Leftover Chicken
Leftover chicken, often from roasted chicken or cooked chicken breasts, is a versatile cooked ingredient offering a savory, meaty flavor. Its texture can range from tender and juicy to slightly dry depending on how it was initially cooked and stored. Cooked chicken is pale to golden brown in color and an excellent way to repurpose cooked poultry into new meals. Many home cooks and chefs utilize leftover cooked chicken for quick and easy meal preparation, reducing food waste and saving time in the kitchen. Using leftover chicken provides cooked protein which is a convenient and cost-effective way to create new meals.
Common Uses
- To create quick chicken salad sandwiches or wraps: Shred the leftover chicken and combine it with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and seasonings for a delicious and easy lunch option. - As a topping for salads or grain bowls: Add shredded or diced leftover chicken to salads or grain bowls for an extra boost of protein and flavor, creating a more satisfying and complete meal. - To incorporate into casseroles or baked dishes: Layer leftover chicken into casseroles with vegetables, sauces, and pasta or rice for a hearty and comforting family meal that utilizes pre-cooked ingredients. - To enrich soups and stews: Dice or shred the leftover chicken and stir it into soups and stews for added substance and a rich, meaty flavor. - For stuffing into tacos, burritos, or enchiladas: Season shredded leftover chicken with taco seasoning and use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas for a flavorful and customizable Mexican-inspired meal. - To build quick and easy pasta dishes: Toss leftover cooked chicken with cooked pasta, your choice of sauce (pesto, tomato, cream-based), and vegetables for a flavorful and convenient pasta dish.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
219.0kcal (10.95%)
Protein
39.3g (78.68%)
Carbs
0.0g
Sugars
0.0g
Healthy Fat
2.5g
Unhealthy Fat
1.4g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
219.0kcal (10.95%)
Protein
39.3g (78.68%)
Carbs
0.0g
Sugars
0.0g
Healthy Fat
2.5g
Unhealthy Fat
1.4g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- Good source of lean protein for muscle building and repair.
- Provides essential amino acids necessary for various bodily functions.
- Contains B vitamins like niacin and B6 for energy production and nervous system health.
- Offers minerals like phosphorus and selenium for bone health and antioxidant defense.
- Lower in saturated fat compared to other meats, supporting heart health when skinless.
- Can be part of a balanced diet promoting weight management and satiety.
Substitutes
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Storage Tips
Leftover chicken should be cooled quickly and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. It's best to consume it within 3-4 days to prevent bacterial growth. To freeze cooked chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer bag; use within 2-6 months for optimal quality. Ensure chicken is thoroughly reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consumption.
