Leftover chicken is a kitchen staple that can be transformed into a wide variety of delicious dishes. From salads to soups to sandwiches, there are endless possibilities for utilizing leftover chicken in creative and flavorful ways. Here are some of Food & Wine’s top recipes for making the most of your leftover chicken.
Gỏi Gá (Crunchy Vietnamese Chicken Salad)
Seattle chef-restaurateurs Eric and Sophie Banh’s Gỏi Gá is a delightful high-contrast salad that combines shredded rotisserie chicken with crisp cabbage, carrots, fresh herbs, and a bright nuoc-mam dressing. Fried shallots and chopped peanuts add texture to this refreshing dish, which is ready in just 45 minutes. Serve chilled with extra herbs and lime for a burst of flavor.
Chile Crisp Sesame Noodles
Paige Grandjean’s 25-minute noodles are built on Chinese toasted sesame paste, black vinegar, soy, ginger, and chile crisp. Shredded chicken is a recommended add-in for these versatile noodles, making them a perfect option for using up leftovers. Serve the noodles warm or cold for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Shredded Chicken
Chandra Ram’s shredded chicken recipe is a versatile base that can be used in tacos, soups, casseroles, and more. By simmering chicken gently with aromatics, you create tender meat in about 30 minutes and a light stock that can be saved for later use. This method is a smart way to refresh leftover roast or rotisserie chicken, giving it new life in a variety of dishes.
Arroz de Galinha
George Mendes’ Arroz de Galinha layers soppressata, peppers, onions, olives, and shredded chicken beneath saffron-scented rice. This Portuguese-inspired dish is baked until the top turns crisp and hits the table in about an hour, making it a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for using up leftover chicken.
Peppery Greens Salad with Avocado, Chicken, and Tortilla Croutons
Inspired by Lebanese bread salad fattoush, Justin Chapple’s salad swaps in pimentón-dusted tortilla “croutons” for crunch. Arugula and frisée meet shredded cooked chicken, avocado, pepitas, and a Champagne-vinegar dressing for a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Sheet Pan Nachos
Sheet pan nachos are a great option for a party or a fun, snackable dinner. Just spread chips on a sheet pan, pile on your toppings (including leftover chicken), and bake until molten. Save the jalapeños, avocado, and crema for when it’s out of the oven. This easy dish is on the table in roughly 30 minutes, making it a quick and delicious way to use up leftover chicken.
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Amanda Johnson’s creamy soup combines leftover chicken with wild rice for a comforting and flavorful meal. Inspired by her North Dakota home, this soup is great for making ahead and reheating gently before serving. The nutty chew of wild rice pairs perfectly with tender chicken for a satisfying and delicious soup.
Marry Me Chicken Salad Sandwich
This recipe combines the viral “Marry Me” flavor profile of savory sun-dried tomatoes and salty Parmesan in sandwich form. The result is a creamy, tangy chicken salad with punchy add-ins that’s best tucked into soft bread for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Chicken Potpie with Leeks and Thyme
This streamlined potpie skips the crust and instead crowns a one-skillet chicken-leek filling with squares of puff pastry. Dijon sharpens the creamy base, while using leftover chicken keeps prep quick and easy. Enjoy this comforting and delicious dish for a hearty meal that’s perfect for using up leftover chicken.
These recipes showcase the versatility of leftover chicken and provide delicious and creative ways to make the most of this kitchen staple. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or a comforting and flavorful dish, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and make the most of your leftover chicken. The addition of creamy blue cheese adds a tangy and savory element to the classic chicken salad sandwich. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and create a delicious and satisfying meal.
To make this Leftover Blue Cheese Chicken Salad Sandwich, start by shredding or chopping up your leftover chicken. In a bowl, mix the chicken with mayonnaise, diced celery, green onions, and a generous amount of crumbled blue cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spread the blue cheese chicken salad onto slices of your favorite bread, such as whole wheat, sourdough, or ciabatta. Add some fresh greens like arugula or spinach for added texture and flavor. Top with another slice of bread to create a sandwich.
You can enjoy this sandwich cold or heat it up in a panini press for a melted and gooey version. Serve with a side salad, chips, or pickles for a complete meal.
This Leftover Blue Cheese Chicken Salad Sandwich is a quick and easy way to repurpose leftover chicken into a tasty and satisfying lunch or dinner option. The creamy blue cheese adds a delicious twist to the classic chicken salad, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal. When it comes to a quick and delicious meal, Mexican Skillet Corn with Chicken and Cilantro is a perfect choice. This dish combines the sweetness of corn with the savory goodness of cooked chicken, along with aromatic flavors that make it a delightful summer supper.
To make this dish, simply sauté sweet corn and cooked chicken with your favorite aromatics in a skillet. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying meal that can be served with warm tortillas or rice for a complete and filling dinner.
Another tasty option for using leftover chicken is Chicken Hash with Eggs. Chef Jonathan Waxman’s recipe transforms leftover chicken and potatoes into a crispy breakfast hash topped with perfectly cooked eggs. The key to this dish is to brown the ingredients well and avoid stirring too much to achieve those delicious crispy edges. Finish it off with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for a flavorful and satisfying breakfast.
If you’re in the mood for a comforting and easy-to-make dish, Easy Chicken Lasagna is a great choice. This recipe from Todd Porter and Diane Cu swaps traditional ragù for a combination of chicken and premade sauce, making it a simple yet delicious alternative. Perfect for making ahead of time and freezing for later, this lasagna is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Whether you choose to make Mexican Skillet Corn with Chicken and Cilantro, Chicken Hash with Eggs, or Easy Chicken Lasagna, each of these recipes offers a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of chicken in a unique and mouthwatering dish. Try them out for yourself and experience the delightful combination of flavors and textures that these recipes have to offer.
