There are so many things you can do with leftover baked chicken, but sometimes it’s hard to come up with ideas.
Don’t worry.
I’ve put together a few of my favorite quick and easy recipes that will make use of those leftovers.
From tacos to salads to pasta dishes, there’s something for everyone here.
So, the next time you have some leftover baked chicken, don’t worry – just check out these recipes and get cooking.
Baked Chicken Tacos
My very first suggestion when it comes to leftover baked chicken is to make tacos.
Not only are they delicious, but they’re also super easy to make.
To make this dish, simply shred the chicken and mix it with your favorite taco toppings.
I like to use lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream, but you can really use anything you want.
Once you’ve mixed everything together, just scoop it into some warm tortillas and enjoy.
Chicken Caesar Salad
If you’re looking for a light yet satisfying meal, then this chicken Caesar salad is the perfect option.
It’s packed with flavor, and it’s easy to make.
Just shred the chicken and mix it with some chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing.
That’s it.
You can even add in some grilled vegetables if you’re feeling extra hungry.
Spicy Mexican Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is the perfect dish for a summer picnic or potluck.
It’s hearty, filling, and has a little bit of a kick to it.
To make this dish, simply mix cooked pasta with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and green onions.
Then, add in some diced avocado, cilantro, and a few spoonfuls of your favorite salsa.
Once everything is mixed together, simply refrigerate the salad until it’s time to serve.
Broccoli, Brown Rice, and Peanut Butter Stir Fry
Another great idea to try is to make a stir fry.
This dish is healthy, filling, and packed with flavor.
The first step is to mix cooked brown rice with shredded chicken, broccoli, and diced onions.
Then, add in some peanut butter and soy sauce.
Once everything is mixed together, cook it over medium heat until the vegetables are tender.
Serve with a side of rice and enjoy.
Chinese Fried Rice with Leftover Barbecued or Roasted Chicken
This is a unique twist on a classic dish.
To make this recipe, you’ll need cooked rice, shredded chicken, diced vegetables (I like to use carrots, peas, and onions), and soy sauce.
First, cook the rice in a large skillet over medium heat.
Then, add in the chicken and vegetables.
Finally, add in the soy sauce and cook everything until it’s heated through.
Serve with a side of green onions and enjoy.
One-Pot Baked Potato Soup
This one-pot soup is perfect for a cold winter day.
It’s hearty, filling, and easy to make.
Just mix cooked potatoes with shredded chicken, diced onions, and garlic.
Then, add in some chicken broth, milk, and seasonings.
Once everything is mixed together, cook it over low heat until the soup is thick and creamy.
Serve with a side of bread and enjoy.
Buffalo Ranch Pulled Chicken Sliders
Finally, if you’re looking for fun and easy party food, then these Buffalo ranch pulled chicken sliders are the perfect option.
To make them, simply mix shredded chicken with some buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and diced celery.
Then, scoop the mixture onto small slider buns and bake in a preheated oven.
Serve with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese and enjoy.
How long is leftover baked chicken good for?
Typically, it can be stored in the fridge for up to four days.
However, if you want to extend its shelf life, you can store it in the freezer for up to two months.
Leftover baked chicken is still safe to eat after four days, but it may not be as fresh or flavorful.
If you’re unsure whether it’s still good, throw it out.
Better safe than sorry (source).
What can I do with dry baked chicken?
There are a variety of things that you can do with dry baked chicken.
One option is to shred the chicken and use it in a salad or wrap.
Another option is to slice the chicken and use it as a topping on a pizza or salad.
You could also dice the chicken and add it to a soup or stew.
Finally, you could cut the chicken into strips and use it as a dipping sauce or in a stir-fry.
Whatever you decide to do with your dry-baked chicken, be sure to enjoy it (source).
How do you reheat leftover baked chicken?
The first method is to reheat the chicken in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at a low temperature, about 200-250 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can also cut the chicken into smaller pieces to help it heat more evenly.
The second method is to reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a little bit of broth or water to keep it moist.
Be sure to watch it carefully so it doesn’t dry out or burn.
You can also add some seasonings, like garlic or herbs, to give it a boost of flavor.
If you’re in a hurry, the third method is to reheat the chicken in the microwave.
Just be careful not to overcook it, or it will be dry and tough.
Start with 30 seconds on high power, then cook in 10-second increments until it’s hot all the way through.
You can also add a little bit of liquid, like water or chicken broth, to help keep it moist.
Seasonings can also be added at this time (source).
How do you know if your cooked chicken is bad?
There are a few telltale signs that your cooked chicken has gone bad.
First, check the expiration date on the package.
If it’s expired, then the chicken is not safe to eat.
Cooked chicken also has a tendency to dry out, so if it looks particularly dry or tough, it’s probably not good anymore.
Finally, the cooked chicken should be white or pale in color.
If it’s starting to turn green, blue, or grey, it’s time to toss it out.
Can you eat cooked chicken after 8 days?
No, it is not recommended to eat cooked chicken after 8 days.
The reason for this is that the chicken may start to spoil and develop bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
If you are unsure whether the chicken is still safe to eat, it is best to throw it out.
Is overcooked chicken edible?
Overcooked chicken is not recommended to eat, as it can be dry and difficult to chew.
Also, overcooked chicken may increase your risk of food poisoning, as bacteria can survive on cooked meat that has been left out for too long.
If you do choose to eat overcooked chicken, make sure it is thoroughly cooked through and served hot.
Can I eat cold-cooked chicken?
You can eat cold-cooked chicken, but it may not be as safe as eating hot-cooked chicken.
Cold-cooked chicken can be contaminated with bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
These bacteria can grow on the chicken when it is stored at a temperature that is between 40°F and 140°F.
To prevent food poisoning, you should reheat the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
You can also cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill the bacteria.
How do you fix tough cooked chicken?
There are a few ways to fix tough cooked chicken.
One way is to shred the chicken and add it to a soup or stew.
Another way is to cut the chicken into small pieces and stir-fry it with vegetables.
You can also add the chicken to a salad or sandwich.
If you’re still not sure how to fix tough cooked chicken, ask a friend or family member for help (source).
Can I freeze baked chicken?
You can freeze baked chicken, but it will have a different texture when it is thawed.
The best way to freeze baked chicken is to slice it before freezing so that you can reheat it in smaller pieces.
When reheating, be sure to cook the chicken until it is fully cooked before eating.
Can I eat defrosted cooked chicken cold?
Yes, you can eat defrosted cooked chicken cold.
It is safe to eat if it has been properly defrosted and cooked.
Chicken that has not been defrosted properly can cause food poisoning.
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
Cooked chicken lasts in the fridge for 3–4 days or in the freezer for 2-6 months.
To extend the shelf life of a cooked chicken, freeze it within 2-6 months.
When freezing, make sure to wrap the chicken tightly so that it is airtight.
Cooked chicken that has been thawed in the fridge can be eaten cold or reheated (source).
Conclusion
As you can see, there are so many things you can do with leftover baked chicken.
These are just a few of my favorite quick and easy recipes.
So, the next time you have some chicken to use up, don’t hesitate to try one of these dishes.
I’m sure you’ll love them as much as I do.