Leftover roast chicken, a rotisserie chicken or extra chicken from meal prep can become a whole new dinner in minutes. Below are 6 of our recipes that work really well with cooked chicken, with a note on how to adapt each one, plus quick ideas that need no recipe at all. Cooked chicken is already done, so the trick is to add it near the end and just heat it through, which keeps it juicy.
Quick picks: fastest is chicken fried rice in 15 minutes. For lunch, chicken Caesar pasta salad. For a cosy dinner, chicken noodle soup.
1. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Skip cooking the chicken: slice or shred your leftover chicken and toss it with the pasta, romaine, parmesan and dressing.
Great make-ahead lunch
Get the recipe2. Chicken Noodle Soup
Make the broth and vegetables as written, then add shredded cooked chicken with the noodles so it just heats through.
Comforting and freezer friendly (without the noodles)
Get the recipe3. Chicken Fried Rice
Turn egg fried rice into chicken fried rice: add a cup of diced cooked chicken with the rice.
About 15 minutes
Get the recipe4. Spicy Peanut Noodles With Chicken
Toss shredded chicken through the noodles and peanut sauce for a quick, filling dinner.
About 20 minutes
Get the recipe5. Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Make the garlic cream sauce, then stir in sliced cooked chicken at the end instead of searing raw chicken.
About 30 minutes
Get the recipe6. Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
Warm leftover chicken in the teriyaki sauce until sticky and glossy, then serve over rice with broccoli.
Fast weeknight bowl
Get the recipe5 no-recipe ideas for leftover chicken
- Quesadillas: chicken, cheese and salsa in a tortilla, crisped in a dry pan for 2 to 3 minutes a side.
- Chicken salad sandwich: mix chopped chicken with mayonnaise, lemon, celery and herbs, just like our chickpea salad sandwich.
- Loaded baked potatoes: top with chicken, cheese, sour cream and spring onions.
- Wraps: chicken, hummus, lettuce and cucumber.
- Soup boost: stir shredded chicken into chickpea and spinach stew or Thai coconut curry soup.
Questions
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
Eat cooked chicken within 3 to 4 days. Cool it and put it in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking, in a covered container.
How do I reheat leftover chicken safely?
Reheat it until it is steaming hot all the way through, 165°F (74°C). Add it to sauces and soups near the end so it heats through without drying out.
Can I freeze cooked chicken?
Yes. Shred or slice it, pack it in freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
More recipe collections
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- 12 Easy 30-Minute Dinners
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