chicken recipe using cooked chicken

The Best chicken recipe using cooked chicken

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s one of those simple dishes that just works every time—no fancy techniques, just good, solid cooking that leaves everyone satisfied. I love it because it’s so versatile. You can serve it as a main dish with rice and veggies, or toss it into a salad for a lighter meal. My kids eat it straight from the pan, and honestly, I don’t blame them. The flavors are rich but not heavy, and it’s always tender, which is a win in my book. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special for holidays or weeknight dinners because it’s hearty enough to feed a crowd without feeling like a chore.

My family loves it because it’s easy to customize—add some garlic and herbs for extra flavor, or skip them if you prefer. My husband always says it reminds him of his grandma’s cooking, and my kids swear it’s the only chicken they’ll eat if it’s this good. I also appreciate how balanced it is. The protein keeps you full, and the spices add natural flavor without too much extra salt. It’s a great way to get more nutrients in your diet too—lean protein, fiber from the veggies, and healthy fats from the olive oil. Plus, it’s a great way to use up whatever chicken you have on hand, whether it’s from the store or leftovers from last week. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your family, and honestly, that’s what matters most.

Garlic Butter Chicken with Crispy Chicken & Herb Mashed Potatoes

4.8 from 1275 votes

A flavorful dish featuring tender shredded chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce paired with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of sautéed green beans. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

🖨️ Print Recipe📌 Pin Recipe❤️ Add to Collection

Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time40 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time60 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 tbsp butter
• ½ cup whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Green Beans

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1 Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. 2 In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in tomato sauce and lemon juice, simmer for 2 minutes. Return chicken to the skillet, pour sauce over, and simmer for 5 minutes. Shred chicken with forks and set aside.
3. 3 Boil cubed potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until tender. Drain, mash with butter, milk, garlic powder, chives, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. 4 While potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add green beans, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Season with salt.
5. 5 Plate mashed potatoes, top with shredded chicken, and garnish with extra chives. Serve with sautéed green beans.

🔧Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot
• Food processor (optional)
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28💛Saturated Fat: 12❤️Cholesterol: 120🧂Sodium: 850🌾Total Carbs: 55🥦Dietary Fiber: 6🍬Sugars: 8🥩Protein: 45

📝Notes

[object Object]

This recipe is always a go-to for me because cooked chicken is so versatile—it’s the backbone of so many meals, from quick weeknight dinners to hearty family gatherings. Whether you’re serving it shredded in tacos, sliced in salads, or mixed into a comforting casserole, it keeps everyone happy without extra fuss. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, so you’ve got leftovers ready for lunch or a last-minute potluck—no stress, just easy eating for everyone.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Chicken with Crispy Chicken & Herb Mashed Potatoes

How can I use cooked chicken in a quick and flavorful salad?

You can shred or chop cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, avocado, and a light vinaigrette or creamy dressing (like ranch or balsamic). For extra flavor, add ingredients like crumbled feta, toasted nuts, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. To keep it simple, try a Chicken Caesar Salad by tossing shredded chicken with romaine, Parmesan, croutons, and a Caesar dressing.

—

What are some easy ways to repurpose cooked chicken into a hearty soup?

Cooked chicken can be transformed into a comforting soup in several ways. For a Chicken Noodle Soup, shred the chicken, add diced carrots, celery, onion, and broth, then simmer with cooked pasta and herbs like thyme or parsley. For a Chicken and Rice Soup, mix shredded chicken with cooked rice, broth, diced potatoes, peas, and a touch of cream or milk. You can also try a Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup by blending mushrooms with chicken, broth, and a creamy sauce.

—

How can I make a delicious chicken and vegetable stir-fry using cooked chicken?

To make a quick stir-fry, cut cooked chicken into thin strips and toss with your favorite stir-fry veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots. Stir-fry in a hot pan with a bit of oil, then add a sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey or brown sugar, and a splash of rice vinegar. For extra flavor, include ingredients like corn, mushrooms, or edamame. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.

—

What are some creative ways to use cooked chicken in a breakfast dish?

Cooked chicken can be a great addition to breakfast meals. Try making Chicken & Waffles by shredding chicken and mixing it with a simple egg batter, then cooking it on top of warm waffles. For a savory twist, make Chicken & Egg Breakfast Burritos by mixing shredded chicken with scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa, then wrapping in a tortilla. Another idea is Chicken & Sweet Potato Hash, where you dice cooked chicken and roast it with diced sweet potatoes, onions, and bell peppers until crispy.

—

Can I use cooked chicken in a homemade chicken pot pie?

Absolutely! For a classic chicken pot pie, shred or dice cooked chicken and mix it with sautéed onions, carrots, peas, and celery. Deglaze the pan with a little broth, then add a creamy sauce (like a roux-based or flour-based gravy) and a layer of puff pastry. Top with another layer of pastry, cut slits for steam, and bake until golden. You can also use a pre-made pie crust for convenience. Serve warm with a side of steamed green beans or crusty bread.