When it comes to leftover BBQ chicken, many of us are guilty of reheating it for a second time and calling it a day. But why settle for mediocrity when you can turn last night’s dinner into a culinary masterpiece? With a little creativity, you can transform leftover BBQ chicken into a wide range of delicious and innovative dishes that will impress your family and friends. From savory quesadillas to sweet potato stuffed with avocado crema, we’ve scoured the internet for the most creative and mouth-watering leftover BBQ chicken recipes out there.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 delectable ideas that will inspire you to think outside the box (or container) when it comes to using up leftover BBQ chicken. Whether you’re a fan of spicy nachos or creamy pasta salads, there’s something on this list for everyone. So, let’s get started and discover new ways to reinvent leftovers!
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas with Cheddar and Jalapeños
Elevate your quesadilla game with the sweet and spicy combination of BBQ chicken, cheddar cheese, and jalapeños. This twist on a classic dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 large tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 jalapeños, sliced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mix with BBQ sauce.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
5. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on half of the tortilla.
6. Add the BBQ chicken mixture on top of the cheese, followed by sliced jalapeños.
7. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
8. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
9. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
10. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza with Red Onion and Cilantro
Transform your leftover BBQ chicken into a flavorful pizza that’s perfect for a quick dinner or lunch. This recipe adds a sweet and tangy twist to the classic combination of red onion and cilantro.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup leftover BBQ chicken, shredded
– 1 pre-baked pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup tomato sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the tomato sauce over the pre-baked pizza crust.
3. Top with shredded BBQ chicken, red onion, and cilantro.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Avocado Crema
Elevate your game day gathering or weeknight dinner with this flavorful and filling recipe. Sweet potatoes are topped with tender BBQ chicken, crunchy slaw, and creamy avocado crema.
Ingredients:
– 4 large sweet potatoes
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped red cabbage
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Avocado crema (recipe below)
– Optional: sour cream, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes or until tender.
3. Grill or cook chicken breasts according to package instructions.
4. Top sweet potatoes with BBQ sauce, then chicken, slaw, and cilantro.
5. Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
Avocado Crema:
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 tbsp sour cream
– 1 tsp lime juice
– Salt to taste
Combine ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Use as desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (including sweet potato baking time).
Spicy BBQ Chicken Nachos with Black Beans and Cheese
Spicy BBQ Chicken Nachos with Black Beans and Cheese Recipe
Take your nacho game to the next level with this spicy twist! This recipe combines tender chicken, crispy tortilla chips, creamy cheese, and a kick of heat from Spicy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup Spicy BBQ sauce
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 bag tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the chicken and Spicy BBQ sauce over medium-high heat until cooked through.
3. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Spoon black beans and shredded cheese over the tortilla chips.
5. Add cooked chicken on top of the nachos.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with cilantro (if using).
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
BBQ Chicken and Corn Chowder with Crispy Bacon
This hearty chowder combines the rich flavors of BBQ chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a chilly evening or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Add the corn, chicken broth, heavy cream, and BBQ sauce to the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let chowder simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
7. Stir in the cooked bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
BBQ Chicken Salad with Ranch Dressing and Croutons
This classic salad gets a smoky twist with the addition of BBQ chicken, crunchy croutons, and tangy ranch dressing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and 2 tbsp water. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and brush with the BBQ mixture.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Chop cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
5. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and chopped chicken.
6. Drizzle ranch dressing over the top and toss to coat.
7. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
8. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
BBQ Chicken Sliders with Pickles and Coleslaw
These bite-sized BBQ chicken sliders are a perfect combination of juicy chicken, crispy slaw, tangy pickles, and sweet BBQ sauce. Serve them at your next backyard gathering or potluck for a crowd-pleasing hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 8 small hamburger buns
– 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 cup thinly sliced dill pickles
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and olive oil. Brush mixture on both sides of chicken breasts.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, toast buns by grilling them lightly or baking in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 2-3 minutes.
5. Assemble sliders by placing a piece of chicken on each bun, topping with coleslaw and a few pickle slices.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
BBQ Chicken Fried Rice with Scallions and Eggs
This flavorful recipe combines the comforting warmth of fried rice with the tangy sweetness of BBQ chicken, all wrapped up with a fluffy egg and a sprinkle of scallions. Perfect as a main dish or a satisfying side, this recipe is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 2 scallions, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Push the cooked chicken to one side of the pan. Crack in the eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
4. Mix the eggs with the chicken.
5. Add the BBQ sauce and stir-fry everything together for about 2 minutes.
6. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
7. Fold in the scallions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
BBQ Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema and Cabbage Slaw
Elevate your taco Tuesday with this flavorful combination of tender BBQ chicken, crunchy cabbage slaw, and tangy lime crema.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 2 cups shredded red cabbage
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, mix together yogurt, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos by slicing grilled chicken into strips and placing on tortillas with cabbage slaw and a dollop of lime crema.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese with a Breadcrumb Topping
Elevate your mac and cheese game with this comforting, sweet, and smoky BBQ chicken recipe, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, combine milk, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
4. Add cooked chicken to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
5. Combine cooked macaroni with the chicken-cheddar mixture and transfer to a baking dish.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Cheese
This recipe combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the smokiness of BBQ chicken, all wrapped up in a cheesy package. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal to bring to your next potluck!
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together chicken, BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with rice, then add the chicken mixture, leaving some space at the top.
5. Top each pepper with shredded cheese.
6. Drizzle olive oil around the peppers and cover with foil.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
BBQ Chicken Flatbread with Arugula and Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your flatbread game with this sweet and savory combination. Tender BBQ chicken, crisp arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze come together to create a flavor explosion.
Ingredients:
– 1 flatbread
– 1/2 cup BBQ chicken (cooked)
– 1/4 cup arugula
– 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the flatbread on a baking sheet.
3. Top with BBQ chicken, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Drizzle arugula over the top of the chicken.
5. Drizzle balsamic glaze in a zig-zag pattern.
6. Sprinkle olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until flatbread is crispy.
8. Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
BBQ Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas
This recipe combines the comfort of chicken enchiladas with the bold flavors of BBQ sauce and black beans. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook chicken over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Add BBQ sauce and stir to coat. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add black beans and cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
4. Assemble enchiladas by spooning chicken and black bean mixture onto tortillas, followed by a sprinkle of cheese.
5. Place assembled enchiladas in a baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
BBQ Chicken Loaded Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream
Get ready for a comforting twist on classic baked potatoes! This recipe combines the flavors of BBQ chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy sour cream to create a loaded potato that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 large baking potatoes
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. Meanwhile, cook the chicken in a skillet with BBQ sauce over medium heat until cooked through.
4. Crumble the bacon into small pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
5. Top each potato with shredded cheese, sour cream, and crumbled bacon.
6. Slice the cooked chicken and place on top of the potatoes.
7. Sprinkle with chives if desired.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
BBQ Chicken and Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the addition of juicy BBQ chicken, creamy avocado, and melted cheddar cheese. This unique sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
– 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lettuce leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
4. Assemble sandwiches by placing grilled chicken, sliced avocado, and shredded cheese between two bread slices.
5. Top with remaining bread slice and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bread is toasted.
6. Serve immediately and garnish with lettuce leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad with Ranch and Veggies
Elevate your pasta salad game with this BBQ chicken twist, featuring juicy grilled chicken, tangy ranch dressing, and a medley of colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., bowtie, penne)
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let cool, then slice into strips.
3. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, grilled chicken, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers.
5. Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
BBQ Chicken Egg Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce
A twist on traditional egg rolls, these BBQ chicken egg rolls are packed with flavor and perfect for snacking or as a main dish. The sweet chili sauce adds an extra layer of depth and heat.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of egg roll wrappers
– 1 pound cooked, shredded chicken breast
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken, BBQ sauce, scallions, soy sauce, and garlic.
3. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of the wrapper.
4. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up to form a tight cylinder. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Brush the tops of the egg rolls with a little water and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Skewers with Teriyaki Glaze
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of tropical paradise with these easy-to-make BBQ chicken and pineapple skewers smothered in a rich teriyaki glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup cherry wood chips for smoking (optional)
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or smoker to medium-high heat.
2. Thread chicken and pineapple chunks onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the glaze mixture evenly onto the chicken and pineapple on the skewers.
5. Place skewers on grill or smoker, closing lid to trap smoke (if using). Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Serve hot with additional teriyaki glaze for dipping.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
BBQ Chicken Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Potato Topping
This classic comfort food dish gets a sweet and tangy twist with the addition of BBQ chicken, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 cup mashed potatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add chicken, onion, and garlic; cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add BBQ sauce and mixed vegetables; stir to combine.
4. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese
Elevate your appetizer game with these savory and indulgent BBQ chicken stuffed mushrooms. The combination of tender chicken, melted cream cheese, and earthy mushrooms will be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the chicken mixture, dividing it evenly among the caps.
4. Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Dot the top of each mushroom with cream cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Transform your leftover BBQ chicken into 20 creative and delicious dishes! From sweet potatoes to quesadillas, mac and cheese to egg rolls, these recipes are sure to reinvent the flavor. Turn BBQ chicken into a variety of international-inspired dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and skewers, or try comforting classics like shepherd’s pie and loaded baked potatoes. With creative twists on old favorites, you’ll never look at leftovers the same way again!