What To Do With Chicken Stock Leftovers (7 Tasty Ideas)

Chicken stock is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. It’s a flavorful liquid that is made by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs. It’s often used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces, but it can also be used in other ways.

After making a batch of chicken stock, you may have some leftovers that you don’t know what to do with. Throwing it away would be a waste, so it’s a good idea to find ways to use it up. In this article, we’ll explore seven tasty ideas for using up leftover chicken stock.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or something more elaborate, there’s sure to be a recipe here that you’ll love. From soups and stews to casseroles and risottos, these ideas will help you make the most of your leftover chicken stock.

Soup

Chicken stock is the perfect base for a hearty, comforting soup. Here are two delicious soup ideas to use up leftover chicken stock:

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a chilly day. To make this soup, start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot until they are softened. Add leftover chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Then, add noodles and cook until they are tender. Finally, add cooked chicken and any additional seasonings, such as thyme or bay leaves, and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve hot and enjoy!

Creamy Chicken Soup

If you’re in the mood for something a little more indulgent, try making a creamy chicken soup. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot until they are softened. Add leftover chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Then, add diced potatoes and cook until they are tender. Next, add cooked chicken and any additional seasonings, such as rosemary or sage. Finally, add heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken up. Serve hot and enjoy!

Sauces and Gravies

Chicken stock is the perfect base for sauces and gravies. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Chicken Gravy

Chicken gravy is a classic use for leftover chicken stock. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients	Amount
Butter	2 tablespoons
All-purpose flour	2 tablespoons
Chicken stock	2 cups
Salt	To taste
Pepper	To taste

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually add the chicken stock, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

White Wine Sauce

White wine sauce is a delicious way to use up leftover chicken stock. Here’s a recipe:

Ingredients	Amount
Butter	2 tablespoons
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
All-purpose flour	2 tablespoons
Chicken stock	2 cups
White wine	1/2 cup
Heavy cream	1/2 cup
Salt	To taste
Pepper	To taste

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually add the chicken stock and white wine, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 5-10 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stews and Casseroles

When it comes to using chicken stock leftovers, stews and casseroles are a great option. Chicken stock adds a rich flavor to these dishes and can help stretch the ingredients you have on hand. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients	Instructions
2 cups cooked rice	Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread cooked rice in the bottom of the dish.
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded	Sprinkle shredded chicken over the rice.
1 cup frozen peas and carrots	Sprinkle frozen peas and carrots over the chicken.
1 can cream of mushroom soup	In a separate bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup of chicken stock. Pour mixture over the casserole.
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup breadcrumbs	Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole.
2 tbsp butter, melted	Drizzle melted butter over the breadcrumbs.
Salt and pepper	Season with salt and pepper to taste.
	Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Chicken and Dumplings

Another classic comfort food, chicken and dumplings is a hearty dish that’s perfect for using up leftover chicken stock. Here’s a simple recipe:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken stock, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until a dough forms.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering broth. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
4. Stir in shredded chicken and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

Risotto and Pilaf

Chicken stock is a key ingredient in making risotto and pilaf. Risotto is a creamy and flavorful Italian dish made with Arborio rice, while pilaf is a fluffy and fragrant Middle Eastern dish made with long-grain rice. Here are two delicious ways to use leftover chicken stock in these dishes:

Chicken Risotto

To make chicken risotto, start by sautéing onions and garlic in a large saucepan. Add Arborio rice and stir until the rice is coated with oil. Pour in chicken stock, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed before adding the next ladle. Repeat until the rice is cooked through but still al dente. Finally, stir in cooked shredded chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Serve hot.

Chicken and Wild Rice Pilaf

To make chicken and wild rice pilaf, start by sautéing onions and celery in a large skillet. Add long-grain rice and stir until the rice is coated with oil. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir in cooked shredded chicken, cooked wild rice, and toasted almonds. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Marinades and Brines

Marinades and brines are great ways to add flavor and moisture to chicken. They’re also a great way to use up leftover chicken stock. Here are two recipes to try:

Buttermilk Marinade

Buttermilk marinade is a classic Southern recipe that tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy flavor. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients	Amount
Buttermilk	2 cups
Chicken stock	1 cup
Salt	1 tsp
Pepper	1 tsp
Garlic powder	1 tsp
Paprika	1 tsp

Whisk together all the ingredients in a bowl. Add chicken and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill, bake, or fry the chicken as desired.

Lemon and Herb Brine

Lemon and herb brine is a great way to infuse chicken with a bright, fresh flavor. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients	Amount
Chicken stock	4 cups
Lemon	1, sliced
Garlic	4 cloves, smashed
Thyme	4 sprigs
Rosemary	2 sprigs
Salt	1/4 cup
Sugar	1/4 cup

Combine all the ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Add chicken to the brine and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Remove chicken from the brine and discard the brine. Grill, bake, or fry the chicken as desired.

Conclusion

There are a variety of ways to use leftover chicken stock, from soups to casseroles to sauces. By using these creative ideas, you can reduce food waste and save money on groceries.

One of the simplest ways to use leftover chicken stock is to make a quick soup, such as egg drop soup or chicken noodle soup. These soups can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Another option is to use leftover chicken stock as a base for sauces and gravies. By adding a few ingredients such as butter, flour, and herbs, you can create a rich and flavorful sauce to serve over pasta, rice, or vegetables.

If you’re looking for a heartier meal, try making a casserole or skillet dish with leftover chicken and stock. These dishes can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as rice, vegetables, and cheese, to create a filling and satisfying meal.

Overall, there are many ways to use leftover chicken stock that are both delicious and easy to make. By getting creative with your ingredients and using up what you have on hand, you can reduce food waste and save money on groceries while enjoying tasty and nutritious meals.