Something that can really help save time and energy is to roast a whole, organic chicken at the beginning of the week (or purchase a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken) and use the leftover meat in recipes throughout the week. It’s also great for saving money!
Today, we’re sharing how to roast a chicken (the easy way) and 30+ leftover chicken recipes that are quick, easy, healthy, and perfect for the busy week ahead. Enjoy, friend!
P.S: Want to save even more time? Have high quality chicken delivered to your doorstep (and get an awesome discount) with Butcher Box!
How to roast a chicken (the easy way)
- Preheat oven (or electric roaster) to 375 degrees F.
- Clean and remove giblets (if necessary).
- Place the thawed chicken in the roaster.
- Add about 1″ of liquid – water, juice, broth, etc.
- Rub oil or butter over the entire chicken.
- Add garlic, dried onions (or fresh), and spices.
- Cover and roast for 1.5 – 2 hours, or about 25 minutes per pound.
- Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F. and juices should run clear!
The best chicken roasters
The best way to roast a chicken is in an oven or electric roaster. Here are our favorite options for both!
Leftover Chicken Recipes
1. Meal Prep Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls
These Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls (southwest edition) are pretty easy to make! They’re gluten-free and only take about 30 minutes to put together. They’re great for lunch on the go or for a quick and easy dinner for busy weeknights!
2. Skinny Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
Savory, hearty, cheesy, Skinny Creamy Chicken Enchiladas that can also be meal prepped and turned into a freezer meal. This weeknight dinner is delicious and easy to make!
3. Healthy Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe
Healthy Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe loaded with spicy greens, creamy avocado, boiled eggs, fresh tomatoes, corn, delicious grilled chicken, and topped with a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles. So yummy! (Gluten Free)
4. Slow Cooker Skinny Chicken Tortilla Soup
Slow cooker life is the best life, right? Especially when it involves something as savory and delicious as this Slow Cooker Skinny Chicken Tortilla Soup!
5. Healthy Sriracha Shredded Chicken Tacos
Healthy Sriracha Shredded Chicken Tacos to put a pep in your step! Delicious, crunchy, wholesome, with a hint of Sriracha spicy goodness. A little bit of feta to top it off and we have ourselves a super easy, quick, and healthy weeknight meal!
6. Healthy Chicken Fajita Tacos
Tacos are LIFE, but especially when they’re these Healthy Chicken Fajita Tacos! Savory, delicious, healthy, and so easy to make.
7. Creamy Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet
Creamy Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet that only takes a few minutes to put together and is sure to make the entire family happy!
8. Turmeric Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Creamy, savory, deliciously lightened-up Turmeric Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps! These heavenly wraps are a wonderful healthy lunch or dinner option that can be taken on-the-go and made in 5 minutes or less.
9. Chicken Fajita Casserole
Dinner tonight, lunch tomorrow! Whether you’re a leftovers kinda person or not, this delicious Chicken Fajita Casserole can be made in advance and served throughout the week!
10. One-Pot Basil Chicken Baked Ziti
Healthy, easy, quick homestyle cooking comfort food for the win! This One-Pot Basil Chicken Baked Ziti is perfect for a delicious, easy weeknight dinner!
11. Slow Cooker Fiesta Ranch Chicken Wraps
Spicy, creamy, crunchy, and savory. These Slow Cooker Fiesta Ranch Chicken Wraps are perfect for a busy weekday lunch or dinner!
12. Jerk Chicken Tacos
These Jerk Chicken Tacos w/ Mango Avocado Salsa are one of our favorite leftover chicken recipes! Perfect for a yummy, flavorful healthy dinner.
13. Paleo Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
Paleo Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Meal Prep Bowls that are delicious and SO easy to make!
14. Easy 30-Minute Chicken Fried Rice
Easy 30-Minute Chicken Fried Rice that’s delicious, easy to make (only takes a few minutes), and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner using leftover chicken!
15. Chicken and Seafood Paella
This Chicken and Seafood Paella is a Spanish-inspired recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for a gluten-free dinner tonight!
16. Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps that are easy to make and so refreshing! Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
17. Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
Whole wheat pasta, chicken, and broccoli in an easy-to-make creamy cashew sauce that can be ready in 30 minutes. This Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole is EVERYTHING and perfect for a quick, weeknight dinner!
More easy leftover chicken recipes:
18. Quick & Easy Leftover Chicken Quesadillas
19. Rotisserie Chicken Skillet
23. Leftover BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
24. Teriyaki Stir Fry Noodles
28. Cheddar Chicken Quinoa Bake
29. Shredded Leftover Chicken Sandwich
30. Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Skillet
31. Asian Shredded Chicken Salad
These recipes are easy peasy! An entire week of healthy dinners using leftover chicken, just like that. All you need is an oven roaster or electric roaster to get started and you’re good to go!
Deborah Brooks says:
Wow what a roundup! We always have left overs and will surely check these out