Are you tired of the same old leftovers? Well, we’ve got just the solution for you! In this article, we’re going to take your leftover fried chicken and turn it into 18 deliciously reinvented dishes. From salads to sandwiches, tacos to pot pies, we’ll show you how to get creative with your leftovers.
Take, for example, a classic Fried Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing. It’s the perfect way to give your leftover chicken a fresh new twist. Or, if you’re in the mood for something a little spicier, try Leftover Fried Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the crispy fried chicken.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast casserole or a spicy ramen noodle dish, we’ve got a leftover fried chicken recipe that’s sure to please. So go ahead, get creative, and turn those leftovers into something truly special!
Fried Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
A sweet and tangy twist on a classic salad, this recipe combines crispy fried chicken with fresh greens and a creamy honey mustard dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Honey Mustard Dressing (see below)
Honey Mustard Dressing:
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture. Fry in hot oil until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, red bell pepper, cucumber, and feta cheese.
5. Add fried chicken to the salad and drizzle with Honey Mustard Dressing. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Leftover Fried Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema
Transform last night’s fried chicken into a flavorful taco dish, paired with a creamy and refreshing avocado crema. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover fried chicken and making it shine in a new way.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover fried chicken, shredded
– 1/2 cup avocado crema (see below)
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Sliced radishes, lime wedges, cilantro, and sour cream for garnish
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickled red onions
Avocado Crema:
– 3 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine shredded fried chicken and avocado crema.
2. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
3. Assemble tacos by spooning the chicken mixture onto a warmed tortilla, followed by your desired toppings.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Fried Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup
Savor the classic combination of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles, topped with a drizzle of pure maple syrup for an added layer of sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 2 cups waffle mix
– 1 large egg
– Maple syrup (1-2 tablespoons)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture. Fry in hot oil until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
4. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. Whisk together waffle mix and egg. Cook waffles for about 3-4 minutes or until crispy.
5. Serve fried chicken with a drizzle of maple syrup over freshly cooked waffles.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Sriracha Mayo
Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Sriracha Mayo Recipe
Get ready for a flavor explosion with this mouth-watering sandwich that combines crispy fried chicken, creamy sriracha mayo, and crunchy lettuce on toasted brioche bread.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 4 hamburger buns or toasted brioche bread
– Lettuce leaves, shredded
– Sriracha mayo (see below)
Sriracha Mayo:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip chicken breasts in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Fry coated chicken in hot oil until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes per side).
4. Assemble sandwiches with fried chicken, lettuce, and sriracha mayo on toasted brioche bread.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Fried Chicken Quesadillas with Cheese and Jalapeños
A twist on traditional quesadillas, these crispy fried chicken-filled tortillas are packed with melted cheese, spicy jalapeños, and a hint of Southern charm.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked fried chicken (e.g. from a store-bought bucket or homemade)
– 4 large tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 jalapeños, sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a deep fryer or about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Place a tortilla in the oil and sprinkle with shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro.
3. Add about 1/4 cup of fried chicken on half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Fried Chicken Cobb Salad with Bacon and Blue Cheese
This recipe combines the crispy goodness of fried chicken with the fresh flavors of a cobb salad, topped with smoky bacon and pungent blue cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip chicken breasts in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture.
3. Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side.
4. Prepare the salad by combining mixed greens, blue cheese, bacon, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl.
5. Slice fried chicken into strips and place on top of the salad.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fried Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Crust
This comforting recipe combines crispy fried chicken, tender vegetables, and a rich gravy, all wrapped in a buttery flaky crust. A perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 tablespoon water
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Fry chicken pieces until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
3. In a separate pan, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add frozen vegetables and cook until tender.
4. Combine cooked chicken, vegetable mixture, and chicken broth in a bowl.
5. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill with the chicken mixture.
6. Brush edges of crust with melted butter and cover with another piece of pie crust or aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Fried Chicken and Biscuit Breakfast Casserole
A hearty breakfast casserole that combines the comfort of fried chicken, flaky biscuits, and scrambled eggs.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked fried chicken (diced)
– 1 cup biscuit baking mix
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Add diced fried chicken and stir until combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle biscuit baking mix evenly over the top of the egg mixture.
6. Dot the top with melted butter and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and the eggs are set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Fried Chicken Ramen with Soft-Boiled Eggs
A creative twist on traditional ramen, this recipe combines the comforting warmth of fried chicken and soft-boiled eggs with the savory flavors of Japanese noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of ramen noodles
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 4 soft-boiled eggs
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (optional)
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Soft-boil eggs by cooking them in simmering water for 6-7 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, fried chicken, soft-boiled eggs, soy sauce, sake (if using), and sesame oil.
7. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Fried Chicken Nachos with Cheese and Pickled Jalapeños
Elevate your nacho game with this unique twist on a classic snack: crispy fried chicken, gooey cheese, and spicy pickled jalapeños come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound chicken breast or tenders
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1 bag tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
– Optional: sour cream, diced tomatoes, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Prepare the fried chicken by mixing flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk, then coat with flour mixture; fry until golden brown.
3. Arrange tortilla chips on a baking sheet; top with fried chicken, cheese, and pickled jalapeños.
4. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve hot and customize with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fried Chicken Caesar Wrap with Garlic Aioli
Elevate your lunch game with this crispy and flavorful wrap, packed with juicy fried chicken, crunchy romaine lettuce, tangy caesar dressing, and a creamy garlic aioli.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 2 large flour tortillas
– Romaine lettuce, chopped
– Caesar dressing, store-bought or homemade
– Garlic aioli (see below)
– Shredded mozzarella cheese, optional
Instructions:
1. Dip chicken in buttermilk, then coat with flour mixture. Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy.
2. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
3. Assemble wraps by placing fried chicken, lettuce, and caesar dressing inside.
4. Spread garlic aioli on top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese (if using).
5. Serve immediately.
Garlic Aioli:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Mix all ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Fried Chicken and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
A twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines crispy fried chicken with gooey cheese for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip chicken pieces in eggs, then coat with flour mixture.
4. Fry coated chicken in hot oil until golden brown, about 5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with fried chicken, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro (if using).
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake
Elevate your mac and cheese game with crispy fried chicken, creamy sauce, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This comforting casserole is perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 cups mixed cheddar and mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1 pound cooked chicken (fried or baked)
– 1 cup creamy macaroni and cheese sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and shredded cheese. Mix well.
4. Add cooked chicken and mix until combined.
5. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs.
6. Dot the top with melted butter.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fried Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich with Pickled Veggies
This Vietnamese-inspired sandwich combines crispy fried chicken, tangy pickled vegetables, and creamy mayonnaise on a crusty baguette. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 4 baguette slices
– Pickled vegetable mixture (see below)
– Mayonnaise, for serving
Pickled Veggies:
– 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
– 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
– 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture, then dip in buttermilk, and finally coat with flour mixture again.
4. Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
5. Assemble sandwiches by spreading mayonnaise on baguette slices, topping with fried chicken, pickled veggies, and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes (including frying time).
Fried Chicken Fried Rice with Scrambled Eggs
A twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines the savory flavors of chicken and eggs with the comforting warmth of a familiar favorite. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying breakfast option.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup diced cooked chicken
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Push the mixture to one side of the pan; crack in the eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
4. Mix the eggs with the onion mixture, then add the cooked chicken, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Fried Chicken and Cornbread Stuffing
This recipe combines the crispy goodness of fried chicken with the warm, comforting flavors of cornbread stuffing. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup cornbread crumbs
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped celery
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the fried chicken by dredging each breast in flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs.
3. Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped celery and onion in butter until tender.
5. Add the chicken broth, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until combined.
6. Stuff each fried chicken breast with the cornbread mixture and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes (depending on the size of the chicken breasts)
Fried Chicken Pizza with Ranch Drizzle
Fried Chicken Pizza with Ranch Drizzle Recipe Summary:
Get ready to elevate your pizza game with this unique fusion of crispy fried chicken and savory ranch dressing on top of a classic margherita pizza.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 1/2 cup tomato sauce
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 4-6 pieces of fried chicken (see note)
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough and spread the tomato sauce evenly.
3. Top with mozzarella cheese.
4. Arrange the fried chicken pieces on top of the cheese.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
6. While the pizza is baking, prepare the ranch drizzle by mixing 1/4 cup ranch dressing with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl.
7. Remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle the ranch mixture on top of the fried chicken.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Note: For the fried chicken, use your favorite recipe or store-bought pieces. Adjust cooking time accordingly based on chicken thickness and crispiness.
Fried Chicken and Gravy Biscuit Sliders
A Southern twist on traditional sliders, these bite-sized treats combine crispy fried chicken, rich gravy, and flaky biscuits for a flavor explosion that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1 package of biscuit mix (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dredge chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Dip floured chicken in buttermilk, then fry in hot oil until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes).
4. Make biscuit mix according to package instructions.
5. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Assemble sliders by placing fried chicken on top of biscuits, spooning gravy over the top.
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Fried chicken lovers rejoice! This article presents 18 creative recipes that transform leftover fried chicken into deliciously reinvented dishes. From classic combinations like Fried Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup, to international twists like Fried Chicken Ramen with Soft-Boiled Eggs, there’s something for everyone. Get inspired by innovative creations such as Fried Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema, Fried Chicken Quesadillas with Cheese and Jalapeños, or try your hand at a Fried Chicken Cobb Salad with Bacon and Blue Cheese. Whatever your taste buds desire, this article has got you covered!
