Easy Leftover Chicken Recipes: Quick Meal Plan Ideas to Save Time and Money

Looking for fresh ways to turn last night’s chicken into something new and exciting? These Easy Leftover Chicken Recipes are perfect for busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast.

From hearty soups and family-friendly casseroles to light salads, sandwiches, and you'll love all the inspiration found in my full collection of Weekly Meal Plans.

Table of Contents

• Leftover Chicken Recipes At a Glance
• How to Plan Meals Around Leftover Chicken
• Tips for Storing & Reheating Leftover Chicken
• LOVE these recipes? SAVE them for Later!
• Leftover Chicken Recipe for Crispy Shells Casserole
• Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Pizza Bites
• Chicken Soup - Easy, Comforting, Delicious
• Cheesy Chicken Orzo Casserole
• Fiesta Chicken Taquitos Recipe
• Leftover Chicken Burgers
• BBQ Chicken And Cheese Stuffed Crescent Rolls
• Helpful Kitchen Tools for Using Leftover Chicken
• Mouth-Watering Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes for Busy Weeknights
• 💬 Comments

How to Plan Meals Around Leftover Chicken

Meal planning can feel like a chore, but it’s one of the best ways to save money and cut down on food waste.

With plenty of creative options, you can transform yesterday’s chicken into meals that taste brand-new and keep your family happy without wasting a bite.

• Plan meals around leftovers to save time and reduce food waste.
• Turn a roasted chicken from one night into multiple dishes throughout the week.
• Use the meat for chicken salad sandwiches at lunch, chicken soup or chicken enchiladas for dinner, or even tacos for a fun twist.
• Don’t forget the bones—make homemade chicken stock to get even more value from a single meal.

Tips for Storing & Reheating Leftover Chicken

• Cool before storing: Let cooked chicken cool slightly, then refrigerate within two hours to keep it safe and moist.
• Use airtight containers: Store in a sealed container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.
• Refrigerate promptly: Keep in the fridge for up to 3–4 days or freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months).
• Reheat gently: Warm in a 325°F oven or in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying.
• Microwave carefully: Cover and heat in short intervals, stirring or turning pieces halfway through for even reheating.

Make sure you check out 10 Essentials Pantry Items and  Freezer Meal Planning Tips to further help you customize your family’s dinner.

Helpful Kitchen Tools for Using Leftover Chicken

Food Chopper Vegetable Slicer and Spiralizer – Quickly chop or spiralize veggies to pair with your leftover chicken meals.

Chicken Shredder Tool – Easily shred cooked chicken for soups, tacos, casseroles, or salads in seconds.

Extra Large Glass Storage Containers Set – Keep leftovers fresh and organized with airtight, freezer-safe glass containers.

This collection of leftover chicken recipes has been updated since it first appeared in 2020 with an updated meal plan and information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!