-style and let everyone create their own. Weve included classic fajita-inspired ingredients including onions, tomatoes and black beans. Finish with a drizzle of chipotle sauce, a dollop of guac and a sprinkle of cheese, and tuck in.
Make a Mexican-inspired supper with our Mexican chicken recipes.
Fans of chicken caesar salads will love this packed pitta, drizzled with a homemade caesar sauce. Its super easy to make – simply whizz up lemon juice, garlic, yogurt, mayo, mustard powder, anchovy, parmesan and cracked black pepper, then assemble your sandwiches.
Make our classic pitta bread from scratch or use ready-made for our best starters, light lunches and mains pitta recipes.
Nourishing soup is as much a part of autumn as conkers, crumbles and crunchy fallen leaves. If you are feeling under the weather, not much comes close in terms of comfort either. Using leftover chicken as a base for your soup is a thrifty way of getting your bird to go further, and it means you can get experimental with all sorts of punchy flavours, from fresh rosemary, sage and thyme, to sweet, roasted tomatoes and a spicy kick of chilli.
Fresh rosemary, sage and thyme really shine in this chunky soup, bulked out with butter beans and leftover roast chicken. Our top tip – make sure you have plenty of crusty bread to mop up the delicious herby sauce.
Find more chicken soup recipes, the perfect comfort food.
This South American-style soup is a healthy way to use up leftover roast chicken – its low in fat, freezable, and under 300 calories per portion, too. Ramp up the flavour profile with garlic, coriander, lime, cumin and chilli, and crumble over creamy feta to finish.
Discover more kale recipes for meals full of goodness and then read our helpful guide on the top five health benefits of kale.
A chicken carcass from your roast makes for a tasty bone broth base in this Chinese-inspired soup, served with eggs and cooked chicken. Its healthy, low fat, low in calories and gluten-free, too.
Ditch the takeaways and try making our Chinese chicken recipes.
This Asian-inspired soup is made using risotto rice for a really creamy texture. Weve used red Thai curry paste, coconut milk and chicken stock to pack in the flavour.
Check out more of our rice recipes for meal ideas using this storecupboard staple.
If you have soba or wholewheat noodles to hand, this soup is a real winner. The broth is made using any leftover chicken bones and meat from your Sunday roast, along with beansprouts, pak choi and spring onions for colour and texture.
Try more of our Thai chicken soup recipes for a warming dinner.
This rustic chicken and veg soup pairs perfectly with garlicky yogurt – swirl it through just before serving. Youll want a crusty baguette or a seeded roll to dunk, too.
Why not try and make your bread homemade? Our crusty bread or baguette would be perfect.
Whats not to love about a one-pot? This one takes just over half an hour to make, and its low in calories and fat, too. Use up any leftover roast chicken bones and meat to make the stock, then liven it up with storecupboard ingredients including soy sauce, honey and pickled ginger.
Whether you want a quick meal or a next-level supper, our chicken noodle soup recipes will satisfy your cravings for comfort food.
Fresh herbs, light dressings and interesting ingredients are sure to add life to leftover chicken. Pack it up and save money on a work lunch, or simply enjoy as a light but filling supper.
This colourful salad is practically a whole rainbow on your plate. Weve included instructions for how to roast a fresh chicken, but you can easily use up any leftover meat that you have to hand. Roast sweet potatoes and red onions with fennel seeds until caramelised, and serve with a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds for a final pop of colour.
Make a classic gremolata condiment and use it in a number of our gremolata recipes.
Earthy, sweet tarragon complements chicken, bacon, avocado and peas perfectly in this simple salad. Weve drizzled over an olive oil vinaigrette mixed with Dijon mustard for a touch of warming heat.
Serve a bright plate of goodness with our fuss-free chicken salad recipes.
Bulgur wheat is a brilliant base in this filling, summery salad piled high with chicken and flavoured with herbs. Sweet peaches and salty feta create a lovely balance of flavours.
Try more of our bulgur wheat recipes for ideas on how to make this grain centre-stage.
Topped with jewel-like pomegranate seeds and crumbled feta, this grain bowl is a really satisfying option for lunch or supper. The vibrant red Camargue rice makes it special enough to serve at a picnic or al fresco gathering, too.
Make the most of this deliciously salty cheese with our simple feta salad recipes.
Finely shredded red cabbage, carrots and spring onions form the base of this vibrant salad, drizzled with a punchy hoisin and sesame dressing. Its a healthy and low-calorie way to use up your leftover chicken, and the best part is that it takes only 20 minutes to make.
Salads arent just for summer – this chunky chopped salad is perfect for the winter months. Serve your leftover chicken with chunks of blue cheese, crispy bacon and hard-boiled eggs along with a honey mustard dressing.
Sometimes only a hot and hearty supper will do, so turn your leftovers into a comforting family meal with filling and flavour-packed enchiladas, bakes, hot pots and pies.
Opt for a larger chicken when shopping and maximise your meals by utilising the leftovers. Elevate the taste of your comforting stew by extracting rich flavour from the chicken bones. Simmer them alongside onions, carrots, parsnips, and celery to craft a homemade stock that takes your culinary creation to the next level.
Enjoy more winter chicken recipes that will warm you until spring.
Transform your leftover chicken into a quick, effortless curry featuring vibrant sugar snap peas. The coconut milk base imparts a creamy and mild character to the curry. If you desire a spicier kick, enhance the flavour by finishing with a generous sprinkle of chilli and coriander.
Whip up one of our warming chicken curry recipes, from creamy chicken korma and katsu to spicy tomato-based jalfrezi and madras.
Add some pizzazz to your leftover chicken with this recipe inspired by pad Thai. Its easy to make your own sauce using storecupboard ingredients that are often used in Thai cooking such as fish sauce, tamarind paste and sriracha.
Rustle up one of our pad Thai recipes for a cheaper alternative to a takeaway.
Potato-topped hotpots are the ultimate comfort food, and this recipe is a great way to use up both leftover chicken and any stray mixed vegetables from the freezer. Its a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen, too, and build up their cooking confidence.
Try more of our chicken & mushroom recipes for inspiration with this classic flavour pairing.
Transform your leftovers into a truly deluxe pie with leeks, mushrooms and a creamy, mustardy sauce. Weve topped it off with a crisp filo crust, brushed with olive oil and scattered with nigella seeds.
Make one of our chicken pie recipes for a comforting family dinner.
Onions, tomatoes and peppers add tonnes of flavour to the filling for this pie, which is finished with a layer of paprika-spiked mashed potatoes. Its dairy-free and low in salt, plus its ideal for making ahead – simply pop in the freezer for another evening.
Transport yourself to Spain with our Spanish-inspired recipes, from patatas bravas to paella.
This indulgent risotto is made even more rich with the addition of crème fraîche, plus a generous dusting of parmesan. Its an ideal way to serve leftover chicken breast, but you can use darker meat if thats what you have to hand.
Master this Italian dish with more of our risotto recipes.
Bulk out leftover meat from your chicken legs with kidney beans and sweetcorn, then wrap into tortillas to create these family-friendly enchiladas. Serve alongside salsa and a Mexican-style salad.
Try more enchilada recipes with any choice of filling.
This tasty tomato and onion bake is topped with torn mozzarella and crunchy breadcrumbs for a flavourful upgrade on roast chicken leftovers. Serve alongside your choice of mash, jacket potatoes, rice or pasta.
Try a warming, comforting Autumn chicken recipe.
Comforting and creamy, a perfectly cooked risotto is difficult to beat. Luckily this easy step-by-step recipe walks you through the process to create that rich risotto texture, with plump rice grains and a silky, starchy sauce. Weve paired cooked chicken chunks with bacon lardons for an extra dose of flavour.
If you always order egg-fried rice from your local Chinese takeaway, you have to try this homemade version. Its a perfect way to introduce children to some mild spice, and as an added bonus its all cooked in one pan, saving you time and effort on the washing-up.
Take the two basic ingredients of rice and chicken and create something delicious with our rice & chicken recipes.
Finally, this tortilla-topped bake makes for a satisfying snack or a light lunch for two, complete with a layer of bubbling, gooey cheese to dig those nachos into. Serve alongside an avocado salad to really make a meal of it.
The Best LEFTOVER chicken recipe I’ve ever tried!
FAQ
What can I make with leftover cooked chicken?
- Waste-nothing chicken & dumpling stew. …
- Easy leftover chicken curry. …
- Leftover roast chicken pad Thai. …
- Chicken & mushroom hot-pot. …
- Chicken & leek filo pie. …
- Spanish-style chicken pie. …
- Roast chicken & pea risotto. …
- Easy chicken & bean enchiladas.
What is the best way to eat leftover chicken breast?
Cooking ideas for leftover chicken breast to make shredded chicken for meal prep Shred it to make chicken salad. Or chunk it bite size, heat in some gravy. Serve with rice or mashed potatoes. Add a veggie and you have a satisfying easy dinner. I like the crock pot idea .
What meals can be made from chicken breast?
- Chicken pasta bake. A star rating of 4.6 out of 5. …
- ‘Marry me’ chicken. A star rating of 4.7 out of 5. …
- Easy chicken fajitas. A star rating of 4.7 out of 5. …
- Mustard-stuffed chicken. …
- Crunchy garlic chicken. …
- Chicken & chorizo jambalaya. …
- Chicken & bacon pasta. …
- App onlyChicken schnitzel caesar salad.
What can I do with chicken breast scraps?
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole – make these enchiladas for a crowd.
- Chicken Rice Casserole.
- BBQ Chicken Casserole.
- Chicken Fajita Casserole.
- Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.
- Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole.
- Chicken and Stuffing Casserole.