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Nacho night is one of my favorite ways to use up leftovers. It’s a ten minute way to reinvent last nights supper and these Leftover Smoked Chicken Nachos with Mango Salsa are huge hit every single time.

Leftovers are a thing in my house. And reinventing them has become a favorite pastime of mine. I love smoking a chicken on Sunday’s to pick at all week for easy meals. Plus, it’s an excuse to smoke a chicken, in addition to whatever else it is I am already grilling. Maybe even two if I’m feeling feisty.

How to use leftover chicken?

One of my favorite questions I get over and over again is how to use up leftovers. After all, I am one girl, and there is a LOT of meat on the grill. So, when I am not shoving food at friends and family, I am reinventing my main dishes into other weeknight hits.

Having traveled the world and worked in places with major food scarcity, nothing gets wasted in my house. At least, I do as best as I can to not waste a thing. I am pretty passionate about making sure everything is utilized, and thankful for all that I have. OK, off my pulpit now. (But really, thank a farmer today)

Here are some of my favorite ways to use up leftovers (and bonus, these are all QUICK recipes too!)

10 Ways to Use Leftover Chicken

1. Quick and easy weeknight chimichangas
2. Cheesy campfire grilled paninis
3. Chicken quesadillas
4. pizza toppings – no really this bbq pizza is a total hit every single time. Just switch the pork for chicken.
5. Power bowls (cuz everyones on the keto health kick and extra veggies just make us feel good.
6. Chilaquiles – I mean, these are pretty much nachos for breakfast.
7. Chicken and Broccoli Stromboli
8. Mac and Cheese filler. Works every single time.
9. Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo with Chicken – um yes please.
10. Enchiladas. And, life lesson, anyone who doesn’t enjoy your leftover enchiladas doesn’t need to be your friend.

How Long is it Safe to Eat Leftover Chicken

I have a 5 day rule in my house. If it hasn’t been eaten after day 4 on the 5th day it’s trash. This rule only goes only for things that have been cooked and stored properly in the refrigerator.

Also, call me old school, but I am not above a smell test. No matter how short of a time it’s been – I am a firm believer in our basic sense of smell. If it isn’t right to your nose, chances are, it isn’t right for your body.

How to Reheat Chicken Leftovers

If your leftover chicken is thaw, it is incredibly easy to reheat in a skillet over medium heat. I add a bit of fat, oil or butter to the pan, and will toss chopped leftover chicken in. I will also reheat in an oven on 350, covered with a bit of liquid if it is a larger cut, like a full breast or quarter.

Another great way to reheat chicken is in the microwave in short bursts, until heated through.

How to Freeze Leftover Chicken

To freeze leftover chicken, I will remove it from the carcass and store in air tight containers, dated and labeled for up to 2 months.

I also store the bones in another container, separate from the meat, so that I can make quick stocks for soup season.

Want more Leftover Loving inspiration? Try some of my favorite recipes

• The full leftover recipe archives
• BBQ Rib Hash
• White Chicken Chili
• Leftover Smoked Turkey Sandwich

If you’ve tried my Leftover Chicken Nachos with Mango Salsa Recipe or any other recipe on GirlCarnivore.com please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below. I get inspired by your feedback and comments! You can also FOLLOW ME on Instagram @girlcarnivore as well as on  Twitter and Facebook.

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Yield: 1 platter of nachos

Leftover Chicken Nachos with Mango Salsa and Spicy Crema

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Nacho night is one of my favorite ways to use up leftovers. It’s a ten minute way to reinvent last nights supper and these Leftover Smoked Chicken Nachos with Mango Salsa are huge hit every single time.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Leftover Chicken Nachos

• 1 13oz bag tortilla chips
• 2 cups leftover chicken, chopped
• 1/2 cup beans, rinsed and drained
• 8 oz cheese, shredded (Cheddar and pepper jack are my favorite)
• Jalapeno, drained
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
• fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado halved and sliced
• 1 lime, sliced into wedges

For the Mango Salsa

• 1 mango, skin removed, and cut into cubes
• 1/4 red onion, diced
• 1/2 red pepper, seeded and diced
• 1/2 lime

For the Spicy Crema

• 1 tbsp Red Duck Actually Spicy Taco Sauce
• 1/2 lime
• 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream

Instructions

The secret to really good nachos? Layers

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F
2. In a 10 or 12" skillet, arrange a thin layer of nachos.
3. Place a layer of chicken, cheese and beans on top.
4. Bake for 3 to 4 minutes, until cheese has melted
5. Carefully remove from oven and repeat as many layers as you can.
6. When out of chips, chicken and beans, allow to cool and sprinkle with mango salsa, diced tomatoes, cilantro, avocado and crema to serve.

Make the Mango Salsa

1. In a bowl, combine the sliced mango with the red onion, red pepper, and the juice from the lime.
2. Mix to combine.
3. Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before using.

Make the Spicy Crema

1. Whisk the Red Duck Actually Spicy Taco Sauce with the juice of 1/2 lime and the Mexican Crema in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Spoon atop the nachos.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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  Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, Pre-Seasoned and Ready for Stove Top or Oven Use, 10.25", Black
• 
  Red Duck 3-Sauce Taco Sauce Sampler Set - Actually Spicy, Approachably Mild and Uniquely Korean Taco Sauce (Taco Sauce Trio)

Kita

Hey, I’m Kita, the Meat Maven, outdoor junkie, campfire connoisseur, adventure-seeking and world traveled recipe developer and photographer behind GirlCarnivore.com. My mission is to break down savory eats and inspire you to get a little grit under your nails while having fun with your food. READ MORE