Leftover chicken from last night’s dinner can be repurposed into delicious and healthy meals for the next day. It’s an easy way to save time and money while also reducing food waste. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform your leftover chicken into a variety of flavorful dishes that will keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day. In this article, we’ll share some of our favorite healthy leftover chicken recipes that are easy to make and packed with nutrients.
What Are Healthy Leftover Chicken Recipes?
Leftover chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make various healthy and delicious meals. When it comes to healthy leftover chicken recipes, there are several options that you can try out. These recipes are generally low-calorie, low-fat, and high-protein, making them perfect for people who are trying to eat healthy and maintain a balanced diet. Below are some of the examples of healthy leftover chicken recipes:
Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is one of the easiest and healthiest leftover chicken recipes. To make this salad, you will need cooked chicken, mayonnaise, celery, onions, and salt. Simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for an hour or two before serving. You can also add other vegetables or fruits such as apples and grapes to this salad to make it even more nutritious.
Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry
Another healthy leftover chicken recipe is a chicken and vegetable stir fry. This dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it an excellent option for those who are trying to maintain a healthy diet. To make this stir fry, you will need leftover cooked chicken, mixed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, soy sauce, and garlic. Simply stir fry the vegetables and chicken in a pan and season with soy sauce and garlic. Serve over brown rice for a complete meal.
Chicken and Quinoa Salad
A chicken and quinoa salad is another healthy and delicious meal that you can make using leftover chicken. Quinoa is a nutrient-dense grain that is high in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. To make this salad, you will need cooked chicken, quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and a simple lemon vinaigrette. Cook the quinoa and mix with the other ingredients and top with the vinaigrette.
Chicken Fajita Bowl
A chicken fajita bowl is a flavorful and healthy way to use up leftover chicken. To make this meal, you will need cooked chicken, bell peppers, onions, brown rice, black beans, and spices such as chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Sauté the vegetables and chicken in a pan and season with the spices. Serve it on a bed of brown rice with black beans.
Chicken and Vegetable Soup
A chicken and vegetable soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that can be made using leftover chicken. To make this soup, you will need chicken broth, cooked chicken, mixed vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions, and herbs such as thyme and rosemary. Combine all ingredients in a pot and simmer until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
Benefits of Using Leftover Chicken
Food waste is a significant problem worldwide, and every year people discard tons of food. Leftover chicken, for instance, is often thrown away. However, it is possible to incorporate it into meals and benefit from its nutritious value while reducing waste.
Save Money
One of the primary benefits of using leftover chicken is that it saves money. Instead of having to purchase a new serving of meat, repurposing yesterday’s chicken allows households to stretch their food budget. Using leftovers can also reduce the frequency of shopping trips, saving additional money on transportation costs or impulse buys.
Healthy Ingredients
Chicken is a popular source of protein and is used in many meals worldwide. Using leftover chicken in meals means that households can benefit from its nutritional value. For instance, a 3.5-ounce serving of chicken breast provides 31 g of protein, 0 g of carbs, and 4 g of fat. Since it is a low-fat source of protein, it is a healthier choice than many other meats.
Reducing Food Waste
Reducing food waste is essential, and every small action counts. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, about one-third of all food produced is wasted, and in higher-income countries, it is mostly wasted at the consumer level. By incorporating leftover chicken into new dishes, households can help reduce the amount of food sent to the landfill, decreasing the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Versatile Ingredient
Leftover chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into a myriad of recipes. It can be used in salads, sandwiches, soups, and casseroles, enhancing the flavor and adding protein. Some of the most popular recipes include chicken pot pie, chicken enchiladas, chicken salad, and chicken noodle soup.
Top 3 Healthy Leftover Chicken Recipes
Leftover chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of healthy recipes. Here are three popular and easy-to-make healthy leftover chicken recipes.
1. Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
This chicken stir-fry with vegetables is a quick and easy recipe that can be made in 15 minutes. It’s packed with protein and healthy vegetables, making it a great choice for a healthy dinner.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the bell peppers, broccoli, salt, and black pepper and stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add the chicken and cook until heated through.
- Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil and cook for another minute.
Serve over brown rice or quinoa.
2. Chicken and Avocado Salad
This chicken and avocado salad is a healthy and filling meal that can be made in just a few minutes. It’s a great choice for lunch or dinner.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 2 avocados, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, juice and zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss gently until well combined.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
3. Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet
This chicken and sweet potato skillet is a hearty and healthy dinner that can be made in one pan. It’s loaded with protein and nutrients, making it a great choice for a post-workout meal.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the sweet potatoes, salt, and black pepper and cook for 8-10 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add the chicken and cook until heated through.
- Stir in the parsley and cook for another minute.
Serve hot.
Alternative Ways to Use Leftover Chicken
When it comes to meal-prepping, leftover chicken can be a lifesaver. Not only does it save you time, but it can also reduce food waste. However, eating leftover chicken can quickly become boring if you’re always reheating it the same way. Fortunately, there are many creative and healthy ways to use leftover chicken that can help you avoid monotony in your meals.
Chicken Salads
Chicken salads are quick and easy to make, and they don’t require any cooking. You can use leftover chicken as a topping for a regular green salad or make it the centerpiece of a hearty and nutritious salad. Start with a base of greens like kale or spinach, add some colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, and top it with a protein-rich ingredient like leftover chicken. You can also get creative and add nuts, seeds, or a dressing to make it even more delicious.
Chicken Sandwiches
Chicken sandwiches are another quick and easy way to use leftover chicken. You can use it to make a classic chicken sandwich or get creative and make a wrap, a quesadilla, or a panini. For a classic sandwich, add your leftover chicken to a slice of whole-grain bread or a bun, and top it with some lettuce, tomato, and avocado. For a wrap, add some chopped chicken, veggies, and a dressing to a whole-grain tortilla and roll it up. For a panini, add some chicken, cheese, and veggies to a slice of bread, grill it, and enjoy!
Chicken Casseroles
Chicken casseroles are a great way to use leftover chicken and create a healthy, filling, and one-pot meal. You can use your chicken to make a classic chicken casserole or get creative and make a Mexican-style casserole by adding some rice, black beans, and salsa. You can also use your leftover chicken to make a lighter version of a chicken pot pie or a chicken and broccoli casserole. The options are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Chicken Soups
Chicken soups are a comforting and healthy way to use leftover chicken. You can use your chicken to make a classic chicken noodle soup or get creative and make a chicken and vegetable soup, a chicken chili, or a chicken curry soup. To make a basic chicken soup, add some chicken broth, veggies, and noodles or rice to a pot and simmer until the veggies are tender. Add some leftover chicken at the end and season with your favorite herbs and spices.
Using leftover chicken doesn’t have to be boring or repetitive. With a little bit of creativity, you can turn your leftover chicken into a healthy and delicious meal.
Tips for Storing Leftover Chicken
Chicken is a versatile and healthy protein that makes an excellent addition to many dishes. However, if leftover chicken is not stored correctly, it can quickly become unsafe to eat. Follow these tips to maximize freshness and minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
Store in the Refrigerator
Leftover chicken should be stored in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Be sure to wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Store the chicken on a shelf rather than in the door, where the temperature fluctuates more. Cooked chicken will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Label and Date
To avoid confusion, label the container or package with the date the chicken was stored. This will help you keep track of how long it has been in the refrigerator and when it needs to be eaten.
Freeze for Later
If you do not plan to eat the leftover chicken within four days, consider freezing it for later use. Chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place it in a freezer-safe container. To thaw frozen chicken, move it to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly, or you can defrost it in the microwave on the “defrost” setting.
Reheat Properly
If you plan to eat the leftover chicken, be sure to reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any bacteria that may have grown on it. You can do this by placing it in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave. Be sure to stir or rotate the chicken during reheating to ensure that it is heated evenly. Once heated, the chicken should be eaten immediately and not stored again.
Use Within Four Days
As a general rule, leftover chicken should be eaten within four days of storage. If it has been more than four days, it’s better to throw it away than risk foodborne illness.
FAQs About Healthy Leftover Chicken Recipes
Leftover chicken is an excellent ingredient to have in the fridge. You can easily turn it into a delicious meal without much preparation. However, there are some things to keep in mind when dealing with leftovers. In this article, we answer some of the most common questions about healthy leftover chicken recipes.
How Long Can You Keep Leftover Chicken in the Fridge?
It is safe to keep leftover chicken in the fridge for up to four days. To make sure it stays fresh, store it in an airtight container or wrap it in foil or plastic wrap. If you are not planning to use it within four days, you can freeze it. Frozen cooked chicken can last up to four months without losing its quality.
How Do You Reheat Leftover Chicken?
There are several ways to reheat leftover chicken, and the best method will depend on how you plan to use it. Here are some options:
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350F. Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a teaspoon of oil or butter and let it melt. Add the chicken and cook for a few minutes on each side, or until heated through.
Can You Freeze Leftover Chicken?
Yes, leftover chicken can be frozen. To freeze it, place it in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Label it with the date and store it in the freezer. Frozen cooked chicken can last up to four months without losing its quality.
What Are Some Healthy Ideas for Leftover Chicken?
Leftover chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different recipes. Here are some healthy ideas:
- Chicken Salad: Combine shredded chicken with diced celery, carrots, and grapes. Mix in some plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Serve on a bed of greens.
- Chicken Soup: Sauté onions, celery, and carrots in a large pot. Add chicken broth, canned tomatoes, and leftover chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
- Chicken Stir-Fry: Sauté chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots) in a wok or large skillet. Add leftover chicken and a sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
Can You Use Leftover Chicken Bones for Stock?
Yes, leftover chicken bones can be used to make broth or stock. Simply place the bones (along with any vegetables or spices you like) in a large pot with water. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for several hours. Strain the stock and discard any solids. You can use the stock as a base for soups, stews, or sauces.
Is It Safe to Eat Leftover Chicken Cold?
Yes, it is safe to eat leftover chicken cold, as long as it has been stored properly and has not been kept in the fridge for more than four days. However, some people prefer to heat it up before eating it.
Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Chicken
That was a complete guide to some of the best healthy leftover chicken recipes you can prepare at home. These recipes are easy to make and packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that will leave you feeling energized for your day. So why throw away that leftover chicken when you can use it to make mouthwatering dishes that your whole family will love? Thanks for reading our article and we hope you try out some of these recipes soon. See you next time for more tasty and healthy food ideas!