Creative Ways To Use Bbq Chicken Leftovers

BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways and paired with a variety of side dishes. It can be enjoyed as a classic summer barbecue meal, with sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread, or turned into a weeknight dinner with options such as BBQ chicken pasta, salad, or nachos. Leftover BBQ chicken is also a great way to create new meals, including pizzas, quesadillas, and tacos. With its tangy and smoky flavours, BBQ chicken is a crowd-pleaser that can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions.

What to do with BBQ Chicken

BBQ chicken with sides

BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your BBQ chicken feast:

Classic BBQ Sides

You can never go wrong with the classics! Creamy potato salad, sweet baked beans, and coleslaw are timeless sides that perfectly complement the flavours of BBQ chicken. These dishes are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for a stress-free gathering.

Starches and Breads

Starches and breads are always a welcome addition to any BBQ. Fluffy homemade biscuits, cornbread, and wedges of fried potatoes provide a hearty base for your meal. For a Southern-inspired treat, serve your cornbread with butter, honey, jams, or jellies.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a delicious and healthy option to pair with BBQ chicken. Corn on the cob is a classic choice, simply grilled and slathered with butter, salt, and pepper. For something more indulgent, try corn pudding—a creamy, sweet side dish that your guests will love.

Salads

Salads offer a refreshing contrast to the hearty flavours of BBQ chicken. A Greek pasta salad, filled with fusilli pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese, is a tasty option. If you're looking for something lighter, a simple garden salad with crisp romaine lettuce, avocado, and pico de gallo will do the trick.

Creative BBQ Chicken Dishes

If you have leftover BBQ chicken, there are endless possibilities for creating new meals. Here are some ideas to transform your leftovers:

• BBQ chicken pizza
• BBQ chicken tacos
• BBQ chicken skewers
• BBQ chicken burgers
• BBQ chicken quesadillas
• BBQ chicken nachos
• BBQ chicken stuffed potatoes
• BBQ chicken salad

BBQ chicken in salads

BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of salads. Here are some ideas and recipes for creating delicious BBQ chicken salads:

BBQ Chicken Salad with Ranch:

This salad combines grilled or air-fried chicken breast with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce. The addition of light ranch dressing and BBQ sauce takes this salad to the next level. It's perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner and can be prepared in under 15 minutes.

BBQ Chicken Salad with Tortilla Chips:

This salad is a copycat of the Panera BBQ Chicken Salad and includes grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, and crunchy tortilla chips. The BBQ ranch dressing is made by combining barbecue sauce and light ranch dressing. It's a healthy, easy-to-make option that's perfect for a family dinner.

BBQ Chicken Salad with Avocado:

This salad features smoky BBQ chicken, charred corn, cherry tomatoes, black beans, avocado, red onion, cheddar cheese, and homemade ranch dressing. It's a flavorful and satisfying option that's perfect for a summer meal.

BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad:

A Cobb salad is a classic dish, and adding BBQ chicken takes it to the next level. This salad includes BBQ chicken, along with other ingredients like vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette. It's a hearty and flavorful option.

Thai-Style BBQ Chicken and Noodle Salad:

For an Asian-inspired salad, try this Thai-style BBQ chicken and noodle salad. It features BBQ chicken served with noodles and a variety of fresh vegetables. It's a big-flavoured dish that's perfect for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavours.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients, dressings, and flavours to create your own unique BBQ chicken salad.

BBQ chicken in sandwiches

BBQ chicken sandwiches are a great option for a quick, easy, and delicious meal. You can use either boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts—just make sure the breasts are cut into cutlets for even cooking.

Start by seasoning the chicken with a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until well browned and cooked through. Brush BBQ sauce over the chicken once it's done.

For the coleslaw, combine bagged coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots) with sliced green onions and ranch dressing. You can also make your own coleslaw by shredding cabbage and carrots and mixing them with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar.

Lightly toast brioche hamburger buns or any bread of your choice. Spread some mayonnaise on the buns, then add the BBQ chicken and top with the coleslaw.

You can serve these sandwiches with a side of sweet potato fries, potato salad, or even macaroni salad.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and can be made in about 30 minutes. It's a tasty and inexpensive way to satisfy your BBQ cravings without needing a grill.

BBQ chicken in pies

BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of recipes, including pies. Here are some ideas and recipes for creating delicious BBQ chicken pies:

BBQ Chicken Pot Pie Topped with Cornbread

This recipe combines the flavours of BBQ chicken with a cornbread topping, resulting in a hearty and comforting dish. Here's what you'll need:

• Chicken tenderloins, boneless and skinless
• Olive oil
• Smoky BBQ sauce
• Baked beans
• Roasted corn
• Green bell pepper
• Cornbread mix
• Cheddar cheese

Start by grilling the chicken indoors, then shredding it and tossing it with the baked beans, roasted corn, and green bell pepper. Prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions and spread it over the chicken mixture. Finally, bake in the oven until the cornbread is golden brown.

Barbecue Chicken Pie

For a classic take on the BBQ chicken pie, try this recipe:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• Corn, drained
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Barbecue sauce
• Refrigerated pie crusts
• Large egg, lightly beaten

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the chicken in a skillet, then add the beans, corn, tomatoes, broth, and barbecue sauce. Transfer the mixture to an oven-proof skillet or baking dish. Top with the pie crust, brush with the beaten egg, and bake until the pastry is golden brown.

Impossibly Easy Barbecue Chicken Pie

This recipe from Betty Crocker is a unique take on the BBQ chicken pie:

• Cubed cooked chicken
• Frozen corn, thawed
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Original Bisquick mix
• Milk
• Eggs
• French-fried onions

Combine the chicken, corn, and parsley in a pie plate. In a separate bowl, mix together the Bisquick, milk, barbecue sauce, and eggs. Pour this mixture over the chicken and corn. Bake until a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean. Top with French-fried onions and bake for a few more minutes until golden brown.

Easy Mini Chicken Pies

For a bite-sized option, consider making mini BBQ chicken pies. This recipe suggests using leftover BBQ chicken and creating small, individual pies that are perfect for kids. You can get creative with the fillings and toppings, such as adding vegetables or a crunchy crust.

BBQ chicken in pasta

BBQ chicken pasta is a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. It's a hearty dish, perfect for a family dinner. Here's a recipe you can follow:

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, brought to room temperature
• Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and olive oil for seasoning
• 100g of bacon, diced
• 1 medium red onion, finely diced
• 1 small red pepper, finely diced
• 300g of penne pasta or other short-cut pasta
• 100g of cheddar, grated
• 1 can (400g) of chopped tomatoes
• 125ml of chicken stock
• 125ml of BBQ sauce

Instructions:

• Butterfly the chicken breasts to create four thinner, equal-sized breasts. Coat them with the seasoning: smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.
• Fry the chicken over medium-high heat until charred and cooked through. Remove from the pan and allow it to rest before slicing into thin strips.
• In the same pan, fry the bacon over medium heat until it starts to brown. Then, add the diced onion and red pepper. Cook until the bacon is crisp and the vegetables are soft.
• Add the chicken stock, chopped tomatoes, and BBQ sauce to the pan. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the tomatoes soften and the sauce thickens.
• Cook the pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Before draining, retain about a cup of the starchy pasta water.
• Combine the pasta with the sauce and add a quarter cup of the starchy pasta water. Stir in the chicken strips and cheddar cheese until melted. If needed, thin out the sauce with additional pasta water.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• You can use cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of frying fresh chicken breasts.
• For an extra smoky flavour, add bacon to the pasta.
• Use a good quality BBQ sauce to enhance the flavour.
• If you have leftovers, reheat them on the stove, adding pasta water, chicken stock, or water to thin out the sauce.
• Serve with garlic bread or cheesy garlic bread on the side.

Frequently asked questions