15 Delicious Ways to Use Up Leftover Diced Chicken

Chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes However, we often end up with leftover diced chicken after cooking a whole chicken or when preparing chicken for another recipe Instead of wasting the extra chicken, there are many delicious ways to use it up!

In this article, I’ll share 15 of my favorite recipes and ideas to help you get creative with leftover diced chicken. With a little planning, you can stretch one chicken into several easy weeknight meals.

Benefits of Cooking with Diced Chicken

Using pre-cooked diced chicken in recipes has some great advantages:

• Saves time – Chicken takes a while to cook from raw Diced chicken is already cooked and ready to go into your recipe,

• Adds protein – Chicken is packed with protein to help keep you full and satisfied. Adding it to meals boosts the nutrition.

• Uses up leftovers – Put that leftover chicken to good use instead of wasting it.

• More flavor variations – The chicken takes on the flavors of whatever you cook it in.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Chicken

Properly storing diced chicken is important for food safety. Here are some tips:

• Allow chicken to cool completely before dicing and storing.

• Store diced chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

• You can freeze diced chicken for longer storage. It will keep for 3-6 months in the freezer.

• When reheating chicken, heat it to 165°F as measured with a food thermometer.

15 Recipe Ideas for Diced Chicken

From soups and salads to skillet dinners, here are 15 delicious ways to use up leftover diced chicken:

1. Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a classic! Diced chicken, vegetables, broth and noodles come together to make a comforting bowl.

2. Chicken Caesar Salad

Transform salad into a hearty meal by topping crispy romaine lettuce with diced chicken, parmesan cheese, croutons and a creamy Caesar dressing.

3. Chicken Fajitas

Saute peppers, onions and seasoned chicken for an easy chicken fajita dinner. Wrap it all up in tortillas with fixings like cheese, salsa and avocado.

4. Chicken Pot Pie

For ultimate comfort food, make an easy chicken pot pie with diced chicken, veggies and a creamy sauce topped with a flaky pie crust.

5. Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Alfredo sauce coats pasta and chicken for a 5 star dinner with little effort.

6. Chicken Fried Rice

Stir fry rice with diced chicken, frozen mixed veggies, eggs, soy sauce and sesame oil for a fast meal.

7. Chicken Tacos

Shredded Mexican chicken tacos are flavorful, easy and fun for taco night. Top with all your favorites.

8. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Simmer diced chicken in a tomato and chile broth with corn, black beans, tortilla strips and avocado.

9. Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Chicken salad made with diced chicken, celery, mayo and seasoning is perfect for sandwiches or lettuce wraps.

10. Chicken Quesadillas

Loaded quesadillas are an easy weeknight dinner. Fill tortillas with chicken, cheese and peppers.

11. Chicken Stir Fry

Make a quick chicken stir fry with vegetables and teriyaki or sweet chili sauce for a saucy dish.

12. Chicken Salad

A classic chicken salad with grapes, pecans, celery and mayo makes a tasty light meal.

13. Chicken Tetrazzini

This creamy, cheesy chicken casserole baked with pasta and mushrooms is absolute comfort food heaven.

14. Chicken Pizza

Pile diced chicken and toppings like spinach, tomatoes and red onion on a pre-made crust for easy pizza night.

15. Chicken Rice Casserole

Combine chicken, rice, cream soup, cheese and veggies and bake into a hearty one-dish meal.

Endless Possibilities with Leftover Chicken

As you can see, leftover diced chicken can be used in all kinds of quick and easy recipes. Soups, salads, pastas, burritos – the possibilities are endless!

With a little creativity, you can give new life to leftover chicken and whip up budget-friendly meals for your family. No more wasting chicken. Now you’ve got plenty of delicious options to use it up!