From Dinner to Breakfast: 22 Incredible Ways to Transform Leftover Chicken into a Morning Feast
Don’t let those remnants from last night’s dinner go to waste—instead, transform them into delectable morning meals that will kickstart your day with flavor and satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly options or inventive dishes to impress your taste buds, we’ve got you covered.
Join us as we delve into a collection of inventive and mouthwatering breakfast ideas that will make you rethink what’s possible with leftover chicken. Get ready to savor every bite and fuel your mornings with deliciousness!
Can you eat Chicken for Breakfast?
Absolutely! It doesn’t matter if you have leftover rotisserie chicken or baked chicken thighs, we can help. Here is a list of fun and creative ways to use up leftover cooked chicken for breakfast.
1. Chicken and Egg Breakfast Muffins
Whip up a batch of mini breakfast muffins by combining leftover chicken, scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, and chopped veggies like bell peppers or spinach. Bake them in a muffin tin until golden and fluffy.
2. Chicken and Apple Breakfast Wrap
Spread a layer of cream cheese or hummus on a tortilla, then place slices of leftover chicken and thinly sliced apples. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon for added flavor. Roll it up and slice it into bite-sized pinwheels.
3. Chicken and Veggie Breakfast Pizza
Spread pizza sauce on a whole wheat English muffin or pita bread. Top it with leftover chicken, sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese. Toast it in the oven until the cheese melts.
4. Chicken and Cheese Breakfast Quesadilla Dippers
Make mini quesadillas by placing shredded chicken and shredded cheese between two small tortillas. Cut them into triangle shapes and serve them with a side of salsa or sour cream for dipping.
5. Chicken and Vegetable Breakfast Skewers
Thread bite-sized pieces of leftover chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and cheese cubes onto skewers. Kids will enjoy eating their breakfast on a stick. Serve with a side of yogurt or ranch dip.
6. Chicken and Corn Pancakes
Add leftover shredded chicken and corn kernels to your pancake batter. Cook the pancakes and serve them with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of sour cream.
7. Chicken and Spinach Breakfast Wrap
Wrap leftover chicken, sautéed spinach, scrambled eggs, and a sprinkle of feta cheese in a tortilla. Grill or toast the wrap for a warm and satisfying breakfast.
8. Chicken and Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Combine cooked quinoa, leftover chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a fried egg in a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice.
9. Chicken and Mushroom Breakfast Galette
Roll out store-bought puff pastry into a circle. Top it with leftover chicken, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and crumbled goat cheese. Fold the edges over and bake until golden brown.
10. Chicken and Potato Breakfast Skillet
Sauté diced potatoes until crispy, then add leftover chicken, diced bell peppers, and onions. Season with spices like paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Create wells in the skillet and crack eggs into them. Cover and cook until the eggs are done to your liking.
11. Chicken and Cheese Breakfast Quesadilla
Layer shredded chicken, cheese, and diced jalapeños between two tortillas. Cook the quesadilla in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
12. Chicken and Vegetable Breakfast Stir-Fry
Stir-fry leftover chicken with a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and broccoli. Add scrambled eggs and season with soy sauce or your favorite stir-fry sauce.
13. Chicken and Cheddar Breakfast Biscuits
Make homemade biscuits with a mixture of shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary. Bake them until golden and enjoy them warm.
14. Chicken and Waffle Benedict
Toast a leftover waffle, top it with shredded chicken, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce for a delightful twist on the classic Eggs Benedict.
15. Chicken and Veggie Omelets
Create a flavorful omelet by mixing shredded chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Add some cheese and herbs for extra taste.
16. Chicken Breakfast Burrito
Fill a tortilla with scrambled eggs, chopped chicken, diced tomatoes, onions, and a sprinkle of cheese. Add some hot sauce or salsa for a spicy kick.
17. Chicken Hash
Sauté diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers until crispy, then add chopped leftover chicken and cook until heated through. Top it with a fried or poached egg for a hearty breakfast.
18. Chicken and Avocado Toast
Toast a slice of bread, spread mashed avocado on top, and layer it with slices of leftover chicken. Add some sliced tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a delicious open-faced sandwich.
19. Chicken and Spinach Frittata
Whisk together eggs, cooked spinach, shredded chicken, and grated cheese. Pour the mixture into a greased skillet and cook until set. Slice it into wedges and serve with a side salad.
20. Chicken and Sweet Potato Pancakes
Make a savory twist on pancakes by adding shredded sweet potatoes and chopped chicken to the batter. Cook them on a griddle and serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
21. Chicken Breakfast Pizza
Top a pre-made pizza crust with a layer of tomato sauce, shredded chicken, scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of toppings like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
22. Chicken and Herb Breakfast Muffins
Make savory muffins by combining shredded chicken, herbs like parsley and chives, cheese, and a touch of garlic. Bake them in muffin tins until golden and serve warm.
Leftover Chicken Breakfast Ideas
By utilizing leftover chicken for breakfast, not only do we indulge in mouthwatering morning meals, but we also contribute to reducing food waste and embracing our culinary creativity.
Embracing the concept of repurposing ingredients allows us to make the most of what we have while adding a delightful twist to our breakfast routines. So, the next time you find yourself with some leftover chicken, take the opportunity to venture into the realm of breakfast reinvention, and let your imagination guide you to delicious new horizons.
Together, we can reduce waste, explore new flavors, and start our days with a satisfying and sustainable approach to cooking. Happy breakfasting!
