Whether you have leftover chicken breasts, rotisserie chicken that didn’t get eaten or boiled shredded chicken we have options so it isn’t wasted!! From bbq chicken quesadillas, to casseroles, sliders and more you will find a variety of cheap leftover bbq chicken recipes right here for you.
If you are looking for a list of easy to throw together leftover barbecue chicken recipe ideas we have some!! I mean yes you can add some more bbq sauce to the top, microwave until warm and enjoy again but that is BORING. Let’s think outside of the box so that protein can be used again. (affiliate links present)
Healthy Recipes With Leftover BBQ Chicken
There’s nothing quite like the tantalizing aroma of barbecued chicken wafting through the air on a warm summer evening. But what do you do when you find yourself with leftover Instant Pot bbq chicken thighs or breasts?
Don’t let it go to waste! With a little creativity and a few staple ingredients, you can transform those remnants into mouthwatering dishes. Here we’ll explore some delectable leftover BBQ chicken recipes that will have you reaching for seconds. Let’s start off with our leftover chicken enchiladas using our leftover meats shall we. Talk about comfort foods!
Leftover BBQ Chicken Thigh Recipes
Start off with a classic crowd-pleaser – BBQ chicken nachos. Layer tortilla chips in air fryer or inside a casserole dish. Top them generously with shredded cheese and leftover BBQ chicken. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve these irresistible Air Fryer Nachos with your favorite barbecue sauce and garnish with tangy barbecue sauce for an extra kick of flavor. The result is a flavorful medley of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a hint of smoky BBQ goodness.
- If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, a leftover bbq chicken casserole is just what you need.
- Or sometimes after making bbq chicken thighs in oven I will combine that diced meat, shredded cheese, and any other desired toppings in a casserole dish. Bake until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Turn your slow cooker bbq chicken thighs leftovers into a Tex-Mex delight with barbecue chicken birria quesadillas. Simply layer shredded BBQ chicken and Monterey Jack cheese between two tortillas. Cook them in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. Slice into wedges and serve with a side of tangy barbecue sauce for dipping.
What to Make with Leftover BBQ Chicken for Dinner
If yours are boneless it is easier to dice. For Leftover Bone In Chicken Breast Recipes you’ll have to pull the meat off first. For a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, whip up a BBQ chicken salad. Start with a bed of fresh greens and top it with sliced leftover BBQ chicken, red onion, black beans, and any other desired veggies.
Drizzle with your favorite sauce and finish it off with a dollop of ranch dressing. This refreshing salad is the perfect way to enjoy the smoky taste of BBQ chicken while keeping things light and healthy.
- Transform your leftover chicken breast or thighs into a quick and easy meal by making lettuce wraps. Simply combine shredded chicken, your choice of veggies, and a drizzle of tangy barbecue sauce in a tortilla or large piece of lettuce.
- Roll it up tightly and enjoy a flavorful handheld treat that’s perfect for on-the-go lunches or picnics.
- You can either deep fry or make homemade air fryer chicken egg rolls with your diced meat, sauteed shredded cabbage and carrots together. Cook to a golden brown and serve with several dipping sauces!
I have a bunch of leftover chicken recipes Instant Pot style listed here as well as a Mexican casserole recipe at the bottom. Paired with drained black beans, rice and corn you can make another hearty meal everyone loves.
How to Warm up Leftover Barbecue Chicken
When it comes to warming up leftover chicken, you want to ensure that it retains its juicy texture and flavorful taste. Here are a few recommended methods to warm up your leftover BBQ chicken:
In the oven
- Preheat your oven to 350° F. Place the meat on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, brush more sauce over the top.
- Cover with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Heat it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
- This method helps to maintain the moisture and crispness.
On the stove
Using a skillet or frying pan on medium heat, add a small amount of oil or butter. Once the pan is heated, place the leftover meat in the skillet. Cook for a few minutes on each side. This method allows the chicken to heat up quickly while retaining its moisture and adding a touch of crispness.
In the microwave
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave can be a convenient option. Place the pieces on a microwave safe plate and add a bit more sauce. Cover it loosely with a lid or paper towel. Heat it on high for 1-2 minutes, checking and flipping the chicken halfway through. Be cautious not to overcook it, as the microwave can dry out the chicken if heated for too long.
In the air fryer
If you want to reheat chicken in air fryer we have instructions here with different cuts. You’ll get a crispy result this way. Remember, regardless of the method you choose, it’s essential to monitor the reheating process. You don’t want it to dry out. If you find that it is losing moisture, add a small amount of barbecue sauce or a sprinkle of broth to help retain its juiciness. I typically do this at the beginning no matter what.
Tips
The typical rule of thumb when it comes to food kept in the fridge after being cooked is up to 3 days. I think that day 1 is best because with more time and cold it will begin to get more dry.
Yes, you can freeze leftover bbq chicken as long as it wasn’t frozen and defrosted before cooking it. I wouldn’t recommend thawing, cooking and refreezing. This is a great way to preserve the meat and enjoy it later without wasting food. You can freeze with bones or boneless pieces. However, if you plan to use in recipes like salads or casseroles, consider removing the bones first.
Leftover BBQ Chicken Recipes
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour olive oil into a frying pan and add onions, paprika and salt. Saute for about 1-2 minutes until softened, pour into a bowl. Shred or dice the cooked chicken, add that into the bowl.
- Add 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce and mix into that bowl too. Put 1/6 of the mixture into the middle of 1 tortilla, sprinkle some cheese on top, roll up and set into your pan with the seam side facing down.
- Make about 6 enchiladas with this mixture. Preheat oven to 350 F. Once all are prepped and laying in your dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over rolled tortillas in dish and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese on top.
- Bake at 350 F for about 20 minutes or until top is melted and bubbly.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
