Turning leftover chicken into a new meal is no less than art. You can reinvent, freeze or pack them for the next day’s lunch. These are economic options rather than letting the edibles go into the trash can. Food waste was estimated between 30% and 40% of the supply in the US at the retail and consumer level in 2010. The numbers have only increased over the years. The RTS Food Waste in America in 2020 guide presents figures showing $1600 worth of produce per family is wasted. Another 80 billion lbs. of food are simply thrown away.
One of the best ways to address this staggering number is to recycle extra food. There are tons of delicious quick-fix recipes. These are simple, time effective and less tiring. Take a look at what you can do with all the uneaten chicken from a restaurant.
1. Chicken Salad
Mixing meat with salad fulfils nutritional needs, boosts bone health and aids in weight management. So cut your chicken into pieces and add them to the crunchy veggies. Don’t forget to put parmesan cheese, pickles, mayonnaise, olive oil, mustard, yoghurt and a whole lot of herbs and spices. All of these come together to create a fat-free and low-calorie diet.
2. Chicken Bog
It is a pilaf dish made from chicken and white rice. Rice is added to tender chicken and cooked to perfection. It absorbs all the liquid that adds to the aroma and flavor. Make sure to remove the bones before adding the chicken to the boiling pot. Bog is a family favorite among Americans equally enjoyed by seniors and children.
3. Chicken Ranch Wrap
Add the leftover chicken, eggs, sauteed vegetables, tofu, mozzarella, pesto, spicy peanuts and required dressings to the wrap. Place these in the center and fold the sides halfway towards the center. The fillings must be tucked deep inside to reduce the risks of spills. You can serve with salads, chips and fries. A good alternative to tortillas is lettuce wraps for health-conscious eaters.
4. Chicken Noodle Soup
Whether you are feeling tired or have caught a cold, chicken noodle soup can make you feel better. The warm liquid has medicinal properties and can prevent infection from spreading in your body. The nasal passage is cleared, leaving you with a sense of well-being. Simply add cooked chicken to the soup and boil for a few minutes. Season with salt, pepper and butter. Add veggies and noodles. Stir all the ingredients and serve it warm with bread.
5. Chicken Panini
This is one of the tastiest and wholesome sandwiches. Add the chicken to focaccia, ciabatta and baguettes bread for grilled panini. Ham, cheese, salami and roasted veggies make for great stuffing as well. Spread butter on top before placing the bread on the press. Macaroni and fruit salad and sweet potato fries go well with panini.
6. Chicken Lasagna
Lasagna originated in Italy in the Middle Ages. It is made from a few basic components like ricotta cheese sauce, bechamel spinach sauce and lasagna noodles. Cook the leftover chicken for a few minutes in a pot and drain it well. Now use a casserole to spread the spinach, shredded chicken and the rest of the ingredients. Sprinkle water and heat at 165°. Serve with classic Caesar salad for a masterpiece meal.
7. Chicken Spaghetti
The traditional cream and cheese pasta is scrumptious. Pick whole-grain spaghetti that is higher in fiber and minerals and is linked to lower risks of colorectal cancer and obesity. The whole recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. Don’t forget to add fresh basil and heavy tomato-based cream along with the chicken. Serve with iced tea or wine.
8. Flatbread Chicken Pizza
Every family member is usually fond of pizza. It is super easy to prepare too. Load the base with leftover meat along with red and yellow bell peppers, mozzarella cheese, avocado dollops and fresh basil. Olives, onions and kale are other amazing toppings for homemade pizza. Wrap and bake. Serve with soda or chilled lemonade as per taste.
Other scrumptious dishes are risotto, quesadilla, white chicken chili, stew, dumplings and broth. You could be mighty impressed with the endless possibilities of leftover chicken.