Don't Reheat It: 5 Better Ways to Use Leftover Chicken

Leftover chicken from Shabbat or a previous meal is one of the most versatile ingredients you can have in your refrigerator. The problem is that simply reheating it often leaves it dry, uninspiring, and far less appealing than it was the first time around.

The good news? With a few simple ingredients, leftover chicken can become the foundation for entirely new meals that are quick, flavorful, and family friendly. Here are five easy recipes that give leftover chicken a delicious second life.

Chicken Stir Fry With Silan and Teriyaki

Sweet, savory, and packed with flavor, this quick stir fry comes together in minutes and pairs perfectly with rice.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded chicken

• 1 onion, sliced

• 1 carrot, cut into thin strips

• 1 bell pepper, sliced

• 2 tablespoons silan

• 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

Directions

Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok. Add the garlic and onion and sauté until fragrant.

Add the carrot and bell pepper and stir fry for several minutes until slightly tender.

Add the chicken, silan, and teriyaki sauce. Toss everything together until the chicken is heated through and well coated in the sauce.

Serve hot over rice.

Chicken Tortilla Wraps

These wraps are perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• Shredded chicken

• Tortillas

• Lettuce

• Tomato, diced

• Pickles, sliced

• Prepared tahini or hummus

• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Directions

Warm the chicken in a skillet with a little oil and lemon juice.

Spread tahini or hummus over each tortilla. Add the lettuce, tomato, pickles, and chicken.

Roll tightly and serve immediately.

Chicken Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing

Fresh vegetables and a homemade dressing transform leftover chicken into a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Shredded chicken

• Lettuce

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Cucumber, chopped

• 7 walnuts or almonds

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon mustard

• 1 tablespoon honey

• Juice of half a lemon

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth.

Arrange the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, nuts, and chicken in a large bowl.

Drizzle with the dressing, toss gently, and serve.

Chicken Fried Rice

This takeout inspired dish is one of the easiest ways to use both leftover chicken and leftover rice.

Ingredients

• Shredded chicken

• 3 cups cooked rice, preferably cold

• 1 egg

• 1 carrot, diced

• ½ cup peas

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oil

Directions

Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the egg and scramble until cooked.

Add the carrots and peas and cook for several minutes.

Stir in the rice, chicken, and soy sauce. Cook until everything is heated through and well combined.

Serve immediately.

Quick Chicken Patties

These simple patties are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and a great way to reinvent leftover chicken.

Ingredients

• 2 cups finely chopped chicken

• 1 egg

• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• A pinch of paprika

Directions

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

Shape into small patties.

Cook in a lightly oiled skillet until golden brown on both sides, or bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes.

Give Leftovers a New Life

Leftover chicken doesn't have to feel like leftovers. With a little creativity, it can become stir fry, wraps, salad, fried rice, or crispy patties that taste like an entirely new meal.

Not only will you save time and reduce food waste, but you may even find yourself hoping for extra chicken at the end of your next Shabbat meal.