13 Delicious Ways to Use Up Leftover Barbecue Chicken

Barbecue chicken is a staple at many summer gatherings and backyard cookouts. The tantalizing aroma and flavorful, tender meat are always a hit. But inevitably, you’re left with leftovers after the party winds down. Don’t let that delicious barbecue chicken go to waste! There are endless possibilities for transforming those leftovers into easy, delicious meals.

In this article, we’ll explore 13 mouthwatering ways to repurpose leftover barbecue chicken From sandwiches and salads to casseroles and pizza, these recipes will help you get creative in the kitchen while reducing food waste Many can be prepped in advance or whipped up in just minutes. So fire up your imagination, raid your refrigerator, and get ready to give leftover barbecue chicken a savory second life!

Store Leftover Chicken Safely

Before delving into recipes, proper storage of your leftover barbecue chicken is crucial for food safety. Here are some tips:

• Allow chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Store chicken meat separate from bones in shallow airtight containers.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
• When reheating, ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally.

With the chicken safely stored, let’s explore how to put it to delicious use!

1. Barbecue Chicken Pizza

Give boring pizza night a flavor upgrade by topping crust with tangy barbecue chicken. Mix diced chicken with mozzarella, red onion, cilantro, and barbecue sauce. Spread onto crust and bake until cheese melts. The combo of cheesy sweet and smoky is sure to satisfy.

2. Barbecue Chicken Salad

Transform leftover chicken into a hearty main-dish salad. Combine chopped barbecue chicken with mixed greens, corn, black beans, shredded cheese, and barbecue ranch dressing for a filling and nutritious option.

3. Barbecue Chicken Tacos

Liven up taco night by using shredded barbecue chicken as the star ingredient. Load the chicken into warmed tortillas and finish with sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and a dollop of salsa.

4. Barbecue Chicken Pasta

Pasta gets a protein punch when you add shredded barbecue chicken to the mix. Toss chicken with cooked pasta, barbecue sauce, roasted red peppers, and Parmesan. Warm through and serve topped with crispy bacon bits.

5. Barbecue Chicken Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a handy way to use up leftover chicken. Fill tortillas with Monterey jack cheese, barbecue chicken, and sautéed onions. Cook in a skillet until the cheese melts. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and fresh tomato salsa.

6. Barbecue Chicken Flatbread Sandwiches

Build an easy flatbread sandwich by layering naan or pizza dough with barbecue chicken, bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, and ranch dressing. Bake until the flatbread is crispy. Enjoy this hearty handheld meal on-the-go.

7. Barbecue Chicken Casserole

Transform leftover chicken into comfort food by baking it in a casserole. Combine chicken with rice, corn, beans, and barbecue sauce. Top with cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake until bubbly for a hearty one-dish meal.

8. Barbecue Chicken Wraps

Make lunch easy by wrapping up leftover barbecue chicken in a tortilla or flatbread with fixings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, and ranch dressing. It’s a tasty on-the-go meal with less mess than a sandwich.

9. Barbecue Chicken Sliders

Pile leftover chicken onto mini buns with pickles and barbecue sauce to create craveable sliders. They’re the perfect party food or light dinner when you’re short on time. Add cheese and bacon for extra indulgence.

10. Barbecue Chicken Chili

Breathe new life into leftover chicken by adding it to a pot of chili along with beans, veggies, and spices. The barbecue flavor infuses the chili with sweet, smoky depth. Top with shredded cheese, onions, and sour cream.

11. Barbecue Chicken Soup

Transform leftover chicken into a hearty and comforting soup. Simmer chicken in broth with veggies like carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes. Season with barbecue sauce or spices. Finish with fresh herbs.

12. Barbecue Chicken Fried Rice

Stir leftover chicken into fried rice with vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce. The barbecue flavor adds a tasty twist to this classic one-skillet meal. Customize with extras like pineapple, peanuts or green onions.

13. Barbecue Chicken Nachos

Pile tortilla chips high with shredded barbecue chicken, cheese, beans, salsa, guacamole, and cool sour cream. Bake until the cheese melts for irresistible nachos. They’re easy to customize based on what’s in your refrigerator.

Endless Possibilities with Leftover Barbecue Chicken

As you can see, the options are almost limitless when it comes to repurposing leftover barbecue chicken! With a little creativity, you can give new life to leftover chicken and whip up quick, easy and delicious meals.

Not only will you reduce food waste, but you’ll also save time and money by making the most of what you have on hand. So don’t let that leftover barbecue chicken go to waste. Try one of these mouthwatering recipes or experiment and come up with your own ways to transform those leftovers into culinary magic!