Delicious and Easy Chinese Dishes to Make with Leftover Roast Chicken

Leftover roast chicken from yesterday's dinner? Don't throw it out! There are several Chinese recipes that can turn your leftover chicken into a delicious meal. This is a great way to avoid food wastage and eat healthily on those nights when you're too busy to cook from scratch.

When it comes to Chinese cooking, there are a few essential ingredients that you'll need to have on hand. Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil are just a few examples. These ingredients can be used to add flavour to your leftover chicken and turn it into a mouth-watering Chinese dish. You can also add seafood to your recipe for an extra burst of flavour. Shrimp, scallops, and squid are all great options to consider.

Transforming your leftover roast chicken into a stir-fry is one of the easiest ways to make a Chinese meal. Simply chop up some vegetables, add your leftover chicken and stir-fry sauce, and you've got a delicious meal in minutes. You can also use your leftover chicken to make noodle dishes, innovative meals, and quick and easy soups. The possibilities are endless!

Key Takeaways

• Leftover roast chicken can be transformed into delicious Chinese dishes using essential ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
• Seafood can be added to your recipe for an extra burst of flavour.
• Transforming your leftover roast chicken into a stir-fry, noodle dish, or soup is a quick and easy way to make a Chinese meal.

Essential Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Dishes

When making Chinese chicken dishes, there are a few essential ingredients that you should always have on hand. These ingredients will help you create delicious and authentic Chinese flavours, whether you are using fresh chicken or leftover roast chicken.

Choosing Your Protein

Chicken is the most common protein used in Chinese cooking, but you can also use other meats such as pork, beef or seafood. If you are using leftover roast chicken, make sure to remove the skin and bones before using it in your recipe. Seafood such as prawns or squid can also be used to add a different flavour to your dish.

Vegetables and Aromatics

Vegetables are an important part of Chinese cuisine, and you can use a variety of them in your chicken dishes. Common vegetables used in Chinese cooking include broccoli, bok choy, carrots, and mushrooms. Aromatics such as garlic and ginger are also essential to add flavour to your dish. Minced garlic can be used in marinades and sauces, while fresh ginger can be grated or sliced and added to stir-fries.

Sauces and Seasonings

Sauces and seasonings are what give Chinese dishes their distinct flavour. Soy sauce is a must-have in Chinese cooking, and you can use both light and dark soy sauce in your recipes. Sesame oil is another essential ingredient that can be used to add flavour to your dishes. Hoisin sauce is a sweet and savoury sauce that can be used as a marinade or dipping sauce. Five-spice powder is a blend of spices that is commonly used in Chinese cooking and can be used to season your dishes.

When making Chinese chicken dishes, it's important to have these essential ingredients on hand. Whether you are using fresh chicken or leftover roast chicken, you can create delicious and authentic Chinese flavours with these ingredients. Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and proteins, and consider adding seafood such as prawns or squid to your dishes for a different flavour.

Transforming Leftovers Into Stir-Fry

If you have some leftover roast chicken and you're not sure what to do with it, why not transform it into a delicious stir-fry? This is a quick and easy way to create a satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a tasty and healthy dish that the whole family will love.

Classic Chicken Stir-Fry

One of the easiest ways to use up leftover roast chicken is to make a classic chicken stir-fry. Simply heat up a wok or frying pan and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, add your chicken and stir-fry for a few minutes until it's heated through. Then, add some sliced peppers, broccoli, green onions, and frozen peas. Stir-fry for a few more minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp. Finally, add some sesame seeds for extra flavour and texture.

Chicken Fried Rice

Another great way to use up leftover roast chicken is to make chicken fried rice. Start by cooking some rice according to the instructions on the packet. Once the rice is cooked, heat up a wok or frying pan and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, add some chopped garlic and ginger and stir-fry for a minute or two. Then, add your cooked rice and stir-fry for a few minutes until it's heated through. Next, add your leftover roast chicken, some sliced peppers, and some frozen peas. Stir-fry for a few more minutes until everything is heated through. Finally, add some soy sauce and sesame oil for extra flavour.

Vegetable Add-Ins for Stir-Fry

If you want to add some extra vegetables to your stir-fry, consider using some sliced peppers, broccoli, green onions, or frozen peas. These vegetables will add colour, flavour, and texture to your dish. You can also add some seafood to your stir-fry for some extra protein and flavour. Prawns or scallops would work well with this recipe. Simply add them to the wok or frying pan along with the other ingredients and stir-fry until they're cooked through.

Noodle Delights From Leftover Chicken

If you have some leftover roast chicken, you can easily turn it into a delicious noodle dish. Noodles are a staple in Chinese cuisine and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are two noodle recipes that you can make with your leftover roast chicken.

Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese noodle dish that is quick and easy to make at home. The dish is made with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and egg noodles. The sauce is made with a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, which gives it a rich and savory flavor.

To make Chicken Chow Mein with your leftover roast chicken, simply stir-fry the chicken with some vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts. Then, add cooked egg noodles and toss everything together with the sauce. You can also add some seafood like shrimp or squid to the dish to give it an extra kick.

Spicy Chicken Noodles

If you're in the mood for something spicy, you can try making Spicy Chicken Noodles. This dish is made with egg noodles, chicken, and a spicy sauce made with Sriracha and soy sauce. The dish is garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, which add a nice crunch to the dish.

To make Spicy Chicken Noodles, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Then, stir-fry the chicken with some vegetables like bell peppers and onions. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together with the spicy sauce. You can also add some seafood like prawns or mussels to the dish to give it a seafood twist.

Noodles are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. With your leftover roast chicken, you can easily make a delicious noodle dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner. Try these two recipes and experiment with different ingredients to create your own noodle masterpiece.

Innovative Leftover Chicken Meals

If you have leftover roast chicken and you're looking for some innovative ways to use it up, you've come to the right place. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:

Chicken Tacos and Wraps

One delicious way to use up leftover roast chicken is to make chicken tacos or wraps. Simply shred the chicken and mix it with some spices, such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Then, heat up some tortillas or wraps and add the chicken, along with some fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. You can also add a dollop of sour cream and some grated cheese for extra flavour.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could even add some seafood to your tacos or wraps. Shrimp or crab meat would be a great addition, adding a delicious seafood flavour to your meal.

Savoury Chicken Casserole

Another great way to use up leftover roast chicken is to make a savoury chicken casserole. Start by making a roux with butter and flour, then add some chicken stock to make a creamy sauce. Add some chopped veggies like carrots, celery, and onions, along with some cooked rice or pasta. Then, add the shredded chicken and mix everything together.

If you're looking to add some seafood to your casserole, try adding some prawns or mussels. They'll add a delicious seafood flavour to your meal and make it even more filling.

These are just a couple of ideas for using up leftover roast chicken. With a little creativity, you can come up with many more delicious meals that your family will love.

Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken Soups

If you have leftover roast chicken, you can use it to make a variety of delicious Chinese soups that are quick and easy to prepare. Here are two of our favourite recipes:

Congee: Chinese Rice Porridge

Congee is a classic Chinese dish that is often eaten for breakfast. It is a type of rice porridge that is flavoured with chicken broth and served with a variety of toppings. To make chicken congee with leftover roast chicken, you will need:

• 1 cup of basmati rice
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 2 cups of water
• 2 cups of shredded roast chicken
• 1/2 cup of sweetcorn
• 1/2 cup of chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup of chopped green beans

To make the congee, simply bring the rice, chicken broth and water to a boil in a large pot. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice has broken down and the mixture is thick and creamy. Add the shredded chicken, sweetcorn, carrots and green beans and cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Serve hot with your favourite toppings, such as chopped spring onions, crispy fried onions, or a soft-boiled egg.

If you want to add seafood to the congee, you could try using prawns or scallops. Simply add them to the pot along with the vegetables and cook until they are pink and cooked through.

Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup

This hearty soup is perfect for a cold winter's day. To make it, you will need:

• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 2 cups of water
• 2 cups of shredded roast chicken
• 2 cups of chopped vegetables (such as carrots, green beans and sweetcorn)
• 1 cup of noodles (such as egg noodles or udon noodles)

Bring the chicken broth and water to a boil in a large pot. Add the shredded chicken and chopped vegetables and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Add the noodles and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until they are cooked through. Serve hot with a sprinkle of chopped coriander or a squeeze of lime juice.

For a seafood twist on this recipe, you could try using prawns or squid instead of the chicken. Simply cook them in the broth for a few minutes before adding the vegetables and noodles.

Leftover Roast Chicken Recipe Ideas

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to use up leftover roast chicken, then you're in the right place. Here are two delicious Chinese-inspired recipes that will make your leftovers shine.

Chicken Curry in a Hurry

This chicken curry recipe is perfect for when you're short on time but still want a tasty and satisfying meal. To make it, you'll need:

• 2 cups leftover roast chicken, shredded
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Rice, to serve

To prepare, simply heat some oil in a pan and sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the curry powder, cumin, and coriander, and cook for a minute or two until fragrant. Add the shredded chicken, coconut milk, and brown sugar, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve with rice.

Sweet and Sour Chicken Perfection

This sweet and sour chicken recipe is a classic Chinese dish that's sure to please. To make it, you'll need:

• 2 cups leftover roast chicken, shredded
• 1 green pepper, sliced
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 can pineapple chunks, drained
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Rice, to serve

To prepare, start by heating some oil in a pan and sautéing the peppers and onion until softened. Add the pineapple chunks, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, and soy sauce, and bring to a simmer. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry, and add it to the pan. Stir until the sauce has thickened, then add the shredded chicken and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve with rice.

For a seafood twist, you can add shrimp or prawns to either of these recipes. Simply add them in during the last few minutes of cooking, and you'll have a delicious surf and turf meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some simple ways to turn leftover roast chicken into a Chinese dish?

If you have leftover roast chicken, there are many ways to turn it into a delicious Chinese-inspired meal. You can shred the chicken and use it in a stir-fry with vegetables, or use it to make a noodle dish. Another simple option is to add some Chinese five-spice powder to the chicken and use it to make a salad with cucumber and sesame seeds.

How can I incorporate leftover roast chicken into a fried rice recipe?

Fried rice is a great way to use up leftover roast chicken. Simply chop the chicken into small pieces and stir-fry it with some cooked rice, vegetables, and eggs. You can also add some soy sauce and sesame oil for extra flavour.

What's the best method to repurpose leftover roast chicken breast into a Chinese-style meal?

If you have leftover roast chicken breast, you can use it to make a simple Chinese-style soup. Just simmer the chicken in some chicken broth with ginger, garlic, and green onions. You can also add some noodles or rice to make it more filling.

Can you suggest any Chinese-inspired dishes that work well with shredded roast chicken?

Shredded roast chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many Chinese dishes. You can use it to make spring rolls, dumplings, or fried wontons. You can also add it to a stir-fry with vegetables or use it to make a noodle dish.

How long can I safely store leftover roast chicken before using it in a recipe?

It's important to store leftover roast chicken properly to avoid food poisoning. You can safely store cooked chicken in the fridge for up to four days. If you're not going to use it within that time, you can freeze it for up to three months.

What are some creative ideas for adding flavour to dry leftover roast chicken?

If your leftover roast chicken is dry, you can add some moisture and flavour by using it in a soup or stew. You can also shred the chicken and mix it with some hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for a quick and easy meal. Another option is to add some seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, to the dish to add some extra flavour and texture.