This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure here.
So, you’ve enjoyed your weekly day of rest. Well done you! And you made roast chicken(s). It’s time for 5 leftover chicken recipes that’ll set you and the rest of the family up for later in the week. Pat yourself on the back for being so organised…
Now let’s keep it simple and quick; you’re a busy mom, I’m a busy mom with a household to run and hungry children to feed. The brilliant thing about leftover chicken is that it’s already cooked, which means you’re halfway there to getting a future dinner sorted.
However, you don’t need 50, 30 or even 21 different ways with leftover chicken. You want a handful of healthy, fuss-free meals that don’t break the bank or send you running to the shops AND that pass muster with the rest of the family.
Aren’t you lucky that I’ve rounded up five dead easy leftover chicken recipes that are delicious, quick, easy and (extra bonus) are both gluten and dairy-free? So, let’s crack on:
1. Rainbow Leftover Chicken Rice Bowls
- Chuck some leftover chicken into warm rice
- Add whatever veg you’ve got lurking in the fridge (sweetcorn, peppers, and carrots work brilliantly) or let the children choose what veg to add. Think of it like pick’n’mix, except veggies rather than sweets.
- Drizzle with a simple sauce made from tamari (gluten-free soy sauce), honey, and a splash of lime
- Pop some avocado on top if you’re feeling fancy and sprinkle with chopped coriander if you’ve got any in the fridge. Job done.
This is perfect for those evenings when the kids are hangry and you need dinner in under 10 minutes. Super quick, super easy.
2. Crispy Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Warm up your chicken in a saucepan with a dash of oil and a sprinkle of Chinese five-spice
- Grab some crisp lettuce leaves (romaine works a treat)
- Let the kids build their own with julienned cucumber, shredded carrots, spring onions or whatever else you have floating around in the fridge that would work in a wrap
- Whisk up a quick sauce with tamari (GF or regular soy sauce if you’re normal), a touch of honey and a dollop of almond or peanut butter
The best bit? No cooking required, and the kids love anything they can eat with their hands. Have a damp cloth at the ready though for some mucky and merry chops at the end.
3. Quick Chicken Soup
- Start with hot chicken stock or bone broth
- Toss in your leftover chicken
- Add whatever vegetables you fancy (frozen peas and sweetcorn are perfect and if you’ve some finely chopped carrots, celery, leeks or onions that’s an extra bonus. )
- Chuck in some rice noodles
- Season with finely grated ginger and crushed & chopped garlic
Brilliant for those chilly evenings when everyone’s coming down with some sort of lurgie. This is super healing and delicious due to the ginger, garlic and the awesome benefits that comes of bone broth and chickeny goodness.
4. Mediterranean Chicken Salad
- Mix your chicken with halved cherry tomatoes and diced cucumber
- Throw in some olives and fresh herbs like parsley or basil
- Add a tin of chickpeas for extra protein and sprinkle in some almonds or walnuts
- Chuck in any salady or lettucy bits you’ve got. Grated red cabbage also works a treat although it’s technically more Eastern European than Mediterranean but hey ho…
- Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and tahini (if the kids are feeling adventurous)
This is a good one for a packed lunch or for summer evenings. You could even have the children “build their own salad”, by putting all the ingredients on the table or on the kitchen benchtop and then they can help themselves.
It’s also a great use of leftover chicken for the picky eaters, it gives them a sense of control within the limits you place. For example, everyone must have at least one sort of protein, three different veggies and some sort of nut. You create the rules that fit your family best!
5. Sweet Potato Leftover Chicken Hash
- Dice and pan-fry sweet potato until golden
- Add your shredded leftover chicken
- Chuck in some diced onions, garlic and sliced peppers and cook until soft
- Season with paprika and herbs like thyme and parsley
- Top with fried egg for extra protein
Oh, what a marvellous breakfast this makes as well as a quick and easy feast for a weekday evening!
Remember, these recipe ideas are more like guidelines – use whatever you’ve got in your kitchen and don’t stress about exact measurements. The key is to keep it simple and work with what you have.
Honestly, these sort of rummaging type meals that involve leftover chicken are some of the most popular in my family. I hope they prove the same for you and your kids.
Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by the dinner-time rush, give one of these a go. They’re proper lifesavers that’ll help you feed the family without the faff – and isn’t that what we all need?
What’s your favourite leftover chicken recipes? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!_
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with leftover cooked chicken?
So many things! These recipe ideas are just the start and are perfect for moms with a busy family life. Also consider using the chicken in a curry or tomato sauce with pasta.
How long is chicken good leftover in the fridge?
Officially, 3-4 days however sniff test it after 5 days. If you recoil in horror at the smell then it’s off otherwise you can use it cold or cooked through super hot.
How do you make leftover chicken taste good again?
Add new ingredients to it. Coriander, lime, cumin and some kidney beans with a touch of tomato passata makes a sort of Mexicany chicken affair that can be enjoyed with rice or on tortillas. Paprika, red wine and peppers create more of a stroganoff sort of thing. Just with chicken instead of beef. The point is… play around and have fun!
Generated with Pin Generator
