When you find yourself with a surplus of delicious grilled chicken after an enjoyable cooking session or family gathering, it’s a conundrum. So, What to Do with Leftover Grilled Chicken? In this guide, we’ll explore various creative and practical ways to make the most of your leftover roast chicken, ensuring that none of the deliciousness goes to waste. Whether you choose to reheat, transform or preserve leftovers, you’re in for an exciting culinary adventure.
Grilled Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
Note: The grill is the most crucial element in determining the perfection of a dish. If your grilled chicken hasn’t met your expectations in the past, don’t miss the opportunity to replace it during the upcoming Weber grill black friday deals event.
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
- Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve with fresh lemon wedges for added flavor and enjoy!
What to Do with Leftover Grilled Chicken
Here are some ideas on what you can do with leftover grilled chicken.
Chicken Wraps or Tacos: Create delicious wraps or tacos by filling tortillas with your grilled chicken, vegetables, and your choice of sauce.
Chicken Sandwich: Make a tasty sandwich using sliced or shredded chicken, paired with your favorite bread and toppings.
Chicken Quesadillas: Use the chicken as a filling for cheesy quesadillas. Add some veggies and enjoy a crispy treat.
Chicken Fried Rice: Incorporate grilled chicken into a homemade fried rice with vegetables and soy sauce.
Chicken Soup: Add chicken pieces to a broth, along with vegetables, noodles, or rice, for a hearty chicken soup.
Chicken Pizza: Top a pizza crust with your favorite sauce, cheese, and grilled chicken for a unique pizza flavor.
Chicken Pasta: Create a pasta dish by combining the chicken with pasta, sauce, and your choice of vegetables or herbs.
Chicken Tostadas: Make tostadas by layering refried beans, chicken, lettuce, and other toppings on crispy tortillas.
Chicken Ouelette: Whip up a tasty breakfast by adding the chicken to an omelet with some cheese and veggies.
Chicken Stir-fry: Make a quick and healthy stir-fry with the grilled chicken and assorted vegetables.
Chicken and Rice Casserole: Bake the chicken with rice, broth, and veggies for a delightful casserole.
Chicken Panini: Grill a chicken panini with some cheese, veggies, and your choice of condiments.
Chicken Fajitas: Sauté the chicken with bell peppers and onions and serve as fajitas.
Chicken Tenders: Reheat the chicken and serve them as delicious chicken tenders with your preferred dipping sauce.
Storing Leftover Barbecue Chicken
Instructions:
Cool the Chicken: Before storing, allow the leftover barbecue chicken to cool down at room temperature for a maximum of two hours. This helps prevent condensation inside the container, which can make the chicken soggy.
Separate and Prepare: If you have large pieces of chicken, consider cutting them into smaller portions. This helps in even cooling and makes it easier to reheat.
Pack in an Airtight Container: Place the chicken pieces in an airtight container. These containers help keep the chicken moist and prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. Alternatively, you can use resealable plastic bags for storing.
Foil Wrapping (Optional): If you’re concerned about maintaining the chicken’s moisture, wrap the pieces in aluminum foil before placing them in the airtight container or bag.
Label and Date (Optional): If you have multiple items in the freezer, label the container or bag with the date of storage. This way, you can keep track of how long it’s been stored.
Store Properly: Place the airtight container or bags in the refrigerator or freezer. If you intend to consume the chicken within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. For longer storage, use the freezer.
Reheat Safely: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, ensure that you reheat the chicken to the recommended safe temperature (at least 165°F or 74°C) to kill any bacteria that might have developed during storage.
Storage Duration:
In the refrigerator, leftover barbecue chicken can be stored for up to 3-4 days. In the freezer, it can be stored for 2-6 months.
Conclusion
There are so many creative and delicious ways to make use of that leftover grilled chicken you have in the fridge. From adding it to soups, salads and sandwiches, to Asian stir-fries or Mexican fajitas, there is a myriad of options that will help you reinvent that grilled chicken into something special for you and your family.
Don’t let those leftovers gather dust; get inspired by these tasty ideas and whip up an unbeatable dish! Try some of the recipes available online or put together your own creations with this simple yet delicious ingredient.
