Using leftover chicken smartly can lead to quick, healthy, and budget-friendly dinners — all under 150 calories per serving! Whether it’s roasted, grilled, or boiled chicken from lunch, these light yet satisfying dishes are perfect for weight watchers, late dinners, or those aiming to avoid heavy meals at night. Here are 7 low-calorie dinner delights made with leftover chicken that are high in protein, easy to digest, and full of flavor.
Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Approx. 120 Calories)
Swap high-carb breads for crunchy lettuce cups. Shred leftover chicken and mix it with diced capsicum, grated carrots, a dash of soy sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper. Spoon the mixture into fresh lettuce leaves. These wraps are low in calories but high in crunch and satisfaction — perfect for light dinners or snacking.
Clear Chicken Soup (Approx. 90 Calories)
Turn leftover chicken into a soothing clear soup by simmering it in water with garlic, ginger, celery, and a few herbs. Add finely chopped vegetables like cabbage or spring onions for volume and nutrients. This protein-rich broth is light, hydrating, and great for digestion before bedtime.
Chicken and Cucumber Salad (Approx. 130 Calories)
Shred the leftover chicken and toss it with cucumber ribbons, cherry tomatoes, onion slices, mint leaves, and a dash of lemon juice. Add a sprinkle of black salt and crushed pepper. This cold salad is refreshing, hydrating, and perfect for hot nights when you crave something cooling but filling.
Chicken-Stuffed Bell Peppers (Approx. 140 Calories)
Hollow out small bell peppers and stuff them with a mix of shredded chicken, chopped onions, coriander, and low-fat yogurt or hung curd. Bake for 10–15 minutes until tender. These mini stuffed peppers are flavourful, rich in protein, and low in carbs — a great dinner treat.
Chicken Zucchini Boats (Approx. 130 Calories)
Slice zucchini lengthwise, scoop out the center, and fill it with a spiced chicken mix made with herbs, onion, and a spoon of tomato puree. Bake or air-fry until the zucchini softens. These boats are colorful, low-calorie, and packed with fiber and lean protein.
Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry (Approx. 145 Calories)
Sauté shredded cabbage, carrots, and leftover chicken in a non-stick pan with garlic, green chili, and a few drops of sesame oil or olive oil. Add soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This Asian-style stir-fry is crunchy, protein-rich, and very satisfying without being heavy.
Chicken Quinoa Bowl (Approx. 150 Calories – Small Serving)
Use just 2 tablespoons of cooked quinoa and mix it with shredded chicken, diced cucumbers, onions, and parsley. Add a splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Quinoa adds fiber and minerals, while chicken gives the needed protein punch — ideal for a light, balanced meal.
Conclusion
Leftover chicken can be a smart base for low-calorie dinners that don’t compromise on taste or nutrition. With the right veggies and spices, you can turn leftovers into creative, guilt-free meals that are easy on the stomach and waistline — especially helpful for late-night eaters or those on a calorie-restricted plan.
Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Approx. 120 Calories)
Swap high-carb breads for crunchy lettuce cups. Shred leftover chicken and mix it with diced capsicum, grated carrots, a dash of soy sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper. Spoon the mixture into fresh lettuce leaves. These wraps are low in calories but high in crunch and satisfaction — perfect for light dinners or snacking.
Clear Chicken Soup (Approx. 90 Calories)
Turn leftover chicken into a soothing clear soup by simmering it in water with garlic, ginger, celery, and a few herbs. Add finely chopped vegetables like cabbage or spring onions for volume and nutrients. This protein-rich broth is light, hydrating, and great for digestion before bedtime.
Chicken and Cucumber Salad (Approx. 130 Calories)
Shred the leftover chicken and toss it with cucumber ribbons, cherry tomatoes, onion slices, mint leaves, and a dash of lemon juice. Add a sprinkle of black salt and crushed pepper. This cold salad is refreshing, hydrating, and perfect for hot nights when you crave something cooling but filling.
Chicken-Stuffed Bell Peppers (Approx. 140 Calories)
Hollow out small bell peppers and stuff them with a mix of shredded chicken, chopped onions, coriander, and low-fat yogurt or hung curd. Bake for 10–15 minutes until tender. These mini stuffed peppers are flavourful, rich in protein, and low in carbs — a great dinner treat.
Chicken Zucchini Boats (Approx. 130 Calories)
Slice zucchini lengthwise, scoop out the center, and fill it with a spiced chicken mix made with herbs, onion, and a spoon of tomato puree. Bake or air-fry until the zucchini softens. These boats are colorful, low-calorie, and packed with fiber and lean protein.
Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry (Approx. 145 Calories)
Sauté shredded cabbage, carrots, and leftover chicken in a non-stick pan with garlic, green chili, and a few drops of sesame oil or olive oil. Add soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This Asian-style stir-fry is crunchy, protein-rich, and very satisfying without being heavy.
Chicken Quinoa Bowl (Approx. 150 Calories – Small Serving)
Use just 2 tablespoons of cooked quinoa and mix it with shredded chicken, diced cucumbers, onions, and parsley. Add a splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Quinoa adds fiber and minerals, while chicken gives the needed protein punch — ideal for a light, balanced meal.
Conclusion
Leftover chicken can be a smart base for low-calorie dinners that don’t compromise on taste or nutrition. With the right veggies and spices, you can turn leftovers into creative, guilt-free meals that are easy on the stomach and waistline — especially helpful for late-night eaters or those on a calorie-restricted plan.
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