by What can you make with leftover chicken?
10 May, 2023Transforming Leftover Chicken into Delicious Dishes
Leftover chicken can be a lifesaver when you want to create a quick, delicious meal. In this article, I will share my favorite ways to turn that extra chicken sitting in your fridge into something amazing.
Chicken Salad: A Classic Go-To
One of the simplest and most popular ways to use leftover chicken is to make a chicken salad. There are countless variations of chicken salad recipes, but the basic idea is to combine shredded or chopped chicken with mayonnaise, mustard, and your favorite veggies and seasonings. Some popular additions include diced celery, chopped red onion, sliced grapes, and slivered almonds. You can also add spices like curry powder, dill, or even cayenne pepper to give your chicken salad a kick.
Enjoy your chicken salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your chicken salad to your taste preferences.
Hearty Chicken Soup: A Comforting Choice
Another classic way to use leftover chicken is to make a delicious chicken soup. Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot. Add in your leftover chicken, along with some chicken broth, and let it simmer. Don't forget to season with salt, pepper, and any herbs you like, such as thyme or parsley.
If you want to go a step further, you can add in noodles, rice, or even dumplings to make your chicken soup even heartier. This is a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken and create a comforting meal that the whole family will love.
Chicken Fried Rice: A Flavorful Asian-Inspired Dish
For a flavorful and easy-to-make meal, try turning your leftover chicken into a delicious chicken fried rice. Begin by heating oil in a large skillet or wok and sautéing diced onions, garlic, and any other veggies you like, such as carrots or peas. Then, add in cooked rice and leftover chicken, stirring until heated through.
To give your chicken fried rice its signature flavor, add in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sesame oil. You can also add a scrambled egg for some extra protein. Serve your chicken fried rice with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a drizzle of sriracha for some added heat.
Chicken Quesadillas: A Quick and Easy Lunch or Dinner
Another great way to use leftover chicken is to make chicken quesadillas. Simply shred or chop your leftover chicken and mix it with your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack. Spread the chicken and cheese mixture onto one half of a tortilla and fold it over.
Heat the quesadilla on a griddle or in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. You can also add in some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños for an extra kick. Serve your chicken quesadilla with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping.
Chicken Caesar Wrap: A Fresh and Tasty Option
If you're looking for a lighter option to use up your leftover chicken, try making a chicken Caesar wrap. Start by chopping your leftover chicken into bite-sized pieces, and then toss it with some chopped romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Spread the chicken Caesar mixture onto a large tortilla or wrap, and then roll it up tightly. To make your wrap even more delicious, you can add some bacon bits, sliced avocado, or cherry tomatoes. This is a great option for a quick and easy lunch on-the-go or a light and refreshing dinner.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A Spicy and Delicious Twist
For a fun and unique way to use leftover chicken, try making a buffalo chicken pizza. Start by spreading a thin layer of buffalo sauce onto a prepared pizza crust. Then, shred or chop your leftover chicken and toss it in some additional buffalo sauce. Spread the chicken evenly over the pizza crust and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake your buffalo chicken pizza in a preheated oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once the pizza is done baking, drizzle it with some ranch or blue cheese dressing and sprinkle with chopped green onions or cilantro. This spicy and delicious pizza is sure to be a hit with the whole family!
As you can see, there are so many delicious and creative ways to use leftover chicken. Try one of these ideas next time you find yourself with extra chicken in your fridge, and enjoy a tasty and satisfying meal.