Bought a cooked BBQ chicken and have leftovers sitting in the fridge? Don't throw them away! Leftover BBQ chicken makes a quick, easy and delicious addition to your favourite recipes... including pastas, soups, rice paper rolls, pies and much more!
We all know that familiar feeling of getting to 5pm and realising that you have nothing planned for dinner! Queue the mad dash to the supermarket for a BBQ chicken, salad and rolls - a quick and easy dinner that the kids love!
And if you find that you have leftovers sitting in the fridge the next day, don't whatever you do, throw them out! There are SO many tasty ways to use up your leftover cooked chicken and take it to a whole new level...
Browse my collection of leftover BBQ chicken recipes for the ultimate easy and budget-friendly family dinners.
Storing Leftover BBQ Chicken
Place any leftover BBQ chicken into the fridge to cool completely as soon as possible (while it's still warm - but not steaming).
Ensure that the chicken is covered with foil or plastic wrap or placed into an airtight container in the fridge.
Consume any leftover cooked chicken within 3-4 days. You can eat the cooked chicken cold - straight from the fridge, or you can reheat it and add to your your favourite dishes.
When reheating cooked chicken, it's important to ensure that the temperature reaches 75 degrees celsius or 165 degrees fahrenheit as this is the temperature required to kill any bacteria.
If you are freezing leftover cooked chicken, allow it to cool completely in the fridge and then freeze for up to 1 month in an airtight container.
Why You're Going To Love These Leftover Chicken Recipes
What's not to love about reducing food waste by using up your leftovers!
These leftover BBQ chicken recipes are healthy, tasty and of course, so quick and easy.
- Budget-friendly - cooked BBQ chickens are a great budget-conscious option. Generally selling for around $7-$10, they're a winner with the whole family (and the wallet too!).
- Quick & easy - using leftover cooked chicken saves time when you're preparing your meals.
- Family-friendly - all of these recipes are perfect for the whole family... with the tick of approval from fussy kids too!
- Protein-packed - chicken is such a great source of protein and so important for healthy, growing bodies!
Slow Cooker Chicken Risotto
This recipe is so versatile! Replace the uncooked chicken with leftover cooked chicken. Simple, easy and a great way to use up your leftovers.
Chicken & Bacon Pies
Comforting, creamy and packed full of flavour! These simple hand-held pies are perfect for using up leftover BBQ chicken from the night before.
Chicken Corn & Noodle Soup
This Chinese 'take-out' inspired dish is everyones favourite and is so, so easy to make. Serve with some crusty bread or homemade soft bread rolls for a warming lunch or dinner. Totally kid-friendly too!
Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is the ideal meal when you’re short on time but want to enjoy a warm and comforting meal. It is easy and tasty, packed with flavour, and a meal that the whole family will enjoy. Cooked chicken, pasta and broccoli are combined in a creamy, cheesy sauce, turned into a casserole dish and finished with a sprinkling of breadcrumbs which become deliciously crispy when baked.
Creamy Chicken & Vegetable Soup
Packed full of delicious chicken and vegetables, this hearty soup is a 'hug in a mug'! Such a great way to turn some left-over BBQ chicken into a creamy, comforting and healthy soup to enjoy for lunch, or for dinner on a cold evening.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice
On a lazy Sunday night, or for a quick mid-week meal, a bowl of this simple chicken fried rice is such a welcome dinner - for adults and kids alike! Cooked rice, peas and corn, and the sweetness of soy and sweet chilli sauce transforms left-over BBQ chicken into the best 'fakeaway' fried rice dish.
Chicken Curry Pot Pies
These mini chicken curry pot pies are a delicious and satisfying budget meal that the whole family will love! Made with leftover chicken and basic staple ingredients, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
20 Minute Chicken & Corn Soup
Sweet and spicy, this soup is my 'go-to' for a fuss-free tasty meal in a hurry. Kids love this one wih the sweetness of corn and soy sauce, and it's super budget friendly as well. Of course, any left-overs is tomorrows work lunch too!
Chicken Rice Paper Rolls
Chicken Rice Paper Rolls make a great light and healthy lunch or dinner. They'd also make a great appetiser! These rice paper rolls are a great way to use up leftover bbq chicken. Serve them with a yummy peanut hoisin sauce.
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Soup
I'm a sucker for the earthy flavour of mushrooms, and combined with BBQ chicken, this soup is my fav! With chunks of tender chicken, buttery mushrooms, winter veggies and herbs, this creamy soup is truly bold and beautiful!!
Chicken & Rice Soup
Hearty winter soups are what we all crave when the temperature drops, and I'm sure everyone likes a meal that is very easy on the wallet too these days. By using left-over BBQ chicken in this recipe instead of cooking chicken breasts, you can cut the cooking time down, and enjoy a warm, comforting and totally nutritious soup nice and quick!
Chicken & Vegetable Pies
An all-time favourite with the kids! These chicken pies are so simple to prepare... and taste absolutely delicious.
FAQ's
Cooked chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and consumed within 3-4 days.
Yes, you can, provided that the temperature of the chicken reaches 75 degrees celsius or 165 degrees fahrenheit as this is the temperature required to kill any bacteria.
Yes, you can. Allow it to cool completely in the fridge and then freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Defrost and reheat when required.
To keep the chicken moist, wrap in foil with 2 tablespoons of chicken stock liquid. Reheat in a preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the temperature of the chicken has reached at least 75 degrees celsius or 165 degrees fahrenheit.
Absolutely! Serve the cold cooked chicken straight from the fridge in your favourite sandwiches, rice paper rolls or wraps.
Yes, as long as the temperature of the chicken reaches 75 degrees celsius or 165 degrees fahrenheit.
Don't throw away your leftover chicken! Use it as a quick and easy addition to your favourite soups, pasta bakes, fried rice, rice paper rolls, pies and more!
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