Are you tired of the same old leftovers? Look no further! We’ve got a mouth-watering collection of 18 creative ways to repurpose leftover fried chicken into new and exciting meals. From savory twists on classic dishes to sweet and spicy surprises, these recipes will breathe new life into your culinary creations.
Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar or adventurous and bold, we’ve got you covered. So go ahead, get creative with that leftover fried chicken, and discover a whole new world of flavors and possibilities!
Leftover Fried Chicken Tacos with Spicy Slaw
Revamp last night’s fried chicken dinner into a tasty taco fiesta! This recipe transforms leftover fried chicken into a flavorful and spicy Mexican-inspired dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover fried chicken, torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup spicy slaw (see below for recipe)
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: diced avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Spicy Slaw Recipe:
– 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine torn fried chicken and spicy slaw.
2. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
3. Assemble tacos by placing chicken-slack mixture onto tortillas and adding desired toppings.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Crispy Fried Chicken Cobb Salad
This classic salad gets a satisfying twist with crispy fried chicken, crunchy bacon, and creamy avocado. Perfect for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate dish.
3. Dip chicken breasts in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture.
4. Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown (5-6 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
5. Assemble salad with mixed greens, crispy fried chicken, bacon, avocado, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese (if using), and egg.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fried Chicken and Waffles Benedict
This innovative recipe combines the comfort of fried chicken and waffles with the elegance of eggs benedict. Crispy fried chicken, fluffy waffles, and a poached egg come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Waffle batter (homemade or store-bought)
– Eggs, poached
– Hollandaise sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Fresh arugula leaves
Instructions:
1. Prepare the fried chicken by dredging in flour mixture and buttermilk, then frying until crispy.
2. Cook waffles according to package instructions.
3. Poach eggs and toast the waffles.
4. Assemble by placing fried chicken on toasted waffles, topping with poached egg, and drizzling with Hollandaise sauce.
5. Garnish with fresh arugula leaves.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Buffalo Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese
This recipe combines the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese with the spicy kick of buffalo chicken. It’s a unique twist on a classic comfort food that will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions and set aside.
3. In a separate pot, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add buffalo sauce and whisk until smooth.
4. Dip chicken breasts in flour mixture (flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper) then fry in hot oil until cooked through.
5. Combine cooked macaroni, shredded cheese, and buffalo sauce. Stir until well combined.
6. Top with fried chicken and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Fried Chicken Caesar Wrap
Elevate your wrap game with this crispy fried chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, and fresh lettuce wrapped up in a warm tortilla. A satisfying twist on the classic combo.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 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 large lettuce leaves
– 1 cup Caesar dressing
– 4 large tortillas
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip chicken strips in buttermilk, then coat with flour mixture.
3. Fry chicken in hot oil until crispy and golden brown (5-6 minutes).
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
5. Assemble wraps by placing fried chicken, lettuce leaves, and Caesar dressing on each tortilla.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fried Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Crust
A twist on the classic chicken pot pie, this recipe adds a crispy fried crust to the traditional flaky pastry, adding texture and depth to the dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought), thawed
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, fry the chicken until cooked through, then set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add flour, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing mixture to a boil.
6. Stir in cooked chicken and season with salt and pepper.
7. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
8. Pour chicken mixture into the pie crust and brush edges with beaten egg.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Fried Chicken and Biscuit Casserole
This casserole combines the crispiest fried chicken with flaky biscuits, creamy mashed potatoes, and a hint of herbs. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups mashed potatoes
– 1 cup biscuit mix
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip chicken breasts in the mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side.
5. Prepare biscuits according to package instructions.
6. In a separate bowl, mix heavy cream with mashed potatoes.
7. Assemble casserole by layering fried chicken, biscuits, and potato mixture.
8. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Fried Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Get ready to combine two comfort foods into one satisfying dish! This recipe combines crispy fried chicken, creamy alfredo sauce, and al dente pasta in a single, mouthwatering casserole.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pasta of your choice
– 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs (fried until crispy)
– 1 cup alfredo sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then set aside.
3. In a large skillet, combine fried chicken and alfredo sauce. Stir until well combined.
4. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half the cooked pasta in the bottom.
5. Pour the chicken-alfredo mixture over the pasta.
6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Repeat layers with remaining pasta and top with additional mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fried Chicken Nachos with Jalapeños
This recipe combines the crunch of fried chicken with the cheesy goodness of nachos, adding a spicy kick from jalapeños. Perfect for game day or a party, these addictive nachos are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
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
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup diced jalapeños
– 1/2 cup refried beans (optional)
– Sour cream and salsa for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces, then dredging in flour mixture.
2. Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Arrange tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
4. Top with fried chicken, cheese, and diced jalapeños.
5. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve immediately with refried beans, sour cream, and salsa if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fried Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich
Fried Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich Recipe
A twist on the classic Vietnamese sandwich, this Fried Chicken Banh Mi combines crispy fried chicken, fresh pickled vegetables, and creamy mayonnaise all wrapped up in a soft baguette.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
– 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 baguettes
– Pickled carrots and daikon radish (store-bought or homemade)
– Mayonnaise
– Cilantro leaves
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. Slice cooked chicken into thin strips.
5. Assemble sandwiches by spreading mayonnaise on the baguette, topping with fried chicken, pickled vegetables, and cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fried Chicken Fried Rice with Veggies
This recipe combines the comfort of fried chicken and rice with the added crunch and flavor of vegetables, making it a perfect meal for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the pan.
3. In the same pan, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the mixed vegetables and cooked chicken back into the pan. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until the rice is well combined with the other ingredients.
6. Season with soy sauce and salt to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Fried Chicken Quesadillas with Cheese
Elevate your quesadilla game with the addition of crispy fried chicken and melted cheese. This recipe combines two comfort foods into one delicious, easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast or thighs
– 2 large tortillas
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the fried chicken, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese on half of the tortilla.
4. Add the fried chicken mixture on top of the cheese, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also crispy.
8. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Fried Chicken and Cornbread Stuffing
This classic Southern recipe combines crispy fried chicken with savory cornbread stuffing, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 2 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour buttermilk into a separate dish.
3. Dip each piece of chicken in the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
5. In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add melted butter and crumbled cornbread; cook until lightly toasted.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, stuffing mixture, and chicken broth. Mix well.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Fried Chicken Parmesan Sliders
A twist on the classic Italian-American favorite, these bite-sized Fried Chicken Parmesan Sliders are perfect for parties and gatherings. Crispy fried chicken topped with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce, all wrapped up in a soft bun.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Marinara sauce, for serving
– Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– Soft buns
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip chicken pieces in the flour mixture, then eggs, and finally panko breadcrumbs, shaking off excess.
3. Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Assemble sliders by placing fried chicken on a bun, topping with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fried Chicken and Sweet Potato Hash
A hearty, comforting dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a sweet and savory sweet potato hash. Perfect for a cozy dinner or brunch gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate dish.
3. Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk, then coat with flour mixture. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
4. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add sweet potatoes, onion, and garlic. Cook 15-20 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Serve fried chicken on top of sweet potato hash.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Creamy Fried Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
This recipe combines the comfort of creamy pasta with the crunch of fried chicken and the earthiness of sautéed mushrooms, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
5. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms in butter until tender. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; stir until smooth.
7. Combine cooked pasta, fried chicken, and mushroom sauce. Toss to coat.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Fried Chicken and Avocado Burritos
Get ready to wrap up the flavors of Mexico with the crispy, creamy goodness of fried chicken and avocado. This unique burrito recipe combines the best of both worlds in one delicious package.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 4 large tortillas
– 2 ripe avocados, sliced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. Dip chicken breasts in buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture.
3. Fry chicken until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
5. Assemble burritos by placing fried chicken, avocado slices, cheese, and cilantro inside tortillas.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes
Fried Chicken-Stuffed Biscuit Balls
These bite-sized treats combine the flaky goodness of buttermilk biscuits with the crispy, savory flavor of fried chicken. Perfect for snacking or as a unique side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup biscuit mix
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup shredded cooked fried chicken (about 2 breasts)
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine biscuit mix and warm water. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
4. Flatten each ball slightly and place about 1 tablespoon of shredded fried chicken in the center.
5. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a ball shape, and press edges together to seal.
6. Place balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush tops with melted butter.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get creative with leftover fried chicken! This article shares 18 tasty recipe ideas to breathe new life into your favorite dish. From tacos and salads to casseroles, pasta bakes, and sandwiches, there’s something for everyone. Try Leftover Fried Chicken Tacos with Spicy Slaw, Crispy Fried Chicken Cobb Salad, or Fried Chicken and Waffles Benedict for a decadent breakfast twist. Or, get adventurous with Fried Chicken Nachos with Jalapeños or Fried Chicken-Stuffed Biscuit Balls. Whatever your taste buds desire, these recipes will show you that fried chicken is more than just a one-trick pony.
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