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Home » Meal Planning

Easy Leftover Chicken Recipes That You Don't Want to Miss

Updated: Nov 6, 2025 · Published: Mar 21, 2025 by Kitchen Ready Betty · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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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'll want to save these easy recipes!

Jump to:
  • Chicken Veggie Rice Casserole
  • Ham and Chicken Jambalaya
  • Chicken Fajita Quesadillas
  • Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
  • Chicken Salad Wraps
  • Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
  • Easy White Bean Chicken Chili
  • Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas
  • Which Leftover Chicken Recipe Will You Try First?
  • 💬 Comments

Chicken Veggie Rice Casserole

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

Ham and Chicken Jambalaya ready to serve

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

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

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.

Chicken Salad Wraps

chicken salad wrap on plate

This recipe starts out with my delicious Classic Chicken Salad Recipe.

In this super easy wraps recipe, burrito sized tortillas are stuffed with creamy homemade chicken salad, arugula, cheddar and more for the ultimate quick lunch or dinner. Chicken Salad Wraps are so satisfying and delicious, and are the perfect choice for luncheons and picnics--or anytime you're looking for a special sandwich with a deli style vibe.

This quick meal uses up to 2 cups of precooked chicken.

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

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- an easy leftover chicken recipe that you don't want to miss

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

chicken bacon ranch quesadillas on plate

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?

A tasty collection awaits that we hope you enjoy as much as we do! Just remember to use your leftover chicken within 3 days, per USDA safety guidelines.

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!

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