I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge fan of most leftovers. The meal never quite heats up the same way and I find I don’t like eating the same food two days in a row. However, wasting food isn’t an option, so I’ve rounded up some awesome recipes to help get rid of that leftover chicken! Plus, having the chicken already prepared cuts down on prep time for dinner, which is always a win in my book. Go ahead and check out this list for some inspiration!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne
There are some combinations that are just phenomenal together. For some reason chicken, bacon, and ranch is a winning mix of flavors. If you’ve ever had a chicken club with ranch then you know what heaven it the combo is. Now this great taste can be had in a pasta dish that makes enough for the whole family. Serve with a salad or a veggie side dish and you’ve got a very tasty dinner for a crowd- all with minimal effort on your part. Get the recipe here!
Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole
This casserole combines some of the best aspects of Mexican food. There’s no tortilla chips or tacos, true, but in one dish you get savory refried beans and rice, zesty enchilada sauce and hearty chicken, and plenty of ooey-gooey melty cheese. It’s easy to make, but even easier to enjoy and it goes well with any of your favorites toppings, so bring on the salsa, sour cream, and cilantro! Get the recipe here!
Cheater’s Chicken Pot Pie
I’ve always been a big fan of Chicken Pot Pie. It’s the perfect comfort food – a bubbly, somewhat creamy sauce full of hearty chicken and veggies topped with a flaky crust. But it’s not the quickest thing to make. This “cheaters” version uses a couple of shortcuts (don’t worry – no cream of whatever soup!) for a much easier version with all the same delicious flavors. It’s just as comforting, just as tasty – it’s just much easier on the cook! Get the recipe here!
Baked Chicken Tacos
I am firmly of the opinion that tacos are not just for Tuesdays. In fact, I think I could eat tacos most days of the week and never tire of them, but luckily there’s more than one way to eat a taco. Much more. Take these easy-to-make Baked Chicken Tacos, for instance. They’re a great option any day of the week, because they’re quick, impossibly crispy, zesty, and generous in the ooey-gooey melty cheese department. Get the recipe here!
Green Chicken Chili
This particular recipe for green chicken chili has become a huge favorite in my house and the tomatillos definitely have a little something to do with why we love it so much. As in all cooking, I want to build layers of flavors, and as important as the spice drawer will be to the flavor profile, it’s the tomatillos and the poblano peppers that really make this dish pop. Get the recipe here!
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Some people will only eat soup once the weather takes a turn for the chilly. I, however, will eat soup any time of year on any type of day. Because, if you’re asking me, soup is a perfect thing. It’s a complete meal in a bowl that’s always utterly comforting… nothing warms the soul like a bowl of soup. And if you’re looking for a bowl that’ll truly do that any time of year, it’s this one. While it’s plenty hearty enough to fill you up, the lemon flavor keeps things bright enough that it’s welcome whatever the weather, and it still manages to feel like a bowl full of comfort. Get the recipe here!
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
A jalapeño popper is like the world’s perfect appetizer… In one bite, it’s simultaneously crunchy, creamy, and a little spicy. So why not make an entire meal out of it? That’s exactly what we set out to do, and I dare say that we more than succeeded with this easy-to-make casserole. It still has that creamy-fiery flavor combo you’d expect from your favorite spicy starter, but we’ve rounded it out with some chicken, cheese, and crispy bacon to really fill you up. Get the recipe here!
Creamy Green Chile Chicken Tortilla Casserole
A nice thing about casserole is you could serve one each and every day and every single one of them could be totally different from one another. There are so many delicious options as a base, be it pasta, potatoes, or rice, but this particular one relies on tortillas for starch and structure. It just so happens that it’s also creamy and cheesy and has the lovely flavor of mild green chiles running throughout. What I’m saying is, even if you did make a casserole every single day, this one would stand out. Get the recipe here!