15 Easy Leftover Chicken Lunch Recipes You’ll Love

Leftover chicken doesn’t have to be boring or repetitive.

With a little creativity, it can be transformed into exciting, flavorful lunches that are quick, easy, and budget-friendly.

These 15 leftover chicken lunch recipes provide a variety of options, from hearty sandwiches and wraps to protein-packed salads and stir-fries.

Using leftover chicken helps reduce food waste while saving time in the kitchen.

Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a fast lunch solution, these recipes turn yesterday’s dinner into today’s delicious, satisfying midday meals.

15 Easy Leftover Chicken Lunch Recipes You’ll Love

Leftover chicken is a versatile ingredient that can make lunch both quick and exciting.

The 15 leftover chicken lunch recipes offer creative, flavorful ways to repurpose cooked chicken into satisfying meals.

From wraps and sandwiches to salads, bowls, and stir-fries, these recipes save time while keeping your lunches interesting and nutritious.

Incorporating these meals into your routine reduces food waste and makes lunchtime effortless.

Leftover chicken can be transformed into delicious, filling lunches that are perfect for workdays, school, or meal prep.

Chicken Caesar Wrap

Chicken Caesar Wrap is a quick and delicious lunch that transforms leftover chicken into a flavorful meal.

Crisp romaine lettuce, juicy chicken, and parmesan cheese are tossed in Caesar dressing and wrapped in a soft tortilla, making it portable and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 large tortillas
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons Caesar dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, lettuce, parmesan, and Caesar dressing.
• Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
• Lay a tortilla flat and spoon half the mixture in the center.
• Fold the sides over and roll tightly to form a wrap.
• Repeat with the second tortilla.
• Serve immediately or wrap in foil for lunch on the go.

This wrap is creamy, flavorful, and protein-packed.

It’s a perfect way to enjoy leftover chicken in a fresh, satisfying lunch.

Leftover Chicken Fried Rice

Leftover Chicken Fried Rice is a hearty, high-carb lunch that’s quick to prepare.

Rice, vegetables, and chicken come together with soy sauce and eggs for a flavorful, filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked, diced chicken
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

• Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add vegetables and sauté 2–3 minutes until tender.
• Push vegetables to one side; pour beaten eggs into the other side and scramble.
• Add cooked rice and chicken; stir everything together.
• Pour soy sauce over the mixture and stir well.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

This fried rice is savory, colorful, and protein-rich.

It’s an easy and satisfying way to turn leftover chicken into a hearty lunch.

Chicken and Avocado Salad

Chicken and Avocado Salad is a refreshing, protein-packed lunch perfect for a light midday meal.

Creamy avocado, shredded chicken, and crisp vegetables are tossed in a zesty lemon dressing for a nutritious and flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
• Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the mixture.
• Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve immediately, chilled or at room temperature.

This salad is light, fresh, and satisfying.

It’s a simple, nutritious lunch that gives leftover chicken a delicious new life.

BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is a flavorful, cheesy lunch perfect for using leftover chicken.

Chicken is tossed in barbecue sauce and layered with cheese inside a tortilla, then grilled to golden perfection.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• 2 large flour tortillas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

• In a bowl, toss shredded chicken with barbecue sauce.
• Place a tortilla in a skillet over medium heat; sprinkle half the cheese on one side.
• Add BBQ chicken over the cheese and top with remaining cheese.
• Fold the tortilla over and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
• Slice into wedges and serve hot.

This quesadilla is savory, tangy, and protein-rich.

It’s a fun and satisfying lunch option that transforms leftover chicken into a delicious meal.

Chicken Pita Pocket

Chicken Pita Pocket is a quick, high-protein lunch that’s easy to assemble.

Tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a light yogurt sauce are stuffed into a pita for a portable and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 whole wheat pita breads
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Combine shredded chicken, cucumber, and tomatoes in a separate bowl.
• Add yogurt sauce and toss until chicken and vegetables are coated.
• Cut pita breads in half and gently open pockets.
• Stuff each pita half with the chicken mixture and serve.

This pita pocket is fresh, flavorful, and filling.

It’s an easy and creative way to repurpose leftover chicken into a healthy, satisfying lunch

Chicken Avocado Wrap

Chicken Avocado Wrap is a creamy, satisfying lunch that uses leftover chicken in a fresh, flavorful way.

Shredded chicken, ripe avocado, and crisp lettuce are combined with a light dressing and wrapped in a soft tortilla for a portable meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 large tortillas
• 1 cup lettuce, chopped
• 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Mash avocado lightly and mix with mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
• In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with the avocado mixture.
• Lay out a tortilla and layer lettuce on top.
• Spread chicken and avocado mixture evenly over the lettuce.
• Roll tortilla tightly to form a wrap and slice in half.
• Serve immediately or wrap in foil for lunch on the go.

This wrap is creamy, fresh, and high in protein.

It’s a quick and delicious way to turn leftover chicken into a satisfying lunch.

Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful, high-protein lunch perfect for repurposing leftover chicken.

Tender chicken is sautéed with colorful vegetables and a savory sauce for a nutrient-rich, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup snap peas
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add broccoli, bell pepper, and snap peas; cook 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Stir in shredded chicken and soy sauce; cook 2–3 minutes until heated through.
• Drizzle with sesame oil and toss to combine.
• Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles if desired.

This stir-fry is colorful, savory, and protein-rich.

It’s a healthy, energizing lunch that transforms leftover chicken into a delicious meal.

Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Chicken Pesto Sandwich is a flavorful lunch that uses leftover chicken in a gourmet-style meal.

Shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and pesto sauce are layered between slices of whole-grain bread for a satisfying and portable lunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 tablespoons pesto sauce
• 4 slices whole-grain bread
• 1/2 cup spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup sliced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Spread pesto sauce evenly on each slice of bread.
• In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Layer chicken, spinach, and tomato slices on two slices of bread.
• Top with remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
• Slice in half and serve immediately or wrap for lunch on the go.

This sandwich is fresh, flavorful, and packed with protein.

It’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy leftover chicken for lunch.

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Buffalo Chicken Salad is a spicy, protein-packed lunch that uses leftover chicken for a flavorful meal.

Shredded chicken is tossed in buffalo sauce and served over crisp lettuce with fresh vegetables and a light dressing.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 2 tablespoons light ranch dressing

Instructions:

• Toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
• Arrange salad greens on plates and top with cherry tomatoes and celery.
• Add buffalo chicken over the salad.
• Drizzle with ranch dressing.
• Serve immediately as a spicy, flavorful lunch.

This salad is vibrant, tangy, and protein-rich.

It’s a healthy, low-carb way to enjoy leftover chicken in a new and exciting way.

Chicken and Quinoa Power Bowl

Chicken and Quinoa Power Bowl is a nutrient-dense, high-protein lunch perfect for using leftover chicken.

Cooked chicken, quinoa, vegetables, and a light dressing combine for a satisfying, energizing meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup steamed broccoli
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine quinoa, broccoli, bell pepper, and shredded chicken.
• Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
• Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve immediately for a fresh, balanced lunch.

This power bowl is colorful, filling, and packed with protein.

It’s a healthy, energizing way to turn leftover chicken into a nutritious midday meal

Chicken and Spinach Quesadilla

Chicken and Spinach Quesadilla is a quick, protein-packed lunch that transforms leftover chicken into a cheesy, flavorful meal.

Tender chicken, fresh spinach, and melted cheese are sandwiched between tortillas and grilled until crispy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 2 large flour tortillas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half the cheese on top.
• Spread shredded chicken and spinach evenly over the cheese.
• Top with remaining cheese and second tortilla.
• Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted.
• Slice into wedges and serve hot.

This quesadilla is cheesy, savory, and protein-rich.

It’s a fun, satisfying way to enjoy leftover chicken for lunch.

Mediterranean Chicken Pita

Mediterranean Chicken Pita is a flavorful, healthy lunch that uses leftover chicken creatively.

Shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and a light yogurt dressing are stuffed into pita bread for a portable, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 whole wheat pita breads
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a bowl, combine chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Cut pita breads in half and gently open pockets.
• Stuff each pita with the chicken mixture.
• Serve immediately or wrap for an on-the-go lunch.

This pita is fresh, creamy, and protein-packed.

It’s a light, energizing lunch perfect for repurposing leftover chicken.

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potato

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potato is a high-carb, flavorful lunch that turns leftover chicken into a hearty meal.

Baked sweet potatoes are filled with shredded chicken tossed in barbecue sauce for a delicious, satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Bake sweet potatoes 40–45 minutes until tender.
• In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with barbecue sauce.
• Slice sweet potatoes open and fluff the inside with a fork.
• Stuff each sweet potato with BBQ chicken and sprinkle with cheese.
• Serve hot and enjoy.

This stuffed sweet potato is hearty, savory, and filling.

It’s a creative way to make leftover chicken the star of lunch.

Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Chicken Caprese Sandwich is a fresh, flavorful lunch that combines leftover chicken with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy finishing touch for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 4 slices whole-grain bread or ciabatta
• 1/2 cup sliced fresh mozzarella
• 1/2 cup sliced tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Layer shredded chicken, mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil on bread slices.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.
• Top with remaining bread slice to form sandwiches.
• Serve immediately or wrap for lunch on the go.

This sandwich is fresh, cheesy, and protein-rich.

It’s a simple yet elegant way to enjoy leftover chicken for lunch.

Chicken and Veggie Rice Bowl

Chicken and Veggie Rice Bowl is a nutritious, high-carb lunch perfect for using leftover chicken.

Shredded chicken, steamed vegetables, and rice are combined with a light sauce for a balanced, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup steamed broccoli
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or teriyaki sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions:

• In a bowl, layer cooked rice as the base.
• Top with shredded chicken, broccoli, and bell peppers.
• Drizzle with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce and sesame oil.
• Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
• Serve immediately as a warm, nourishing lunch.

This rice bowl is colorful, flavorful, and protein-packed.

It’s a simple and satisfying way to repurpose leftover chicken into a wholesome lunch.