11 Mouthwatering Ideas for What to Make with Grilled Chicken Strips

Ever stared at a container of leftover grilled chicken strips in your fridge and wondered what the heck to do with them? You’re not alone! I’ve been there too many times. Those protein-packed strips are too good to waste but eating them plain day after day gets boring fast.

Good news: those grilled chicken strips are kitchen gold! They’re basically a blank canvas waiting for you to transform them into something amazing. Whether you grilled them yourself or grabbed some pre-cooked ones from the store, I’m about to show you how to give those chicken strips a delicious second life.

Let’s dive into 11 tasty ways to use grilled chicken strips that’ll make your family think you’ve been cooking all day (when really, you just got creative with leftovers!).

Quick and Nutritious Salads

Salads are probably the easiest way to use up grilled chicken strips. Just chop them up and toss them into your favorite greens for an instant protein boost

For a classic chicken salad mix your chopped grilled chicken with

• Mayonnaise
• Diced celery
• Red onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

Scoop this mixture over mixed greens or stuff it into a sandwich for a quick lunch.

Want something with an Asian twist? Try marinating your chicken strips in a mixture of:

• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Fresh ginger

Then sprinkle them over salad greens with shredded carrots, edamame, and mandarin oranges. A drizzle of sesame-ginger dressing pulls it all together!

Hearty and Satisfying Tacos

Tacos are another super easy way to reinvent your grilled chicken strips. Just warm the strips in a skillet and stuff them into tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Some topping ideas include:

• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
• Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
• Guacamole
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sour cream

Want to get creative? Try these global-inspired taco variations:

1. Greek chicken tacos with tzatziki sauce, feta cheese, red onion, and cucumber
2. Korean chicken tacos with spicy gochujang mayo, kimchi, and sesame seeds

My family goes crazy for taco night, and using pre-grilled chicken strips makes it so much faster than starting from scratch!

Nutritious Wraps and Sandwiches

Grilled chicken strips are perfect for stuffing into wraps, pitas, and sandwiches for grab-and-go meals.

For a simple wrap, combine chicken with:

• Mixed greens
• Sliced tomatoes
• Avocado
• Ranch dressing
• Large tortilla

Roll it all up tight for an easy lunch that won’t fall apart mid-bite.

For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, try stuffing a pita pocket with:

• Grilled chicken strips
• Hummus
• Cucumber slices
• Red onion
• Crumbled feta cheese

Or go Italian with a sandwich featuring chicken, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Yum!

Satisfying Soups and Chilis

When the weather gets cooler, soups and chilis hit the spot. And guess what? Those grilled chicken strips make them even better!

For a hearty chicken chili, simmer your chicken strips with:

• Beans (black, pinto, or kidney)
• Corn
• Diced tomatoes
• Chili powder, cumin, and other spices
• Chicken broth

Top your bowl with avocado slices, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.

For a quick chicken noodle soup, simmer the strips in broth with:

• Carrots
• Celery
• Onions
• Egg noodles (added toward the end)

The pre-grilled chicken adds so much flavor to the soup without having to cook it for hours!

Simple Skillet Meals

The stovetop is your friend when it comes to quick meals with grilled chicken strips. Sauté them in a little olive oil with tons of veggies for a nutritious dinner in minutes.

Try combinations like:

• Bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli with Italian seasoning
• Snap peas, carrots, and water chestnuts with teriyaki sauce
• Pineapple chunks and red onion for a Hawaiian-inspired dish

Serve these sautéed mixtures over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Easy Chicken Pizza and Flatbreads

Pizza night gets an upgrade when you add grilled chicken strips to the mix!

For a quick pizza, top your favorite crust with:

• Pizza sauce (or pesto or BBQ sauce)
• Grilled chicken strips
• Veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or red peppers
• Cheese (mozzarella, feta, or your favorite blend)

For individual flatbreads, spread naan or pita bread with pesto, then top with chicken, sliced tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Broil for a few minutes until everything is hot and the cheese is melty.

Quick Quesadillas

Quesadillas might be the ultimate “I need dinner in 5 minutes” meal. And they’re perfect for using up grilled chicken strips!

To make them:

1. Place a tortilla in a hot skillet
2. Add chicken strips and shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack work great)
3. Top with another tortilla
4. Cook until golden on both sides and the cheese is melted
5. Cut into triangles and serve

Serve with sides like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for dipping.

You can also jazz up your quesadillas by adding:

• Sautéed peppers and onions
• Diced green chiles
• Sliced jalapeños (if you like heat)
• Corn kernels
• Black beans

Zesty Rice Bowls

Build-your-own rice bowls are a fun dinner option that lets everyone customize their meal. Start with a base of rice (white, brown, or cauliflower), then top with grilled chicken strips and all your favorite add-ins.

Some topping ideas include:

• Sliced avocado
• Edamame
• Shredded carrots
• Shredded cabbage
• Sliced green onions
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil

Drizzle with flavorful sauces like:

• Teriyaki
• Peanut sauce
• Spicy mayo
• Lime-cilantro dressing

Simple Stir-Fries

Stir-fries come together super quick, especially when your protein is already cooked!

Try these combinations:

• Chicken with broccoli, mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas, and water chestnuts
• Thai-inspired stir-fry with carrots, broccoli, basil, and chili peppers

Season with sauces like:

• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Teriyaki
• Sweet chili
• Coconut milk and curry paste

Serve over rice noodles or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Savory Casseroles

Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food and a great way to stretch those grilled chicken strips to feed a crowd.

To make a basic chicken casserole:

1. Toss cubed chicken strips with sauce and veggies
2. Mix in cooked pasta or rice
3. Transfer to a baking dish
4. Top with cheese
5. Bake until heated through and bubbly

Some globally-inspired casserole ideas include:

• Chicken tikka masala casserole with rice and a creamy tomato sauce
• Chicken enchilada casserole with tortillas, enchilada sauce, and lots of cheese
• Chicken divan with broccoli and a creamy sauce

Tips for Using Grilled Chicken Strips

To get the most out of your grilled chicken strips:

• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat smartly: Use a skillet with a little oil or broth to prevent drying out.
• Prep ahead: Grill a big batch of chicken strips on the weekend to use throughout the week.
• Season as you go: Since grilled chicken is already cooked, you can add bold seasonings when reheating to create different flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts

With these 11 ideas, you’ll never look at leftover grilled chicken strips the same way again! They’re truly one of the most versatile proteins to have on hand for quick, healthy meals.

Whether you’re making a simple salad or an elaborate casserole, those pre-cooked strips save you tons of time in the kitchen. And let’s be honest—on busy weeknights, we can all use a little help getting dinner on the table!

So next time you fire up the grill, make some extra chicken strips. Your future self will thank you when you’re pulling together a delicious meal in minutes!

What’s your favorite way to use grilled chicken strips? Do you have any creative recipes I didn’t mention? I’d love to hear your ideas!