10 Things to Do With Leftover Chicken and Poultry

As meats go, chicken is one of the most versatile there is. You can bake it, fry it, grill it, slow cook it and put it into all sorts of dishes. It also goes well with just about any type of flavoring you like, from sweet to savory to spicy. Turkey can be used in many of the same ways as well.

Leftover poultry can easily be transformed into a whole new dish. It works best if it is baked or broiled and minimally seasoned, but you can find recipes that work well with almost any way that it is originally prepared. Here are ten ideas for leftover poultry that are anything but boring.

1.    Leftover Turkey or Chicken Pie

Here is a great recipe to use up leftover turkey, and it makes a complete and nutritious meal all by itself…http://momintelligence.com/2011/10/leftover-turkey-pie. It’s also a nice way to put leftover pie crust to good use. You probably have most of the ingredients you’ll need on hand – the only fresh ingredients required are potatoes, carrots, celery and onion, and if you’re a little short on any of these, it won’t make too much of a difference. It will turn out great with chicken as well, and you could even substitute canned veggies in a pinch.

You can even make the recipe with leftover chicken instead if you wanted.

2.    Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is the quintessential comfort food, and it’s even more wonderful when it’s homemade. This recipe http://momintelligence.com/2011/10/homemade-chicken-noodle-soup is one recipe that you can adjust as needed or even make up as you go along. Finely diced chicken, chicken broth and noodles are the key ingredients. Homemade broth is tastiest and healthiest, but store-bought will work just as well.

Carrots and celery are some of the most popular vegetable choices for homemade chicken soup, but you can use any veggies you like as long as they are finely chopped.  Just simmer the vegetables in the broth for about 10 minutes, then add the chicken and uncooked noodles and simmer for 5 more minutes. Serve with a grilled cheese sandwich, corn muffins or crackers.

3.    Chicken Salad

Chicken and turkey salads are great for lunch at home or to pack for school or work. You can throw this recipe together in no time with just a few ingredients. It’s also easy to customize. Just add in some diced apples or grapes to add sweetness and crunch, some chopped pecans for protein and flavor, or a little buffalo sauce to add heat. Serve on bread or crackers.

For a traditional recipe, try this: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-salad-3/

4.    Turkey Subs

Turkey is on the menu at every sub shop, but why go out when you can make your own? Just slice up some turkey, pile it on a sub roll, and add your favorite toppings. You can keep it simple with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise, dress it up with some mushrooms and Swiss cheese, or add ranch dressing and bell pepper strips for a little kick.

Try this recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Baked-Turkey-Hoagie/Detail.aspx – for a delicious baked sandwich.

5.    Chicken Pizza

Chicken and pizza may not sound like a match made in heaven, but some people swear that it is. Barbecued chicken pizza is a popular dish at many restaurants, and it’s easy to make with leftover chicken breasts. You could also substitute a garlic or buffalo sauce for regular pizza sauce. Serve with salad and cheese sticks. Try this recipe for something different: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/california-style-barbecue-chicken-pizza/

6.    Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

The recipe here http://www.food.com/recipe/campbells-chicken-broccoli-alfredo-17449  not only looks fancy and tastes delicious, but it’s a cinch to make, especially when the chicken is already cooked.

Or if you prefer, you can simply cook up some pasta and top with chopped chicken and store-bought Alfredo sauce. You could even make your own Alfredo sauce if you like.

7.    Turkey Casserole

Casserole is something of a cliché, but it’s a great dish for using all sorts of leftovers. This recipe here http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Thanksgiving-Leftover-Casserole uses not only leftover turkey, but leftover mashed potatoes (making it perfect for the day after Thanksgiving). It works nicely when substituting chicken for the turkey as well.

Or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can throw together whatever leftovers you have, add some shredded cheese and create your own casserole recipe.

8.    Chicken Enchiladas

Enchiladas are an excellent dish for giving leftover meat a makeover. This simple recipe here http://www.food.com/recipe/easy-enchiladas-beef-or-chicken-29884 is even quicker when the chicken (or substituted turkey) only has to be shredded. These enchiladas go well with refried beans and yellow or red rice.

 9.    Turkey Omelets

The omelet is a popular breakfast dish, but it’s also great for brunch or even a change of pace at dinner. Try this recipe http://allrecipes.com/recipe/turkey-filled-omelette/ from All Recipes that combines your leftover turkey with fresh veggies to create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve with wheat toast and turkey bacon for a low-fat yet filling meal.

 10.  Turkey Curry

If you like curried dishes, this easy turkey curry at http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-turkey-curry will certainly put a smile on your face. It’s made with ingredients you probably have on hand. Cook up some rice and steam some vegetables for a quick and easy dinner for the family or when unexpected guests drop by.

Add these recipes to your recipe box, or use them as a starting point to come up with your own unique dishes. You’ll never grimace at the thought of leftover poultry again!

As always, I want to hear from you. In the comments section below, please share how you use your leftover chicken and poultry or tell me your variations of the recipes listed above that you would recommend to others.

That’s all for now. Until next time Divas, wear your heels well and be blessed!

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