Quick and Easy Midweek Meals with Leftover Roast Chicken

Leftover roast chicken is a gift that keeps on giving. Whether it's from a Sunday roast or a special occasion, having leftover chicken in the fridge means you’re just minutes away from a delicious, home-cooked meal. For busy households in the UK, making the most of these leftovers can save time and money while ensuring your family enjoys hearty, nutritious dinners throughout the week.

At Snap2Cook, we understand the need for quick and easy meal ideas, especially when juggling work, family, and everything in between. Our app, available on both Android and iOS, features over 72,000 recipes, including a wealth of Leftover Roast Chicken Recipes to inspire your midweek meals. Below are some of our favorite Leftover Chicken Recipes that are perfect for turning your leftovers into something spectacular.

1. Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

One of the quickest ways to transform leftover roast chicken is by incorporating it into a creamy pasta dish. This recipe combines the rich flavors of mushrooms and garlic with the tender texture of the chicken, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for those nights when you need comfort food fast.

Ingredients:

• Leftover roast chicken, shredded
• 250g pasta (penne or tagliatelle work well)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup double cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and mushrooms, sautéing until soft.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken and cook until heated through.
4. Reduce the heat and add the cream, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce.
6. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

2. Chicken and Leek Pie

Nothing says British comfort food like a hearty pie. This Chicken and Leek Pie is an ideal way to use up leftover roast chicken and creates a warm, satisfying meal for the whole family.

Ingredients:

• Leftover roast chicken, chopped
• 2 leeks, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 300ml chicken stock
• 100ml milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 sheet of ready-made puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
2. In a large pan, melt the butter and sauté the leeks and onions until soft.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute, then gradually add the chicken stock and milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
4. Add the chopped chicken to the sauce and season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture into a pie dish and top with the puff pastry, trimming the edges.
6. Brush the pastry with beaten egg and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. Serve hot.

3. Leftover Chicken Tacos

For a quick and fun dinner, turn your leftover roast chicken into tasty tacos. This versatile recipe allows you to get creative with your toppings, making it a hit with the entire family.

Ingredients:

• Leftover roast chicken, shredded
• 8 soft tortillas
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Fresh coriander (optional)

Instructions:

1. Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave.
2. Place the shredded chicken on each tortilla.
3. Top with avocado, tomato, red onion, and a dollop of sour cream.
4. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and garnish with coriander if desired.
5. Fold and serve immediately.

4. Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice is a speedy, satisfying dish that’s perfect for using up leftover roast chicken. This recipe is packed with flavor and can be customized with whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• Leftover roast chicken, diced
• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 spring onion, sliced

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté until tender.
3. Push the vegetables to one side and add the beaten eggs, scrambling them until fully cooked.
4. Add the cooked rice and chicken to the pan, pouring the soy sauce over the mixture. Stir well.
5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
6. Garnish with spring onion and serve hot.

5. Chicken Caesar Salad

For a lighter option, this Chicken Caesar Salad is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover roast chicken into a fresh, flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• Leftover roast chicken, sliced
• 1 head of Romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Croutons (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, chicken, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
3. Top with croutons and a sprinkle of black pepper.
4. Serve immediately.

Make the Most of Your Leftovers with Snap2Cook

Turning leftover roast chicken into quick and easy meals is a great way to save time, reduce food waste, and enjoy delicious, home-cooked dinners even on the busiest nights. For more creative Leftover Chicken Recipes, be sure to check out the Snap2Cook app, available on both Android and iOS. With over 72,000 recipes and a community of passionate food creators, you’ll never run out of ideas to make the most of your leftovers.