12 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Chicken Fajita Meat

Chicken fajita meat is a flavorful dish that most people associate with sizzling vegetables wrapped in warm tortillas. However, the versatile blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic, and paprika can transform leftovers into an array of mouthwatering meals. With a little creativity, chicken fajita meat can become so much more than just a filling for fajitas.

I often cook up a batch of chicken fajita meat to use throughout the week. Having precooked boldly seasoned protein on hand makes whipping up quick weekday dinners a breeze. The next time you have leftover chicken fajita meat look beyond the traditional tortilla and try one of these easy recipe ideas.

Salads With Southwestern Flair

Chicken fajita meat stars in these fresh and hearty salads

• Fajita Chicken Salad: Toss together mixed greens, black beans, corn, diced tomato, avocado, Monterey Jack cheese, and chicken fajita meat. Drizzle with a lime vinaigrette for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

• Grilled Fajita Caesar Salad Grill wedges of romaine lettuce and top with chicken fajita meat, parmesan, tortilla strips, and a creamy chipotle Caesar dressing for a smoky twist.

• Southwestern Cobb Salad: Build a Cobb-style salad on a bed of spinach with chicken fajita meat, hard-boiled egg, bacon, avocado, corn, black beans, queso fresco, and a tangy dressing.

Pasta Dishes With Mexican Flair

Inject pasta with rich Southwestern flavor by incorporating chicken fajita meat:

• Fajita Pasta Casserole: Toss penne with chicken fajita meat, sauteed peppers and onions, enchilada sauce, and Mexican cheese blend. Bake until hot and bubbly.

• Chicken Fajita Pasta: Saute chicken fajita meat with garlic, jalapenos, and cilantro. Toss with linguine, chopped tomatoes, onion, and cheddar.

• Southwestern Mac and Cheese: Fold chicken fajita meat into cheesy macaroni along with sauteed corn, peppers, and onion. Top with crispy tortilla chips.

Hearty Soups and Stews

Warm up with chicken fajita meat simmered into soups and stews:

• Chicken Fajita Soup: Simmer chicken broth with chicken fajita meat, tomatoes, corn, black beans, and peppers. Garnish with cilantro, avocado, and tortilla chips.

• Southwestern Chicken Chili: Brown ground chicken with fajita seasoning. Simmer in tomato broth with black beans, corn, zucchini, and spices.

• Chicken Tortilla Stew: Combine chicken broth, chicken fajita meat, tomatoes, onion, garlic, chilies, and spices. Finish with tortilla strips.

Breakfast Wraps and Tacos

Start your day with a boost of flavor from chicken fajita meat:

• Fajita Breakfast Burritos: Scramble eggs with chicken fajita meat, peppers, onion, and cheese. Wrap in a warm flour tortilla.

• Chicken Fajita Breakfast Tacos: Stuff corn tortillas with chicken fajita meat, scrambled eggs, avocado, queso fresco, and pico de gallo.

• Fajita Omelet: Make an omelet filled with chicken fajita meat, sauteed veggies, pepper jack cheese, and salsa.

Appetizers and Snacks

Chicken fajita meat also shines in shareable bites:

• Chicken Fajita Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with chicken fajita meat, pepper jack cheese, and sauteed peppers and onions.

• Fajita Chicken Nachos: Load tortilla chips with chicken fajita meat, beans, salsa, guacamole, cheese, and jalapenos.

• Chicken Fajita Flatbread: Top naan or flatbread with chicken fajita meat, monterey jack, caramelized onions, cilantro, and chipotle sauce.

Side Dishes

Complement other entrees with chicken fajita meat:

• Fajita Rice: Stir chicken fajita meat into rice along with tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and cilantro.

• Mexican Street Corn: Mix grilled corn with chicken fajita meat, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime, and mayo.

• Fajita Veggie Saute: Cook up a veggie saute with chicken fajita meat, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, and bell pepper.

Chicken fajita meat is endlessly adaptable. With a simple change of ingredients and cuisine, leftovers transform into an array of mouthwatering meals. So next time you have extra chicken fajita meat, look beyond the basic fajita and get creative with easy, delicious recipes.

Chicken fajita meat pairs well with a variety of sides. Classic choices include Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, and corn salsa. You can also enjoy it with corn and black bean salad, grilled vegetable skewers, or a refreshing cucumber and radish salad.