12 Delicious Ways to Use Up Leftover Smoked Chicken

Smoked chicken is a staple in many homes. The smoky, tender meat is great for everything from sandwiches to casseroles. But what happens when you have leftover smoked chicken? With a little creativity, those leftovers can become an easy, delicious dinner! Here are 12 mouthwatering ways to use up leftover smoked chicken.

1. Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is a classic way to use up leftover chicken To make it extra smoky and flavorful, use your leftover smoked chicken Combine diced chicken with mayonnaise, celery, onions, grapes, apples, or any other ingredients you enjoy. Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs and spices. Serve it up on bread, crackers, or lettuce for a satisfying meal.

2. Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a quick and easy meal that are even better with leftover smoked chicken Shred or dice the chicken and combine it with cheese, salsa, beans, corn, or other veggies Place the mixture between tortillas and cook until the cheese is melted. The smoky chicken flavors elevate these simple quesadillas to the next level.

3. Pasta Dishes

Toss your leftover smoked chicken into pasta for an easy one-pan meal. Alfredo, pesto, tomato, and cream sauces all pair deliciously with smoked chicken. Try adding veggies like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini, along with sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless for smoky chicken pasta creations.

4. Soups

Using leftover smoked chicken in soups adds hearty protein and intense smoky depth. Try a smoked chicken noodle soup, tortilla soup, or creamy tomato basil soup with chicken. You can also add smoked chicken to vegetable soups, chilis, and stews to make them more substantial meals. The smokiness infuses the broth for maximum flavor.

5. Enchiladas

For an easy baked enchilada recipe, fill tortillas with shredded smoked chicken, cheese, beans, rice, or veggies. Roll them up, top with enchilada sauce and more cheese, and bake until gooey. The bold Mexican flavors pair perfectly with the mellow smokiness of the chicken. Plus, enchiladas are a great way to repurpose leftovers into an impressive meal.

6. Stir Fry

Fire up a wok and use leftover smoked chicken in a flavorful stir fry. Try pairing it with broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or other favorite veggies. Season it with stir fry sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. The subtle smoky flavor adds complexity that takes this classic to the next level. Serve it over rice or noodles.

7. Tacos

Leftover smoked chicken is tasty in tacos, either in the filling or chopped on top. Pair it with sautéed peppers and onions, beans, cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, and other favorite taco fillings. The smokiness gives otherwise mundane ground beef tacos an upgrade in texture and flavor.

8. Casseroles

Casseroles are convenient meals that are easily customized. Combine smoked chicken with rice, pasta, or veggies, then top with sauce or gravy and cheese. Try chicken divan, chicken tetrazzini, or a cheesy chicken broccoli casserole. You can assemble a casserole in advance and simply bake it when ready for dinner.

9. Salad Topper

Simply chop or shred leftover smoked chicken to top any salad for a protein boost. It pairs well with greens, tomatoes, avocados, bacon, cheeses, eggs, beans, and other salad ingredients. Toss it in your favorite dressing for an easy lunch or light dinner. Smoked chicken gives salads more heft and smoky depth.

10. Sandwiches and Wraps

Pile smoked chicken onto bread, rolls, pitas, or tortillas for hearty sandwiches and wraps. Combine it with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, bacon, caramelized onions, or chipotle mayo. Grill the sandwich for extra flavor. Wraps make excellent easy lunches to pack for work or school.

11. Breakfast Dishes

Wake up to the smoky goodness of leftover chicken in your morning meals. Add it to omelets, breakfast burritos, hash, or scrambled egg bakes. Use it in place of sausage or bacon in classics like biscuits and gravy. Smoked chicken also elevates waffles or pancakes when chopped on top.

12. Snacks

When you need a quick appetizer or snack, reach for leftover smoked chicken. Serve it on crackers, flatbread, or toast points with cream cheese, pesto, or tapenade. Stuff it in mini phyllo cups or lettuce wraps for bite-sized finger foods. Dice it up to add to dips, cheese balls, and spreads. Smoked chicken always satisfies snack cravings.

With a little imagination and these handy ideas, leftover smoked chicken can become an exciting everyday ingredient rather than boring leftovers. Its versatility allows you to give weeknight meals and potluck dishes a quick flavor upgrade. Smoked chicken scraps also work great when added to casseroles, pastas, salads, or soups. Don’t let it go to waste! Get creative with the smoky meat in sandwiches, wraps, tacos, breakfasts, and more.