Leftovers for dinner—again? Eating up what's in the fridge might be easy, but it's always not the most exciting. Follow our leftover chicken recipes for a fresh take on yesterday's dinner!
47 Leftover Chicken Recipes You’ll Want to Eat
Updated on Sep. 29, 2024
1/47
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter has the best sour cream and cream cheese chicken enchiladas recipe I've ever tried. She brought 10 pans of it to my wedding reception and they were the biggest hit of all the food. So many guests wanted the recipe, we sent it out with our Christmas cards. —Pat Coffee, Kingston, Washington
One of our most popular chicken dinners ever, these creamy enchiladas are easy to make at home. Layer a 13×9-inch pan with tortillas stuffed with leftover chicken, cream cheese and spices, then pour over a quick enchilada sauce. Feel free to add or subtract chiles, or vegetables like chopped peppers or corn.
2/47
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With four small children at home, I need quick yet filling meals. This family-favorite BBQ chicken sandwich filling is a cinch to make. For a spicier taste, eliminate the ketchup and increase the amount of salsa to 1 cup. —Leticia Lewis, Kennewick, Washington
Leftover chicken is a natural fit for sandwiches. These saucy sammies are so easy to toss together, even though they use a homemade sauce (though you can swap in one of our favorite store-bought BBQ sauces). Serve with a quick side of canned or frozen corn.
3/47
Quick Chicken and Dumplings
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Using precooked chicken and ready-made biscuits, this hearty dish is comfort food made simple. It's the perfect way to warm up on chilly nights. —Lakeya Astwood, Schenectady, New York
Rather than making dumplings from scratch, this recipe calls for a quick substitute: frozen biscuits. The buttery, savory biscuits soften as they soak up the sauce, giving them a squishy, dumpling-like texture (and plenty of flavors).
4/47
Spicy Chicken and Bacon Mac
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been working to perfect a creamy, spicy mac and cheese for years. After adding smoky bacon, jalapenos and spicy cheese, this is the ultimate side dish! —Sarah Gilbert, Aloha, Oregon
This hearty mac and cheese recipe is a cozy dinner on a cool night. Adding cubed chicken and bacon to the creamy noodles transforms the bowl from a kid’s menu go-to to a grown-up treat. If you like to have green on the table, serve with a side salad or steamed broccoli.
5/47
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish always gets rave reviews! Using rotisserie chicken makes it super easy to assemble and gives it an extra boost in flavor. Sometimes I like to add smoked paprika to the sauce and a little seasoned salt to the bread crumbs. —Mary Brehm, Cape Coral, Florida
6/47
Thai Peanut Chicken Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I used traditional pizza sauce and toppings in this recipe for years. After becoming a fan of Thai peanut chicken pizza, I decided to use those flavors instead. Serve this dish with stir-fried vegetables or a salad with sesame dressing for an easy, delicious meal. —Katherine Wollgast, Troy, Missouri
This dinner recipe looks so impressive, layered with tasty, nutty sauce, chicken, mushrooms and veggies, but it’s incredibly easy to put together. The secret? Using leftover chicken, store-bought sauce and tubed biscuit dough.
7/47
Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A good friend made us this rich, comforting soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, Utah
A great recipe to make for new parents (or anyone who needs a meal train), this chicken noodle soup is a classic. Though it’s flavorful and creamy, it only calls for six ingredients plus water.
8/47
Nectarine Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When guests are coming for lunch or dinner in the warm summer months, I like to serve this attractive, colorful salad. The dressing is refreshingly tart. A neighbor shared the recipe years ago and I've passed it on many times.
9/47
Chicken Potpie
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 potpies (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California
10/47
Baked Egg Rolls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These egg rolls are low in fat but the crispiness from baking will fool you into thinking they were fried! —Barbara Lierman, Lyons, Nebraska
These takeout-inspired crispy egg rolls are 100% restaurant-worthy, but they’re also quick to make in a home kitchen. The crispy shells are packed with fresh vegetables, and chopped leftover chicken gives them enough heft to be a main dish. As a bonus, they’re baked, not fried!
11/47
Garlicky Chicken Pizza
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tomatoes, olives and goat cheese really brighten up this white pizza. I like to cook extra chicken for this recipe while making another meal. Just make sure the tomatoes are well drained to keep the crust nice and crispy. —Teri Otte, Cannon Falls, Minnesota
Homemade pizza is surprisingly simple to make, especially if you use store-bought pie dough. Once you start topping your own pies—controlling the amount of sauce, cheese and toppings—you might never go back to delivery. Adding sliced or chopped leftover chicken is a nice protein that matches literally everything.
12/47
Chicken Tortilla Bake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mother frequently made this comforting chicken tortilla casserole when I was growing up. Our family would scrape the pan clean. Chicken, cheese and zippy green chiles are a mouthwatering mix. —Jerri Moror, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
As delicious as individual burritos taste, they’re time-consuming to wrap one by one. This casserole makes it quick and easy to serve a crowd. Layer tortillas with green chiles, cheese, chicken and creamy sauce, bake and watch your eaters clean the pan.
13/47
BBQ Chicken and Apple Bread Pudding
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To me, bread pudding is the epitome of comfort food and it's simply too good to reserve only for dessert. This sweet-and-savory twist on the classic is a delicious new way to enjoy an old favorite. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
This recipe pulls out all the creative stops! Savory toppings turn bread pudding into a totally acceptable dinner recipe. Swapping corn muffin mix for plain bread adds tons of flavor. Chicken and BBQ sauce are a hearty filling, while cut-up apples add sweetness and crunch.
14/47
General Tso’s Stew
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Asian food and wanted a chili-like soup with the distinctive flavors of General Tso’s chicken. The slow cooker makes this super easy, and you can use any meat you like. It’s wonderful with turkey, ground meats or leftover pork. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Tossing leftover chicken in a sauce instantly creates a new dinner. While tomato sauce or soy sauce are simple choices, when you’re in the mood for something new, try this recipe. Inspired by General Tso’s chicken, the spicy, nutty, sweet sauce is easy to throw together and warm through in the slow cooker. Serve over rice or noodles.
15/47
Cherry Chicken Croissants
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a similar chicken salad at a restaurant and created my own version. It may seem like an odd combination, but the ingredients work really well together. My children love it, and it only takes a few minutes to cut everything up—so easy!
Instantly elevate chicken salad sandwiches by serving them on croissants. What a treat! Like every good chicken salad recipe, this one combines a variety of flavors and textures: sweet fruits, crunchy nuts and vegetables, and savory bursts of bacon. Of course, you can swap in your favorite toppings, and serve over lettuce for an easy gluten-free option.
16/47
Creamy Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend Caroline Gray and I came up with this creamy slow-cooker white chicken chili. It's unusual because it calls for Alfredo sauce. —Cindi Mitchell, St. Marys, Kansas
This top-rated slow cooker recipe has a secret ingredient: Alfredo sauce. The jarred white sauce adds tons of creaminess, and is mild enough to take on the robust chili seasonings. You can easily make this recipe on the stovetop, too; make sure to simmer long enough for the flavors to develop.
17/47
Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves pasta salads, but usually they have too much mayonnaise or oily dressing. Using hummus gives this dish a great taste and texture, while also increasing its nutritional profile. Adding chicken (store-bought rotisserie chicken works well), makes this pasta salad a complete meal. —Jenny Lynch, Rock Island, Illinois
Looking for a pasta salad that’s not too loaded with mayo or oil? Try this light, refreshing option, tossed in a savory, flavorful sauce of Italian dressing and hummus. Greek-inspired toppings include leftover chicken, spinach, feta and olives, but you can top with any fresh veggies and cheese you like.
18/47
Chicken Florentine Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy and comforting, this chicken and spinach bake is sure to be a hit at dinnertime. The toasty bread crumb topping delivers a bit of a crunch. —Dori Jackson, Gulf Breeze, Florida
Wondering how to get fussy eaters to eat spinach? Transform it into a bright green note in a cheesy, herby chicken casserole. Serve this as a one-dish meal, or double up the greens with a side salad.
19/47
Quick Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Asian chicken and broccoli stir-fry is a household best bet. The spicy sauce works with chicken, seafood, pork or beef. Add whatever veggies you have on hand. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Stir-fry is one of the most versatile cooking methods out there. Starting from a base of aromatics—think garlic, ginger and soy sauce—almost any ingredient can toss into a pot. Meats, chicken, vegetables, nuts and herbs all taste great.
20/47
Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a colorful and comforting Thai peanut chicken stir-fry with just a touch of heat from crushed red pepper. If you want even more color, add frozen stir-fry veggies. —Lisa Erickson, Ripon, Wisconsin
21/47
Arizona Chicken in Acorn Squash
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Give stuffed acorn squash a taste of the Southwest with this comforting recipe. We love the crunch of the toasted almonds, heat of green chiles, and creamy texture of avocado. —Martha Sparlin, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Try this cool trick with your favorite winter squash: scoop out the seeds and fill the hollow with a mix of meat, sauce and vegetables. Bake them all together, and the squash turns into an edible, healthy bowl, while the filling flavors the entire dish. An easy, versatile weeknight dinner idea.
22/47
Simple Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 casseroles (5 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken enchilada recipe is one of the first dishes I created and cooked for my husband right after we got married. He was so impressed! We fix these creamy enchiladas for friends regularly. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
23/47
Cashew-Chicken Rotini Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve tried many chicken salad recipes over the years, but this is my very favorite. It’s fresh, fruity and refreshing, and the cashews add wonderful crunch. Every time I serve it at a potluck or picnic, I get rave reviews—and ( always come home with an empty bowl! —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah
There’s no rule that main dishes have to be savory. This pasta salad has a savory base (Ranch dressing = yum), but it’s loaded with sweet notes: canned pineapple, dried cranberries and fresh grapes.
24/47
Curried Chicken & Peach Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a very healthy and simple salad to make; even my non-cooking husband can whip it together in minutes. We’ve served this to friends over the years, and they always ask for the recipe. —Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida
Wanna know to make a fresh summer supper in minutes? Top bagged salad greens with jazzed-up leftover chicken. Fresh peaches are a sweet note that compliments the curried chicken salad perfectly, but you can swap in any juicy fruit: tomatoes, nectarines, apples or even berries will work.
25/47
Chicken Broccoli Shells
Total Time
45 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy entree is a make-ahead dream. Just assemble it ahead of time and put it in the oven when company arrives. I round out the meal with a tossed salad and warm bread. —Karen Jagger, Columbia City, Indiana
This pasta dish looks impressive on a plate. But it’s so easy to make: fill big pasta shells with diced chicken and broccoli. You can even prepare it ahead of time, and then bake just before guests (or your family) arrive.
26/47
Chicken Zucchini Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A co-worker shared this chicken zucchini casserole recipe that was originally her grandmother's. When I make it, I use precooked chicken from the grocery store and fresh zucchini my neighbor gives me from his garden. —Bev Dutro, Dayton, Ohio
Have a bumper crop of zucchini? Chop it up and turn it into a juicy, flavorful filling for this summery casserole. The recipe is so flexible: add other chopped veggies, cooked or raw, or your favorite cheese.
27/47
Chicken and Dumplings
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Perfect for fall nights, my simple version of comforting chicken and dumplings is speedy, low in fat and a delicious one-dish meal. —Nancy Tuck, Elk Falls, Kansas
Psst: you can make chicken soup even more comforting than it already is! How? Top the bowls with puffy, buttery dumplings. This recipe calls for a biscuit mix to make them extra simple to make.
28/47
Chicken Divan
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty chicken divan recipe was given to me by a friend years ago, and it's been a family favorite ever since. My daughters enjoy making this dish in their own homes and get the same enthusiastic compliments I always do! —Mary Pat Lucia, North East, Pennsylvania
This top-rated recipe starts with a homemade cream sauce, thickened the old-fashioned way, with a roux. The final dish is especially creamy and unctuous thanks to this easy (we promise!) step.
29/47
Chicken Burritos
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This mouthwatering southwestern burrito recipe makes enough for two casseroles, so you can enjoy one today and freeze the other for a busy weeknight. They're super to have on hand for quick meals or to take to potlucks. —Sonya Nightingale, Burley, Idaho.
Cooking for a hungry crowd? Bookmark this hearty dinner recipe. Cheesy, spicy burritos are filled with both beans and chili, making them ideal for growing teens.
30/47
Chicken Enchilada Bake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Your family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado
Enchiladas are some of our most popular chicken recipes, and it’s easy to see why. They’re oh-so-easy to make, and please every eater in the family. This one uses corn tortillas, making it an easy gluten-free dinner.
31/47
Chicken Biscuit Potpie
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty meal in one takes just 10 minutes to assemble before you can pop it into the oven. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas
There’s nothing more homey than pulling a bubbling casserole dish from the oven! Even busy cooks can capture the feeling: this potpie takes just 10 minutes to throw together before you pop it into the oven. You can even assemble it ahead of time and slide it in the oven when you get home from work.
32/47
Spicy Chicken Tomato Soup
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cumin, chili powder and cayenne pepper give my slow-cooked specialty its kick. I serve bowls of it with crunchy tortilla strips that bake in no time. Leftover soup freezes well for nights I don’t feel like cooking. —Margaret Bailey, Coffeeville, Mississippi
Want the equation for the easiest dinner ever? Combine leftover chicken with a good slow-cooker soup recipe. This flavorful, spicy soup calls for frozen and canned vegetables.
You’ll need a fork and a big plate to eat these cheesy, gooey enchiladas. Serve them with a good store-bought salsa on the side.
33/47
34/47
Chicken and Swiss Stuffing Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri
If you’re only eating stuffing on Thanksgiving, you’re missing out! The savory, crumbling bread dish makes a hearty casserole filling. Here, broccoli, chicken, cream of mushroom soup and Swiss cheese layer into a flavorful one-bowl dinner.
35/47
Cobb Salad Sub
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we need a quick meal to share, we turn Cobb salad into a sandwich masterpiece. Sometimes I substitute tortillas for the bread and make wraps instead. —Kimberly Grusendorf, Medina, Ohio
36/47
Chicken Potpie Galette with Cheddar-Thyme Crust
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This gorgeous galette takes traditional chicken potpie and gives it a fun open-faced spin. The rich filling and flaky cheddar-flecked crust make it taste so homey. It's lovely for fall and winter dinners, but you can enjoy it anytime. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Although it relies on leftover chicken for filling, this galette is a delicious meal special enough for an occasion. The from-scratch crust gets an extra savory kick from cheddar cheese, and the filling is rich with mushrooms, chard and chicken.
37/47
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family was growing tired of traditional red sauce lasagna, so I created this fun twist using a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. Store-bought rotisserie chicken keeps prep simple and fast. —Caitlin MacNeilly, Uncasville, Connecticut
Two favorite pasta dishes unite in this scrumptious casserole. Alfredo sauce, chicken, ham and cheese layer between noodles.
38/47
Brown Rice Mulligatawny
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends tell me this is one of the best soups they’ve ever had. One even said it’s “perfect.” No one guesses that it’s healthy!—Sarah Ott, Blanchardville, Wisconsin.
Want a twist on classic chicken soup? Try this mulligatawny, an Indian-inspired soup packed with vegetables and lightly seasoned with curry spices. Brown rice makes for a healthy whole grain filling.
39/47
Chicken and Chiles Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This casserole makes good use of leftover meat and is very filling. —Lois Keel, Alburquerque, New Mexico
Casseroles are the easiest one-dish meals. This creamy, cozy, slightly spicy dinner is filling and flavorful, and you can even make it ahead.
40/47
Chicken Biscuit Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Golden biscuits cover this homespun dish laden with chicken, broccoli and cheese. It's then topped with a celery seed mixture. My family requests this all-in-one dinner once a month. —Karen Weirick, Bourbon, Indiana
41/47
Baked Chicken Chalupas
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted an easy alternative to deep-fried chalupas, so I bake them with filling on top. —Magdalena Flores, Abilene, Texas
One of our favorite Mexican-inspired dishes, chalupas are usually deep-fried and rich. This recipe simplifies them for the home cook: baking instead of frying, but not giving up a bit of flavor.
42/47
Buffalo Chicken Wing Soup
Total Time
4 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love buffalo chicken wings, so we created a soup with the same zippy flavor,. It's very popular with guests. Start with a small amount of hot sauce, then add more if needed to suit your family's tastes. —Pat Farmer, Falconer, New York
Add leftover chicken to any soup recipe, and you’ll have a fresh bowl in a hurry. This soup transforms plain rotisserie chicken leftovers into a creamy, kicky soup inspired by chicken wings.
43/47
Chicken Tamale Bake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I serve this Mexican-style casserole, everyone scrapes the plate clean. Offer fresh toppings like green onions, tomatoes and avocado. —Jennifer Stowell, Smithville, Missouri
This ooey-gooey casserole dish is comfort food the whole family can enjoy. Serve with guacamole and chips for a festive Friday night dinner.
44/47
Chicken & Blue Cheese Pizza
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The blue cheese in place of the expected mozzarella gives this pizza a surprising and sophisticated taste. It's excellent as an entree or appetizer—it can be prepared in a round pizza pan as well. —Beverly Lynch, Sugar Grove, Illinois
This pizza breaks the convention that tomato sauce and mozzarella are requirements. Using olive oil as a base lets the flavors of the toppings shine, while blue cheese packs in savory flavor.
45/47
Swiss Chicken Sliders
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Friends came over for a spur-of-the-moment bonfire, and I dreamed up these quick chicken sliders so we'd have something to eat. Bake them till the cheese is gooey. —Sara Martin, Whitefish, Montana
There’s something about sliders that feels so fun, even though they’re as easy to make as any sandwich. Load buns with ham, sliced chicken, and Swiss, then bake in a casserole dish until the cheese is melty. Fun for a party or a family dinner!
46/47
Curried Chicken Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This protein-packed skillet dish is loaded with bright flavor. A little curry and fresh ginger make the veggies, chicken and quinoa pop. —Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Willimantic, Connecticut
This quick curry skillet puts a superfood at its base: quinoa. The protein-packed grain is naturally gluten-free and full of fiber, and it’s quick to cook, too. Making a quick curry seasoning ties the whole dish together.
47/47
Chicken Chiles Rellenos Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband likes Mexican food and casseroles, so I combined the two. This chicken with poblanos and chiles satisfies our craving for dinner at a Mexican restaurant. —Erica Ingram, Lakewood, Ohio
A ceiling of savory, tender corn bread blankets this cheesy, spicy chicken casserole. Make this dish on the coldest winter night, and you’ll instantly feel oh-so-cozy.
