7 Things to Do With Leftover Roast Chicken

There are two kinds of people in this world: leftover lovers and everyone else. (We just can’t relate). Few leftover foods are as valuable as roast chicken (or a trusty rotisserie bird), ready to be transformed from bone-in goodness into a lineup of delicious, easy meals.

Of course, you’ll want to start with the best roast chicken recipe around (ahem, ours is pretty spectacular) or a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Either pull the meat off the bones or leave it on the carcass, then refrigerate it in airtight container for up to three days (or freeze for up to three months). When you’re ready to rework the meat into a new meal, take a cue from one of these clever ideas below.

1. RAMEN REMIX

Turns out, upgrading a packet (or two) of instant chicken ramen is as simple as fortifying the broth with peanut butter and curry paste, then adding toppings like a boiled egg, corn, mushrooms and scallions. It’s easy to do with our recipe for upgraded chicken ramen—simply skip cooking the chicken and top your bowl with shredded leftover chicken.

2. NOSTALGIC TACOS

Remember the taste of childhood? Chicken and cheese tacos were a weeknight staple—but who says this quick, crowd-pleasing meal is just for kids? Use shredded leftover chicken to upgrade your next batch of cheese-crusted quesadillas. Our version features lacy, crispy cheese collars that lend a toasty crunch to every gooey, delicious bite. For a slightly more adult, spicier version, opt for our Crispy Cheese BBQ Chicken Tacos, which are stuffed with pickled jalapeños. The recipe calls for rotisserie chicken, but leftover homemade chicken works, too. 

3. CREAMY GNOCCHI

Creamy + gnocchi + chicken = pure comfort food bliss. Nestle leftover chicken into a garlicky shallot cream sauce studded with gnocchi, kale and a can of artichoke hearts. Instead of beginning our recipe for Creamy Skillet Gnocchi with Chicken and Artichokes by cooking the chicken, jump straight to cooking the gnocchi, shallots, and garlic. Simply stir in warm shredded chicken at the end for an easy, satisfying dish.

4. A PERFECT PIZZA

The '90s knew what's up: BBQ chicken, red onion and ranch is a killer combo. Our Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza updates this classic with a spicy, tangy homemade jalapeño ranch sauce and a grilled crust. Instead of grilling fresh chicken, jump straight to assembling the pizza and layer it with your leftover chicken. Feeling creative? Follow this same approach for other chicken pizzas: Pair shredded chicken with pesto, Parmesan and burrata or white sauce, sautéed mushrooms and thyme.

5. A PARM-INSPIRED SAMMIE

Sure, nothing quite beats a breaded chicken cutlet, but leftover chicken comes pretty close. Shortcut your way to a chicken Parm-inspired sandwich by layering slices of warm, leftover chicken with shredded mozzarella, pesto and tomato sauce on toasted sourdough bread. Craving crunch? Melt the cheese over the chicken and sprinkle on toasted panko breadcrumbs—or, if you’re feeling bold, add a layer of potato chips to your sandwich. (Trust us: It’s a game-changer). 

6. EASY GRAIN BOWLS

A great grain bowl doesn’t need meat, but if you’ve got leftover chicken, it makes the perfect topping for a pile of roasted veggies, cooked grains, and a sprinkle of flavor boosters like shredded cheese, torn olives or toasted nuts. The beauty of a grain bowl is its versatility—chicken gets along with just about any combo. If you’re stuck for inspo, try one of these pairings:

• Brown rice + roasted red peppers + toasted pine nuts + soft goat cheese + baby arugula
• Quinoa + hummus + roasted eggplant + feta + shower of fresh herbs like dill, parsley, + mint + chili flakes
• Barley + fresh corn kernels + sliced radishes + shredded cheddar + chives + mesclun greens

Finish your bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a pop of acid like fresh lemon juice or your favorite vinegar. Don’t forget to season generously with freshly ground salt and black pepper!

7. WHEN IN DOUBT, CAESAR

When life gives you leftover chicken, the greatest salad of all—the chicken Caesar, of course—is just a few steps away. Sure, you can toss shredded chicken with crunchy romaine, store-bought dressing and croutons and call it a day.

But why not mix up the classic? Try our Grilled Little Gem Salad With Calabrian Chile Caesar for a bold twist. Charring halved heads of Little Gem lettuce deepens its flavor, while a dollop of Calabrian chili paste brings a spicy balance to the rich, creamy dressing. Served warm, this salad is the ideal stage for gently reheated leftover chicken.

We won’t blame you if you start roasting an extra chicken just to make these tasty meals.