21 Healthy Leftover Chicken Recipes You’ll Love (Easy + Quick Ideas!)
Here are some healthy leftover chicken recipes that are quick, easy, and delicious. Whether it’s leftover grilled chicken, baked chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or even shredded chicken, you can use whatever’s left over from last night’s dinner to create a delicious, protein-packed meal that your whole family will love.
In this post, you’ll find 21 easy leftover chicken meal ideas that are perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Not only are these recipes nutritious and budget-friendly, they also help you reduce food waste while saving you time in the kitchen.
Whether you’re wondering what to do with leftover chicken breasts, looking for quick leftover chicken recipes, or need inspiration for healthy meals using leftover chicken, you now have plenty of options. These creative dishes will breathe new life into your leftovers and keep your meals balanced, satisfying, and completely stress-free.
🥰 Benefits Of These Healthy Leftover Chicken Recipes
These easy and quick leftover chicken ideas are perfect for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone wanting healthy meals on a budget.
✅ Quick & Easy to Make
These healthy leftover chicken recipes are perfect for busy weeknights and quick lunches. Most are ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and minimal prep work.
✅ Nutritious & Balanced
Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, these recipes make it easy to enjoy low-calorie, high-protein meals that fuel your body and mind.
✅ Budget-Friendly
Turn last night’s leftovers into something new! These ideas help you save money, reduce food waste, and avoid boring repeat meals with delicious variety.
✅ Meal Prep Friendly
Whether you need healthy lunch ideas or make-ahead dinners, these leftover chicken recipes store well and reheat easily—perfect for your weekly meal planning.
✅ Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved
From wraps and bowls to casseroles, these meals are loved by kids and picky eaters alike. Dinner just got a lot easier with these family-friendly leftover chicken recipes!
✅ Versatile & Customizable
Got grilled chicken, shredded chicken, or rotisserie leftovers? These recipes work with all types—and are easy to customize for low carb, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets.
💡 Tips for Using Leftover Chicken (Smart, Safe & Delicious!)
Don’t let your leftover chicken go to waste! These quick tips will help you store it safely, reheat it properly, and use it creatively in healthy leftover chicken recipes you’ll love.
🥶 1. How to Store Leftover Chicken Properly
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
- Store in an airtight container to lock in moisture and avoid contamination.
- Use within 3–4 days when refrigerated at or below 40°F (source: USDA).
- For long-term storage, freeze leftover chicken in portioned freezer-safe bags (good for up to 3 months).
🔥 2. Best Way to Reheat Leftover Chicken
- Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
- For juicy results, cover chicken with a damp paper towel and microwave in 30-second bursts.
- Alternatively, reheat in a covered pan with a splash of broth to retain moisture.
🔪 3. Shredded vs. Cubed Chicken – Which One to Use?
- Shredded chicken is perfect for soups, wraps, tacos, and burrito bowls.
- Diced or cubed chicken works best in stir fries, casseroles, and grain bowls.
- Use both to add texture and variety to your leftover chicken meal ideas.
🧂 4. How to Refresh the Flavor
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to brighten the taste.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil.
- Mix with healthy sauces like Greek yogurt dressing, light vinaigrette, or homemade pesto.
🛑 5. When to Toss Leftover Chicken
- If chicken smells sour or feels slimy, it’s time to toss it.
- Don’t risk eating spoiled cooked chicken — foodborne illnesses are no joke!
- Always follow the USDA guidelines for food safety.
Pro Tip: Label containers with the date before refrigerating or freezing your cooked chicken. It’s a smart way to avoid food waste and always know what’s safe to eat.
Leftover Chicken Burrito Bowls
Use leftover chicken breast to make a high-protein burrito bowl with brown rice, black beans, corn, avocado, and salsa. This burrito bowl with chicken recipe has balanced carbs, lean protein, and healthy fats. Also, this leftover chicken bowl can be made in 80 minutes.
Leftover Veggie Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
This quick chicken dinner is really easy to make and is one of my favorite healthy chicken stir-fry recipes. A quick stir-fry made with crispy shredded chicken, colorful bell peppers, broccoli, and low-sodium soy sauce. This stir-fry recipe with leftover chicken is low in carbs, rich in antioxidants, and can be made in 50 minutes.
The Best No Mayo Avocado Chicken Salad
This low-carb and gluten-free leftover chicken salad is delicious and easy to make and comes together in just 15 minutes. Toss shredded leftover chicken with ripe avocado, red onion, cucumber, and lemon juice. Also, this healthy chicken salad without mayo is perfect on lettuce wraps or whole-grain toast.
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Top baked sweet potatoes with leftover BBQ chicken, black beans, Greek yogurt, and green onions. While this BBQ chicken sweet potato recipe may take over an hour to prepare, it can be made in just 15 minutes with leftover chicken. This recipe features fiber-rich sweet potatoes + lean protein for one of the best and healthy leftover chicken meals.
Low Carb Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Easy and So Good!
To make this keto-friendly chicken lettuce wrap, wrap your leftover chicken in shredded romaine or butter lettuce with shredded carrots, cucumber, and a peanut-lemon dressing. This keto leftover chicken recipe is low in calories and ready in 35 minutes.
Chicken Quinoa Power Bowl
To make a quinoa bowl with chicken, combine cooked quinoa, spinach, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and shredded chicken with an olive oil vinaigrette. This healthy leftover chicken lunch is gluten-free, fiber-rich, and ready in 25 minutes.
Grilled Greek Chicken Pitas
To make this Mediterranean chicken recipe, stuff the leftover chicken with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, red onions, and tzatziki into whole wheat pita bread. Also, this healthy chicken pita is ready in 25 minutes.
Healthy Chicken and Kale Soup (one-pot!)
This healthy chicken vegetable soup is ready in 45 minutes. It's immune-boosting and low in calories. Simmer shredded chicken, kale, carrots, celery, and garlic in light chicken broth. This is one of the best leftover chicken soups.
Chicken Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry
This chicken zoodle is a perfect example of a low-carb leftover chicken recipe. You can use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta, tossed with chicken, sesame oil, garlic, and chopped nuts. These chicken zoodles are also Paleo and Whole30-friendly.
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Shredded chicken mixed with hot sauce and Greek yogurt for a creamy Buffalo flavor, then served in lettuce cups. This is a great way to use buffalo chicken with leftover chicken. These low-carb wraps are also perfect for game day or a low-carb lunch.
Cauliflower Chicken Fried "Rice"
This grain-free paleo chicken recipe is perfect for lunch. Stir-fry cauliflower rice with eggs, peas, carrots, and diced leftover chicken for a quick, low-carb meal. This cauliflower rice chicken stir-fry is high in protein and ready in 35 minutes.
Asian Chicken Wraps
This Thai chicken wrap has a bold flavor and is under 400 calories per serving. To make this spicy chicken wrap, combine chicken with cabbage, carrots, and a spicy peanut sauce. Wrap in rice paper or whole wheat wrap.
Hearty Healthy Chicken Black Bean Chili
This healthy chicken chili is high in fiber and low in fat, and it takes a little extra time to make it perfect. Make a hearty, fiber-packed dinner by simmering black beans, tomatoes, corn, and leftover chicken with chili seasoning.
Chicken Caesar Lettuce Cups
Skip the croutons—load romaine leaves with chicken, light Caesar dressing, and shaved parmesan. This leftover chicken Caesar recipe can be made in just 15 minutes. This Weight Watchers friendly low carb Caesar salad is truly amazing.
Chicken Breakfast Muffins
If you want to make a simple breakfast with leftover chicken, try this recipe, which is super easy and delicious. Mix chopped chicken with eggs, spinach, and bell peppers and bake in a muffin tin for an easy protein-packed meal. These high-protein egg muffins are great for snacking.
Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
To make this healthy chicken pasta, combine whole wheat or chickpea pasta with garlic, olive oil, spinach, and shredded chicken. This is another leftover chicken dinner idea that is easy and delicious and can be made in 30 minutes. It is also healthy because it contains complex carbohydrates and lean protein.
Sheet Pan Chicken with Rainbow Vegetables
This easy leftover chicken meal features Roast leftover chicken with sweet potato, yellow squash, broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes on one sheet pan. This sheet pan chicken dinner can be made in 40-45 minutes. You can definitely try this recipe on your busiest day because it is easy to clean up.
Chicken and Hummus Snack Plate
This leftover chicken lunchbox is made with cold shredded chicken breast mixed with hummus, cucumber, carrots, olives, and whole-grain crackers. It's one of the best healthy chicken snack ideas.
Chicken Tostadas with Easy Baked Chicken Breast
Tostadas with leftover chicken are crunchy, satisfying, and ready in 30 minutes. This healthy Mexican chicken recipe is topped with chicken, black beans, salsa, lettuce, and avocado on baked corn tortillas.
A tasty frittata recipe for you to try
This leftover chicken frittata is made with spinach, chicken, and herbs, and baked until puffed up for a protein-packed brunch or dinner. This is one of the best and healthiest baked egg recipes.
Cheesy Spinach and Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill halved bell peppers with chicken, quinoa or brown rice, and veggies, then bake with a sprinkle of cheese.
🥗 Serving Suggestions & Side Pairings for Leftover Chicken Recipes
Don’t worry too much about what to serve with leftover chicken because the perfect side dish can take your simple meal to the next level. So here I’ve discussed some healthy side dishes for chicken that pair wonderfully with leftover chicken recipes and are super easy to make.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables
Pair leftover chicken with a mix of roasted broccoli, carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. This fiber-rich side dish is low in carbs and full of flavor.
🍚 Quinoa or Brown Rice
Add a healthy grain to make your meal more filling. Whole grains like quinoa, farro, or wild rice are perfect for soaking up sauces from chicken recipes.
🥬 Fresh Garden Salad
A crisp salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch to any healthy leftover chicken meal.
🌽 Grilled Corn or Sweet Potatoes
For something a little sweet and hearty, go with grilled corn on the cob or baked sweet potato wedges—great for kids and packed with vitamins.
🥖 Whole Grain Wraps or Pita
Turn your leftover chicken into a quick wrap with whole grain pita, hummus, greens, and a squeeze of lemon—ideal for lunch or dinner.
🧄 Light Dips & Sauces
Pair with healthy dips like Greek yogurt tzatziki, avocado crema, or tahini dressing to elevate flavor without adding extra calories.
Choosing the right sides can enhance your meal’s flavor, balance the nutrition, and help you enjoy your leftover chicken recipes in a whole new way. Mix and match these ideas based on your preferences or dietary needs!
🍗 FAQs About Healthy Leftover Chicken Recipes
How long does leftover cooked chicken last in the fridge?
According to USDA guidelines, leftover cooked chicken can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you’re planning to use leftover chicken for meal prep or healthy recipes later in the week, be sure to refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking for best results.
Can I freeze leftover chicken for future healthy meals?
Yes! You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2–3 months. Shred or chop it, portion it into freezer bags or containers, and label with the date. It’s perfect for batch cooking and using in high-protein meal prep bowls, soups, or quick weeknight dinners.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover chicken without drying it out?
Reheat leftover chicken slowly at low heat to preserve moisture. You can use a microwave with a damp paper towel, or gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or olive oil. Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
What types of recipes can I make with leftover chicken breast?
Leftover chicken breast is incredibly versatile. Use it in healthy salads, wraps, casseroles, grain bowls, stir-fries, and soups. Popular options include chicken avocado salad, BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes, and chicken quinoa bowls. These recipes are great for low-carb, high-protein diets.
Is rotisserie chicken good for healthy leftover chicken recipes?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option for quick meals. Just remove the skin to reduce fat content, and use the shredded meat in recipes like chicken lettuce wraps, burrito bowls, or low-calorie soups. It’s an easy shortcut for meal prep without compromising on taste or nutrition.
Can I use leftover chicken in meal prep recipes for the week?
Yes, leftover chicken is perfect for healthy meal prep. Portion it into containers with grains, vegetables, and a simple sauce or dressing. Think chicken power bowls, wraps, and stir-fries. Keep meals refrigerated and consume within 3–4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
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