Have a some leftover chicken on hand? Breathe new life into your leftovers with these delicious, easy leftover chicken recipes!
In this stage of my life, I’m all about saving time and energy in the kitchen, and one of the best ways I’ve found to do that is to make good use of my leftovers. Making your leftovers do double-duty is a great way to save time, energy, and money (no waste!) in the kitchen.
Sometimes, that’s as easy as using up your leftover chicken. Whether you’ve baked, grilled, poached, or roasted it, or are simply using up the rest of a rotisserie chicken from the store, here are 20+ delicious leftover chicken recipes for using up those leftovers!
Sesame Chicken Salad
Save time by using leftover chicken in this delicious salad, loaded with crunchy cabbage, colorful veggies, juicy oranges and a DELICIOUS sesame dressing. It’s fresh, bright, and SO GOOD.
Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Whole30, Dairy-Free)
This dairy-free chicken pot pie soup is creamy and delicious, loaded with veggies and flavor. You won’t believe how creamy it can get without any dairy!
Gluten-Free Fried Rice
This easy weeknight meal is full of colorful veggies, eggs, rice, and a flavorful sauce to tie it all together. It’s quick, easy and delicious–the perfect recipe for leftover chicken!
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas (Gluten-Free)
These gluten-free Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are quick, easy, and MAJORLY delicious!
Wild Rice & Kale Salad
This tasty main dish salad is a copycat of my favorite from Cubby’s! It’s loaded with goodies and topped off with a tangy balsamic dressing you’re bound to love!
Gluten-Free Hummus Turkey Wrap
Brighten up your lunch break with this delicious gluten-free hummus wrap, swapping leftover chicken in for the turkey. This healthy sandwich is an easy, delicious lunch that packs well for a day at work!
BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad
Piled high with fresh veggies, BBQ chicken, and a creamy BBQ ranch dressing, this salad is summer on a plate!Â
Salsa Verde Chicken Chili (Quick + Easy + Healthy!)
I’m not exaggerating when I say this might be the EASIEST chili recipe ever! Just 7 ingredients + 15 minutes and you’re ready to enjoy this lighter take on chili night.
Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad
This chicken salad with apples is one of my favorite chicken salad recipes of all time! It’s the perfect combination of savory, sweet, creamy, and crunchy. A delicious meal-prep lunch or easy dinner!
Gluten-Free BBQ Chicken Pizza
Calling all pizza lovers! This smoky, savory, cheesy pizza is the perfect flavor to try on movie night! Our BBQ Chicken Pizza combines tender BBQ chicken, two kinds of cheese, savory veggies, and fresh finishes you’ll LOVE.Â
Baked Chicken Taquitos (Gluten Free + Easy!)
Turns out, homemade taquitos are so easy! We love these crispy, crunchy chicken taquitos. The filling is so good! (gluten free, dairy free)
Gluten-Free Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Comfort food is calling! This cozy gluten-free wild rice soup is the creamiest, coziest soup of the season. We love the tender chicken, creamy texture, and savory layers of flavor in every bite!
BLT Chicken Salad Avocado Cups (Paleo & Whole30 Approved!)
These tasty BLT Chicken Salad Avocado Cups are stuffed with a flavorful BLT-inspired chicken salad. It’s a great way to use leftover chicken!
Healthy Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls
One of my go-to recipes for using leftover chicken! Add leftover cooked chicken to these Chipotle-inspired burrito bowls packed with all the trimmings.
Mango Guacamole Chicken Wraps
These mango guacamole chicken wraps are the perfect easy lunch or fresh dinner. You’ll LOVE that sauce! (Gluten free, dairy free)Â
Classic Chicken Salad With Grapes
This chicken salad with grapes is my go-to chicken salad recipe! It comes together in no time and tastes amazing. (Bonus? It’s also Paleo, Gluten-Free, Whole30-Friendly!)
Gluten-Free Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
A bowl of this gluten-free lemon chicken orzo soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out! With plenty of chicken, veggies, tender orzo, and a bright lemony broth, it’s easy, nourishing, and delicious!
Pickle Chicken Salad
Our high-protein dill pickle chicken salad recipe combines tender chicken, crunchy pickles & a savory dressing you’ll LOVE. (It’s also naturally gluten-free + we have paleo & whole30 options, too!)
White Taco Soup
This creamy chicken taco soup recipe is PACKED with delicious layers of flavor and feels so cozy and comforting!Â
Curry Chicken Salad (Paleo, Whole30-Friendly)
Our healthy curry chicken salad recipe is easy, fresh, and delicious. A perfect easy lunch or dinner any day of the week.
Dairy-Free Chicken and Vegetable Risotto
This easy dairy free chicken vegetable risotto recipe is a family favorite! It’s cozy and comforting, but not a lot of fuss. Feel free to use your favorite kind of broth here–veggie, chicken, and beef broth all work!Â
Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup
This easy homemade gluten-free chicken soup recipe is full of flavor, made from simple ingredients & tastes so cozy!
Leftover Chicken FAQ’s
How Long Is Leftover Chicken Good For In The Fridge? According to the USDA, leftover cooked chicken usually stays good in the fridge for 3-5 days. It’s important to chill it promptly and store in an airtight container for best results.
Food Safety Tips. To prevent spoiling or bacteria growth, cooked chicken needs to be refrigerated within 2 hours. Never leave cooked chicken out at room temperature longer than 2 hours. If you’re outside or in a very hot climate, aim for chilling the chicken within 60-90 minutes instead of 2 hours, for best results.
How Do I Know Leftover Chicken Is Bad? Check for signs of spoiling, like an off-smell, a change in color, or a change in texture (sliminess, sponginess, etc.). Throw out any spoiled or suspicious chicken to avoid getting sick.
Okay, it’s Your Turn!
What are your favorite ways to use leftover chicken? Shout out your favorite leftover chicken recipes below!
I keep diced or shredded cooked chicken breasts in the freezer to use for quick meals. And I sometimes have leftover grilled chicken, from our cookouts. These recipes will come in handy. Thanks!
I’m so glad! Enjoy Ellen!