Roasting a whole chicken for dinner is always a great idea.
Until you realize you have a TON of meat left over and no idea what to do with it.
Instead of letting it sit in the fridge until you forget about it, why not turn it into a COMPLETELY new meal?
Leftover chicken is actually a total lifesaver on busy weeknights.
It is already cooked, which means you can skip the most annoying part of making dinner.
I put together a list of the best leftover chicken recipes so you never have to eat a boring, dry sandwich again.
These ideas include everything from cozy soups and cheesy bakes to quick salads and easy skillet meals.
There is something for every craving—and every level of cooking experience.
So grab that container out of the fridge, because dinner is about to get a whole lot EASIER.
1. Chicken and Ricotta Paninis
These chicken and ricotta paninis make a warm and comforting grilled sandwich for lunch.
The tender chicken pairs nicely with smooth ricotta cheese between toasted bread slices.
You can easily whip this up when you want a quick and tasty meal.
Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
2. Chicken Soup with Cream and Lemon
This chicken soup with cream and lemon brings a bright twist to a classic comfort food.
A splash of cream adds a rich texture while the lemon gives it a fresh kick.
It is a simple and cozy bowl to enjoy on a chilly day.
Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
3. Cornbread and Chicken Casserole
This cornbread and chicken casserole is a hearty baked dish that fills up the whole family.
It combines soft cornbread with savory chicken for a comforting weeknight dinner.
You can also swap in turkey, beef, or tuna depending on what you have in the fridge.
Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
4. Doro Fitfit (Ethiopian Chicken Salad)
Doro fitfit is a vibrant Ethiopian chicken salad made with shredded injera and spiced meat.
It features a flavorful dressing that brings all the traditional ingredients together.
This refreshing dish works great as a light meal or a tasty appetizer.
Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
5. Spicy Chicken Casserole
This spicy chicken casserole is a flexible dinner option that you can adjust to your own taste.
It is not overly spicy unless you want to add an extra kick.
Feel free to change up the ingredients to make it just right for your family.
Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
6. Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Cheesy chicken pasta is a comforting dinner choice that comes together in no time.
Tender chicken and pasta are tossed in a rich, melted cheese sauce.
It makes a satisfying and easy weeknight meal everyone will love.
Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
7. Chicken and Pasta Alfredo
Chicken and pasta Alfredo is a rich and creamy dish that feels like a treat.
Juicy chicken pieces are mixed with pasta and a smooth, buttery sauce.
It is a classic comfort food that is simple to prepare at home.
Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
8. Greek Chicken Wrap
A Greek chicken wrap is a fresh and quick meal packed with bold Mediterranean flavor.
Juicy chicken and crisp vegetables are rolled up in a soft tortilla for easy eating.
It makes a great lunch or light dinner when you are on the go.
Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
9. Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry
This peanut chicken stir-fry brings tender chicken and crisp vegetables together in a rich, nutty sauce.
It comes together fast for a busy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
10. Zereshk Palau (Iranian Rice with Barberries) I
Zereshk Palau is a classic Iranian rice dish featuring buttery grains topped with tart red barberries.
Saffron adds a bright golden color and a wonderful aroma to every single bite.
It makes a stunning side dish that pairs wonderfully with your favorite chicken or meat mains.
Recipe from Wikibooks, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
11. BBQ Chicken Nachos
These BBQ chicken nachos make a quick and easy appetizer for game nights or casual gatherings.
Layers of crunchy chips are piled high with tender meat, melted cheese, and smoky barbecue sauce.
They bake in minutes so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests.
Recipe from Foodista.com.
12. BBQ Chicken, Apple & Cheddar Pizza
This BBQ chicken, apple, and cheddar pizza is a fun twist on your usual weeknight meal.
Sweet apple slices and savory chicken pair up with melted cheese for an amazing flavor combination.
It is quick and easy to pull together when you need dinner on the table in a hurry.
Recipe from Foodista.com.
13. Brazilian Chicken and Mushrooms
Brazilian chicken and mushrooms brings comforting South American flavors right to your dinner table.
This tasty poultry dish features a rich and savory sauce that tastes amazing spooned over warm rice.
It is a simple yet unique American Southern style meal that offers a nice break from your usual routine.
Recipe from Foodista.com.
14. Buffalo Chicken Wings Wonton Wraps
These buffalo chicken wings wonton wraps pack all your favorite spicy flavors into a crunchy, bite-sized snack.
They make a fantastic appetizer for parties and are surprisingly easy to bake in the oven.
Just dip them in ranch or blue cheese and watch them disappear from the tray.
Recipe from Foodista.com.