Barbecue chicken is a versatile protein that can be used in a variety of delicious recipes. With just a few extra ingredients, leftover or freshly cooked BBQ chicken can be transformed into enticing main dishes, sides, appetizers and more. This article will provide tips and recipe ideas to help you get the most out of your barbecue chicken.
Salads and Starters
Turn your BBQ chicken into tasty salad toppers or appetizers with these recipe ideas:
BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
- Chop or shred roasted chicken and toss with mixed greens, corn, black beans, grated cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado and crunchy tortilla strips. Drizzle with ranch dressing.
BBQ Chicken Spring Rolls
- Shred chicken and wrap in rice paper with sliced vegetables and herbs. Serve with a peanut or sweet chili dipping sauce.
BBQ Chicken Spread
- Purée roasted chicken with cream cheese, Ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar. Serve as a dip with crackers or celery and carrot sticks.
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
- Top pizza dough or naan with shredded chicken, red onion, mozzarella and a drizzle of barbecue sauce. Finish with cilantro.
BBQ Chicken Nachos
- Layer tortilla chips with shredded chicken, black beans, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese and barbecue sauce.
Main Dishes
BBQ chicken has enough flavor to stand on its own, but also pairs well with various other ingredients. Try these main dish ideas:
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Pile shredded chicken onto buns or rolls with pickles, coleslaw and barbecue sauce.
BBQ Chicken Tacos
- Fill tortillas with chicken, pico de gallo, avocado, lettuce, cheese and a squeeze of lime.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Make pizza with a barbecue sauce base. Top with chicken, red onion and cilantro.
BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
- Toss cooked pasta with shredded chicken, tomatoes, corn, shredded carrots and homemade or store-bought barbecue sauce dressing.
BBQ Chicken Pot Pie
- Mix chicken with vegetables like peas, carrots and corn. Pour into a pie crust and top with second crust or biscuit topping to bake.
BBQ Chicken Casserole
- Combine chicken with rice or pasta, vegetables and cheese sauce. Top with breadcrumbs or fried onions and bake.
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Fill tortillas with chicken, cheese, onions and peppers. Cook in skillet until cheese melts.
Sides and Soups
Use leftover chicken to quickly amp up side dishes and soups:
BBQ Chicken Baked Beans
- Mix shredded chicken with baked beans. Bake with crumbled bacon on top, if desired.
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Stir shredded chicken into stove-top or baked macaroni and cheese.
BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl
- Layer chicken over rice with corn, black beans, avocado, crispy onions and barbecue drizzle.
BBQ Chicken Chowder
- Simmer chicken in creamy soup with potatoes, corn and bacon.
BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad
- Top salad greens with chicken, hard boiled egg, crumbled bacon, tomato, avocado and blue cheese.
Final Tips
- Store leftover chicken safely for later use. Refrigerate within 2 hours and use within 3-5 days.
- Freeze chicken in portions if you won’t use it all. Thaw in fridge before using.
- Add chicken to sandwiches, wraps, omelets, fried rice and more.
- Use larger pieces for skewers, stir fries or chopped in salads. Shred or dice smaller pieces.
- Boost flavor by heating in barbecue sauce or tossing with additional seasoning.
With a little creativity, the possibilities are endless for dishes using leftover or freshly cooked barbecue chicken! It’s an easy way to whip up quick and tasty family meals.