13 Mouthwatering Recipes That Use Leftover Smoked Chicken
Staring at that leftover smoked chicken in your fridge and wondering what to do with it? It’s a good problem to have. There are so many amazing leftover smoked chicken recipes. They’re easy to whip up (the chicken’s already cooked!) and turn your leftovers into something new.
Soon, you’ll be smoking extra chickens to make these 😉.
There’s so much to make with smoked chicken leftovers, so turn them into something extraordinary. We’re about to go on a journey that’ll make you look forward to leftovers every time.
Shredded BBQ Chicken Sliders
Get ready for game day with these BBQ Chicken Sliders! They’re not only easy to make but also incredibly tasty. Perfect for when you want a delicious meal without the fuss!
Smothered Chicken Burritos
Make Smothered Chicken Burritos for a quick, satisfying dinner on those hectic weeknights. They’re packed with grilled chicken, black beans, and melty cheese. They’re wrapped up and smothered in a zesty green chile sauce. A delicious way to make your busy evenings a bit more exciting!
Smoked Chicken Salad
Take your sandwich game to the next level with this Smoked Chicken Salad! It’s a twist on the classic. It’s made with tender smoked chicken, rich, creamy dressing, and a perfect mix of seasonings. It’s bound to become your new favorite go-to for a scrumptious lunch.
Smoky Chicken Pasta with Cream Sauce
Creamy, flavorful, and super satisfying, this restaurant copycat is a dinner you’ll make again and again.
Chicken, Broccoli, & Rice Casserole with Curry
This flavorful dish is a breeze to prepare. You can either make it in advance and freeze it for later or bake it right away for an immediate, delicious meal. It’s versatile, delicious, and sure to become a family favorite.
Southwest Chicken Cobb Salad
Learn the bold and spicy world of the Southwest Chicken Cobb Salad. It comes complete with a zesty Chipotle Lime Dressing! This hearty dinner salad combines grilled chicken breasts, sweet corn, creamy avocado, ripe tomatoes, rich Manchego cheese, and crispy tortilla strips. It’s a flavor-packed, healthy meal that will satisfy your taste buds and fill you up!
The Best Chicken Pizza Recipe
This Chicken Pizza comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s made with many grocery store shortcuts but still has a big gourmet pizzeria flavor. The recipe includes instructions on how to make it on the grill or in the oven.
Grilled Chicken Enchiladas
Grilled Chicken Enchiladas, a Mexican-inspired feast that’s extra tasty when cooked outdoors. Juicy grilled chicken tenders are combined with a creamy, savory filling. They’re rolled up in soft tortillas. Then, they’re smothered in homemade enchilada sauce and a generous helping of cheese. It’s a deliciously melty, flavor-packed meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers are your ticket to a flavor-packed, family-friendly meal. They’re oven-ready in just 20 minutes! These peppers are bursting with spicy buffalo chicken goodness. They are perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a hit at your next potluck. Plus, they freeze well. This makes them perfect for busy days when cooking time is scarce. A delicious solution for meal prep.
Creamy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup! It’s a homemade meal packed with flavor and tender chicken, all in one pot. This soup is so delicious and comforting, and it’s downright addictive. Perfect for those days when you need a warm, hearty meal that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat!
Easy Mexican Chicken Casserole
Say hello to the Cheesy Mexican Chicken Casserole. It’s a layered dish that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family! It’s not just fun to make. It’s also a fantastic way to use up smoked leftover chicken. Prepare for a dish that’s as enjoyable to prepare as it is to devour.
Chicken Salad with Grapes
Smoked Chicken Salad with Grapes is the most delicious way to enjoy leftover chicken. So quick and easy to make, this smoky twist on a classic chicken salad makes the perfect lunch or dinner.
Leftover Chicken Pasta
Do you have some leftover chicken and need a quick, scrumptious recipe? Look no further! Try this creamy Leftover Chicken Pasta. It’s a delicious mix of creamy cheese sauce, chunks of leftover chicken, sweet corn, and spinach. All of it is tossed with pasta. The best part? It’s ready in under 15 minutes! A perfect, hassle-free meal that’s both tasty and speedy.
Troubleshooting and Help
Leftover smoked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’re not planning on using it soon, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic or foil and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Pro tip: slice or shred it before freezing so it’s ready to use in recipes straight from the freezer!
Yes, reheating smoked chicken without drying it out is possible! The key is low and slow. You can reheat it in the oven by wrapping it in foil and warming it at 300°F for about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but add a little broth or water and cover it to keep in the moisture. You could also reheat it in a skillet with oil or butter to add flavor and crisp it up.
Absolutely! Smoked chicken is delicious in cold dishes. You can toss it into a salad—think Caesar salad with a smoky twist—or make a wrap with your favorite veggies and a tasty dressing. Another fun idea is mixing it into a cold pasta salad with some mayo or vinaigrette. It adds a savory, smoky depth to cold dishes that’s hard to beat.
Yes, smoked chicken can be part of a healthy meal, especially since it’s high in protein and lower in fat (if you’re not eating the skin). You can easily use it in lighter dishes like salads, grain bowls, or even a healthy stir-fry with lots of veggies. Just be mindful that smoked meats can be slightly higher in sodium, so you might want to adjust your seasoning accordingly when adding it to other dishes.
Smoked chicken has a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with various ingredients. Anything with a touch of sweetness, like barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or even a fruity salsa (think mango or pineapple), works beautifully. You can pair it with creamy elements like avocado or a ranch dressing. Try things like chipotle, smoked paprika, or garlic on the spice side—these will complement the smokiness perfectly!
Sometimes, smoked chicken can be overwhelming, especially if the flavor is concentrated. To balance it out, mix it with something creamy, like a cheese sauce or sour cream, which helps mellow the smoke. You can also use it in dishes with bold flavors like spicy salsa, tomato-based sauces, or a rich broth. Adding fresh herbs or a squeeze of citrus (like lime or lemon) can also help cut through the strong, smoky flavor.
More Resources
- Not sure about that chicken? Check out this Official Food Safety Storage Guide: USDA’s Leftover and Food Safety Guide
- A list of Sheet Pan Chicken Recipes for more easy chicken dinners.
- And if you love smoked foods, you’ll adore all the Trager recipes at Or Whatever You Do.
There you have it: a treasure trove of scrumptious recipes. They’ll breathe new life into your leftover smoked chicken. Whether you’ve got a cozy family dinner in mind or are looking for something quick and delicious for your meal prep, these ideas will surely satisfy you. This menu has something for every palate.
By Katie Shaw
Katie shares simple, reliable recipes from her home in Virginia, where she lives with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens.