What to Make with Precooked Chicken: 20 Mouthwatering Recipes

Precooked chicken can be a real game-changer in the kitchen. With so many delicious ways to use it, you’ll never get bored. Whether you’re looking for quick and easy weekday dinners or want to get creative on the weekends precooked chicken has you covered. In this article I’ll share 20 mouthwatering recipes to inspire your cooking with this versatile ingredient. Let’s get started!

Embracing the Convenience of Precooked Chicken

Precooked chicken products like rotisserie chicken, canned chicken breast, and frozen cooked chicken strips provide unbeatable convenience. Their ready-to-eat status cuts down cooking time substantially compared to using raw chicken. Beyond speed, precooked chicken also offers consistent portioning, allowing easier meal planning and macro tracking if that’s your goal. But the benefits don’t stop there. Precooked chicken is also budget-friendly, widely accessible at grocery stores, and has a relatively long shelf life. Knowing how to maximize its potential opens up a whole new world of effortless meals.

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinners

On hectic weeknights, precooked chicken is clutch for whipping up fast, fuss-free dinners with minimal prep. Here are some of my go-to ideas:

Chicken Quesadillas

Shredded rotisserie chicken combines deliciously with melted cheese between tortillas for an easy Mexican-inspired dinner. I love to enhance the flavor with taco seasoning and fresh cilantro. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side.

Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Transform leftover chicken into a quick and portable wrap starring romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing It’s a nutritious lunch or light dinner, perfectly portioned.

Chicken Alfredo

Precooked chicken shortens the cooking process for this creamy, comfort food classic. Toss cubed chicken with Alfredo sauce and fettuccine pasta garnished with a little fresh parsley.

Elevating Beyond the Basics

But precooked chicken can stretch beyond basic meals. With a little creativity in seasoning and preparation, you can transform it into restaurant-worthy dishes.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Simmer shredded rotisserie chicken in a tomato and vegetable broth seasoned with cumin chili powder and lime juice. Top with crunchy tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Chicken Pot Pie

Skip long hours simmering raw chicken. Make this American classic by combining precooked diced chicken with vegetables in a creamy sauce, topped with a flaky pastry crust.

Chicken Satay

Marinate sliced chicken breast in peanut sauce and grill until charred. Then skewer and serve with rice, fresh herbs, sliced cucumbers, and extra peanut sauce for dipping.

Global Flavors

Incorporate precooked chicken into ethnic cuisine to enjoy exotic flavors from around the world.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Marinate diced chicken in yogurt and Indian spices like coriander, cumin, and garam masala. Simmer in an aromatic tomato curry sauce and serve over basmati rice.

Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich

Layer shredded chicken, sliced pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, and chili mayo on a crusty baguette for a Vietnamese-inspired treat.

Chicken Shawarma Bowls

Season sliced chicken with a Middle Eastern spice blend. Roast until charred edges develop. Then toss with hummus, tomato, onion, and parsley over rice for a homemade takeout fake-out.

More Creative Ways to Use Precooked Chicken

If you think you’ve exhausted all options for precooked chicken, think again! Here are more unique recipe ideas to inspire you:

• Chicken Florentine Pasta – Combine chicken, spinach, garlic, and nutmeg in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss with penne pasta.

• Buffalo Chicken Calzones – Fill pizza dough with chicken tossed in Buffalo hot sauce, blue cheese, and shredded mozzarella.

• Chicken Enchilada Casserole – Layer tortillas, shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, beans, and cheese for a hearty baked dish.

• Chicken Banh Mi Burgers – Top chicken patties with Vietnamese pickled vegetables, cilantro, and Sriracha mayo.

• Chicken Club Lettuce Wraps – Ditch the bread and wrap diced chicken, bacon, tomato, and avocado in lettuce leaves.

Key Takeaways

The possibilities are truly endless when cooking with precooked chicken. Follow these tips to make the most of this versatile staple:

• Experiment with global spices and sauces to take it beyond boring.

• Use it as a flavorful protein boost for salads, sandwiches, pastas, and more.

• Take short prep recipes over the top by swapping in flavorful precooked chicken.

• Stash some in the freezer so you always have easy protein ready when needed.

With 20 recipes and endless inspiration, you’ll never run out of ideas for precooked chicken. Now grab a rotisserie chicken or can of cooked chicken and get cooking! What will you create?