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After a day filled with smoky aromas, juicy meats, and laughter around the grill, you might find yourself staring at a fridge packed with leftovers. But the fun doesn't have to end with the cookout! Leftover barbecue meats such as chicken and pork are surprisingly versatile and can effortlessly be transformed into innovative and flavorsome meals that stretch the food and save time. These BBQ leftover ideas will keep your taste buds entertained, whether pulled pork or grilled chicken, for days to come.
Quesadillas are a pretty easy idea for leftover chicken, and they become quite the draw when you add a little BBQ flair. For BBQ chicken quesadillas, shred your leftover BBQ chicken, and toss it with a little sautéed onion and bell pepper to fire it up even more. Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack if hot is how you roll. Start layering that inside two flour tortillas and brown at the skillet until you're satisfied with the results: golden brown, crisp on the outside, and melty on the inside. This comes as a quick fix from yesterday's menu to a comforting classic. Top with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for flair. This leftover BBQ chicken recipe might just top any lunch or dinnertime meal. It even makes a killer appetizer for parties.
Learn More: Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe Perfect for Grilling
Consider the idea of nachos and pork if you want to turn leftover BBQ pork into an enticing snack or leverage a meal. It starts with a blanketed baking tray of tortilla chips and the left-over shredded BBQ pork. Toppings are quite pertinent. Throw in some black beans, corn, jalapeños, and plenty of shredded cheeses for a marriage of cheddar and mozzarella. Bake it in the oven until bubbly and gooey, then top it off with whatever cold toppings you want-sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, and even some lime juice. This dish is just great for a crowd and comfort late-night munching. With lots of BBQ leftovers, pulled pork nachos continue to be a versatile nosh.
You sometimes need something light and refreshing after a heavy cookout. And BBQ chicken salad steps in as an ideal candidate. This is that kind of pick-me-up meal that you can prepare from the leftovers of chicken. Toss all your shredded chicken on top of some mixed greens and top them with cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, shredded carrots, and sweet corn. Turn out some tortilla strips or roasted sunflower seeds and sprinkle for more crunch. Drizzle over a light vinaigrette or BBQ-ranch for a mouthful of flavor. Come up with some leftover chicken ideas that would make your stomach sing!
If you're craving something savory and a little different, try turning your leftover BBQ pork into a flavorful fried rice. In a hot wok or skillet, sauté chopped onions, garlic, and whatever vegetables you have on hand—carrots, peas, and bell peppers work well. Add in day-old rice and your shredded pork, mixing everything with soy sauce and sesame oil. Crack in an egg or two and scramble it into the mix for protein and texture. This unexpected twist is a delicious cross-cultural dish that uses leftover BBQ pork ideas and keeps dinner interesting. The sweet and smoky pork pairs wonderfully with the savory, umami-rich rice.
A pizza with leftover BBQ chicken is one of the best ideas out there. This dish comes together fast with a homemade crust, a store-bought crust, or even naan. You start by lacing a thin layer of BBQ sauce on the crust and top it with the shredded chicken. Then add some slices of red onions, some mozzarella cheese, and some scattered fresh cilantro on top. Bake until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. This pizza is all savory, tangy, cheesy, and fresh. When brainstorming BBQ leftover ideas, this one delivers in the comfort and quick-action departments.
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An excellent leftover BBQ pork use, BBQ pulled pork sliders also act great for a quick lunch or game-day snacking. All that's needed are slider buns (Hawaiian rolls are perfect), shredded pork, and some crunchy slaw for contrast and texture. Load the buns up with heaps of pork, a dollop of coleslaw, and maybe a few pickles. Super-simple to prepare but so deliciously delightful in every bite. Out of all[] leftover BBQ pork ideas, sliders could be the most fun to make-and to eat.
Baked potatoes provide such a blank canvas, stuffing them with leftover BBQ chicken and turning them into a complete meal. Bake potatoes until they are fluffy on the inside, then once they're cut open, pile the shredded chicken in them. Then add shredded cheese, some sour cream, chives, or just more BBQ sauce if desired. This wonderfully filling dinner idea is perfect for a cooler evenings when you want something warm, filling, and flavorful. Stuffed baked potatoes are one of the more comforting ideas for leftover chicken. They are easy to customize and a great way to give your BBQ meat a second life.
Taco night is a weekly staple in many households, and it’s also a fantastic outlet for BBQ leftover ideas. Warm up your leftover BBQ pork to make pulled pork tacos, then spoon it into soft flour or corn tortillas. Top with chopped cabbage or coleslaw, diced onions, and a drizzle of lime crema or chipotle mayo. This dish offers a beautiful balance of smoky, spicy, and fresh. Pulled pork tacos are not only quick to prepare, but they’re also endlessly adaptable depending on your favorite toppings. This one's a true winner when it comes to leftover BBQ pork ideas.
Mac and cheese stands alone—in all its goodness—but throw in some leftover BBQ chicken, and you have next-level comfort food. Cook your macaroni and prepare a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheddar or a blend of cheeses. Stir in the BBQ chicken and pour everything into a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden and bubbly. The rich cheese sauce complements the tangy, smoky chicken. This leftover BBQ chicken recipe is simply made for cozy nights in, capped with an indulgent family dinner.
Breakfast gets short shrift when you are considering the ideas for BBQ leftovers. This healthy pork hash is savory enough for eating most mornings: it will make good use of leftover BBQ pork. For best results, start by frying up diced potatoes in a skillet until they crisp up before moving on to the onions, bell peppers, and shredded pork. Dress with salt, pepper, paprika, and maybe a dash of hot sauce. For richness, top with a fried or poached egg, and garnish with green onions or parsley. All remains for the above to set before enjoying a fresh breakfast toast and coffee.
Also Read: 9 Healthy Summer Grill Recipes: Grilled Chicken and More
The end of a barbecue signals the end of great meals, though. With these leftover ideas, reinvent the grilled meats as something else the fund of creative, crowd-pleasing dishes. The options are endless, from cheesy quesadillas and crispy hash to loaded baked potatoes, salad bowls bursting with freshness, and all manner of soups.
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