Leftover BBQ Chicken: 6 Things To Make On Monday
Got leftover BBQ chicken? Don't just reheat it. With a few fresh ingredients and the right seasoning, yesterday's BBQ can become a completely different Monday meal.
Whether you have a couple of chicken thighs left or a container full of shredded BBQ chicken, there are plenty of ways to give it a second life. Here are six easy leftover BBQ chicken ideas that are simple, flavourful and perfect for a busy weeknight.
1. BBQ Chicken Tacos
Shred your leftover chicken and warm it gently in a pan. Add it to soft tortillas with crunchy lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, salsa or your favourite taco toppings.
For an extra kick, season the chicken with a little Kékem Dry BBQ Spice Rub before reheating.
Kékem is a West African spice blend containing powdered chilli, Pèbè (African nutmeg), Njangsa, Rondelles, garlic powder and salt.
2. Spicy BBQ Chicken Fried Rice
Leftover rice and chicken make an easy combination for Monday dinner.
Stir-fry your cooked rice with vegetables, then add shredded BBQ chicken and season to taste. A small amount of Kékem can bring back the smoky, spicy character of the BBQ without needing to start your seasoning from scratch.
3. Loaded BBQ Chicken Wraps
Turn leftover chicken into a quick lunch or dinner wrap.
Fill a tortilla with warm shredded chicken, salad, cheese and a sauce of your choice. Add a little Kékem for extra flavour, then fold and toast the wrap until golden.
The best part? You can use whatever is already in your fridge.
4. BBQ Chicken Soup
Leftover chicken can also become the star of a comforting soup.
Add shredded BBQ chicken to a tomato, vegetable or bean-based soup, then adjust the seasoning to taste. The spices already on the chicken add depth, while Kékem can bring additional chilli and savoury flavour.
It's an especially useful option when you also have leftover vegetables that need using.
5. BBQ Chicken Salad
Want something lighter? Add your leftover BBQ chicken to a fresh salad.
Try lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, sweetcorn, avocado or roasted vegetables, then slice the chicken over the top. You can even sprinkle a little Kékem onto the chicken before serving for a spicy finish.
6. Spicy BBQ Chicken Pasta
Finally, turn those leftovers into an easy pasta dinner.
Toss cooked pasta with shredded BBQ chicken, vegetables and a simple sauce. Finish with a little Kékem for warmth and depth.
The spice blend is designed for more than just BBQs — Etinde House also recommends it with chicken, beef, fish, pork and chips, making it a versatile seasoning to keep in the cupboard.
How to Make Leftover BBQ Chicken Taste Fresh Again
The secret isn't complicated: change the format and add fresh flavour.
Instead of serving the same chicken with the same sides, shred it, season it and turn it into something new. A versatile dry rub like Etinde House Kékem Dry BBQ Spice Rub can help bring extra chilli, garlic and West African-inspired flavour to leftover chicken. The 100g stay-fresh pouch is also designed to be kept sealed after opening.
So next time you have BBQ chicken left over, don't see it as yesterday's dinner.
See it as tomorrow's ingredients.