Easy Leftover BBQ Chicken Recipe
Staring at that container of leftover grilled chicken, wondering what to do with it? I’ve got you covered! This leftover BBQ chicken recipe turns yesterday’s meal into something mouthwatering. Want more chicken ideas? Try this Kentucky grilled chicken or these juicy smoked chicken breasts. For a lighter option, check out this easy chicken salad or this leftover roasted chicken recipe!
These BBQ chicken wraps are a game-changer when you need a quick dinner that doesn’t taste like leftovers. Tangy barbecue sauce, melty cheese, and crispy tortillas make this meal feel completely fresh. I’m not saying it’s addictive, but I’ve made it three times this week! If you love smoky flavors, try these smoked chicken legs or this spatchcock chicken. For a crispy option, check out this 1 kg chicken fry!
What You’ll Love
- Ready in under 15 minutes using chicken you’ve already cooked
- Customizable with your favorite BBQ sauce and cheese combinations
- Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying meal
Recipe Ingredients
These simple ingredients come together to create a flavor-packed meal using your leftover BBQ chicken:
- Whole wheat tortilla wraps
- BBQ sauce (Annie’s organic or your favorite)
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Mozzarella cheese (with optional gouda)
- Leftover grilled chicken
- Red onion
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Ingredient Notes
- BBQ Sauce: While I recommend Annie’s organic BBQ sauce for its balanced flavor, any BBQ sauce works well. Choose your favorite – whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or smoky!
- Cheese: The combination of light mozzarella and gouda creates the perfect melt, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or any cheese you have on hand.
- Chicken: This recipe is designed for leftover BBQ chicken, but works equally well with rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or even shredded chicken thighs.
How to Make Leftover BBQ Chicken Recipe
You guys, this is so easy to make! For the complete printable recipe with exact measurements, scroll to the recipe card below. Here’s a quick overview of how to prepare these delicious wraps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Season your leftover chicken with salt and pepper, then coat with BBQ sauce.
- Heat the chicken in the oven for about 30 minutes until warmed through and slightly caramelized.
- Meanwhile, crisp your tortilla wraps in the oven for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Top each wrap with a layer of BBQ sauce, cheese, the warmed chicken, red onion, and cilantro.
- Return to the oven for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted.
- Slice and serve immediately while hot and crispy!
Pro Tips
For the absolute best leftover BBQ chicken recipe, try these professional tips:
- Slightly undercook the tortillas during the first bake so they don’t become too crispy after the second bake with toppings.
- For extra flavor, mix a little BBQ sauce directly with the chopped chicken before adding it to the wraps.
- If you have time, let the chicken marinate in the BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before heating for deeper flavor penetration.
- For a restaurant-quality presentation, allow the wraps to cool for 1-2 minutes before slicing to prevent the fillings from spilling out.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store assembled but unbaked wraps in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap each one individually in foil or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled wraps for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating: For the best texture, reheat refrigerated wraps in a 350°F oven for 7-10 minutes or until heated through. From frozen, bake for 15-20 minutes. Expert storage and reheating techniques for leftover chicken.
Additions & Substitutions
Tasty Additions:
- Add sliced avocado or guacamole after baking for creaminess
- Include diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and heat
- Sprinkle with corn kernels for sweetness and texture
- Drizzle with ranch dressing for a cool contrast to the BBQ sauce
Simple Substitutions:
- Use corn tortillas instead of wheat for a gluten-free option
- Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and blue cheese for a spicy twist
- Replace chicken with leftover pulled pork or turkey
- Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version
FAQs about this Leftover BBQ Chicken Recipe
How to use leftover pulled chicken?
How do you reheat BBQ chicken so it doesn’t dry out?
Can I freeze leftover barbecue chicken?
What Can I Serve with this Leftover BBQ Chicken Recipe?
These BBQ chicken wraps pair beautifully with simple sides that complement without overwhelming. Try a crisp green salad, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or corn on the cob for a complete meal that feels like a backyard barbecue any time of year.
If you give this leftover BBQ chicken recipe a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Drop a comment below or tag me in your social media posts. Your feedback helps other readers and honestly makes my day!
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Leftover BBQ Chicken Wraps
Equipment
- Baking Sheet Lined with foil
Ingredients
Wrap Base
- 4 whole wheat tortilla wraps
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce Annie’s organic or your favorite brand
Seasoning
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Toppings
- ½ cup light mozzarella cheese Finely shredded
- ½ cup shredded gouda cheese Optional
- ⅔ cup chopped grilled chicken Leftover BBQ chicken
- 1 ½ cups slivered red onion
- 1½ tsp chopped cilantro Optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Coat with BBQ sauce and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake wraps for 4-5 minutes per side until crispy.
- Top wraps with BBQ sauce, cheese, chicken, red onion, and cilantro. Bake for 2-4 minutes until cheese is melted.
