Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Have you wondered what are some good ways to use up leftover cooked boneless skinless chicken thighs?

This recipe takes tender chicken that’s been pre-cooked and yields a complete dish that is packed with flavor and protein and can quickly get a meal on the table for your family on busy weeknights.

(Have even more leftover chicken to use? Make one of my all-time favorite recipes next: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad!)

➡️ Ingredients

⏲ How to make green chile chicken with leftover chicken thighs

This is an overview of the recipe’s instructions. The full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Sauté Chopped Jalapeño: In a cast-iron skillet, melt some butter then sauté your chopped jalapeño for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
• Add In Ingredients And Stir: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, whole milk, cream cheese, green chiles, and your spices and cook until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth. Then, stir in your leftover shredded chicken.
• Top With Shredded Cheese: Reduce the stovetop heat to low, use a rubber spatula to flatten the mixture in the skillet into an even layer, then sprinkle on some more shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking until the cheese topping is melted and bubbling, about 5 minutes.
• Garnish And Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped green onions then serve.

👉 Ingredient substitution suggestions

• Jalapeño: Anaheim peppers are a great alternative to jalapeños in this recipe. They are milder than jalapenos, so if you’re looking to decrease the spiciness of the dish, follow this substitution suggestion.
• Finely Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Finely shredded Mexican cheese or finely shredded Colby jack are your best options here. Shredded mozzarella cheese will also work, if this is the only cheese you have on hand.
• Shredded Leftover Cooked Chicken Thighs: Shredded leftover chicken breasts or shredded rotisserie chicken will work.

〰️ How to serve

• Make chicken tacos by scooping the prepared dish into corn or flour tortillas.
• Serve with some cheesy breadsticks.
• Serve alongside some roasted potatoes or, for a low-carb option, roasted radishes or air fryer eggplant.
• Scoop some cilantro lime cauliflower rice on top or serve on the side.
• Garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Garnish each serving with mashed avocado or avocado slices.

💬 FAQs

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• Cajun Chicken Thighs In A Creamy Sauce