Barbecued chicken breast is a classic summertime favorite. When preparing chicken on the grill, it’s easy to end up with leftovers. Rather than letting the leftover barbecued chicken go to waste, there are many delicious ways to repurpose it into quick and easy meals. Here are some of the best ideas for using up leftover BBQ chicken breast.
Store Leftover Chicken Safely
First things first, it’s important to store leftover grilled chicken properly to keep it safe to eat later. Here are some tips:
- Let the chicken cool completely before storing it. Don’t pack hot chicken into an airtight container.
- Store the chicken in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Keep leftover chicken in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum. It can also be frozen for several months.
- When reheating, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Properly stored, leftover BBQ chicken will stay fresh and ready for another use. Now let’s look at the different ways to put that chicken to work.
Transform into Easy Chicken Salads
Chicken salad is a perfect use for leftover barbecued chicken breast. Simply chop or shred the grilled chicken and mix it into a creamy salad dressing.
Some tasty chicken salad flavor ideas include:
- BBQ Chicken Salad – Chopped chicken, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar, barbecue sauce, tomatoes, and chopped greens.
- Buffalo Chicken Salad – Shredded chicken, blue cheese dressing, hot sauce, carrots, and celery.
- Greek Chicken Salad – Chicken, lemon vinaigrette, feta, olives, onion, cucumber, and pita chips.
- Curry Chicken Salad – Shredded chicken, mayo, curry powder, golden raisins, almonds, apple.
Chicken salads make excellent sandwiches, wraps, on top of greens, stuffed into avocados, or just enjoyed with a fork. The possibilities are endless!
Use for Easy Casseroles and Bakes
Casseroles are a smart way stretch leftovers into an easy baked meal. Try whipping up one of these chicken casserole recipes:
- BBQ Chicken Casserole – Chicken, barbecue sauce, rice or pasta, cheese, baked together.
- Chicken Divan – Chicken, broccoli, rice, cheese sauce, breadcrumbs.
- King Ranch Chicken – Chicken, tortilla chips, cheese, salsa, black beans.
- Chicken Pot Pie – Chicken, vegetables, creamy sauce, topped with biscuits.
- Chicken Enchiladas – Chicken rolled in tortillas, enchilada sauce, beans, and cheese.
Simply layer the ingredients into a baking dish and throw into the oven for an easy weeknight dinner.
Craft Creative Sandwiches and Wraps
Pile leftover chicken onto bread, rolls, pitas, or tortillas for an easy anytime meal. Get creative with these sandwich and wrap combinations:
- BBQ Chicken & Bacon Melt – Chicken, bacon, cheddar, barbecue sauce, on a roll.
- Buffalo Chicken Wrap – Chicken, hot sauce, lettuce, tomato, ranch dressing, in a tortilla.
- BBQ Chicken Pita – Chicken, feta, red onion, spinach, barbecue sauce, in a pita.
- Mexican Chicken Tortilla – Chicken, avocado, peppers, queso fresco, chipotle mayo, on a tortilla.
Packed into a crusty roll, stuffed in a wrap, or piled high on bread, chicken makes the perfect sandwich foundation.
Craft Easy Chicken Entrees
Beyond sandwiches and salads, you can create quick and easy chicken entrees with your leftover grilled chicken. Consider these simple dinner ideas:
- BBQ Chicken Pizza – Chicken, barbecue sauce, red onion, cilantro, mozzarella, on a pizza crust.
- Chicken Fajitas – Chicken, peppers and onions, Mexican spices, flour tortillas.
- Chicken Fried Rice – Chicken, rice, peas, carrots, eggs, soy sauce.
- Chicken Pasta Toss – Chicken, farfalle, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach.
- Chicken Tacos – Chicken, lettuce, cheese, salsa, soft taco shells.
With just a few extra ingredients you can transform leftover chicken into a complete meal for dinner any night of the week.
Creative Uses for Small Bits of Leftover Chicken
Don’t let smaller pieces of leftover chicken go to waste. Use them creatively in recipes like:
- Add to omelets, frittatas or scrambled eggs.
- Make homemade chicken stock by simmering bones and scraps.
- Mix into fried rice, pasta salad, or potato salad.
- Fold into enchiladas, hand pies, pot stickers, or dumplings.
- Top salads, nachos, flatbreads, or charcuterie boards.
Every little bit of leftover chicken can be put to use in many ways. Just get creative!
Don’t Toss It – Eat It!
With endless possibilities for leftover grilled chicken breast, there is no reason to let it go to waste. A little creativity can transform BBQ chicken leftovers into quick, easy and delicious meals all week long.
So next time you fire up the barbecue, go ahead and grill extra chicken breast. Then get ready to give those leftovers a tasty second life in salads, sandwiches, entrees and more. Your future self will thank you for preparing versatile leftover chicken ready for another delicious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leftover BBQ Chicken Breast
Still have questions about what to do with leftover barbecued chicken breast? Here are answers to some common questions.
How long does leftover BBQ chicken last in the fridge?
Properly stored in a sealed container, leftover grilled chicken will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure chicken is cooled completely before refrigerating.
Can you freeze leftover BBQ chicken breast?
Yes, freezing is a great option for longer term storage. Chicken will keep for several months in the freezer. Allow chicken to cool before freezing in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover grilled chicken?
Use the stove, microwave, or oven to reheat chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F. BBQ chicken also tastes great cold in salads. Just make sure to reheat fully when making casseroles or sandwiches.
What if my leftover chicken is dry after reheating?
No worries – you can add it to sauces, dressings, or gravies to keep it moist. Shredded chicken also reheats better than whole breasts or pieces. Add a little liquid when reheating to help add moisture.
How can I use small bits and ends of leftover chicken?
Small pieces are perfect for recipes like chicken salad, casseroles, pasta, fried rice, soup, stock, enchiladas or dumplings. Don’t waste those little leftovers!
Can I freeze chicken salad or casseroles made with leftover chicken?
Yes, dishes made with leftover chicken can also be frozen for enjoying later. Allow to cool completely before freezing so the chicken can reheat evenly later.
With these tips, you can enjoy your perfectly grilled BBQ chicken breast again and again in delicious new ways all week long. So fire up the grill and don’t be afraid to barbecue a little extra. Your future meals will thank you!