Jake Harper
Leftovers don't have to be boring or repetitive. If you have leftover chicken and cream cheese, there are several exciting recipes you can try. For example, you could make a chicken and spinach bake, a comforting and fast casserole, or a chicken tortilla casserole. If you're looking for something quicker, you could try a 30-minute meal like easy cream cheese chicken, or a chicken dish with a cream cheese pan sauce. You could even try a million-dollar chicken bake, which can go from the fridge to the oven in 10 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 30 minutes |
| Ingredients | Chicken, cream cheese, broth, mozzarella, parsley, rice, quinoa, polenta, mashed potatoes, broccoli, peas, roasted veggies |
| Leftover storage | 3-5 days in the fridge |
| Reheating instructions | Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces and reheat in the microwave |
| Nutritional values | Calories: 506kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 50g, Fat: 32g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 13g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 190mg, Sodium: 643mg, Potassium: 893mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 627IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 45mg, Iron: 1mg |
| Recipe ideas | Chicken pizza, chicken tortilla casserole, chicken pasta salad, chicken and spinach bake, chicken sandwiches, chicken stuffed peppers, chicken stuffed baked potatoes, chicken rice bowls, chicken enchiladas |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken pizza
If you're looking for ways to use up leftover chicken with some cream cheese, why not try making a chicken pizza? Here are some ideas for inspiration:
Cream Cheese Chicken Bacon Pizza
For a simple and delicious pizza, you can combine cooked chicken with cream cheese, bacon, mozzarella, and red onions. First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix softened cream cheese with Italian seasoning and spread it over par-baked pizza crusts. Top with chopped chicken, bacon, red onions, and mozzarella, then sprinkle with more Italian seasoning. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Garlic Chicken Pizza
For a different take on chicken pizza, you can make a garlic cream cheese sauce by mixing cream cheese, sour cream, and mashed garlic. Spread this sauce on your pizza crust and top with chicken, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and cheese. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the crust is done and the cheese is melted. You can sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top after baking.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
If you're a fan of barbecue sauce, try making a BBQ chicken pizza. You can use pre-cooked chicken or cook your own. Toss the chicken in BBQ sauce before adding it to the pizza to prevent it from drying out. For cheese, a combination of mozzarella and smoked gouda works well. Add some red onions and fresh cilantro for extra flavor and freshness.
Customizable Chicken Pizza
The beauty of making your own pizza is that you can customize it to your liking. Start with a store-bought pizza dough or make your own. You can use any type of cooked meat, so feel free to add leftover chicken along with other meats like bacon or steak. Choose your favorite sauce and toppings, such as vegetables or different types of cheese.
With these ideas, you can create delicious chicken pizzas using leftover chicken and cream cheese. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find your favorite pizza variations!
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Chicken tortilla casserole
Ingredients:
- Corn tortillas (white or yellow)
- Shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- Canned cream of celery soup or cream of chicken soup
- Milk
- Sour cream
- Spices: cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper
- Cheese (shredded cheddar or other varieties)
- Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, green or red onion, etc.
Method:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add 1 cup of diced onion and 4 cloves of garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent. Then, add 1 1/2 teaspoons each of cumin and oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Next, prepare the sauce by adding two cans of soup and 1 cup of chicken broth to the skillet. Whisk until combined and smooth. You can also add canned green chilies for a southwestern flavor. Pour about 1/2 cup of the sauce onto the bottom of the casserole dish.
Now, start layering the ingredients in the dish. Begin with a layer of ripped or torn corn tortillas, followed by shredded chicken, a generous layer of sauce, and a sprinkling of cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.
Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like, finish it off under the broiler for a few minutes to brown the cheese.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Top with your choice of toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, green or red onion, etc.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions:
This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. To reheat, partially thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed, increasing the baking time as needed.
Enjoy this delicious and comforting chicken tortilla casserole with your favorite toppings!
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Chicken pasta salad
To make chicken pasta salad, you will need cooked chicken, which can be leftover diced, shredded, grilled, poached, rotisserie roasted, or baked chicken breast. You can also use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey or ham instead of chicken. For the pasta, fusilloni or rotini are great choices due to their corkscrew shape, which holds the creamy dressing well. However, you can use any short pasta that is easy to eat and has lots of nooks and crannies.
For the dressing, a creamy, tangy buttermilk herb Greek yogurt dressing is a perfect choice. To make it, simply whisk together plain non-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt with buttermilk and your choice of herbs. You can also add mayonnaise, sour cream, and milk to make it extra creamy. If you want a lighter option, swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt. This dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
In addition to the chicken and pasta, you can add a variety of mix-ins and vegetables to your salad. Popular options include bacon, peppers, broccoli, corn, feta cheese, tomatoes, carrot, celery, bell peppers, green onions, avocado, and cheddar cheese. You can also add in your favorite vegetables, such as artichokes, olives, shredded carrots, diced cucumbers, or chickpeas.
Once you have prepared the dressing and chopped up your desired mix-ins, it's time to assemble the salad. Cook the pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of salted water. Be sure to generously salt the water as it makes a difference in the flavor of the pasta salad. Drain the pasta and let it cool. Combine the cooled pasta with the salad ingredients and dressing in a large bowl, tossing everything together well. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped green onions and extra bacon, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. It is recommended to let the pasta salad sit for 20-30 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to come together.
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Chicken and spinach bake
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs
- Spinach
- Cream cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Avocado oil
- Minced garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and position the oven rack in the middle. Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the marinade by combining avocado oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, pepper, salt, paprika, and red pepper flakes in a freezer bag. Add the chicken thighs and shake well to ensure the marinade is evenly distributed. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Heat a pan on medium heat and add avocado oil. Wilt the spinach in the pan, allowing any excess liquid to cook off. Set aside.
- Spread softened cream cheese generously on the marinated chicken pieces.
- Using tongs, place the wilted spinach on top of the cream cheese.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the spinach.
- Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
- For a more browned cheese topping, move the pan to the top oven rack and turn on the oven broiler. Broil for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with pepper and paprika.
This chicken and spinach bake is a tasty and nutritious option for the whole family. Serve it with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy!
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Chicken and cream cheese sandwiches
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Leftover chicken
- Cream cheese
- Bread of your choice (white, sourdough, whole wheat, whole-grain, or any variety that holds fillings well)
- Fresh vegetables like cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes, and carrots (optional)
- Spices and seasonings (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or dried herbs)
- Mayonnaise (optional)
Preparation
- Start by preparing your leftover chicken. Slice or shred the chicken into strips or pieces. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings or spices. You can also sauté the chicken with onions, mushrooms, and garlic for added flavor.
- Choose your preferred type of bread. Fresh and slightly toasted bread works best for sandwiches. You can use classic white bread, sourdough, whole wheat, whole-grain, or any variety that can hold the fillings well, such as ciabatta or brioche.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture. In a bowl, combine cream cheese with any additional ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, or blue cheese for extra flavor. You can also add spices to the mixture. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature and smooth in texture.
- Assemble the sandwich. Spread the cream cheese mixture generously on one slice of bread. Place the seasoned chicken on top, adding any desired vegetables like cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes, or carrots. If you'd like a crunchier texture, you can also spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread before toasting it.
- Grill the sandwich. Place the assembled sandwich in a grill pan or sandwich press and grill until the bread is toasted and the filling is warm. You can also use a skillet or an indoor electric grill. Grill each side for about 2 minutes over medium heat.
- Serve and enjoy! Cut the sandwich into halves or triangles and serve it with your favorite sides, such as a fresh salad, tomato soup, or tortilla chips.
Variations and Tips:
- You can make a healthier version of the sandwich by using whole-grain bread, low-fat cream cheese, and grilled chicken instead of fried.
- If you want to add more cheese, you can place a slice of mild cheese like American, provolone, or mild cheddar on top of the chicken mixture before grilling.
- To prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy, slightly toast the bread before adding the fillings.
- If you have leftover cream cheese, you can store it in the fridge for 4-5 days. Reheat it in the microwave in short intervals to bring it back to a creamy texture.
- For a more indulgent option, try adding melted mozzarella or grated Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and cream cheese mixture.
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