What To Do With Leftover Crack Chicken? 10 Creative Ways to Reuse It

Crack chicken is one of those dishes that’s so addictively delicious you can’t help but make a huge batch of it. But once the initial craze has passed you’re often left staring at a fridge full of leftovers, wondering What should I do with all this leftover crack chicken?

As a busy home cook myself, I’ve been in this situation many times. But through trial error, and lots of experimentation in the kitchen I’ve discovered just how versatile leftover crack chicken can be. With a little creativity, you can transform those remnants into all sorts of exciting new dishes, keeping mealtime feeling fresh and fun while also reducing food waste.

In this article, I’ll share my top 10 favorite ways to reuse leftover crack chicken, along with tips and tricks for storage, prep, and breathing new life into this indulgent comfort food. Let’s dive in!

For those unfamiliar, crack chicken is a creamy, cheesy casserole-style dish that combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and often crispy bacon. It’s cooked slowly until tender and irresistibly gooey. The name comes from its highly addictive flavor.

A lot of it is made ahead of time for parties and meal planning. But after the party is over, you have to decide what to do with the rest of this delicious chicken dish.

That’s where a little creativity comes into play!

Proper Storage for Leftover Crack Chicken

Before we get into the fun reuse ideas, let’s cover proper storage. Like any leftover, proper handling is key to ensuring leftover crack chicken stays fresh and safe to eat. Here are some tips:

• Cool it down quickly: Divide into shallow containers so it cools faster, preventing bacterial growth.

• Refrigerate promptly: Store in airtight containers and use within 3-4 days for best quality.

• Consider freezing: For longer term storage, freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight before reusing.

• Avoid cross-contamination: Use clean utensils and containers to store.

• Reheat thoroughly: Heat to 165°F until hot and steaming before eating.

Okay, now let’s get to the good stuff!

1. Quesadillas

Making quesadillas with crack chicken is a simple way to make dinner during the week. Just put the chicken, cheese, or any other fillings you want in the tortillas. Put the tortillas on the grill until they are golden and crispy. Then cut them up and eat!

Suggested additions: salsa, guacamole, peppers, onions, cilantro

2. Sliders

For an appetizer twist, use leftover crack chicken to make indulgent little sliders. Pile the chicken onto mini buns along with cheese, pickles, or other tasty toppings. The creamy chicken pairs perfectly with the soft rolls.

Suggested additions: pickles, cheese, lettuce, tomato, special sauce

3. Tacos

You can make a great fusion dish with leftover crack chicken tacos by wrapping the chicken in warm corn tortillas and adding your favorite taco toppings. The rich chicken mingles deliciously with traditional taco add-ins.

Suggested additions: lettuce, tomato, avocado, onions, salsa, lime wedge

4. Baked Potatoes

Transform basic baked potatoes into a hearty meal by topping them with leftover crack chicken and cheese. Feel free to also add sour cream, green onions, bacon bits…anything your potato-loving heart desires!

Suggested additions: sour cream, bacon bits, green onions, broccoli, chili

5. Casserole

Put the crack chicken you have left over with rice or pasta in a casserole dish. Top it with cheese and bake until it is bubbly and golden. It makes for an easy and comforting one-dish meal.

Suggested additions: rice/pasta, frozen veggies, cream of chicken/mushroom soup

6. Soup

Shred or chop the chicken and add it to a creamy soup along with veggies, broth, and seasonings. Crack chicken gives soups extra richness and depth of flavor.

Suggested additions: potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, cream, chicken broth

7. Salad

Chopped crack chicken makes a protein-packed addition to any salad. Toss it in along with your favorite greens, veggies, nuts, and a tangy dressing.

Suggested additions: romaine, spinach, tomatoes, avocado, peppers, ranch dressing

8. Breakfast Hash

Wake up to a hearty crack chicken hash! Simply combine the chicken with potatoes, peppers, onions, and eggs. The ranch seasoning even gives it a breakfast sausage vibe.

Suggested additions: potatoes, bell peppers, onions, eggs, cheese

9. Enchiladas

Can’t get enough of those Mexican flavors? Make enchiladas with tortillas stuffed full of leftover crack chicken, enchilada sauce, beans, rice, and cheese. Olé!

Suggested additions: enchilada sauce, beans, rice, cheese, cilantro

10. Chicken Dip

Shred the chicken and mix it with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and spices to create a creamy, ranch-flavored dip perfect for snacking. Serve with crackers, chips, or fresh veggies.

Suggested additions: Greek yogurt, light cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to reusing leftover crack chicken! With a mix of creative recipes and simple ingredient swaps, you can reinvent those remains into all sorts of dishes.

The key is proper storage, an open mind, and a willingness to experiment in the kitchen. Don’t limit yourself to just sandwiches and salads. Try using the chicken in casseroles, soups, bakes, breakfasts, and more.

Breathe new life into leftovers, minimize waste, and most importantly, continue enjoying the flavors you love in fun, fresh ways. With these tips and ideas, you’ll never see leftover crack chicken the same way again. Happy cooking!