Kitchen Ready Betty
We’re sharing our favorite easy recipes to help you use up your chicken leftovers, ranging from Mexican inspired dishes to hearty soups and savory casseroles! They’re all so delicious, it’s hard for us to decide which one we like best. You don’t want to miss out on these!
Because I like to save money when I shop (who doesn’t these days?), I often buy in bulk. So when I see that family pack of boneless, skinless chicken breasts on sale, you know it immediately goes onto my shopping list.
Typically, I grill the entire package all at once (this is partly because I really enjoy using my indoor Ninja XL Foodi–the best kitchen appliance ever by the way, but also because I’m not a big fan of wrapping raw meat for the freezer).
We usually only eat 2-3 grilled chicken breasts when I first cook it. What, then, to do with all that extra tasty and tender cooked chicken?
If you’re food safety conscious like me (and let’s face it, we all should be), then you know that the USDA recommends consuming cooked chicken within 3 days. Fret not, because I’m about to share my favorite tasty ways to use up that leftover chicken! You’ll want to save these recipes!
Chicken Veggie Rice Casserole
To me, chicken and rice are one of the best pairings of all time, so why not use that base to create a tasty casserole–especially when you have leftover chicken in the fridge?
Topped with buttery breadcrumbs, Chicken Veggie Rice Casserole is a delicious and hearty family meal. Precooked chicken, rice, peppers, celery and a homemade sauce come together in this one dish dinner that will have everyone asking for more!
This tasty recipe uses 2 cups of precooked chicken.
Ham and Chicken Jambalaya
Simply put, jambalaya is a rice dish or stew that usually consists of the following: smoked meat, chicken, seafood (or a combination of all of those), vegetables (usually green peppers, celery and onions at a minimum), spices, rice, tomatoes and/or tomato sauce.
Ready in less than one hour, Ham and Chicken Jambalaya is the perfect one pot meal when we’re craving spicy comfort. It’s so hard to resist the enticing aromas of the seasonings and peppers as this simmers. This meal is perfect for a cool fall or cold winter’s day because it truly warms your belly while it nourishes your soul.
This Cajun recipe uses 1 cup of precooked chicken.
Chicken Fajita Quesadillas
Okay, show of hands: who likes Mexican food? We definitely do here, and that ‘s why, like Taco Bell, I continually come up with tasty new recipes using the same basic ingredients! (It’s also why most of the rest of this list is Mexican-inspired).
Filled with precooked chicken, sautéed bell peppers, onions and a ton of cheese, these savory Chicken Fajita Quesadillas are easy to make and absolutely delicious–especially when drizzled with their secret sauce!
Assembling quesadillas is fun, quick and easy. Once you pile on the ingredients, simply fry them in a pan!
This quick and easy recipe uses 1 cup of precooked chicken.
Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
Smothered in a creamy, tangy homemade white sauce, these Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are packed full of savory chicken, corn, black beans and cheese!
This enchiladas recipe is a little unique because it uses burrito-sized flour tortillas instead of the traditional rolled corn tortillas. The advantage to using the bigger size is that more tasty enchilada filling can be tucked inside-yum!
Bake the yummy enchiladas for about 20 minutes in the oven and dinner is done, making this a perfect recipe for busy nights!
This comforting Mexican meal uses 3-4 cups of precooked chicken.
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
When I’m looking for a big bowl of creamy comfort filled with delicious Mexican flavors, this easy chicken tortilla soup is my go-to.
Ready in less than one hour, Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is loaded with superb Tex-Mex flavor. It’s creamy tomato broth is smooth and comforting, and blends perfectly with the tender precooked chicken, black beans, cheese and corn. This hearty, flavorful soup welcomes a tangy dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top just before serving. So satisfying and delicious!
This unbelievably delicious soup uses 2 cups of precooked chicken.
Easy White Bean Chicken Chili
Easy White Bean Chicken Chili is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl with chili flavors, but wish to take a break from the slow cooker beef con carne style. Cooked exclusively on the stove top, this tasty chili recipe uses leftover or rotisserie chicken, along with white beans and chicken broth for a lighter change of pace.
And of course it’s always served with all those tasty chili toppings (quite possibly the best part about eating a bowl of chili!). From green onions to extra shredded cheese, avocado slices, crunchy tortilla chips and more, every delicious spoonful always satisfies!
This savory recipe uses 2-3 cups of precooked chicken.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas
Yes, another quesadilla recipe made the list! That’s because they’re so delicious!
Not only are these tasty Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas super easy to make, they are also super easy to devour! Filled with savory precooked chicken, bacon, ranch, cheddar cheese and broccoli, these delicious and easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas are a delightful twist on a Mexican-inspired favorite!
This “cracked” (cheddar, bacon, ranch) quesadilla recipe uses 1 cup of precooked chicken.
Which Leftover Chicken Recipe Will You Try First?
So there you have it, folks. A tasty collection awaits that we hope you enjoy as much as we do! Just remember to use your leftover chicken within 3 days.
This post will be updated from time to time to include more delicious ideas to use up that leftover chicken.
But for now…
…to the kitchen!
Have you tried any of these easy leftover chicken recipes? Drop me a line in the comments below. Also feel free to share your favorite leftover chicken recipe!