Food waste is a growing issue, but with a little creativity, yesterday’s leftovers can become today’s delicious meals. Reinventing leftovers not only saves money but also helps reduce waste and makes meal prep easier. Instead of letting extra food go to waste, try these two creative and tasty recipes that transform common leftovers into new and exciting dishes.
1. Leftover Roast Chicken → Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pot Pie
Roast chicken is a dinnertime favorite, but what do you do with the leftovers? Instead of reheating dry chicken, turn it into a creamy chicken pot pie that’s packed with flavor. This dish makes use of not only leftover chicken but also any extra vegetables sitting in your fridge.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, or any available leftovers)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or any herbs you have)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or puff pastry)
How to Make It:
- Sauté the aromatics – In a pan, melt butter over medium heat and cook the onion and garlic until soft.
- Make the sauce – Stir in the flour and cook for one minute. Slowly add the chicken broth and milk, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Add the filling – Mix in the shredded chicken, vegetables, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Assemble the pie – Pour the filling into a baking dish and top with the pie crust. Trim the edges and cut a few small slits on top to let steam escape.
- Bake – Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Enjoy – Serve warm and savor your transformed leftovers!
Why It Works: This dish gives leftover chicken a completely new texture and flavor while making use of any extra vegetables. Plus, it’s comforting, filling, and perfect for any night of the week.
2. Leftover Rice → Crispy Veggie Fried Rice
Plain rice can feel boring when reheated, but with a few simple ingredients, you can turn it into a crispy and flavorful fried rice. This dish is perfect for using up not only leftover rice but also stray vegetables, eggs, and even bits of meat from previous meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover cooked rice (preferably chilled)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, peas, or anything you have)
- 1/2 cup cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu, optional)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder or grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
How to Make It:
- Scramble the eggs – In a large pan or wok, heat a little oil and cook the beaten eggs until just set. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the veggies – In the same pan, add more oil and cook the vegetables until slightly tender. If using leftover meat, add it now.
- Crisp up the rice – Add the cold leftover rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for a few minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.
- Flavor it up – Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Mix well so everything is evenly coated.
- Add the eggs back – Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and mix everything together.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor. Enjoy your fresh, delicious fried rice!
Why It Works: Fried rice is one of the best ways to repurpose leftover rice because the texture improves when cold rice is stir-fried. It’s also endlessly customizable—just toss in whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand.