This is the ultimate guide to getting all you can out of one of the most versatile ingredients in your fridge—leftover chicken. So, if you're wondering what to do with those leftovers sitting in the fridge, we've got you covered with 20 easy ways to use it up. We’re serving up simple, family-friendly meal ideas perfect for chaotic weeknights and lazy days. From hearty casseroles and easy skillet dinners to fresh salads, sandwiches, and even BBQ-inspired bites for the backyard, this roundup is packed with recipes that cut down on prep and amp up the flavor.
Whether it’s from a rotisserie bird you grabbed on the way home or last night’s grilled breasts, leftover chicken can be the secret weapon to quick, satisfying meals that keep your crew fed and your sanity intact.
1. Chicken à la King
Chicken à la King is a rich, creamy classic that turns shredded chicken into something truly special. With tender chicken and hearty veggies simmered in a velvety, savory sauce, this comforting dish is perfect served over biscuits, rice, or puff pastry shells. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that feels both elegant and homey—perfect for using up leftovers while still delivering a dinner that tastes like a treat.
2. Flautas de Pollo
With Flautas de Pollo you get flavorful shredded chicken filling seasoned just right wrapped up in a crispy, golden tortilla. Whether you're using fresh or leftover chicken, these easy-to-make flautas come together quickly and fry up beautifully for a family-friendly meal that feels like a fiesta. Serve them with cool sour cream, zesty salsa, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for weeknights, parties, or anytime you're craving bold, comforting flavors.
3. Chicken Tortellini Soup
Get ready to discover the cozy, satisfying pasta dish your weeknight dinner lineup has been missing. Packed with tender shredded chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a medley of vegetables in a flavorful, herb-infused broth, Chicken Tortellini Soup comes together quickly and feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect way to stretch leftover chicken into a comforting, one-pot meal the whole family will love.
4. Mexican Chicken Casserole
Mexican Chicken Casserole is a hearty, one-pan comfort dish layered with bold Tex-Mex flavors. Made with shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty seasonings, this easy casserole is the perfect way to use up leftovers and feed a hungry crowd. It’s a weeknight lifesaver with easy prep that brings the whole family to the table—warm, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation!
5. Chicken, Broccoli, + Rice Casserole
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food classic—warm, creamy, and loaded with flavor. This all-in-one dish combines tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, crisp-tender broccoli, and plenty of melty cheese for a satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck dinners, it’s a hearty, no-fuss favorite that brings everyone back for seconds.
6. Chicken Fajita Casserole
This Chicken Fajita Casserole takes all the bold, smoky flavors of classic fajitas and bakes them into a cheesy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for when you're short on time. Loaded with seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and topped with melted cheese, this easy casserole skips the stovetop hassle without sacrificing flavor. It’s a no-fuss, family-friendly favorite that delivers big Tex-Mex taste in every bite!
7. Chicken + Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate Southern comfort dish—rich, creamy, and loaded with tender chicken and fluffy, homemade dumplings. Made from scratch with simple pantry ingredients, this cozy classic brings hearty flavor and nostalgic warmth to the table. Perfect for Sunday suppers or chilly evenings, it’s a feel-good meal the whole family will love.
8. Chicken Tacos
Shredded Chicken Tacos are a quick and delicious way to get dinner on the table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Made with tender, seasoned shredded chicken that's tucked into warm tortillas, these tacos are perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Top them with your favorite fixings like creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime for a meal everyone will love.
9. Chicken Spaghetti
Get ready for less complaining and happy bellies. Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is quite possibly one of the greatest recipes for using up leftover chicken, and a one-pan dish the whole family will love. Made with tender shredded chicken, spaghetti noodles, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this baked casserole brings together simple ingredients in the most delicious way.
10. Chicken Empanadas
Chicken Empanadas are flaky, golden pockets filled with a savory shredded chicken mixture that's perfectly seasoned and full of flavor. Whether you're serving them as a fun appetizer, a party snack, or an easy weeknight dinner, these handheld delights are always a hit. With a buttery crust and a warm, spiced filling, they bring just the right balance of comfort and convenience—no fork required!
11. Cobb Salad
For a lighter side that's still protein-packed, this Cobb Salad is a fresh, hearty take on a classic, loaded with bold flavors and vibrant ingredients. Featuring juicy shredded chicken, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, creamy avocado, ripe tomatoes, and crumbled blue cheese over a bed of crisp greens, this salad is anything but boring. Drizzled with your favorite dressing, it’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner—simple and delicious!
12. Crock-Pot Chicken Enchiladas
If you're looking to make Tex-Mex night easier than ever, make these Crock-Pot Chicken Enchiladas with a slow-cooked, flavor-packed twist on a family favorite. Tender shredded chicken simmers in a zesty Rojo sauce right in the crockpot, then gets rolled up in soft tortillas, topped with cheese, and baked to bubbly perfection. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe is perfect for busy days when you need a comforting, homemade dinner without the last-minute scramble.
13. Chicken Pot Pie
Homemade Chicken Pot Pie is comfort food at its finest--but with this recipe, you get all the classic appeal without the hassle. It's loaded with juicy chicken, hearty veggies, and the creamiest gravy all tucked into a flaky pie crust. The real ingredients and savory flavors are like a big hug on a busy night--something the whole family will love.
14. Sour Cream Enchiladas
Sour Cream Enchiladas are rich, creamy, and irresistibly comforting—everything you want in a weeknight Mexican favorite. Rolled with tender shredded chicken and smothered in a smooth, tangy sour cream sauce, these enchiladas bake up bubbly and golden with just the right amount of cheesy goodness. Serve them up with a side of guac and salsa and get ready for your praises to be sung.
15. Panera Fuji Apple Chicken Salad
Our version of Panera's Fuji Apple Salad is a fresh, flavorful copycat that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen. Made with crisp mixed greens, tender grilled chicken, sweet apple chips, candied pecans, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and crumbled blue cheese, it’s tossed in a tangy-sweet apple vinaigrette that ties everything together beautifully.
16. Chicken + Rice Casserole
Bring the comfort of the South to zhuzh up your chicken leftovers with a classic everyone will love: Chicken and Rice Casserole. You get shredded chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, flavorful sauce all baked together under a layer of melted cheese; it’s the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table. Simple to make and packed with cozy flavor, this casserole is a favorite that never goes out of style.
17. King Ranch Casserole
King Ranch Casserole is a bold, Tex-Mex classic that’s big on flavor and perfect for feeding a crowd. Layered with shredded chicken, tortillas, cheese, and a creamy, zesty sauce made with peppers and tomatoes, this comforting casserole bakes up bubbly and golden every time. It’s an easy, make-ahead-friendly dish that brings a little Southwest flair to your table—hearty, cheesy, and always a dinnertime hit.
18. Chicken Caesar Salad
We put a fresh spin on a timeless classic. When you make our Chicken Caesar Salad, here is what you get: crisp romaine lettuce, juicy grilled or shredded chicken, crunchy croutons, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing that ties everything together. Perfect as a light lunch or simple dinner, this classic salad is easy to throw together and always hits the spot.
19. Bruschetta Chicken Salad
Bruschetta Chicken Salad is a vibrant, fresh dish that brings bold Italian flavors to your table in the form of a hearty, wholesome salad. Juicy, seasoned chicken is paired with a medley of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, red onion, and garlic, then served over crisp greens and finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s light yet satisfying, making it the perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a beautiful lunch that feels anything but ordinary.
20. Chicken Enchiladas Verde
Buckle up for a cozy Mexican dish everyone will want seconds of. Chicken Enchiladas Verde feature corn tortillas rolled up with shredded chicken and Monterey Jack cheese, then topped with the signature verde sauce (don't be intimidated by tomatillos!). This is a simple dish that boasts big flavors. Serve with a side of Mexican rice, beans, and pico for a well-rounded Tex-Mex feast your family will love.
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