If you have some cooked chicken sitting in the fridge, why not turn it into a delicious, comforting meal with this Leftover Chicken Dinner? It’s a perfect way to breathe new life into simple ingredients, creating a warm and satisfying dish that comes together quickly. This recipe embraces the magic of pantry staples and fresh touches to make every bite flavorful and inviting, making your leftover chicken the star of a delightful, fuss-free dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in building the taste and texture of your Leftover Chicken Dinner. From the tender chicken and savory broth to the bright vegetables and the hint of herbs, everything balances beautifully to create a hearty meal.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Shredded or chopped, this is the protein-packed base of your dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onion and garlic.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
- 1 cup mixed vegetables: Peas, carrots, corn—fresh or frozen for added color and nutrition.
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta: Gives the dinner comforting heartiness and makes it filling.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Brings moisture and savory undertones that tie the flavors together.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional): Melts delightfully for a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or mixed herbs: Adds a fragrant herbal note that elevates the dish.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Provides a bright, fresh contrast when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Leftover Chicken Dinner
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step unlocks the onion’s natural sweetness and lays a flavorful foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Add Garlic for Aroma
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This quick step releases the garlicky fragrance that will meld beautifully with your chicken and vegetables.
Step 3: Incorporate Chicken and Vegetables
Now it’s time for the star ingredient. Add your cooked, shredded chicken along with the mixed vegetables. Stir everything together gently to combine and warm through, allowing the chicken to soak up the lovely flavors in the pan.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Simmer
Pour half a cup of chicken broth over the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. This adds moisture and infuses the dish with savory goodness, while softening the vegetables just right.
Step 5: Stir in Rice or Pasta
Add your cooked rice or pasta, then mix everything well to ensure even heating. This is where your Leftover Chicken Dinner really comes together, creating a satisfying, cohesive meal.
Step 6: Season and Melt the Cheese
Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of dried Italian or mixed herbs, adjusting to your taste. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it on top and cover the skillet to allow it to melt perfectly in 2 to 3 minutes, adding a velvety, indulgent touch.
Step 7: Final Touches and Serve
Once the cheese is melted and everything is heated through, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve this comforting Leftover Chicken Dinner warm and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Leftover Chicken Dinner
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this dinner from simple to special. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbal brightness that balances the richness of the cheese and chicken perfectly. If you like a little zing, a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of chili flakes works beautifully too.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs well with a light side salad or steamed greens to keep things balanced and fresh. Crunchy breadsticks or garlic bread can also add a lovely textural contrast and help scoop up every delicious bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Leftover Chicken Dinner in warm tortilla wraps or stuff it into pita pockets for an on-the-go meal. Alternatively, bake it topped with extra cheese in a casserole dish for a bubbly, golden crust that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Leftover Chicken Dinner in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
If you want to save this meal for later, it freezes nicely. Portion the dinner into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of broth or water helps restore moisture, especially if the rice or pasta has dried out a bit. Stir occasionally until warmed through and enjoy.
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken for this recipe?
This recipe is designed to shine with cooked leftover chicken, but you can absolutely start with raw chicken by cooking it thoroughly before adding the vegetables and broth. Just be sure it’s fully cooked before proceeding to the next steps.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you’re out of chicken broth, no worries! Water mixed with a bouillon cube, vegetable broth, or even a splash of dry white wine can provide a tasty alternative that won’t compromise flavor.
How long will leftovers keep?
Leftovers stored in an airtight container in the fridge will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish before refrigerating to keep it safe and tasty.
Can I swap the vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms work wonderfully and add their own unique flair to your Leftover Chicken Dinner.
Is this recipe flexible for other proteins?
Definitely. This recipe can be adapted easily using leftover turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. The key is to keep the cooking method consistent for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Leftover Chicken Dinner is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s a wonderful way to transform leftovers into something that feels brand new and satisfying. Give it a try and you might find yourself looking forward to those leftover nights more than ever!
Print
Leftover Chicken Dinner
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This quick and easy skillet chicken skillet meal helps you transform leftover cooked chicken and pantry staples into a warm, comforting, and flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Loaded with vegetables, rice or pasta, and optional cheese, it’s a versatile dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh, such as peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or mixed herbs
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté the onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Combine chicken and vegetables: Toss in the cooked chicken and mixed vegetables, stirring well to combine and heat everything through evenly.
- Add chicken broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors and warm the ingredients.
- Incorporate rice or pasta: Stir in the cooked rice or pasta thoroughly, ensuring even heating throughout the skillet mixture.
- Season the dish: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and dried Italian or mixed herbs to taste, adjusting seasoning as desired.
- Melt the cheese (optional): If using shredded cheese, sprinkle it on top, cover the pan, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes over low heat.
- Serve and garnish: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve the dish warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Feel free to swap the mixed vegetables for any on-hand options like broccoli, bell peppers, or green beans.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
- This recipe is flexible and works equally well with leftover turkey, pork, or even tofu for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
