BBQ Pulled Chicken Leftover Recipes - When you've got leftover BBQ pulled chicken, you're sitting on a goldmine of culinary possibilities. Whether it's the result of a cookout or simply a spontaneous mid-week BBQ, this succulent meat can transform into a variety of delectable dishes. Here are five delicious BBQ pulled chicken leftover recipes that will not only make the most out of your leftovers but also delight your taste buds with their rich flavors.
BBQ Pulled Chicken Quesadillas
If you’re looking for a quick and cheesy meal, BBQ Pulled Chicken Quesadillas are the way to go:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and place a tortilla on it.
- Spread BBQ pulled chicken on half of the tortilla, then top with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and any other toppings you like (jalapeños, bell peppers, etc.).
- Fold the tortilla over the filling and cook until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted. Flip and cook the other side.
- Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream or guacamole.
🍽️ Note: Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for the best melt and flavor combination.
BBQ Pulled Chicken Pizza
Turn your leftovers into a homemade pizza with this BBQ Pulled Chicken Pizza recipe:
- Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can go, ideally 500°F (260°C).
- Stretch out pizza dough on a floured surface. Place on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce on the dough, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Distribute the BBQ pulled chicken evenly over the cheese.
- Add toppings like red onions, cilantro, or jalapeños.
- Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly, about 10-15 minutes.
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Slice | 300 | 15 |
BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos
For a twist on taco night, use your BBQ pulled chicken for BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos:
- Warm your taco shells or tortillas.
- Fill each taco with BBQ pulled chicken, then add toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of sour cream.
- Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or fresh lime juice for an extra zesty kick.
Pulled Chicken Mac and Cheese
Combine comfort food with your BBQ leftovers in a Pulled Chicken Mac and Cheese:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in milk to create a thick sauce.
- Add in shredded cheddar and any other cheeses you like until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne for heat.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, then gently fold in the BBQ pulled chicken.
- Top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and bake until the top is crispy and golden.
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Peppers
These BBQ Chicken Stuffed Peppers are not only delicious but visually appealing:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- Mix BBQ pulled chicken with cooked rice, corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes.
- Stuff each pepper with the mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
In closing, transforming your leftover BBQ pulled chicken into these inventive dishes is not only practical but also a fantastic way to enjoy new flavors without wasting food. Each recipe brings something different to the table, from the comfort of mac and cheese to the fusion of BBQ and pizza. You'll find that the versatility of BBQ pulled chicken makes it a kitchen hero, capable of turning simple leftovers into culinary delights.
Can BBQ pulled chicken be frozen?
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Yes, BBQ pulled chicken freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
What are the best spices to add flavor to leftover BBQ chicken?
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Common spices that complement BBQ chicken include smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cumin for a Southwestern twist.
How can I keep the pulled chicken moist when reheating?
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To keep BBQ pulled chicken moist when reheating, add a bit of liquid like chicken stock or additional BBQ sauce. Cover the chicken when reheating to trap moisture.
