Find new ways to use your leftover baked chicken with these salads, casseroles, sandwich ideas, and more favorite leftover baked chicken recipes.
Leftover baked chicken is one of the most versatile foods on the planet.
It’s hard to imagine a dish that this leftover can’t make better.
But what if you don’t want to think about how to use your chicken?
What if you just want a recipe with your chicken already cooked, so all you have to do is heat and eat?
That’s where this list comes in.
I’ve searched the internet for 25 different leftover baked chicken recipes, so you can get through your week without thinking too hard about your next meal.
You can make everything from creamy Chicken Spring Soup to savory Chicken Tinga with this list.
And surely, there’s something here for everyone!
But #23 is really something.
You’ll get what I mean once you try it.
Chicken Chili?
Like, chili with leftovers?
Yes!
This is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s made with leftover baked chicken and a medley of spices and aromatics.
It’s topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and jalapenos as garnishing (if you want).
Best of all?
It tastes so rich, deep, and spicy that you’ll want to eat it every day (or at least until you run out of leftover baked chicken).
This Chicken Salad is a little bit crunchy and a little bit creamy—and it’s got everything you need to satisfy your craving.
We start with tender pieces of leftover baked chicken breast, then add crisp celery, buttery pecans, and a slightly tangy dressing to make it all come together in one delicious bite.
It’s great served as a side with crackers or bread or tortillas—or even by itself!
There’s nothing like a good Chicken Ranch Wrap.
And I mean that in the most literal sense possible.
You see, it’s not just any old piece of chicken you’ll find here—it’s leftover baked chicken, which means it’s firm on the outside and tender on the inside.
And then there’s the tortilla, which is soft enough that it won’t break under the weight of all of its fillings but strong enough to hold them together as you take your first bite into this deliciousness.
So what are those fillings?
Ranch dressing, corn, diced red onion, fresh cilantro…and more!
Trust me when we say that every bite will be full of flavor and texture like no other wrap you’ve ever had before.
Chicken Spring Soup is one of the best soups you’ll ever have.
It’s light, creamy, and filling—and it’s got a kick of heat that’s just so satisfying.
It’s made with leftover baked chicken, so it’s full of chicken goodness.
And it has a bunch of aromatic herbs that pack a ton of flavor and a hint of sweetness from the wine and veggies.
Plus, it’s hearty enough to fill you up for hours, but its lightness won’t weigh you down in your workday.
A Chicken & Mayo Sandwich is a simple and creative way to enjoy the flavors of lean chicken meat.
The crunchy roasted walnuts add an earthy element to the sandwich, while creamy mayonnaise adds a hint of richness.
Serve this with other fresh fruits or beverages of your choice for a light meal that’s sure to please.
Swiss Chard & Jerk Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the perfect meal for when you’re too tired to cook something grand but also want to eat something that tastes AMAZING.
The Swiss chard leaves are basically just like spinach, except that they have a slightly more complex flavor that makes them perfect for wrapping around spicy jerk chicken and radish.
I love the crunchy texture that radishes give this wrap, too.
But my favorite part is the harissa sauce—it’s spicy and tangy but not too overpowering.
Then the tahini dressing is creamy and nutty (but not heavy), which cuts through the heat of the harissa sauce perfectly.
And if you want to make things more exciting, I recommend sprinkling some red pepper flakes on top.
When you’re craving something hearty and simple but also a little spicy, you turn to this Southwestern Chicken & Veggie Frittata.
It’s the perfect blend of spices.
The peppers are also crunchy and perfectly seasoned, and the zucchini adds just the right amount of moisture to balance out all that zingy spice.
And then…CHICKEN!
It’s hard to take a pass on this tasty mixture of leftover chicken, melty cheese, and eggy goodness.
Grandma’s Chicken Casserole is a classic for a reason.
It has a nice blend of flavors and textures, not to mention it’s so easy to make.
Really.
The flavors meld together perfectly—the creamy cream of chicken soup, the sweetness of the broccoli, and the crunchy panko all come together to create something truly special.
You’re about to make one of the best decisions of your life.
It’s time to try Chicken Melts!
It’s a cheesy, toasty sandwich that tastes like a melty dream come true.
The cheese is the kind that melts in your mouth and makes your heart go pitter-patter, and the veggies are finely chopped to give them a crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the juicy, tender chicken breast.
They’re everything you want in a sandwich.
If you’re looking for a salad that’s as fresh and flavorful as it is easy to make, this roasted chicken salad is for you.
You’ll notice the first thing that hits your tongue when you take a bite of this roasted chicken salad is the saltiness and parmesan cheese.
Then you’ll get a hint of tartness from the roasted cherry tomatoes and a bit of peppery bitterness from the arugula, followed by a nice crunch from the cubed baguette.
And finally, you’ll be left with a satisfying taste of chicken in your mouth that makes you wish you had made more for dinner last night.
When you need an ultra-comforting, rich, and creamy meal, there’s nothing like the taste of Chicken Tetrazzini.
Chicken Tetrazzini is a sassy take on the traditional Italian dish.
It’s got a creamy, cheesy base with an earthy and pungent flavor from the onion that makes it so great for pairing with your favorite white wine or beer.
Then you also get to taste the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, which are just what you need to round out this scrumptious dish.
12. Chicken Burrito
When you’re looking for leftover baked chicken recipes, you want to make sure you get the best of all worlds.
You want something that’s flavorful, with a bold personality and a punchy kick.
And I think this one nailed it!
This chicken burrito is packed full of flavor from a tasty blend of spices, seasonings, and fire-roasted tomatoes—it’s like taking a trip to Mexico without leaving your kitchen.
It’s also simple to create, using leftover baked chicken or shredded chicken mix (which is easy to make at home).
Serve these burritos with guacamole or homemade salsa, or sour cream, or add in your favorite taco-inspired toppings.
You can even bake or pan-fry them if you’re feeling particularly lazy.
When you’re looking for a warm, flavorful, and totally crave-worthy leftover chicken recipe—this one is it.
You’ll love the refreshing flavors and textures of this simple grilled chicken dish.
It’s warm and spicy but sweet and crunchy at the same time, with just enough spice to perk you up without overpowering them.
The crunchy pine nuts add a nice texture element that really pulls it all together—and they’re so good that you’ll probably want to keep on digging in.
If you’re tired of the same old casserole recipes, I’ve got just the thing for you: Chicken Shepherd’s Pie.
This savory casserole is loaded with fresh veggies and topped with mashed potatoes to give it that homemade feel that everyone loves.
It’s baked in an oven until it’s nice and flaky on top, so you know it’s going to be tender inside.
And then there’s the creamy white gravy—the recipe uses chicken stock and milk to make this gravy rich, fluffy, and delicious.
Forget the chicken waffle.
It’s time for the Buffalo Chicken Chaffle!
This is a seriously creative twist on an old favorite. It’s got tender, slightly crusty edges—just like the usual waffles.
But the inside is fluffy, tender, and filled with a creamy and cheesy chicken mix that’s so irresistible that you’ll eat it all before you can blink.
Drizzle some hot sauce and ranch dressing on top, and you’ll be having your best day ever.
Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad is like the creamy chicken you get from a deli, but it’s got something extra in it.
It’s so cheesy; it’s like your mother’s casserole in a bowl.
It’s made with mayonnaise, sour cream, lots of seasonings, sriracha sauce, and lemon juice.
And it’s got shredded chicken which is smothered in all those flavors and more.
Then the red and green onions add a crunchy texture to it, making this dish more flavorful than your usual chicken pasta salad.
17. Chicken Tinga
Chicken Tinga is like the perfect wingman—it’s got the right amount of heat, knows how to make you laugh, and can always be counted on when you need it most.
And it’s not afraid to get messy, either.
It also gets its smokey flavor from chipotle tomato sauce.
The leftover chicken on its own is a little bland, but the richness of the sauce makes up for it.
Serve this on a soft corn tortilla with fresh cilantro, crumbled cheese, or pickled onions for a tasty treat.
Do you love salads?
Do you love chicken?
Do you love mangoes?
If you answered yes, then this salad recipe is for you!
It’s a combination of everything that makes any day so great: sweet mangoes, hearty chicken, and the crunch of fresh spinach and cashews.
And all of it tastes even better when it’s paired with a tangy dressing (or your choice of dressing) and some crisp iceberg lettuce.
This salad is also great because it’s easy to make, and you can dress it up however you like.
Add more chicken or less; use cucumbers instead of tomatoes—the possibilities are endless.
This is your favorite chicken empanada, but with a twist!
It has that rich goodness, thanks to the Manchego cheese—the same cheese that tops your favorite tapas dish (and yes, it’s okay to eat it by itself).
And when paired with the flavorful romesco sauce, it makes for a delicious filling for these tender pockets of pastry dough.
You’re going to love this take on an old favorite—and I know it’s going to become one of your go-to meals when you’re in need of something quick and easy to throw together.
Do you ever look at your casserole and just feel like it’s missing something?
Well, I’ve got the perfect solution for you: Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole.
It’s everything you want in a dish—and more.
It’s comforting but also full of bold flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied.
But don’t worry, it doesn’t taste like your average casserole.
It tastes like something you’d get in a fancy restaurant, but with ingredients, you can pronounce and afford at the grocery store.
It’s rich, creamy, and savory all at once!
21. Chicken Fajita
Chicken Fajitas are like a better version of you.
They’re sweet; they’re spicy, they’re tangy and bright and bold.
They’re also just a little bit messy—but in all the right ways.
Chicken Fajitas are also the perfect way to use up leftover baked chicken from your last meal.
And whether you’re making them for yourself or for a crowd, Chicken Fajitas are a surefire way to impress everyone at the table—and make them want more!
If you want some chicken pot pie but don’t have time to cook it from scratch, then this is the recipe for you.
This casserole is warm, creamy, and savory with a crispy crust.
The base starts with leftover baked chicken and cream of chicken soup.
Then shredded cheddar cheese gives it just the right amount of cheesy goodness.
It also adds peas and carrots for some sweetness and crunchy hash browns for texture.
And for a fun twist, top it with biscuits instead of pie crust!
Do you know how you’re always craving buffalo chicken?
Yes, me too.
But I don’t like it when my fingers get all greasy, spicy, and messy from eating it.
So I tried this dish!
The recipe is super easy and simple that you could make it in your sleep—but don’t be fooled by its simplicity; it’s packed with flavor and is absolutely delectable.
The creamy filling is made from shredded leftover chicken and orzo pasta, seasoned with a rich blend of cheeses and plenty of hot sauce.
Then it gets the blue cheese crumbles for the topping for an extra kick for some sharp cheesy goodness.
Serve these stuffed peppers alongside some celery sticks and a bit of extra hot sauce or ranch dressing for a meal everyone will love.
Do you know those delicious burritos you can stuff with whatever you want?
The ones that give you a little spice, a bit of crunch, and a whole lot of flavor?
Well, now you can have them in bowl form—and they’re even better than their wrap-wearing cousins.
With this recipe for Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowls, you’ll get all of the crunchy veggie tangy goodness of the slaw combined with rice and beans for extra texture.
And then there’s the chipotle sour cream mix… well…just wait until you taste it.
It’s fiery hot, and creamy at once; it’ll warm you up from head to toe while also cooling off any lingering sizzle from the chicken.
And if that wasn’t enough for you?
It’s got avocado on top for some added nutty and buttery taste.
Overall, this dish is colorful, fun, and tasty. It’s everything you could want from your next meal.
25. Chicken Katsudon
When you’re craving something that’s both sweet and savory, you can’t go wrong with Chicken Katsudon.
It’s like a warm bowl of chicken and eggs, but with a sweet and savory sauce.
It’s a little bit spicy, and it’s got onions in it—but you know what?
If you’re not into onions, just leave them out!
It’ll still be the best thing you’ve ever put in your mouth.
It tastes so good that even if you’re not hungry when you first sit down to eat it, you’ll want more once your first bite hits your tongue.
The bottom line
So, there you have it.
25 leftover baked chicken recipes to help you get the most out of your leftover baked chicken.
If you can’t decide what to have for your next meal or just want to get your hands dirty with something new and delicious, give one of these recipes a try.
There are many ways to use your leftover baked chicken—you’ll never be bored!
Leftover Baked Chicken Recipe Collection
Find new ways to use your leftover baked chicken with these salads, casseroles, sandwich ideas, and more favorite leftover baked chicken recipes.
Ingredients
- Chicken Chili
- Chicken Salad
- Chicken Ranch Wrap
- Chicken Spring Soup
- Chicken & Mayo Sandwich
- Swiss Chard & Jerk Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Southwestern Chicken & Veggie Frittata
- Grandma’s Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Melts
- Roasted Chicken Salad
- Chicken Tetrazzini
- Chicken Burrito
- Grilled Chicken With Pears & Toasted Pine Nuts
- Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
- Buffalo Chicken Chaffle
- Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
- Chicken Tinga
- Spring Salad With Chicken
- Spanish Chicken Empanadas
- Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole
- Chicken Fajita
- Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
- Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers With Orzo
- Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Chicken Katsudon
Instructions
- Scroll for your favorite recipe from our list of Leftover Baked Chicken Recipes.
- Pick out the ingredients needed for the dish.
- Cook then enjoy immediately!