You Will Literally Never Get Sick Of This Paleo Buffalo Chicken Casserole
You Will Literally Never Get Sick Of This Paleo Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Whether you've treated yourself to a rotisserie chicken (so juicy!) or roasted your own bird, chances are you're not using up all that meat at once. Only downside there: Leftover chicken is definitely not the most exciting thing to have hanging around in the fridge.
I mean, there are only so many days in a row you can cut into plain old chicken before getting bored—no matter how much hot sauce you drown it in.
Chicken's simplicity doesn't have to be a downside, though. If you're not sure what the heck to do with leftover chicken, know that all you need is a little creativity (and a stockpile of the right recipes) to transform that leftover bird into all sorts of different healthy (and delish) meals that'll keep your taste buds entertained all week long.
Yeah, plain chicken breast is pretty bland. But Hawaiian shredded chicken? Pesto chicken-stuffed sweet potatoes? Buffalo chicken casserole? I think not.
From healthy sandwiches and soups, to chilis and stir-fries, and more, you can definitely put that leftover white meat (and dark meat) to good use.
With these 28 recipes, you'll never wonder what to do with that leftover chicken again—and you'll seriously level up your meal prep game while you're at it.
Pumpkin Seed & Avocado Pesto Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Craving a sandwich with deli vibes? This pesto chicken salad is creamy and loaded with healthy fats.
Per serving: 502 calories, 15.5 g fat (3.1 g sat), 46.4 g carbs, 12.6 g fiber, 6.3 g sugar, 46.3 g protein
Cheesy BBQ Chicken-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Cheesy, flavorful, and still full of veggies? What more could you possibly want in a dinner...
Per serving: 398 calories, 17.1 g fat (8 g sat), 24.9 g carbs, 3.9 g fiber, 12.1 g sugar, 35.8 g protein
Butternut Squash Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Couscous
Couscous, leftover chicken, and some veggies are all you need for this hearty but simple weeknight meal.
Per serving: 543 calories, 18.9 g fat (6.8 g sat), 26.4 g carbs, 6.3 g fiber, 8 g sugar, 42.4 g protein
Chicken And Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Shred leftover chicken to whip up this cozy shepherd’s pie made with antioxidant-packed sweet potato.
Per serving: 315 calories, 15.6 g fat (7.7 g sat), 18.2 g carbs, 922 mg sodium, 2.4 g fiber, 4.4 g sugar, 24.8 g protein
Curried Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups
This curry chicken salad is loaded with spice, while the lettuce wraps get some greens in and keep carbs low.
Per serving: 412 calories, 25.5 g fat (6.3 g sat), 10.1 g carbs, 433 mg sodium, 1.2 g fiber, 2.6 g sugar, 35.3 g protein
Caprese Chicken Skillet
Craving Italian? Top leftover grilled chicken with mozzarella, basil, and tomato for a low-carb meal that tastes like bruschetta.
Per serving: 406 calories, 20.3 g fat (8.7 g sat), 13.8 g carbs, 730 mg sodium, 1.2 g fiber, 9 g sugar, 43.7 g protein
Almond & Apricot Chicken Salad
This light, refreshing salad has warm-weather vibes thanks to fresh apricots. It's a great go-to when you're looking for some sweetness.
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Per serving: 318 calories, 23 g fat (3 g sat), 11 g carbs, 158 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 8 g sugar, 19 g protein
Vietnamese Chicken Salad
Diced chicken is the perfect base for this fun chicken salad, which gets a crunch from peanuts and packs plenty of veggies.
Per serving: 171 calories, 14 g carbs, 913 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 17 g protein
Kale & Chicken Pesto Soup
This Whole30-compliant soup is totally comforting, loaded with the good stuff, and deliciously creamy.
Per serving: 305 calories, 4 g fat, 8 g carbs, 292 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 16 g protein
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Shredded Chicken
With a little natural sweetness, this shredded chicken is perfect in collard green wraps with colorful veggies and creamy avocado.
Per serving: 190 calories, 5 g fat, 10 g carbs, 400 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 7 g sugar, 24 g protein
Blueberry Chicken Salad with Rosemary
This light, fruity chicken salad feels fancy thanks to the herb rosemary. Stuff it into sandwiches, spoon it into lettuce cups, or put it on greens.
Per serving: 264 calories, 17 g fat, 2 g carbs, 400 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 22 g protein
Chicken Tortilla-less Soup
This Mexican-inspired soup is full of flavor thanks to spicy jalape?o, fresh herbs, and chunky avocado.
Per serving: 233 calories, 6 g fat, 19 g carbs, 582 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 8 g sugar, 25 g protein
Pesto Chicken-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
This paleo meal puts leftover chicken to good use. It's ready in just about an hour and easy to prep in bulk.
Per serving: 573 calories, 41 g fat (5 g sat), 31 g carbs, 567 mg sodium, 6 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 22 g protein
Paleo Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash
Throw together spaghetti squash, leftover chicken, and pesto for this absurdly quick weeknight meal. (Non-paleo pro tip: top with a heavy hand of shredded Parmesan.)
Per serving: 358 calories, 20 g fat (6 g sat), 18 g carbs, 459 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 7 g sugar, 27 g protein
Chicken Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai
I call this "Thai takeout, but make it healthy." Your leftover chicken has never been more crave-worthy.
Per serving: 358 calories, 21 g fat (3 g sat), 30 g carbs, 465 mg sodium, 6 g fiber, 14 g sugar, 23 g protein
Dairy-Free Chicken and Vegetable Risotto
This risotto doesn't need dairy to be creamy AF. Leftover chicken (cubed or shredded works best) adds extra texture and protein.
Per serving: 301 calories, 5.9 g fat, 41.4 g carbs, 75.5 mg sodium, 2.5 g fiber, 2.5 g sugar, 1.2 g protein
Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Soup
This hearty soup has spicy vibes, so you'll feel warm and satisfied with every spoonful.
Per serving: 184 calories, 2 g fat, 21.5 g carbs, 492.8 mg sodium, 3.6 g fiber, 1.9 g sugar, 19.1 g protein
Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food, and ginger makes this recipe extra fragrant.
Per serving: 111 calories, 2.1 g fat, 13.1 g carbs, 782.4 mg sodium, 1.1 g fiber, 1.7 g sugar, 10 g protein
Paleo Buffalo Chicken Casserole with Ranch
This casserole is like buffalo chicken dip but totally good for you (and totally meal-worthy).
Per serving: 660 calories, 57 g fat (16 g sat), 12 g carbs, 1627 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 25 g protein
Costco-Style Shredded Chicken Salad
Costco is famous for their chicken salad, and this recipe nails the creamy deli-style classic.
Per serving: 448 calories, 30 g fat (5 g sat), 3 g carbs, 1304 mg sodium, 1 g sugar, 37 g protein
Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
This paleo and Whole30-friendly version of chicken pot pie soup is rich, creamy, and full of good-for-you protein and fiber.
Per serving: 545 calories, 35 g fat (18 g sat), 40 g carbs, 871 mg sodium, 6 g fiber, 7 g sugar, 22 g protein
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Use shredded or diced cooked chicken in this rich casserole, which gets flavor from bacon and greens from either broccoli or spinach.
Per serving: 469 calories, 31 g fat, 7 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 38 g protein
Easy Green Chile Chicken Tamales
Feeling extra creative? Make spicy tamales with leftover chicken and turn your next meal into a straight-up fiesta.
Per serving: 99 calories, 4.2 g fat (0.7 g sat), 8.3 g carbs, 232 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 0.6 g sugar, 6.9 g protein
Grain-Free Burrito Bowls with Shredded Mexican Chicken
These burrito bowls spice up shredded chicken with all sorts of colorful veggies and (of course) creamy guacamole.
Per serving: 394 calories, 11.4 g fat (1.6 g sat), 38.8 g carbs, 1014 mg sodium, 13 g fiber, 7.4 g sugar, 35.8 g protein
Pumpkin Black Bean Soup
Throw leftover chicken into this fun twist on black bean soup, which gets flavor and fiber from pumpkin. It's as photogenic as it is filling.
Per serving: 345 calories, 8.9 g fat (4.3 g sat), 56.2 g carbs, 765 mg sodium, 17.2 g fiber, 12.1 g sugar, 12.2 g protein
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Stuff taco shells with shredded leftover chicken and top 'em with chopped veggies on your next Taco Tuesday.
Per serving: 201 calories, 5 g fat (1 g sat), 18 g carbs, 420 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 18 g protein
Broccoli Slaw with Chicken
This crunchy, cold salad is high in fiber and antioxidants thanks to lots of colorful veggies. Top it off with sliced leftover chicken to make it a full meal.
Per serving: 448 calories, 14 g fat (2 g sat), 63 g carbs, 571 mg sodium, 9 g fiber, 33 g sugar, 23 g protein
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Use diced leftover chicken to make this creamy chicken salad. Then, turn it into a sammie you can feel good about by adding lettuce, tomato, and plenty of sprouts.
Per serving: 416 calories, 21 g fat (3 g sat), 25 g carbs, 642 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 29 g protein
This is just one way for you to use up all that leftover chicken.