Delicious And Easy Recipes With Leftover Chicken
Leftover chicken can be a lifesaver for busy weeknights and a great way to use up the extra chicken you cooked for dinner the night before. Chicken is a versatile protein that can be used to make a variety of delicious and filling meals. Here are some easy recipes to make with leftover chicken that will make your weeknights a bit easier.
Chicken Quesadilla
A quesadilla is a great way to use up leftover chicken, as well as other ingredients you may have on hand. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter or oil to the skillet and let it melt. Add two tortillas to the skillet and top with shredded cheese and leftover chicken. Add additional toppings such as diced peppers, onions, tomatoes, or black beans. Cook for about 3 minutes, flipping once, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown. Cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Pasta Primavera
This delicious pasta dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken and vegetables. Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add a pound of pasta and cook according to the package instructions. In a separate skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter or oil. Add a cup of diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Add cooked chicken and a cup of chicken stock and simmer for another 5 minutes. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese and serve.
Chicken Salad
A classic chicken salad is a great way to use up leftover chicken. Start by shredding or chopping the cooked chicken into small pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with diced celery, onion, and other vegetables you have on hand. For a creamy salad, add a cup of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt and stir to combine. You can also add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even crumbled bacon for an extra flavor boost. Serve the chicken salad on a bed of lettuce, in a wrap, or in a sandwich.
Chicken Burrito Bowl
Burrito bowls are a great way to use up leftover chicken and other ingredients you have on hand. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet and let it warm. Add cooked chicken, diced vegetables, and any other ingredients you have on hand such as beans, corn, or rice. Cook for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through. Place the mixture in a bowl and top with your favorite burrito toppings such as sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheese. Serve with tortilla chips for an easy and delicious meal.
Chicken Soup
A classic chicken soup is a great way to use up leftover chicken. Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil to the pot and let it warm. Add diced onions, celery, carrots, and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes. Add cooked chicken, chicken stock, and any other vegetables you have on hand. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary and season with salt and pepper. Serve with a crusty loaf of bread for an easy and comforting meal.
Stir-Fry
A stir-fry is a great way to use up leftover chicken and vegetables. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet and let it warm. Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and carrots and cook for about 5 minutes. Add cooked chicken and any other ingredients you have on hand such as noodles, rice, or beans. Cook for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through. Add a premade stir-fry sauce or make your own with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Serve with rice or noodles for an easy and flavorful meal.
Chicken Pot Pie
A classic chicken pot pie is a great way to use up leftover chicken and vegetables. Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, diced vegetables, and a cup of chicken stock. Pour the mixture into a greased pie dish and top with a pre-made pie crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool before serving.
Wraps
A wrap is a great way to use up leftover chicken and other ingredients you have on hand. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet and let it warm. Add cooked chicken, diced vegetables, and any other ingredients you have on hand such as beans, corn, or rice. Cook for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through. Place the mixture in a wrap and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Serve with a side of chips for an easy and delicious meal.
Conclusion
Leftover chicken can be used to make a variety of delicious and filling meals. From quesadillas to pot pies, these easy recipes with leftover chicken make weeknights a breeze. Try one of these recipes the next time you have leftover chicken and you won't be disappointed!