Got a container of leftover shredded chicken in your fridge? Don’t let it go to waste! As someone who meal preps regularly, I’ve been in this situation countless times. There’s something about that moment when you open the fridge and see that container of chicken just sitting there… again. But trust me, leftover shredded chicken doesn’t have to mean boring meals on repeat!
I’ve compiled my favorite ways to transform those chicken leftovers into meals that’ll make you forget you’re eating leftovers at all. From cozy comfort foods to quick lunches there’s something here for every craving and occasion.
Quick Meal Ideas Using Leftover Shredded Chicken
Sandwiches and Wraps
- Classic Chicken Salad: Mix with mayo, celery, grapes, and walnuts for a refreshing sandwich filling
- Buffalo Chicken Wraps: Toss chicken with buffalo sauce, wrap with lettuce, tomato, and blue cheese
- Chicken Pesto Panini: Layer chicken with pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes on bread and grill
- BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Mix with BBQ sauce and top with coleslaw on a toasted bun
Tacos and Mexican-Inspired Dishes
- Easy Chicken Tacos: Warm chicken with taco seasoning and serve with your favorite toppings
- Chicken Quesadillas: Spread between tortillas with cheese and grill until crispy
- Chicken Enchiladas: Roll in tortillas with cheese, top with enchilada sauce, and bake
- Chicken Nachos: Layer on chips with cheese, beans, and jalapeños for a quick snack
When I made nachos last week with my leftover chicken, my kids didn’t even realize it was “leftover night”! They cleaned the plate in minutes
Soups and Stews
- Chicken Noodle Soup: The ultimate comfort food – add to broth with veggies and noodles
- Chicken Tortilla Soup: Simmer with tomatoes, chilies, and spices; top with tortilla strips
- Chicken and Rice Soup: Hearty and filling with veggies and your grain of choice
- White Chicken Chili: Creamy and satisfying with white beans and green chilies
Comforting Casseroles and Bakes
Nothing transforms leftover chicken better than a good casserole! These are perfect for busy weeknights when you need something that’ll please everyone.
Creamy Baked Dishes
- Chicken Tetrazzini: Combine with pasta, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, then bake
- Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole: Mix with a creamy sauce, top with buttery crackers
- Chicken and Broccoli Bake: Layer with broccoli, cheese, and a cream sauce
- Chicken Shepherd’s Pie: Use as the protein base topped with mashed potatoes
My family’s fave is definitely the Chicken Tetrazzini – it’s like the chicken gets a second, more delicious life when mixed with those creamy noodles!
Rice-Based Casseroles
- Chicken and Rice Casserole: Simple comfort food with minimal ingredients
- Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Bake: Elevated version with a mix of rice types
- Chicken Biryani: Give leftover chicken an Indian-inspired makeover
- Chicken Fried Rice: Quick stir-fry with eggs, veggies, and soy sauce
Hearty Salads for Lunch or Dinner
Salads don’t have to be boring! Shredded chicken turns a simple salad into a filling meal.
Green Salads
- Chicken Caesar Salad: Classic combo of romaine, parmesan, croutons, and dressing
- BBQ Chicken Salad: With corn, black beans, and ranch dressing
- Asian Chicken Salad: With mandarin oranges, almonds, and sesame dressing
- Greek Chicken Salad: With feta, olives, cucumbers, and Greek dressing
Grain & Pasta Salads
- Chicken Pasta Salad: With bow-tie pasta, veggies, and Italian dressing
- Quinoa Chicken Salad: Healthy option with roasted veggies and lemon vinaigrette
- Chicken Couscous Salad: Mediterranean flavors with dried fruits and mint
- Thai Chicken Noodle Salad: Rice noodles with veggies and spicy peanut dressing
We’ve been eating the Thai Chicken Noodle Salad for lunch all week and I’m still not tired of it!
Global Flavors to Spice Things Up
One of the best ways to avoid chicken boredom is to explore different cuisines. Here’s how to give your chicken an international passport:
Asian-Inspired
- Chicken Fried Rice: Quick and satisfying with eggs and veggies
- Chicken Spring Rolls: Roll with veggies in rice paper wrappers
- Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry: Toss with veggies and a sweet-savory sauce
- Thai Chicken Curry: Simmer in coconut milk with curry paste
Mexican and Latin
- Chicken Flautas: Roll in tortillas and fry until crispy
- Chicken Tostadas: Layer on crispy tortillas with beans and toppings
- Pollo Mechado: Venezuelan style with tomatoes, capers, and sherry
- Chicken Empanadas: Fill pastry dough, seal, and bake for a portable snack
Mediterranean
- Chicken Gyros: Wrap in pita with tzatziki sauce and veggies
- Chicken Pizza: Top flatbread with pesto, cheese, and chicken
- Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Toss with olive oil and herbs
- Chicken and Hummus Plate: Mediterranean-style snack plate
Quick Appetizers for Entertaining
Got friends coming over? Leftover chicken can be your secret weapon!
Party Favorites
- Buffalo Chicken Dip: Creamy, spicy dip that disappears fast at parties
- Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Light appetizer with Asian flavors
- Mini Chicken Quesadillas: Cut into triangles for finger food
- Chicken Pinwheels: Roll in tortillas with cream cheese and slice
I made the Buffalo Chicken Dip for game night last weekend and nobody guessed it was made with leftovers. Score!
Make-Ahead Freezer Meals
Tired of your chicken now? Freeze it for later in these convenient forms:
Freezer-Friendly Options
- Chicken Pot Pie: Assemble and freeze unbaked for later
- Chicken Burritos: Roll, wrap individually, and freeze for quick lunches
- Chicken Soup Base: Freeze with veggies in broth; add pasta when reheating
- Stuffed Peppers: Fill with chicken and rice mixture, freeze before baking
Unique Ideas You Might Not Have Tried
Looking for something different? These creative options might surprise you:
Unexpected Transformations
- Chicken-Stuffed Avocados: Fill halved avocados and bake briefly
- Chicken Waffles: Add to waffle batter for a savory breakfast option
- Chicken Fritters: Mix with eggs, flour, and seasonings, then pan-fry
- Chicken-Stuffed Mushrooms: Fill mushroom caps for an elegant appetizer
Tips for Keeping Shredded Chicken Fresh
To get the most out of your leftover chicken:
- Store properly: Keep in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3-4 days
- Freeze for longer storage: Place in freezer bags for up to 3 months
- Reheat safely: Warm to 165°F (74°C) before eating
- Revitalize dry chicken: Add a splash of broth when reheating to restore moisture
Quick Recipe: 15-Minute Chicken Quesadillas
Here’s one of my go-to recipes when I need dinner on the table fast:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 tsp taco seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix chicken with taco seasoning
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat
- Spread butter on one side of each tortilla
- Place tortilla butter-side down in skillet
- Sprinkle half with cheese, add chicken, then more cheese
- Fold tortilla over and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side
- Repeat with remaining tortillas
- Cut into wedges and serve with toppings
Meal Prep Ideas Using Shredded Chicken
One of my favorite Sunday activities is prepping shredded chicken for the week. Here’s how I use it:
Meal Prep Containers
- Power Bowls: Portion chicken with quinoa, roasted veggies, and dressing
- Bento Boxes: Arrange chicken with fruit, cheese, and crackers
- Salad Jars: Layer dressing, veggies, chicken, and greens in mason jars
- Soup Portions: Divide chicken soup into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches
FAQ About Leftover Shredded Chicken
How long does shredded chicken last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, cooked shredded chicken lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze leftover shredded chicken?
Absolutely! Place in freezer bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. I like to freeze in 1-cup portions for easy use.
What’s the best way to reheat shredded chicken without drying it out?
Add a splash of chicken broth or water, cover, and heat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Stirring occasionally helps distribute heat evenly.
How can I tell if my leftover chicken has gone bad?
Trust your senses! If it has a sour smell, slimy texture, or unusual color, it’s time to toss it out.
Conclusion
With these ideas, you’ll never look at leftover shredded chicken with dread again! From quick sandwiches to impressive dinner party dishes, that container of chicken is actually a ticket to countless delicious meals.
What’s your favorite way to use leftover shredded chicken? I’m always looking for new ideas to add to my rotation!
Remember, the next time you’re cooking chicken, make extra on purpose – your future self will thank you when dinner’s ready in minutes!
Shredded Chicken Recipes Tip
Many of these recipes call for uncooked chicken — but using cooked, shredded chicken will cut the prep and cook time down considerably and is a simple swap.
Since the chicken doesn’t require any cooking, you can simply stir it in to soups and pastas in the last few minutes of cook time to reheat.
See more of my shredded chicken recipe tips down below! Now here are some of our favorite ways to use that pulled chicken to make dinner time easier.
How to shred chicken:
I guess I’m a little old school this way, but I prefer to just use two forks and pull it apart.
There are lots of people who use a hand mixer or stand mixer, and just get in there and it’s shredded in a minute or less, but I find the chicken turns to mush and is super fine.
I like to shred my chicken with forks because I can make the chunks as big or small as I want, and keep some of the texture of the chicken (so you can see it actually is chicken!).
You do you
And now what to do with all of that delicious chicken! Here’s your dinner inspiration for the week ahead: