What to do with leftover chicken

Store chicken from last night’s meal in sealed containers. Refrigerate for three days or freeze for up to three months.

Pro-tip: Shred chicken before freezing. It thaws faster and can be tossed straight into dishes. Save those bones and skin. They're goldmines for flavoursome broths or crispy, salty snacks.

Don’t discard that carcass! Chicken bones can become the base of a rich, aromatic stock. Add your choice of veggies and herbs, simmer, strain, and store. This  flavourful stock not only reduces waste but also adds a depth and richness to any savoury dish. Plus, it will keep in the freezer for up to three months.

01

Quick chicken pasta

Craving a satisfying dinner after a long day? Leftover chicken is your secret weapon to whip up quick, delectable dishes. For an Italian touch, blend that shredded chicken into a vibrant pesto pasta or envelop it in a velvety sauce for a comforting chicken and pasta bake.

Enhance the chicken's texture and flavour by reheating it gently in a sauce or broth. This also will prevent it from drying out. Want to prep ahead? It's a breeze. Separate the shredded chicken into meal-sized portions and stash them in airtight containers. This ensures you have a ready-to-use protein for future meals and it also aids in reducing waste. Make sure to note the freezing date on the container. This tiny step guarantees you always use fresh leftovers, even if they've been frozen for a while.

02

Chicken wraps & sandwiches

Lunchtime dilemmas? Leftover chicken is about to become your midday meal MVP. From working from home lunches to picnics in the park, or even that swift school lunch prep in the morning, chicken leftovers simplify the process and amplify the flavour.

Dive into this timeless classic club sandwich, heightened by the rich taste of your leftover chicken. For a zestier touch, try these chicken and cucumber rolls slathered in spicy mayo. And when it's about making lunch boxes exciting yet fuss-free, chicken wraps are a hit, especially with the little ones.

Complement your chicken filling with avocado for creaminess, pickled veggies for a tangy kick, or even a drizzle of a tangy-sweet coronation sauce.

03

Bite-sized chicken snacks

When hunger calls for a quick snack, let leftover chicken be your go-to. Turn yesterday's roast into today's bite-sized wonders, perfect for parties, on-the-go munching, or just that Netflix marathon.

Try the exotic flavours of these tandoori chicken samosas – the perfect blend of spicy and savoury. For a veggie-packed option these zucchini and chicken fritters make a tasty solution. But when comfort food is the name of the game, you can't beat the rich, creamy filling of chicken, leek, and kale encased in these golden flaky pasties.

For best results, reheat these snacks in an oven or toaster oven. It retains their crispness and ensures even warming.

Enhance these bites with complementary sauces. Think: tangy mint chutney for the samosas, a herbed yoghurt dip for the fritters, or a side of thick gravy for those indulgent pasties.

04

Make it Mexican

Maximise the flavour of your leftovers with the zest and spice of Mexican cuisine. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, leftover chicken seamlessly finds its place in the heart of Mexican dishes, delivering both convenience and taste.

Looking for a meal that’s swift yet scrumptious? These roast chicken and avocado ranch slaw tacos are your ticket to a speedy fiesta. Dive into layers of flavour with these shredded chicken nachos - they’re a crowd-pleaser. For those craving a little more depth and warmth, try these  spiced chicken enchiladas, draped in a rich red chilli sauce, are pure comfort.

Elevate your dishes with a side of tangy tomatillo salsa, creamy guacamole, or the ever-popular smoky chipotle sauce. A sprinkle of fresh coriander can also infuse an extra punch of authenticity.

05

Asian style chicken

If Asian culinary adventures call, repurposing your leftover chicken can be a game-changer.

Dive into the vibrant world of stir-fries with this chicken and prawn medley. The  chicken breast melds beautifully with the succulent prawns, offering a balanced bite every time. For a comforting broth, this Singapore style chicken soup, enriched with aromatic herbs, becomes even more tasty with chunks of leftover chicken.

And for a unique twist, swap the traditional Peking duck with shredded BBQ chicken in a soft pancake wrap. The smoky, sweet notes of the BBQ chicken combine perfectly with the delicate pancake.

Leftover chicken breasts are versatile and lean, making them suitable for stir-fries. Thighs, on the other hand, hold richer flavours, making them perfect for soups and salads. Leftover wings? Toss them in a spicy Asian glaze for a finger-licking treat.

06

Chicken salads

Using leftover chicken is the perfect low waste answer to creating a quick salad.  Whether you're prepping for a sun-drenched backyard BBQ or curating a tasty  spread for a spontaneous picnic, chicken salads stand out as a summer staple.

Relish the timeless appeal of this Caesar salad. With its sumptuous dressing, crispy polenta croutons, and juicy chicken pieces, this iconic dish serves as a perfect addition to al fresco gatherings.

For those in search of a gourmet escapade, this spicy Thai chicken salad offers bold flavours. Teeming with zesty lime, fiery chilies, and aromatic herbs, it promises a zingy delight with every forkful.

For an enhanced flavour, marinate your leftover chicken in the salad dressing for a short while before piecing together your masterpiece. This tenderises the chicken and ensures it's soaked in delectable flavours.

07

Chicken soups

When cold weather looms there's nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of soup. Using leftover chicken significantly cuts down on prep time, while the flavours of roasted or grilled chicken offer a depth and richness to the broth, making it taste as if it has been simmering for hours.

For an aromatic and refreshing experience, this  speedy chicken pho welcomes you with its delicate broth and soft rice noodles. If you hanker for the creaminess and nostalgia of classic home-cooked soups, this creamy chicken macaroni soup is comforting and reminiscent of simpler times. When reincorporating leftover chicken into soups, try adding fresh herbs or a splash of lemon or lime zest towards the end. This simple touch revives the chicken, ensuring every spoonful tastes freshly made.

08

Chicken pies

In the world of comfort foods, few dishes rival a golden-crusted pie. The brilliance of leveraging leftover chicken lies in its convenience. Pre-cooked chicken eliminates the step of searing or roasting, ensuring that the filling's flavours meld more readily. Leftover chicken naturally enriches the pie filling, giving you that ‘cooked for hours’ taste in a fraction of the time.

Got leftover roasted vegetables from Sunday's dinner? Dice them up and incorporate them for added texture and flavour, creating an all-encompassing roast dinner pie. Or try this classic chicken and leek pie with its rich, creamy interior and aroma reminiscent of a countryside inn.

Amplify your pie's character with the right herbs and spices. A hint of thyme or rosemary can elevate any filling. If opting for individual pies, adjust the cooking time to ensure even baking and perfect crusts.