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Leftover chicken is a versatile and convenient ingredient that can transform any lunch into a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking to add a protein-packed boost to your midday meal or you need to clear out the fridge, leftover chicken is the perfect base for a variety of dishes. From hearty wraps to refreshing salads, the possibilities are endless. In this collection of 24+ leftover chicken lunch recipes, we’ll show you how to get creative with your leftovers, save time, and enjoy delicious meals throughout the week.
24+ Quick & Easy Delicious Leftover Chicken Lunch Recipes to Try Today

With these 24+ leftover chicken lunch recipes, you now have a variety of options to keep your lunches exciting and stress-free. Whether you’re craving something light, hearty, or packed with bold flavors, these recipes offer endless possibilities to utilize your leftovers in delicious and inventive ways. So, the next time you have leftover chicken, you won’t need to stress about what to make. Instead, you can whip up a quick and tasty lunch that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare!
Chicken Salad Wraps
Transform your leftover chicken into a fresh, healthy lunch with these flavorful chicken salad wraps. The creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and tender chicken are perfectly wrapped in a soft tortilla, making it a satisfying meal that’s easy to eat on the go. Combine your leftover chicken with mayo, Greek yogurt, mustard, and a hint of lemon juice for a tangy base. Add in some diced celery, red onion, grapes, and shredded carrots for crunch and sweetness. You can even swap in some chopped nuts for an extra bite. These wraps are perfect for a quick lunch when you’re craving something light yet filling.
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Chicken Quesadilla
Leftover chicken makes the ideal filling for a cheesy, savory quesadilla. This recipe combines the chicken with melted cheese, sautéed onions, and bell peppers, all folded into a crispy tortilla. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s quick and easy to make. Simply heat your leftover chicken and sauté your vegetables with a bit of olive oil and taco seasoning for flavor. Once your tortillas are warmed, layer the chicken and veggies with plenty of cheese before folding and grilling until golden brown. Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for an even better experience.
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Chicken Stir-Fry
For a wholesome and colorful meal, this leftover chicken stir-fry recipe is your go-to. It combines stir-fried veggies with tender chunks of chicken, all coated in a savory sauce. Use any vegetables you have on hand – think broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas – and stir-fry them in a hot pan with a touch of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Add your leftover chicken towards the end to heat through, and serve it over rice or noodles for a hearty and satisfying lunch. It’s an excellent way to get your veggies in while enjoying the flavor of your leftover chicken.
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Chicken Pasta Salad
Turn your leftover chicken into a vibrant and filling pasta salad that’s perfect for lunch. This recipe combines al dente pasta with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a zesty dressing for a meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. To make, toss cooked pasta with chunks of leftover chicken, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and olives. Then, coat it all in a creamy dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of herbs like oregano and basil. This pasta salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch option.
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Chicken Tacos
Revamp your leftover chicken into a flavorful taco filling with this simple and quick recipe. By shredding your chicken and mixing it with a delicious blend of spices, you can create an easy, tasty lunch that’s full of flavor. Heat the chicken with a taco seasoning mix, or make your own with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika for a smoky, spicy base. Serve the seasoned chicken in soft tortillas and top with your favorite taco toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and avocado. These tacos are quick to assemble, satisfying, and packed with all the taco goodness.
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Chicken and Rice Casserole
Give your leftover chicken a cozy makeover with this creamy chicken and rice casserole. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines leftover chicken with rice, vegetables, and a rich, cheesy sauce, all baked to perfection. Start by mixing cooked rice with chunks of chicken, frozen peas, carrots, and a creamy sauce made from a mixture of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Top it with shredded cheese and bake until bubbly and golden. This casserole is hearty, comforting, and easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option for lunch when you’re craving something warm and filling.
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Chicken Avocado Toast
For a quick and nutritious lunch, transform your leftover chicken into a hearty and creamy chicken avocado toast. Simply mash up some ripe avocado and spread it on your favorite toasted bread. Top with slices of leftover chicken, a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. For extra flavor, add a dash of chili flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also add a poached egg on top for extra protein and creaminess. This recipe is perfect for those days when you need something light, yet fulfilling, and packed with healthy fats and protein.
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Chicken Fried Rice
Turn your leftover chicken into a deliciously quick and savory fried rice. This easy one-pan dish is packed with flavor from the chicken, veggies, and a savory soy sauce-based stir-fry sauce. Start by heating some oil in a wok or large pan and adding chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions. Stir-fry until tender, then add your leftover chicken and day-old rice. Toss everything together with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. For added flavor, finish with a fried egg on top. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch that’s full of texture and taste.
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Chicken Caesar Wrap
For a deliciously creamy and satisfying lunch, try this Chicken Caesar Wrap using your leftover chicken. Start by tossing your leftover chicken with Caesar dressing, Romaine lettuce, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add a few croutons for crunch and a squeeze of lemon for a burst of fresh flavor. Spoon the mixture into a large tortilla and wrap it up tightly for an easy-to-eat lunch. Whether you’re on the go or sitting down to enjoy, this wrap combines all the delicious flavors of a Caesar salad with the heartiness of chicken, making it a perfect lunch.
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Chicken Pita Pockets
Take your leftover chicken and stuff it into a soft pita pocket for a quick, flavorful lunch. This simple recipe combines shredded chicken with fresh veggies, creamy hummus, and a tangy tzatziki sauce. Begin by heating your chicken and adding a touch of seasoning with lemon juice, garlic, and a sprinkle of herbs like oregano. Then, fill pita pockets with the warm chicken, crisp lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions. Top with a generous dollop of tzatziki or hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s both fresh and satisfying.
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Chicken Soup
Turn your leftover chicken into a hearty and comforting chicken soup that’s perfect for any lunch. Start by simmering your chicken with vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and garlic in a flavorful broth. Add some herbs like thyme and bay leaves to enhance the aroma and taste. Once the chicken is cooked and tender, shred it and return it to the pot. For a creamy version, stir in some heavy cream or milk, or keep it light with just the broth. You can add some noodles or rice for extra substance. This warm, soothing soup is the perfect way to use up your leftover chicken while enjoying a satisfying meal.
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Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Take your leftover chicken and turn it into a spicy, tangy buffalo chicken slider. These sliders are perfect for lunch and will satisfy your cravings for something with a bit of heat. Shred your leftover chicken and mix it with buffalo sauce and a little ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat. Pile the mixture onto slider buns and top with shredded lettuce and a slice of cheese, if desired. Toast the buns for extra crunch and serve with a side of pickles for a tangy kick. These sliders are great for a quick, flavorful meal that packs a punch.
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Chicken and Veggie Frittata
Turn your leftover chicken into a delicious, hearty frittata packed with protein and veggies. This is a fantastic way to enjoy a satisfying lunch that’s quick to make. Start by whisking together a few eggs with some milk and seasoning with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. In a hot pan, sauté your leftover chicken with veggies like spinach, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Once they’re softened, pour the egg mixture over the chicken and veggies, and cook on low heat until set. Finish it off by broiling it for a minute to get a golden, slightly crispy top. Serve with a side salad for a full, balanced meal.
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Chicken and Black Bean Burrito Bowls
For a flavorful, filling lunch, this chicken and black bean burrito bowl is an easy and customizable option. Start by warming your leftover chicken and mixing it with black beans, corn, and your favorite taco seasoning for a bold, savory flavor. Serve this mixture over a bed of rice or lettuce, and top with fresh salsa, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole. You can also add a sprinkle of cheese or a handful of tortilla chips for crunch. This bowl is a perfect combination of textures and flavors, making it a satisfying and healthy lunch.
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Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Leftover chicken can be the perfect topping for a quick and delicious homemade flatbread pizza. Start with a store-bought or homemade flatbread and brush it with olive oil and garlic. Layer the flatbread with your leftover chicken, mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of barbecue or buffalo sauce for extra flavor. Add some red onion slices, spinach, or bell peppers for a fresh veggie boost. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then slice and serve. These chicken flatbreads are quick, customizable, and make for a delicious lunch you’ll crave again and again.
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Chicken Cucumber Sandwiches
Turn your leftover chicken into a light, refreshing lunch with these chicken cucumber sandwiches. Perfect for a quick, easy bite, this recipe combines tender chicken with crisp cucumber slices and a creamy spread. Start by shredding your leftover chicken and mixing it with cream cheese, a bit of mustard, and fresh dill. Spread this mixture onto soft bread and layer with thinly sliced cucumbers. Top with a few leaves of lettuce for added crunch. These sandwiches are not only flavorful but also light enough to enjoy any time of the day, whether you’re at home or on the go.
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Chicken Pesto Pasta
Leftover chicken adds a savory, protein-packed twist to a classic pesto pasta. This quick, satisfying meal combines the rich, aromatic flavor of pesto with tender chicken and al dente pasta. Cook your favorite pasta and toss it with a generous amount of homemade or store-bought pesto sauce. Add in your leftover chicken (either shredded or cubed) and stir everything together. For an added touch, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and top with fresh basil leaves. This pesto chicken pasta is bursting with flavor and perfect for a quick lunch that will keep you full and energized.
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Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
Create a healthy and vibrant lunch with a chicken and cabbage stir-fry that’s both flavorful and nutritious. This dish combines leftover chicken with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a savory soy-based sauce. Heat some oil in a wok or large skillet, and stir-fry the cabbage and carrots until they’re tender but still crisp. Add your leftover chicken and pour over a sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through. Serve this stir-fry on its own or over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
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Chicken BLT Wraps
These chicken BLT wraps are the perfect blend of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomato, and tender chicken. Use your leftover chicken to create a quick, satisfying lunch. Start by crisping up some bacon in a pan and toasting your wrap. Layer with your shredded leftover chicken, bacon strips, fresh lettuce, and sliced tomatoes. For extra flavor, spread some mayo or your favorite sauce on the wrap before rolling it up. These wraps are great for a quick, on-the-go lunch or a more casual sit-down meal, and they’re bursting with flavors you’ll love.
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Chicken Veggie Tostadas
Transform your leftover chicken into crispy, flavorful tostadas with this simple recipe. Start by warming your chicken with taco seasoning for a zesty kick. Then, layer the seasoned chicken onto crispy tostada shells and top with fresh ingredients like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, corn, and cheese. Add a drizzle of sour cream or a spoonful of guacamole for extra creaminess. These tostadas make a fun, colorful, and flavorful lunch that’s perfect for using up your leftover chicken and adding a satisfying crunch to your meal.
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Chicken and Sweet Potato Hash
A hearty and nutritious lunch, this chicken and sweet potato hash combines savory chicken with sweet potatoes, peppers, and onions in one skillet. Start by dicing your leftover chicken and sautéing it in a skillet with cubed sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and onions until everything is tender and caramelized. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika for a rich flavor. For added protein, crack an egg on top and cook until the yolk is runny, or scramble it in for a delicious addition. This hash is filling, healthy, and perfect for a hearty lunch.
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Chicken Taco Salad
Transform your leftover chicken into a vibrant and filling taco salad. Begin by seasoning your chicken with taco seasoning or chili powder for a bold flavor. Toss it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, black beans, and corn. For extra texture, add crushed tortilla chips or crumbled nachos on top. Drizzle with creamy dressing (such as ranch or a tangy salsa dressing) and top with shredded cheese and avocado slices. This taco salad is perfect for a healthy and satisfying lunch that brings all the flavors of a taco in a lighter, salad form.
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Chicken Parmesan Baked Potatoes
Give your leftover chicken a savory twist with these chicken Parmesan baked potatoes. Start by baking large russet potatoes until they’re tender. While they bake, heat your leftover chicken and coat it with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Once the potatoes are done, slice them open and fluff the insides. Spoon the chicken Parmesan mixture on top and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pop the potatoes back in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese and allow the flavors to combine. This comforting lunch option is filling and full of flavor.
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Chicken Spinach and Feta Stuffed Pitas
These chicken spinach and feta stuffed pitas are a quick and flavorful way to repurpose your leftover chicken. Start by sautéing spinach with garlic and olive oil until it’s wilted. Mix your leftover chicken with crumbled feta cheese and the sautéed spinach, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stuff the mixture into whole wheat pitas for a healthy and satisfying lunch. You can add a drizzle of tzatziki or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor. This recipe is light, nutritious, and perfect for an on-the-go meal.
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Conclusion
Leftover chicken doesn’t have to be boring or repetitive. By trying out these 24+ creative lunch recipes, you can elevate your leftovers into meals that are just as exciting as the first time you made them. From wraps to casseroles, each recipe brings something new to the table, ensuring that you never tire of the same old dishes. So, go ahead, get cooking, and make your next lunch using leftover chicken a delicious success!