Description

Turn last night’s leftovers into tonight’s comfort food favorite with this Leftover Chicken Dinner recipe! Featuring cheesy chicken enchiladas, buttery mac and cheese, crisp steamed broccoli, and fresh cherry tomatoes, this meal is perfect when you need a quick dinner idea, a budget-friendly recipe, or a way to reduce food waste. It’s a flavorful, vibrant, and satisfying way to reinvent leftover chicken — making it feel brand new again. Ideal for busy weeknights, easy dinners, or as part of your weekly meal prep rotation, this is one of those food ideas you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked leftover chicken (shredded or chopped)

1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup sautéed onions and bell peppers

1/2 cup cooked mushrooms (sliced)

6 corn or flour tortillas (warmed)

1 cup enchilada sauce or salsa

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cumin

Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Diced onions (for garnish)

1 cup steamed broccoli florets

1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

1 cup leftover mac and cheese or cooked pasta with cheese

Instructions

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms until soft. Add the leftover chicken and season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheese and remove from heat.

2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Warm tortillas to make them pliable.

3. Spoon chicken mixture into each tortilla, roll them up, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

4. Pour enchilada sauce or salsa over the top and sprinkle with additional cheese.

5. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbling.

6. While enchiladas bake, steam the broccoli and prepare mac and cheese or cheesy pasta. Season the broccoli with salt and pepper.

7. Halve cherry tomatoes and prepare garnishes (cilantro and diced onions).

8. Plate enchiladas with a side of broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and mac & cheese. Garnish the enchiladas and serve hot.

Notes

You can swap chicken with turkey, beef, or beans for variety.

Warming tortillas before rolling prevents them from tearing.

Don’t overload the enchiladas — a moderate amount of filling ensures clean rolls and even baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 520
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 740mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: leftover chicken, easy dinner, quick dinner idea, food ideas, healthy dinner, family meal