While we’re all cooking and eating at home more these days, repurposing your leftovers is a great way to prevent waste, stretch a budget, and reduce your trips to the grocer. It’s fairly easy to do when you have the right staples on hand.
Today, I’m preparing Pecan Chicken Salad from a rotisserie chicken we had for dinner several days ago. I deboned the remaining chicken and had about two cups left over. My first thought—how quickly could I use it, or do I need to freeze it instead? I decided I’d repurpose our chicken for Pecan Chicken Salad for lunch. Because I always keep a packet of Good Seasons Zesty Italian Dressing in my pantry as a staple, I had what I needed. Grapes, celery, and scallions last for several weeks in the refrigerator, and pecans freeze well.
Some other ideas for leftover chicken include Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup, Chicken Pot Pie, Barbecue Chicken Pizza and Poppyseed Chicken. These meals require basic ingredients, so I try to keep what I’ll need for those meals on hand. The list of ideas goes on and on.
How will use up your leftovers?
Give your recipes some thought. How can you repurpose the leftover ingredients from your meals? Example: Pork Roast and potatoes becomes Carnitas black beans and rice.
Hugs out! Laura
