Transforming Chicken Leftovers into Culinary Masterpieces

Roast Chicken Redux: Transforming Leftovers into Culinary Masterpieces

We've all been there - Sunday dinner is over, and you have a delicious roast chicken with plenty of leftovers. The challenge? Figuring out how to transform those leftovers into new, exciting meals that your family will love. Reducing food waste while keeping meals nutritious and flavourful is essential, and leftover roast chicken is the perfect candidate for reinvention. In this blog, we dive into how you can turn last night's roast into today's culinary masterpieces, all thanks to Robertsons.

Why Roast Chicken Leftovers are Perfect for New Recipes

Leftover roast chicken is not only incredibly versatile but also packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. It serves as a fantastic base for various dishes, allowing you to create a wide range of meals without compromising on nutrition. Plus, the roasted flavour adds depth and richness to any recipe you incorporate it into. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, here are some innovative ways to use your roast chicken leftovers:

#1 – Salads - Roast Chicken and Avocado Salad with Robertsons Mixed Herbs

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of leftover roast chicken, shredded
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• Mixed salad greens
• Robertsons Mixed Herbs
• Olive oil- Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large salad bowl, combine the salad greens, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado slices.
• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Robertsons Mixed Herbs, salt, and pepper.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
• Serve immediately.

#2 – Soups - Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup with Robertsons Mixed Spice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover roast chicken, shredded
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cream
• 1 tsp Robertsons Mixed Spice
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Instructions:

• In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables are tender.
• Add the chicken broth, shredded chicken, Robertsons Mixed Spice, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
• Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.

#3 - Sandwiches and Wraps - Chicken and Herb Wraps with Robertsons Barbecue Spice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover roast chicken, shredded
• 4 large tortilla wraps
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Robertsons Barbecue Spice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with Robertsons Barbecue Spice.
• Lay out the tortilla wraps and spread the spiced mayonnaise evenly on each.
• Layer the lettuce, shredded chicken, tomato, and red onion on top.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Roll up the wraps tightly and slice in half to serve.

#4 - Pasta and Rice Dishes - Spicy Chicken Pasta with Robertsons Cajun Seasoning

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover roast chicken, shredded
• 300g pasta of your choice
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Robertsons Cajun Seasoning
• Olive oil- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
• Add the bell peppers and cook until tender.
• Stir in the shredded chicken and Robertsons Cajun Seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
• Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook until the sauce thickens.
• Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and mix well.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

For more leftover inspiration, check out our Leftover Recipes for some sweet, spicy, and delicious recipe ideas.

Tips for Using Robertsons Herbs and Spices

Robertsons Herbs and Spices are perfect for adding depth and richness to your leftover chicken dishes. Here are some tips for using them:

• Robertsons Mixed Herbs: Ideal for fresh, vibrant salads and light dishes.
• Robertsons Mixed Spice: Great for soups and stews, providing a warm, aromatic flavour.
• Robertsons Barbecue Spice: Perfect for wraps and sandwiches, adding a smoky, savoury kick.

Transforming leftover roast chicken into new, exciting meals is not only a great way to reduce food waste but also an opportunity to explore culinary creativity. With Robertsons Herbs and Spices, you can elevate the flavours of your dishes and make every meal a memorable experience. Don’t forget to share your own creations and inspire others by using #RobertsonsSpices.

Visit Whatsfordinner today for more mouth-watering meal inspiration