Chicken is a great source of lean protein and really easy to cook. If you find yourself with leftover chicken after cooking a whole chicken, then here are some ideas of how to use it up. I thought this was a nice post to put up at this time of year when most people are trying to save some money. Not wasting any food is a really easy way to save some money.
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If you have been following me for a while, you will know that I am all about planning and preparation and saving as much money whilst still being healthy. All of those things are possible, and you don't have to spend a lot of time doing them.
My weekly food preparation changes every week depending on what is on offer, but one thing that I always make is that I roast a whole chicken and cut it all up to keep in the fridge and use in meals throughout the week.
In the beginning when I first started doing food prep, inspiration for what I used the chicken for ran dry pretty soon after the standard sandwiches and salads. But as time has gone on, I have gotten a little more creative with what I use it for.
I thought I would share those things in a post. Feel free to leave your own ideas in the comments too.
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Chicken Salad
This can be such a versatile dish, as you can throw in any salad ingredients you have and use any grain you like (brown rice, quinoa and couscous are all good) to make it even more budget friendly.
You can keep the dressing simple with just olive oil and vinegar or get a bit more creative and make up a basil, balsamic and mustard dressing. If you want to make the chicken creamy, swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt to save some calories and fat.
Chicken Pasta Salad
Not only a good way to use up leftover chicken, but Chicken Pasta Salad is a good way to use up leftover vegetables. This makes a good lunch to take to work if you don't have the facilities to heat anything up. Maybe one for the warmer months!
Chicken Pasta Salad
Chicken Sandwich
Look beyond a plain chicken and mayo sandwich and make something that is going to bring those leftovers to life. I love this Pesto Chicken and Roasted Vegetable Sandwich that is equally suitable for lunch by yourself or if you have guests over.
Pesto Chicken Sandwich
Mexican
I don't think that there is a week that goes by when we don't use our leftover chicken for some kind of Mexican dish. One of the simplest Mexican dishes to make is a Chicken Burrito Bowl as you pretty much just throw everything in and there are no rules - just use what you like.
Chicken Burrito Bowl
Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup is a must if you are feeling unwell, but don't just save it for when you are sick, it is a very quick and budget friendly meal that uses up both leftover chicken and vegetables. Want to save even more money? Make sure you use the chicken carcass to make your own homemade stock - it is cheaper and will have less things added to it.
Easy Pho Ga (Chicken Noodle Soup)
Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce Wraps are of my favourite things to eat at the moment. Healthy, quick and you can put anything in them. I have even been putting leftover turkey chilli in them, although that can create a bit of a messy lunch.
If I am making chicken lettuce wraps, then I will take a lettuce leaf (iceberg or romaine) and fill it with chicken mixed with Greek yogurt, chipotle sauce, chopped peppers, tomatoes and cucumber.
It is more filling than you think it would be. If you are not a fan of Greek yogurt, use mashed up avocado instead.
Asian Lettuce Wraps
Pizza
A healthy eating website just mentioned pizza?? *gasp*. If you are new to the blog, then my definition of healthy is being balanced and you can bet that includes some pizza once in a while.
If I am going to eat pizza, I always try to make it myself, but mainly because it does taste better if it is homemade. This BBQ Chicken Pizza is my favourite.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Stuffed Baked Potato
Meals don't come much cheaper than a stuffed baked potato. Add in some leftover chicken, whatever vegetables you have on hand (broccoli goes well) and a mixture of whatever cheese you have in your fridge.
Curry
Want to add some spice your your life? Then make yourself a homemade curry. Curry can as spicy or as mild as you like, so don't be put off if you don't like spicy food, as curry is all about flavour.
This Leftover Turkey Curry is a simple way to ease yourself in to curry cooking if you have not made one before (and easy to use chicken instead of turkey).
15 Minute Leftover Turkey Curry
Lasagna
You might think that lasagna has to be made with ground meat like beef or turkey, but it works just as well with shredded chicken too. If you are trying to cut back on carbs, then try our Low Carb Lasagna.
Low Carb Lasagna
If you still have lots of leftover chicken at the end of the week and you won't be able to eat it all, then shred it up and freeze it for later. The less you waste, the more you save!
Also, take a look at our post on how to create the Ultimate Picky Plate for ways to use up leftover chicken.
More Chicken Recipes
If you've tried any of these recipes then let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Fi says
ooh great recipe ideas, I'm definitely trying some of these. I think the stuffed potatoes will be up first! xx
Dannii says
It's such a comforting meal. Enjoy!
Joanne says
I'm going to send this to my mom! She eats chicken all the time and always has leftovers. Great ideas!
Dannii says
Thanks for sharing :)
Matt says
I make a whole roasted chicken every Sunday for quick meals during the week!
Dannii says
It saves so much time, doesn't it!
lucie says
I don't eat chicken but I love these tips for leftovers!
Dannii says
You can do the same with beans for most of these recipes.
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
Love the list and so many of my favourites there- Especially in a curry! Except you forgot my favourite way...eaten with brownies for breakfast ;)
Dannii says
Haha oh yes, how could I forget chicken and brownies!
Over a Cuppa says
What a fab list! Roast chicken is a favourite here, the organised me imagines I will roast a chicken just for things like this, the real me never get's around to it! *Must try harder :-)
Dannii says
Something to aim for ;)
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Chicken noodle soup is one of my classic favorites. I also like the idea of making chicken lettuce wraps, I've been meaning to try making them!
Dannii says
Chicken noodle soup is always my go-to meal when I am feeling sick.
Cailee says
This is so great!! I love all of these ideas!! Seriously so healthy and tasty and so man options!! I am a huge fan of chicken soup!! ...and chicken stuffed potatoes are AMAZING!! Seriously the best! I love that combo!
Dannii says
Chicken and sweet potatoes is the way forward!
Savita @ ChefDeHome says
I'm always looking for new ways to use chicken! All these ideas look great, Dannii! thanks for sharing!
Dannii says
You're welcome :)
Gingi says
Lettuce wraps are my favorite way to reuse leftover chicken!! So quick and easy.. and healthy too!
Dannii says
I actually don't miss the bread wrap and really like the lettuce alternative.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
We must be on the same wavelength because I feel like I'm constantly looking for ways to use up leftover chicken! Such great ideas, Dannii! My favorites are the lasagna and stuffed baked potato. Love!
Dannii says
The potato seems to be a favourite :)
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch says
I would definitely use leftover chicken to make as many variations of Mexican/Chipotle-inspired bowls as possible :) but I've been wanting to make chicken noodle soup myself so that would be a good idea too!
Dannii says
I have a massive craving for chipotle now!
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
I am always eating chicken. I usually never have leftovers but these are some great ideas if I ever do have extra.
Dannii says
My husband usually makes sure we don't have leftovers lol
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
Lovely ideas! I love throwing it on a salad with lots of my favourite ingredients or using it in a currry.
Dannii says
Curries are so quick to make, aren't they!
Kirtley @ The Gist of Fit says
Hey wow. Totally sending this to my clients. GREAT idea!!
Dannii says
Thanks for sharing :)