What can I do with dry leftover chicken breast?

Leftover chicken breast can seem like an easy protein source for quick meals, but eating the same dry, reheated chicken every day can get boring fast. However, there are many ways to repurpose leftover cooked chicken breast into tasty new dishes across a variety of cuisines.

Can I freeze leftover chicken breast?

Yes, freezing is a great way to preserve leftover chicken breast for future use. Here are some tips:

• Let the chicken cool completely before freezing. Divide into portions and place in freezer bags or airtight containers.
• Remove as much air from the bags or containers as possible. This prevents freezer burn.
• Label the bags or containers with the date and contents.
• Frozen chicken breasts will last 3-6 months in the freezer.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

What are some easy weeknight meals using leftover chicken?

Here are 5 quick and easy weeknight dinner ideas using leftover chicken breast:

1. Chicken quesadillas or tacos – Shred the chicken and mix with taco seasoning and beans or cheese. Stuff into tortillas or taco shells.
2. Chicken salad sandwiches – Shred chicken and mix with mayo, celery, lemon juice, and mustard. Serve on bread, rolls, or lettuce wraps.
3. Chicken pasta – Toss shredded chicken with cooked pasta, parsley, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.
4. Chicken fried rice – Dice chicken and stir-fry with cooked rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, eggs, and veggies.
5. Chicken soup or stew – Simmer chicken in broth with veggies and potatoes or noodles for a comforting meal.

What are some meal prep recipes using leftover chicken?

Meal prepping with leftover chicken is an easy way to make lunches and dinners for the week ahead. Here are 5 meal prep recipes:

1. Chicken Caesar salad meal prep – Chop romaine lettuce, shredded chicken, croutons, and Parmesan. Dress with Caesar dressing.
2. Chicken veggie soup meal prep – Simmer chicken in broth with veggies like carrots, celery, beans, zucchini. Freeze in portions.
3. Chicken pesto pasta meal prep – Toss cooked pasta with shredded chicken, pesto, cherry tomatoes and Parmesan. Chill.
4. Chicken breakfast burrito meal prep – Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, shredded chicken, cheese, and salsa. Wrap in foil and freeze.
5. Chicken teriyaki stir fry meal prep – Mix chicken, broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, rice, and teriyaki. Divide into containers.

What are some healthy recipes for leftover chicken breast?

Using leftover chicken breast in healthy recipes is an easy way to save money and eat nutritious meals. Here are 5 healthy recipe ideas:

1. Chicken spinach salad – Toss shredded chicken with spinach, strawberries, almonds, and poppyseed dressing.
2. Chicken vegetable soup – Simmer chicken in a broth with carrots, zucchini, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices.
3. Chicken avocado wrap – Fill a tortilla with chicken, sliced avocado, lettuce, tomato, and Greek yogurt sauce.
4. Chicken skewers and Greek farro salad – Thread chicken chunks onto skewers. Grill. Serve over farro salad with feta, olives, cucumbers, and dressing.
5. Chicken apple walnut salad – Mix chicken with apples, walnuts, dried cranberries, and romaine. Toss with balsamic vinaigrette.

What are some chicken breast recipes for bodybuilding or athletes?

Chicken breast is a lean, high-protein food that’s perfect for supporting muscle growth and recovery. Here are 5 tasty chicken recipes for athletes:

1. Baked chicken wraps – Stuff tortillas with chicken, black beans, roasted veggies, avocado, and salsa.
2. Chicken taco bowls – Fill bowls with chicken, rice, beans, salsa, Greek yogurt, and fresh lime.
3. Chicken pesto zucchini noodles – Toss grilled chicken and pesto with spiralized zucchini noodles.
4. BBQ chicken sweet potato – Bake chicken, sweet potato wedges and broccoli with BBQ sauce.
5. Chicken teriyaki stir fry – Quickly stir fry chicken and veggies in a teriyaki glaze for a protein-packed meal.

What are some high protein, low carb leftover chicken recipes?

For a high protein, low carb meal, try these tasty leftover chicken recipes:

1. Chicken cauliflower fried rice – Instead of rice, use riced cauliflower to make fried “rice” with chicken, eggs, and veggies.
2. Chicken zoodle soup – Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles in chicken soup.
3. Buffalo chicken lettuce wraps – Mix shredded chicken with Buffalo hot sauce and stuff into lettuce leaves.
4. Chicken avocado boats – Stuff avocado halves with chicken salad: chicken, avocado, tomato, onion, lime juice.
5. Cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole – Bake chicken and broccoli topped with creamy cheese sauce and Parmesan.

What are some quick and easy chicken breast dinner recipes?

When you need dinner on the table fast, these quick chicken breast recipes can save the day:

1. Sheet pan chicken fajitas – Bake chicken with peppers, onions, and Mexican spices. Wrap in tortillas.
2. Balsamic chicken and veggies – Roast chicken breast alongside potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze.
3. Chicken parmesan – Bread chicken cutlets and bake with tomato sauce and mozzarella until melted.
4. Chicken lettuce wraps – Sauté chicken and veggies like water chestnuts and mushrooms. Serve in lettuce cups.
5. Chicken stir fry – Quickly sauté sliced chicken and veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, onions, and snap peas.

What are some creative recipes for using up leftover chicken?

Don’t let leftover chicken go to waste! Give it new life with these creative recipes:

1. King ranch chicken casserole – Mix shredded chicken with cheese, salsa, beans, corn, and bake until bubbly.
2. Buffalo chicken mac and cheese – Toss cooked macaroni with shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, and blue cheese crumbles.
3. Chicken enchilada skillet – Sauté chicken, peppers, onions, beans, and taco seasoning. Stir in enchilada sauce and tortillas.
4. Chicken pot pie – Make a creamy filling with chicken, veggies, and gravy. Top with pie crust and bake.
5. Chicken banh mi sandwich – Stuff a crusty baguette with chicken, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, and Sriracha mayo.

What are the best ways to reheat leftover chicken breast?

Here are some excellent methods for reheating leftover chicken breast to keep it moist and flavorful:

• In the oven – Bake at 350°F covered in foil until warmed through, 15-20 minutes.
• In the skillet – Pan fry over medium heat in butter or oil for 5-10 minutes.
• On the grill – Quickly sear the chicken on a hot grill 2-3 minutes per side to warm it.
• In the slow cooker – Add chicken to sauces, soups, or veggies in a slow cooker for 2-3 hours on low.
• In the microwave – Microwave single servings covered in broth for 2-3 minutes. Check for hot spots.

What are the best ways to use up leftover cooked chicken breast?

Here is a handy guide to using up every last bit of your leftover cooked chicken breast:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days.
• Freeze in portions up to 3-6 months for later use.
• Shred and use in soups, salads, sandwiches, tacos, pastas, etc.
• Serve sliced cold over greens for an easy main dish salad.
• Stir into fried rice, curries, stir-fry, scrambled eggs, omelets, etc.
• Make chicken salad with mayo or Greek yogurt and veggies for sandwiches.
• Heat and serve with veggies and rice for a simple meal.
• Simmer in sauces, stews, or gravy to add rich flavor.
• Dice and skewer for quick grilled kabobs with veggies.

Conclusion

Leftover chicken breast is an easy, budget-friendly ingredient with endless possibilities for creative, delicious recipes. From fast weeknight dinners to make-ahead meal prep lunches, there are so many options beyond boring plain chicken. Get inspired to use up your leftover chicken breast in recipes like soups, salads, pastas, burritos, wraps, stir fries, and more. With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy moist, flavorful leftover chicken breast for several days after cooking.