Have you ever found yourself with leftover BBQ chicken from last night’s dinner and wondered what to do with it? I’ve put together over 30 budget-friendly recipes that you can use to repurpose those BBQ chicken leftovers. You can use shredded or cubed barbecue chicken for one pot dinners, casseroles, sandwiches and so much more! All of these BBQ chicken recipes use leftovers and are delicious, easy to prepare and will satisfy even your picky eaters because they are family friendly!
BBQ Chicken is great in the middle of a busy week, but it’s also one of those proteins you can prep ahead to save you time! If you need a recipe, try my crockpot BBQ chicken recipe. It’s just 3 ingredients! Or pick up a rotisserie chicken and add your favorite BBQ sauce.
How to Store BBQ Chicken Leftovers
Leftovers save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to a month
Easy Leftover BBQ Chicken Recipes
These recipes are super easy AND delicious! Remember that some of these recipes may call for a different protein, but you can easily swap it for your leftover BBQ chicken. Enjoy!
- BBQ Pineapple Chicken – Mix in a small can of chopped pineapples to your leftovers. The sweetness from the pineapples goes perfectly with the tangy barbecue sauce. Serve over my lemon rice.
- BBQ Chicken Breast Enchiladas – Fill tortillas with leftover bbq chicken and your favorite add ins, top with green enchilada sauce, and cheese, and bake. Don’t forget the dollop of sour cream after it bakes!
- BBQ Chicken Flautas
- BBQ Chicken Nachos – This is a unique way to use up your leftovers. Layer your chicken over nachos with cheese, avocado, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, and any other toppings you like!
- Crockpot Mashed Potatoes – Simply top your potatoes with a spoonful of BBQ chicken and you’re done!
- BBQ Chicken Burrito
BBQ Chicken Ideas for Lunch
Leftover BBQ chicken is your ticket to making a quick and easy lunch the next day. These recipes give you an exciting new way to enjoy those leftovers at lunchtime.
- BBQ Chicken Wrap – Add your BBQ Chicken to a wrap of your choice for a delicious lunch.
- BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
- Leftover BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Rotisserie BBQ Chicken Salad – Try this cold BBQ chicken salad on crackers, lettuce cups, or in a sandwich. You can even drizzle some BBQ and ranch on top to add some zing!
- Famous LOADED Chicken Salad – this would be delicious with BBQ chicken
Family-Friendly BBQ Chicken Leftovers
Turn your leftover BBQ chicken into a tasty family-friendly meal with these easy recipes! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, these recipes are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
- BBQ Chicken Tostadas – swap out the barbacoa for your tender chicken.
- BBQ Chicken Fried Rice – This is ready in 15-20 minutes!
- Stuffed BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes
- Chicken Street Tacos – use your leftover chicken and top with a drizzle of BBQ sauce
- Pizza Ideas Using BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Baked BBQ Chicken Tacos – leave out the taco seasoning, and top with red onion, bbq and/or ranch drizzle, and cilantro.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza
- BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza
Healthy Leftover BBQ Chicken
Keep it light and nutritious with these healthy recipes! Here are several ways to eat guilt-free while using up your leftover bbq chicken.
- BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad
- Zucchini Boats
- BBQ Chicken Power Bowl – use white rice or cauliflower rice
- BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Combine BBQ chicken, diced red onion, bell pepper, shredded carrots, and shopped cilantro and toss together. Spoon the chicken mixture into butter lettuce cups and enjoy
- Salad with BBQ Chicken and all your favorite toppings
Casseroles with Leftover BBQ Chicken
Transform your leftover BBQ chicken into something completely new by making one of these delicious casseroles. These recipes are easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy.
- Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole – Toss your leftovers with cheese, beans, corn, and other add ins.
- Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese – add your chicken to this easy recipe
- Chicken and Rice Casserole – Stir cooked rice, your shredded chicken, bbq sauce, and diced veggies. Then top with cheddar cheese and bake until bubbly.
- BBQ Chicken Pasta Bake – Cooked pasta combined with shredded BBQ Chicken, red pepper, onions, and BBQ sauce, then topped with cheese and baked in a casserole dish until golden and bubbly.
Leftover BBQ Chicken Sandwich Ideas
Elevate your lunch game with these mouthwatering leftover BBQ chicken sandwich ideas.
- BBQ Chicken Sliders with Ranch Slaw
- Shredded Chicken Sliders
- BBQ Chicken Sandwiches– Add your saucy shredded chicken to a burger bun or sliced bread, top with bacon and enjoy.
- Grilled BBQ Chicken and Cheese Sandwich
If you’re looking for leftover bbq chicken recipes, this list will be a keeper. If you need more leftover chicken ideas, check out this list of over 40 Leftover Chicken Recipes.
If you have a go to recipe for leftover BBQ chicken, make sure and let me know in the comments!
What can I use BBQ chicken for?
BBQ chicken can be served as a main dish, served with classic sides like mac & cheese and cole slaw, or used as a topping for salads, potatoes, bowls. As seen in this post, the options are endless.
What can I do with leftover BBQ chicken?
This list of recipes is a great resource for what to do with leftover BBQ chicken. No matter what you’re craving, you’re sure to find something delicious here.
What side dishes go well with shredded BBQ chicken?
You can find my complete list of sides to serve with BBQ chicken or brisket here.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken for Meal Prep
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, or chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning, (1 packet)
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce, (I used Sweet Baby Ray's)
Instructions
- Lay the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Cover chicken with ranch seasoning on both sides. Pour the BBQ sauce over the top of the chicken to cover.
- Cover crockpot and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 3.5-4 hours.*Time may vary depending on the size of your slow cooker and the thickness of the chicken breast.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, use forks to shred the chicken, then stir it into the BBQ sauce mixture. Serve warm and enjoy!
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