25 Ways to Use Up Chicken

Have you ever found yourself staring into the depths of your fridge, wondering what to do with that leftover chicken? Fear not; I have 25 genius ways to help you use that poultry. From quick and easy meals to creative twists on classic dishes, there’s something here for everyone. I always look for ways to use chicken, so I hope these ideas will be used well, just as I do at home.

Using chicken can also apply to those frozen packages of chicken in your freezer or fresh chicken in the back of the fridge and you’ve struggled to find a recipe your family will enjoy. Put these fun tips to work since you certainly don’t want that food to go to waste!

1. Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Let’s kick things off with a classic chicken salad sandwich! Mix your leftover chicken with mayo, diced celery, and a sprinkle of herbs, then pile it high on your favorite bread for a satisfying lunchtime treat. Chicken Salad Recipe

Please note, if you have a STRONG stand-up mixer, you may be able to shred your cooked chicken pieces with the wire whip, a FEW small pieces at a time. I use my Kitchen Aid 6-quart Mixer

2. Chicken Fried Rice

Turn last night’s chicken dinner into tonight’s dinner with a batch of chicken fried rice. Toss your leftover chicken with cooked rice, veggies, and a splash of soy sauce for a quick and flavorful meal ready in minutes. Fried Rice Recipes

3. Chicken Quesadilla

Spice up your snack game with chicken quesadillas. Layer leftover chicken with cheese between two tortillas, then cook until golden and crispy. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guac for dipping perfection. 20 Staple Pantry Items for Making Cheap Meals

4. Chicken Caesar Wrap

Wrap up your leftovers in a tasty chicken Caesar wrap. Fill a tortilla with chopped romaine lettuce, shredded chicken, grated parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of Caesar dressing for a quick and satisfying meal on the go. Watergate Salad

5. Chicken Taco Salad

Turn your leftover chicken into a fiesta-worthy salad with a chicken taco salad. Pile leftover chicken on top of a bed of lettuce, then add your favorite taco toppings like cheese, salsa, avocado, and crushed tortilla chips for crunch. Taco Salad Recipe

6. Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry

Put those leftovers to work in a flavorful chicken and vegetable stir fry. Sauté your leftover chicken with your favorite veggies and a splash of soy sauce for a quick and nutritious meal that’s sure to satisfy. 10 Foods to Stretch Your Food Budget

7. Chicken and Rice Soup

Warm up on a chilly day with a comforting chicken and rice soup bowl. Simmer leftover chicken with chicken broth, rice, and veggies for a cozy meal that’s like a hug in a bowl.

8. BBQ Chicken Pizza

Turn your leftovers into a crowd-pleasing pizza with BBQ chicken pizza. Top your favorite pizza dough with BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, red onion, and cheese for a meal sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

9. Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Elevate your leftovers with chicken and broccoli alfredo. Take the leftover chicken and steamed broccoli with cooked pasta and Alfredo sauce for a creamy and delicious meal that is ready in minutes.

10. Chicken Caesar Salad

Keep things light and fresh with a chicken Caesar salad. Toss leftover chicken with chopped romaine lettuce, grated parmesan cheese, croutons, and Caesar dressing for a satisfying salad perfect for lunch or dinner.

11. Chicken Tacos

Taco night just got a whole lot easier with leftover chicken tacos. Heat your leftover chicken and fill taco shells with chicken, lettuce, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a quick and tasty meal ready in minutes. Mexican Street Tacos

12. Chicken and Waffle Sliders

Turn your leftovers into a brunch-worthy treat with chicken and waffle sliders. Take the leftover chicken and sandwich it between mini waffles and drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet and savory meal that’s sure to impress.

13. Chicken Enchiladas

Spice up your dinner routine with leftover chicken enchiladas. Roll leftover chicken in tortillas, top with enchilada sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden for a meal that’s sure to please. Chicken Enchilada Recipe

14. Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Get creative with your leftovers and make chicken alfredo stuffed shells. Fill cooked pasta shells with leftover chicken, ricotta cheese, and alfredo sauce, then bake until bubbly and delicious. 15 Foods To Buy When You’re Broke

15. Buffalo Chicken Dip

Turn your leftovers into a crowd-pleasing appetizer with buffalo chicken dip. Mix shredded chicken with cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and cheese, then bake until bubbly and serve with chips, crackers, or veggies for dipping.

16. Chicken Pot Pie

Warm up on a chilly evening with leftover chicken pot pie. Mix leftover chicken with veggies and gravy, then top with a flaky pie crust and bake until golden and bubbly for a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy.

17. Chicken Fajitas

Turn your leftovers into a Tex-Mex feast with chicken fajitas. Sauté leftover chicken with onions and peppers, then serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings like salsa, guac, and sour cream for a flavorful meal in minutes. How To Dehydrate Bell Peppers

18. Chicken Pesto Pasta

Elevate your leftovers with chicken pesto pasta. Toss cooked pasta with pesto sauce and leftover chicken, then top with grated parmesan cheese for a quick and delicious meal in minutes.

19. Chicken Caesar Pizza

Put a twist on pizza night with chicken Caesar pizza. Top your favorite pizza dough with Caesar dressing, leftover chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and grated parmesan cheese for a meal that’s sure to impress.

20. Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

Get fancy with your leftovers and make chicken and mushroom risotto. Sauté mushrooms with leftover chicken, stir in arborio rice and chicken broth and cook until creamy and delicious for a perfect date night meal.

21. Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Turn your leftovers into a gourmet sandwich with a chicken caprese sandwich. Layer leftover chicken with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, and basil leaves on crusty bread, then drizzle with balsamic glaze for a meal that will impress your family or friends.

22. Chicken Gyro Salad

Keep things light and fresh with a chicken gyro salad. Pile leftover chicken on top of a bed of lettuce, then add sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and tzatziki sauce for a flavorful salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

23. Chicken Teriyaki Bowl

Turn your leftovers into a quick and easy meal with a chicken teriyaki bowl. Heat up leftover chicken and teriyaki sauce, then serve over rice with steamed veggies for a meal that’s ready in minutes. Teriyaki Sauce

24. Chicken BLT Wrap

Wrap up your leftovers in a tasty chicken BLT wrap. Fill a tortilla with leftover chicken, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo for a satisfying meal on the go. Dehydrating Tomatoes and Tomato Powder

25. Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas

Get creative with your leftovers and make chicken and spinach quesadillas. Layer leftover chicken with spinach and cheese between two tortillas, then cook until golden and crispy for a quick and tasty meal that’s ready in minutes.

More Tips

• Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Mini Chicken Pot Pies
• The Best Chicken And Broccoli Casserole
• The Best Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

Final Word

And there you have it, folks: 25 ways to use leftover chicken! Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or trying something new, these recipes will undoubtedly breathe new life into your leftovers. I can’t tell you enough how important it is to start using every last bit of food you have. I know money is tight for many Americans right now. I truly hope these ideas help you! May God Bless this World, Linda

Copyright Images: Chicken Shredded In Bowl AdobeStock_302123764 By By Fahrwasser, Chicken Shredded In Bowl Vertical AdobeStock_302123837 By Fahrwasser