There are some things that are a constant on our holiday table, and chicken soup is a given. Too hot outside for soup? My gang doesn’t care. They won’t be satisfied until I ladle shimmering broth over a mound of skinny noodles and carrot coins.
But what to do with all of that leftover moist chicken packed away in a container in the back of your refrigerator?
There are plenty of ways to use it. You’ve simmered slow and low to keep it moist, so don’t let it go to waste! I’m thinking way beyond chicken salad with mayo and celery here. (Although, if you’re looking for a high-protein, on-the-go lunch, this chicken salad recipe with lots of dill is excellent.)
Most of these recipes are super simple. A few require a bit more effort, but they’re all totally worth it.
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1. Moroccan Chicken and Spinach Phyllo Pie
Savory meat or chicken-filled pies have a long tradition in Moroccan and Middle Eastern cooking. They are often seasoned with chopped parsley, lots of long-simmered onions, cumin and garlic. Phyllo dough is used to enclose fillings in long “cigars” as appetizers or in triangles as neatly folded fried pockets. In this recipe, I simplify the process by avoiding frying.
2. Chicken Salad with Grains and Pistachios
This one is not even a recipe, really. It’s just a suggestion to toss leftover chicken over your favorite grain. I like farro, here, as it’s hefty enough to balance chunks of chicken. Before a holiday, I buy a few different fresh herbs to have on hand, even if I’m not sure what I’ll be using them for. Toss the chicken with your favorite homemade vinaigrette, fresh herbs, toasted pistachios or any nut of choice and throw over a platter of cooked grain.
3. Fried Rice
With this easy fried rice recipe, you’ll convert your Jewish leftovers into a Chinese main dish in no time. Want to make it super simple? Make brown rice in advance, purchase pre-packaged chopped greens and use frozen peas and corn as suggested here.
4. Asian Cabbage and Spinach Salad
Lime juice, fresh ginger, peanuts, sesame seeds and soy sauce dress this simple Asian cabbage and spinach salad. Toss leftover chicken into the mix and you’ll have a complete meal that doesn’t resemble chicken soup in the least. Note: This recipe calls for fish sauce.
5. Sloppy Joes
Your kids will love this one. Cider vinegar, tomato sauce, brown sugar and quick reheating transforms leftover chicken into easy Sloppy Chicken Joes. Mound it on a bun and serve with a simple green salad.
