Barbecued chicken breasts make for a quick and easy meal during the week. However, you may find yourself with leftover bbq chicken breasts and wondering what to do with them. The good news is that there are many tasty ways to repurpose leftover bbq chicken so it doesn’t go to waste. Here are some ideas for using up leftover bbq chicken breasts.
Store Leftover Chicken Safely
First things first, be sure to store leftover bbq chicken properly so it stays fresh and safe to eat.
- Let the chicken cool completely before storing it. Don’t pack hot chicken into the fridge.
- Store the chicken in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Keep leftover chicken in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- You can also freeze bbq chicken for longer term storage. It will keep for 3-4 months in the freezer.
Proper storage prevents bacteria growth and keeps the chicken from drying out. With that handled, here are great ways to use up leftover bbq chicken breasts:
Make Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is a classic way to use leftover chicken. To make it, simply chop or shred the cooked bbq chicken breasts and mix with mayonnaise, chopped celery, halved grapes or dried cranberries, and any other additions you like. Some options are dill, poppy seeds, chopped apple, pineapple tidbits, sliced almonds, etc. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy the bbq chicken salad as a sandwich filling, stuffed into a pita or lettuce wraps, or served over a bed of greens.
Use in Soups, Stews, and Chilis
Leftover cooked chicken is perfect for adding to soups, stews, chilis, and similar one-pot meals. The bbq flavor adds a subtly smoky note to dishes. Try using shredded bbq chicken in recipes like chicken noodle soup, chicken tortilla soup, white chicken chili, chicken and dumplings, chicken pot pie, and more. The chicken can be added towards the end of cooking so it doesn’t get overdone.
Make BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas
Leftover pulled bbq chicken makes an easy pizza topping. Spread some bbq sauce over a flatbread or naan. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, the leftover chicken, and any other desired toppings like red onion, cilantro, sliced jalapeños, pineapple, or bacon. Bake at 400°F until the cheese melts, about 10-15 minutes. You can also grill the flatbreads for extra flavor.
Stuff into a Quesadilla or Omelet
Quesadillas and omelets are a quick and easy way to use up shredded leftover chicken. To make a bbq chicken quesadilla, sprinkle cheese over a tortilla, top with the shredded chicken, more cheese, and any other fillings you want. Fold it over and cook in a skillet until browned and melty. For an omelet, simply mix the chicken into the egg mixture before cooking it. Feel free to add cheese, veggies, etc. Easy protein-packed meals!
Make BBQ Chicken Tacos or Nachos
Who doesn’t love tacos and nachos? Spice up your normal ground beef versions by using leftover bbq chicken as the protein filling instead. Warm up the shredded chicken and serve in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings. Or cover tortilla chips with the chicken, cheese, beans, salsa, guacamole, etc. for bbq chicken nachos.
Add to a Grain Bowl or Salad
Grain bowls and salads are healthy and satisfying meals that are fully customizable with different ingredients. Turn them into more filling meals by topping them with shredded leftover bbq chicken. Some ideas are a southwestern brown rice bowl with bbq chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and ranch dressing. Or a bbq chicken salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, cheddar cheese, and buttermilk ranch. Get creative with your own favorite ingredients!
Make BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Leftover pulled bbq chicken is already perfectly prepped for sandwiches. Pile it onto buns, toast, ciabatta rolls, or whatever bread you prefer. Add any toppings that complement the zesty bbq flavor – melted cheese, crispy fried onions, coleslaw, pickles, and bbq sauce are all great options. Grill the sandwiches in a panini press for an extra flavor boost if desired.
Use in Savory Casseroles
Casseroles are a handy way to repurpose leftover chicken and veggies into an easy baked dish. Try using bbq chicken in casseroles like King Ranch chicken, chicken divan, chicken & broccoli rice casserole, or a cheesy chicken enchilada bake. The smoky bbq chicken adds bold flavor to the creamy mixtures of cheese, rice, vegetables, etc.
Create BBQ Chicken Wraps
Wraps make a convenient healthy lunch or light dinner, and they’re infinitely adaptable. Spread a tortilla with hummus or another creamy spread. Top with the shredded bbq chicken, leafy greens, tomatoes, shredded cheese, ranch or bbq drizzle, etc. Roll up the tortilla and enjoy your customized bbq chicken wrap.
FAQs
How long does bbq chicken last in the fridge?
Leftover bbq chicken will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool completely first before refrigerating.
Can you freeze leftover bbq chicken?
Yes, freezing is a great way to preserve leftovers for longer term storage. Bbq chicken can be frozen for 3-4 months. Let it cool completely before freezing in an airtight bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
What’s the best way to reheat bbq chicken?
The best way to reheat leftover bbq chicken is in the oven or microwave. For the oven, put it in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F until heated through, 15-20 minutes. For the microwave, heat the chicken in 30 second intervals until hot, checking and stirring in between.
How can I use leftover bbq chicken bones?
Don’t toss those bones! Simmer them in water with some vegetables and seasonings to make homemade chicken stock. You can also roast the bones at 400°F until browned and then simmer to make stock. Use the stock for soups, stews, risotto, or gravy.
What are the best spices that pair well with bbq chicken?
Classic bbq rub spices like brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne all complement the flavor of bbq chicken beautifully. Fresh herbs like cilantro, chives, and parsley also pair nicely.
Conclusion
Leftover bbq chicken breasts present an opportunity for creating all sorts of delicious meals. With proper storage, the cooked chicken keeps for several days in the fridge or months in the freezer. Get creative and give bbq chicken a second life in soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas and more. With so many tasty possibilities, you’ll look forward to leftovers!