The Perfect Roast Chicken Recipe + 18 Ways to Use the Leftovers ALL Week (2024)

If there is one foodie thing we can all agree on, it’s that roast chicken *may* just be the most versatile food item in our kitchens. With one simple roast chicken we can make everything from a classic chicken noodle soup to quick and easy sheet-pan dinners. Trying out a new fitness plan or have a crazy busy schedule that allows for very little cooking time? Roast chicken is perfect for meal planning no matter what kind of situation you need it for. All you need is a Sunday afternoon to get started. Then get those ovens preheated and Tupperware containers labeled, because you’re about to be stocked with these 18 recipes to use up your perfect roast chicken.

1. Perfect Roast Chicken: This is where it all begins: juicy chicken with crispy skin that’s absolutely delicious. It’s a perfect blank canvas for whatever you choose to do with it later in the week, but it’s equally as delectable all on its own. (via What Should I Make For…)

2. Baked Eggs With Shredded Chicken and Salsa: Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This protein-filled bowl adds salsa to your shredded chicken, with a baked runny egg on top. You’re setting yourself up for a very productive day with this breakfast. (via Real Food by Dad)

3. Arugula and Sweet Potato Salad: Salad is an obvious way to use up your leftover chicken. But, if you plan ahead with more than just the chicken, you can have gourmet style salad with little effort once lunch comes. Roast a couple sweet potatoes when you’re roasting your chicken, and you can have them ready to go for this salad as well. (via The Girl on Bloor)

4. Slapilicious BBQ Chicken Pizza: Pre-made pizza dough + pre-made BBQ sauce + leftover roasted chicken = the easiest and most satisfying weeknight dinner, ever. The most effort you have to put into this is figuring out if you can make just one, or if three sounds like a better number. (via Slap Yo’ Daddy BBQ)

5. Chicken and Spinach Cannelloni Rolls: The great thing about this baked pasta dish is that all you’ll have to do is assemble and bake it since you have all of that leftover chicken. Your family won’t believe you when you tell them how little time it took you. (via My Organized Chaos)

6. Chicken Apple Egg White Omelet: This chicken omelet serves one and is SO hearty. If you whip this up prior to working out, you’re going to have the stamina of a pro athlete. Mix in whatever greens you have lying around for that extra bit of nutrition. (via The Healthy Foodie)

7. Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Zucchini Boats: You could use your stockpile of chicken in standard enchiladas if you like, but why not switch it up? Zucchini boats make the dish unique and lower in carbs, plus it’s a great way to trick your fam into eating their veggies. (via Skinny Taste)

8. Chicken Salad With Spiced Tortilla Strips and Avocado Dressing: Prepping your chicken early saves so much time when it comes to making this dinner-sized salad for four. All you will have to do is make the crispy tortilla strips, and you’ll have a restaurant quality salad in no time flat. (via My Sequined Life)

9. Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup: Stressful days call for comforting food. You’ll be so glad that you have that chicken waiting for you in the fridge when you get home, because you’ll breeze right though making this soup. Then, you’ll slip into a wonderful creamy chicken soup food coma. (via Crescent in the Pines)

10. Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole: Who doesn’t love chicken Alfredo? It’s a great go-to when you’re having a house full of people and you don’t know what foods they like. Plus, if they’re coming over last-minute, you already have one main component ready to go. (via The Seasoned Mom)

11. Chicken and Jalapeno Quesadillas: Your #saddesklunch just got way happier. This quesadilla is the creamy and cheesy stuff of dreams, people. Try making a big batch of them and freezing for a fast lunch on-the-go. (via My Little Larder)

12. Open-Faced Chicken Empanadas: How cute are these open-faced empanadas? It’s great being able to see everything that goes inside, and it’s almost like eating a tiny savory pie. Since you have your chicken ready, these just take a quick 15 minutes in the oven. (via Tablespoon)

13. Mini Chicken Pot Pies: The image of chicken pot pie filling pouring out of a crispy crust is enough to make your mouth water. The best part about them being miniature? Crust, crust and more crust. (via My Name Is Yeh)

14. Hummus ToppedIrish Nachos: What makes these nachos “Irish” are the crispy potatoes that you’re going to use to scoop up all of the toppings — hummus, shredded chicken and feta, just to name a few. Swap the feta for an Irish cheddar if you want an extra kick of flavor. (via Lemons For Lulu)

15. Roasted Chicken Ramen: Ramen is a huge trend right now. You could go out to the hottest spot and spend $50 on dinner, OR you could make it at home for next to nothing. It’s especially cheap when you’re using all of that leftover chicken that ends up costing pennies by the time you stretch it out. (via How Sweet It Is)

16. Chicken With Dried Figs and Mashed Poataoes: The sweet and savory flavor of this dish will rock your world. One scoop of creamy mashed potatoes with one scoop of chicken is the ideal way to work your way through this bowl. (via Frugal Nutrition)

17. Waldorf Chicken Salad: Chicken salad is probably the first thing you think of making when saving leftover chicken, and for good reason. This classic is a perfect lunch, whether you have it on wheat bread, in a lettuce wrap or on crackers. (via What Should I Make For…)

18. Thai Chicken Tacos With Spicy Peanut Sauce: Just a heads up, you’ll want to make a huge batch of this spicy peanut sauce to save alongside the chicken. It’s that good. It’s a good thing these tacos are on the table in less than 30 minutes, because the anticipation for these is real. (via Lauren Kelly Nutrition)

19. Easy Chicken Posole Verde: Chicken plays a minor part in the symphony that is this soup. But, while there are many wonderful flavors going on (hominy, radish and chiles…), chicken is the one that bumps up the heartiness and nutrition like the rock star it is. (via Gimme Some Oven)

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