10 Recipes to Make with Leftover Chicken Drumsticks

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Got a few leftover chicken drumsticks sitting in your fridge? Don’t let them go to waste! Leftover chicken can be transformed into a variety of dishes that make the most of every bite.

1. Revamp with Rice: Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Leftover chicken drumsticks are perfect for a quick fried rice dish. Simply shred the meat, toss it in a pan with day-old rice, mixed veggies, and a splash of soy sauce, and you’ve got a speedy, crowd-pleasing meal. Fried rice is a great way to use up other leftover ingredients too, making it a versatile weeknight dinner option.

2. Leftover Chicken Enchiladas

Leftover Chicken Enchiladas are a quick and delicious way to repurpose leftover cooked chicken. These enchiladas are made by shredding the leftover chicken and mixing it with cheese, spices, and a bit of enchilada sauce. The mixture is then rolled into tortillas, topped with more sauce and cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden.

3. Turn It into Tacos: Chicken Street Tacos

Tacos are always a win, and shredded chicken makes the perfect filling! Warm up some tortillas, top with shredded chicken, lettuce, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add your favorite salsa or hot sauce, and you’ve got a fresh, delicious meal in minutes. Chicken tacos are great for a quick family dinner or even a casual taco night with friends.

4. Comfort in a Bowl: Hearty Chicken Soup

Nothing beats a bowl of homemade chicken soup. Use those leftover drumsticks to create a comforting, nourishing soup by adding veggies, and broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to throw together, especially on a chilly day or when someone in the house is feeling under the weather.

5. Leftover Chicken Pot Pie

Leftover Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting dish that transforms leftover chicken into a hearty and flavorful meal. It features tender shredded chicken mixed with a creamy sauce, vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes, all seasoned to perfection. The filling is poured into a pie crust and topped with a flaky, golden-brown crust. These mini pot pies are perfect!

6. Cheesy and Melty: Chicken Quesadillas

If you’re craving something cheesy, leftover chicken is the ideal filling for a quick quesadilla. Pair the chicken with shredded cheese, and some salsa. Fold it in a tortilla, cook until golden and melty, and you have a perfect snack or light meal.

7. Creamy and Comforting: Chicken Pasta Dishes

Leftover drumsticks or breasts can easily elevate a creamy pasta dish. Add shredded chicken to a simple cream sauce with spinach and parmesan, and you have a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy nights.

8. Chicken and Noodles

Chicken and Noodles is a simple, comforting dish that combines leftover shredded chicken with egg noodles in a creamy, flavorful broth. The dish often includes a base of chicken broth, thickened with a bit of cream or a roux, and seasoned with herbs like thyme and parsley.

9. Leftover Chicken Chili

Leftover Chicken Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that repurposes leftover chicken into a warming, spicy meal. Shredded chicken combined with beans, diced tomatoes, and a blend of chili seasonings like cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Simmered together in a rich broth, this chili is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that makes the most of leftover chicken, delivering a comforting bowl packed with flavor and protein.

10. Chicken Rotel Spaghetti

Chicken Rotel Spaghetti is spicy, warm, and comforting. This recipe doesn’t use velveeta, but you get a creamy, rich dish that everyone will love.

Don’t let leftover chicken drumsticks go to waste! With a little creativity, you can turn them into fresh, flavorful dishes that are easy to make and sure to satisfy. From comforting soups to cheesy quesadillas and tasty tacos, there’s no shortage of ways to reinvent those leftovers.