We have made a bunch of easy leftover smoked chicken recipes over the years. Whether you have leftover chicken breasts, thighs or legs, you can make casseroles, a pot pie or serve on top of a salad.
Smoked Chicken Breast, legs or wings are flavorful and juicy poultry pieces that are cooked using the smoking method, typically over low heat and with the addition of wood chips or chunks to impart a smoky flavor. You can use an electric smoker or Traeger with pellets.
What is the best way to save leftover chicken so it doesn’t dry out?
After cooking or serving Smoked Chicken Thighs, allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature within 2 hours. This prevents bacteria growth. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place the container in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Store it on a shelf, not in the refrigerator door, which is less consistently cold.
Always label the container with the date when you cooked or purchased it. This helps you keep track of its freshness. Use an airtight container or freezer-safe bags to prevent moisture loss and freezer burn if you plan to freeze the chicken for longer storage. For pre-cooked, it’s generally safe to refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days.
If you don’t plan to eat it within that time, freeze the chicken for longer storage. Divide into portion-sized pieces, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bags. This way can be stored for up to 2-6 months. When reheating chicken in air fryer, oven or microwave you should always ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before you consume it.
What to Make with Smoked Leftover Chicken
Leftover Smoked Spatchcock Chicken can be incredibly versatile and can be used in various recipes to add a smoky flavor and tender texture to your dishes. Think of the dishes you would add meat to and use those. Since it is cooked beforehand you just need to warm and add as you normally would.
- Quesadilla with Smoked Chicken
- Use shredded smoked chicken between layers of tortillas along with cheese, sautéed bell peppers, and onions. Grill until crispy and serve with salsa and sour cream.
- How to make Chicken Salad sandwich
- Combine your diced meat with chopped celery, red onions, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a dash of smoked paprika. Serve it as a sandwich or over a bed of greens.
- Smoked Chicken Fajita Tacos
- Fill soft or hard taco shells with meat, bell peppers, onions avocado slices, and your favorite taco toppings. Drizzle with salsa or creamy chipotle sauce.
- Vegetable Chicken Thigh Stir-Fry
- Sauté sliced bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots in a hot pan. Add diced smoked chicken and a stir-fry sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey. Serve over rice or noodles.
- Smoked Chicken Pizza
- Use smoked chicken as a pizza topping along with your favorite sauce, cheese, and vegetables. A BBQ sauce base works particularly well with smoked chicken.
- Chicken Soup in the Crockpot
- Add shredded smoked chicken to a homemade chicken soup for an extra layer of flavor. Include vegetables, noodles or rice, and your favorite seasonings.
Feel free to get creative, as it can be a fantastic addition to a wide range of dishes like Chicken Casserole with Noodles or over rice. The smoky flavor will elevate your recipes and add a unique twist to classic favorites.
Tostadas can be made with store bought flat shells. Top crispy shells with refried beans, your diced Smoked Chicken Drumsticks meat, lettuce, cheese, salsa, and guacamole for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with meat, cooked rice, cheese, and diced tomatoes. Bake until the peppers are tender.
- Pressure Cooker Chicken and Rice
- Combine with cooked rice, vegetables, cream of chicken soup, and cheese. Bake until bubbly for a comforting casserole.
- Smoked Chicken Salad
- Arrange a bed of mixed greens and top with protein, bacon bits, hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and crumbled blue cheese. Drizzle with your favorite dressing.
- Red Tamales
- Use leftovers as a filling for homemade tamales. Steam them until the masa is cooked and serve with salsa.
- Chicken Pot Pie Recipe with Cream of Chicken Soup
- Prepare your own crust or use store bought with condensed soup. Mix frozen veggies in with your meat and your filling is prepped.
Is it faster to make a recipe with leftover chicken?
Yes, since the meat is already to 165 degrees initially you will save on cook time and meal prep. You just need to warm it up. If you are making something like Chicken Kabobs in Oven with it use veggies that don’t take long to get tender. You don’t want to over-cook the meat as it will dry out so use zucchini, cherry tomatoes or squash for something like this.
