Love them or hate them, leftovers are definitely convenient. And my favorite way to make healthy lunches that aren’t boring is using pre-made protein to reinvent different dishes throughout the week. Let’s check out some examples in these easy leftover chicken lunch ideas.

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You’re intrigued, I can tell 😉 Leftovers don’t have to be boring or soggy or bland. Leftovers are LIFE for this busy mommy, and learning how to reinvent leftovers will change ‘yo life too. Especially reinventing leftovers for paleo and Whole30 compliant lunches that take 10 minutes or less to make.

If you look at a chicken breast and just see a chicken breast, girrrrrrl you are missing out on a world of possibilities! You don’t look at a cup of coffee and just see a dark brown cup of liquid – you see the life despite lack of sleep, you see comfort in a mug, you see your soul’s deepest desires just waiting to be guzzled. Ok, maybe that’s just me (I like need coffee).

Back to chicken….It’s SO easy to make these leftover chicken lunch ideas using cooked chicken breast prepped earlier in the week or weekend. Doesn’t matter how you make the chicken, just as long as it’s cooked – unless raw chicken is your thing (disclaimer: I do not suggest eating raw chicken).

Here are some easy ways to cook chicken breasts so you can get rocking with these leftover chicken lunch ideas. *Note – cook time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the breasts

• Oven: 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 165 degrees)
• Instant Pot: 5 minutes manual pressure, then let naturally release for 10 minutes. If using frozen chicken breasts, set for 10 minutes manual pressure, then let naturally release for 10 minutes. Don’t forget to add 1 cup of chicken broth or water regardless if you’re using frozen or thawed breasts.
• Grill: medium/high heat (roughly 425 degrees) for 6-7 minutes per side
• Stovetop: brush chicken with a little cooking oil of choice, and also add oil to the pan. Cook for 10 minutes per side or until center is done

Now that we’ve got all our chicken breasts cooked up and ready to roll, here are some awesome ways to reinvent them! These four recipes will require one chicken breast per recipe.

Leftover Chicken Lunch Ideas

Paleo Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Paleo Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Paleo + Whole30 compliant chicken salad lettuce wraps

• Author: Physical Kitchness
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1 cooked chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons paleo mayonnaise 
• 1/4 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 chopped celery stalks
• 1/4 cup sliced grapes
• pepper
• romaine lettuce leaves

Instructions

1. Shred the chicken breast and add the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, chopped celery, and sliced grapes. Mix well. If mixture is too dry, add more mayonnaise to your liking
2. Sprinkle with pepper and serve in romaine lettuce leaves

Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash

Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash

This dairy free pesto spaghetti squash with leftover chicken breast is a paleo + Whole30 compliant meal

• Author: Physical Kitchness
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1 1/2 – 2 cups cooked spaghetti squash
• 1 cooked chicken breast
• 1/4 cup pre-made pesto (recipe HERE)
• salt to taste

Instructions

1. Chop the chicken breast into cubes
2. Add the chicken to the the top of the precooked spaghetti squash and mix in the pesto. Add salt if desired
3. Reheat in the microwave or oven/toaster oven until warmed throughout

Kitchen Sink Taco Salad

Chicken and Cauliflower Coconut Curry

Chicken and Cauliflower Coconut Curry

A simple Thai-inspired soup made in minutes! Paleo and Whole30 compliant

• Author: Physical Kitchness
• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups light coconut milk
• 1 chicken breast
• 1 cup cauliflower florets (cut in small florets)
• juice of one lime
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon red Thai curry paste
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• optional: fresh cilantro and raw cashews

Instructions

1. Pour the coconut milk in a small pot over stovetop
2. Add the lime juice, ground ginger, Thai curry paste, and salt. Mix well
3. Place the cauliflower florets in the coconut milk and bring the liquid to a boil. Once a boil is reached, lower the heat and bring to a simmer
4. Cut the chicken breast into cubes and add to the pot
5. Continue to simmer for 8-10 minutes, until the cauliflower has softened slightly
6. Top with fresh cilantro and raw cashews if desired

Are you convinced yet? Convinced that bland, 2-day-old chicken breasts can be delicious again?! These leftover chicken lunch ideas are definitely worth trying, and who knows, maybe you’ll come up with a few other great leftover chicken creations that will make you rethink leftovers forever.

When healthy eating seems overwhelming, it’s simple ideas like this that can make a big impact! Be sure to share this post on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to inspire your friends and family too!

Want to know some other ways I reinvent cooked chicken for delicious meals? Then try this Thai Chicken Sweet Potato Flatbread, Skinny Fiesta Chicken Soup, and Cilantro Pesto Chicken Wraps.

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