Staring at leftover roasted chicken and not sure what to do with it? I’ve been there! This leftover roasted chicken recipe turns yesterday’s dinner into a whole new meal your family will love. Want more ideas? Try these crispy baked chicken cutlets, a creamy chicken and mushroom crock pot dish, or this easy chicken salad. For a smoky twist, check out this leftover BBQ chicken recipe!

If you're feeling down, just eat this. Trust me, it helps! There’s something so comforting about tender chicken, hearty pasta, and rich tomato sauce that warms you from the inside out. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal—fewer dishes, more time to relax. Want more easy dinners? Try this Instant Pot garlic chicken or this juicy bone-in chicken breast!

What You'll Love About This Recipe

Quick and Simple - Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work required
Budget-Friendly - Uses up leftovers and pantry staples for an economical family meal
One-Pot Wonder - Everything cooks in a single pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor development

A black skillet filled with fusilli pasta, shredded leftover roasted chicken, and a rich tomato sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.

Recipe Ingredients

This leftover roasted chicken recipe combines simple ingredients that create amazing flavor together:

Leftover roasted chicken
Fusilli pasta
Onion and garlic
Canned tomatoes
Parmesan cheese
Italian herbs and seasonings
Fresh parsley
Vegetable oil
Water or chicken broth

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Ingredient Notes

Leftover Chicken - Both white and dark meat work perfectly in this recipe. The chicken should be already cooked and can be from a homemade roast or store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Pasta Shape - While fusilli works wonderfully to catch the sauce in its spirals, you can substitute any medium pasta shape like penne, farfalle, or rotini.
Broth Option - Using chicken broth instead of water adds an extra layer of flavor, but water works fine if you don't have broth on hand.

How to Make Leftover Roasted Chicken Recipe

For the complete printable recipe with exact measurements, scroll to the recipe card below. Here's a quick overview of how this simple leftover roasted chicken recipe comes together:

Heat oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat.
Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and onion becomes translucent.
Add chopped tomatoes, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper, then simmer briefly.
Stir in shredded leftover chicken, pasta, and liquid, then cover and cook until pasta is tender.
Mix in grated parmesan, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

A close-up of fusilli pasta with shredded chicken in a tomato-based sauce, garnished with fresh parsley, served in a black skillet.

Pro Tips

This recipe is my go-to for a quick dinner fix, and over the years I've learned a few tricks to make it even better. For the most flavorful leftover roasted chicken recipe, try removing the chicken skin before shredding (it can become rubbery when reheated), and don't overcook the pasta - keep it slightly al dente since it will continue cooking after you remove it from the heat.

A skillet of fusilli pasta mixed with shredded leftover roasted chicken in a rich tomato sauce, topped with fresh parsley for garnish.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing Option - This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion into individual containers for easy meal prep solutions during busy weeks.
Reheating Method - Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel. Master the art of storing and reheating chicken.

Additions & Substitutions

Additions:

Add a handful of baby spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition
Toss in some halved cherry tomatoes for a fresh burst of flavor
Include diced bell peppers or zucchini when sautéing the onions for more vegetables
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Substitutions:

Replace fusilli with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version
Swap parmesan for pecorino romano or nutritional yeast for a different flavor profile
Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a Mediterranean touch
Substitute Italian herbs with fresh basil or oregano when in season

FAQs about this Leftover Roasted Chicken Recipe

Can I use chicken that's been in the fridge for several days?

Leftover chicken is safe to use for 3-4 days when properly refrigerated. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using.

How do you keep leftover roast chicken moist in this recipe?

The tomato sauce and cooking liquid help revitalize dry chicken, while not overcooking it during the reheating process ensures it stays tender.

Can this be adapted to make chicken soup instead?

Absolutely! Increase the broth to 5 cups, reduce pasta to 1 cup, and add 2 cups of mixed vegetables for a delicious leftover roast chicken soup.

What Can I Serve with this Leftover Roasted Chicken?

This versatile leftover roasted chicken recipe pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables.

If you try this recipe, I'd absolutely love to hear what you think! Please leave a comment and rating below – your feedback helps me create better recipes and helps other readers find dishes they'll love.

Save this recipe for later!