Last night’s chicken dinner doesn’t have to end up as a boring reheated meal. We all know leftovers can be a drag, but these recipes are here to change the game. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy soup, a cheesy casserole, or something with a little more crunch, you’ll find plenty of ways to repurpose that chicken into a meal that’s anything but boring.
BBQ Black Bean & Chicken Tortilla Pizza
Think quesadilla meets pizza with this fun BBQ chicken tortilla pizza. Creamy black beans, lots of cheese, and shredded chicken make it a great pick for a laid-back weekend dinner.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Black Bean & Chicken Tortilla Pizza
Chicken Lime Soup
This chicken lime soup brings together the best of chicken noodle and tortilla soup. It’s a spicy, noodle-less bowl that’s perfect for a cold day when you want something warm and filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lime Soup
Southwest Ranch Chicken Salad Sandwich
Add some southwestern flair to your lunch with this ranch chicken salad sandwich. Piled high with cheddar on pumpernickel, it’s a mouthwatering pick for when you’re craving something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Ranch Chicken Salad Sandwich
Turmeric Chicken Salad
This turmeric chicken salad is all about fresh flavor and crunch. It’s a great lunch option that’s quick to make, with a healthy kick from the turmeric.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Chicken Salad
Honey Chicken Apple Salad
Give your lunch a fresh spin with this honey chicken apple salad. It’s a sweet, tangy mix that’s perfect for a quick and easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Honey Chicken Apple Salad
Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup
If you love buffalo wings, this buffalo chicken orzo soup is for you. It’s cheesy, spicy, and super simple to make, with all the flavors you crave in one easy dish.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup
Cheddar Chicken Bake
This cheddar chicken quinoa bake is an easy, healthy dinner for busy nights. Using leftover chicken keeps things simple, while the cheesy goodness makes it a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake
Buffalo Chicken Triscuit Nachos
These buffalo chicken Triscuit nachos are everything you love about wings in a healthier, crunchy form. Perfect for snacking or a casual dinner.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Triscuit Nachos
Sweet Corn Peach Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
This honey mustard chicken salad with sweet corn and peaches is a fresh, summery pick. Light and easy, it’s great for a quick lunch when you want something different.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn Peach Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Garlic Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich
Garlic yogurt chicken salad on ciabatta, topped with sun-dried tomato spread—this sandwich is a fresh and easy lunch idea that’s hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich
Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Bites
These buffalo chicken broccoli cheddar bites are perfect for game day, but you don’t need a game to enjoy them. Pop a few back anytime you’re in the mood for a tasty snack.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Bites
Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Got leftover chicken? This slow cooker chicken wild rice soup is a perfect way to use it up. Toss everything in the pot, and let it cook itself into a cozy meal that’s just what you need on a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings are a comfort food classic. With leftover chicken and a biscuit shortcut, you can whip up this cozy dish without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Need a quick weeknight meal? These chicken stuffed poblano peppers are a great pick. Use rotisserie chicken and frozen rice to get this flavor-packed dish on the table in less than 40 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Chicken and Corn Chowder
Turn your leftover chicken into this hearty chicken and corn chowder. Loaded with corn, potatoes, and bacon, it’s a solid meal that’s easy to throw together and perfect for any day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Corn Chowder
Chicken Enchiladas
These chicken enchiladas are super easy and always a hit. With just a few ingredients, you can turn leftover chicken into a dinner everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas
Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Love buffalo chicken? Try this spaghetti squash casserole that packs all that fiery flavor into a light and easy dish. Using leftover chicken makes it a breeze to whip up, and it’s a great way to change up your usual routine.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole
#REF!
Pecan Apple Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Fall flavors in a sandwich! Mix leftover chicken with apples, cranberries, and pecans, then spread it on your favorite bread for a perfect lunch that’s both easy and packed with seasonal goodness.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Apple Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Chicken Mole Nachos
Spice things up with these chicken mole nachos. Layer leftover chicken with cheese and mole sauce, then bake for a fun, easy dish that’s great for sharing—or not!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Mole Nachos
Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup
Rotisserie chicken makes this mushroom soup a snap. It’s a 20-minute, one-pot wonder that’s perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup
Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup
This classic chicken noodle soup is all about comfort and ease. Use leftover chicken, toss everything in your Dutch oven, and you’ve got a warm, hearty meal in no time.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup
Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
This chicken pot pie is as easy as it gets. One pan, simple ingredients, and leftover chicken make for a comforting dish that’s ready in under an hour. Perfect for those chilly nights when you need something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Easy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip that’s super easy to make? Yes, please! Toss your leftover chicken into the slow cooker with three cheeses and buffalo sauce for a dip that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos
Got leftover chicken? Pop it in the Instant Pot for these quick shredded chicken tacos. Minimal effort, maximum flavor—these tacos are perfect for those hectic weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
This chicken and broccoli pasta bake is the perfect comfort meal when you’re short on time. With cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s a great go-to for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup
Brighten up your day with this lemon chicken orzo soup. It’s quick, easy, and a great way to use up leftover chicken for a satisfying dinner in just over 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup
BBQ Chicken Sliders
These BBQ chicken sliders are game day perfection. Saucy rotisserie chicken, cheese, and crispy bacon on soft buns—it’s a combo that’s hard to beat. Perfect for any gathering or just a tasty dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Sliders
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
This chicken and dumpling casserole takes all the flavors you love and makes them even easier. With chunks of chicken, veggies, and a creamy sauce, it’s a one-dish wonder that’s great for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Curry Chicken Salad
This curry chicken salad is a fresh take on lunch. Sweet apples and creamy curry dressing make it a great way to turn leftover chicken into something tasty and quick.
Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken Salad
Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Popper Pizza
Buffalo chicken, jalapeño poppers, and pizza—what’s not to love? This mashup is a party on a crust, making it a fun way to use up leftover chicken and get all your favorite flavors in one bite.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Popper Pizza
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.