The holidays often leave our fridges full of delicious possibilities, especially when it comes to leftover chicken and roasted vegetables. Instead of reheating the same plate, transform them into a Holiday leftover chicken hash — a comforting, colorful, and low-carb fall dinner recipe that brings new life to your festive flavors. This simple one-pan fall veggie hash is nourishing, quick to prepare, and adaptable for clean-eating lifestyles like the AIP or DASH diet. In this post, you’ll discover how to make this cozy dish step by step, plus expert storage tips and creative serving ideas that make leftovers feel brand-new again.
Bringing Comfort to the Table
Cozy Memories Around Holiday Leftovers
There’s something heartwarming about the quiet evening that follows a bustling holiday gathering. The table has been cleared, laughter still lingers in the air, and the fridge is packed with holiday leftover chicken and roasted vegetables waiting for their next chapter. One chilly fall night, I found myself craving comfort but not another round of the same meal. That’s when I stirred together those holiday leftover chicken pieces and caramelized vegetables into a sizzling skillet of fall veggie hash. The aroma filled my kitchen and instantly brought back the cozy spirit of the holidays.
Ever since, this holiday leftover chicken tradition has become a seasonal ritual — turning simple ingredients into a dish that tastes like home. It’s amazing how a fall veggie hash can capture that warmth, transforming what’s left over into something beautifully new.
The Holiday Leftover Chicken & Veggie Hash is more than a clever use of leftovers — it’s a symbol of fall simplicity and wholesome balance. As leaves turn golden and schedules grow busier, we all crave meals that bring nourishment without fuss. This one-pan wonder fits perfectly into that rhythm, aligning beautifully with both AIP fall dinner recipes and fall dinner recipes low-carb. You can toss in whatever roasted veggies you have — sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers — and let the flavors mingle into a comforting medley.
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Holiday Leftover Chicken & Veggie Hash
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Turn leftover holiday chicken and vegetables into a comforting one-pan fall dinner that’s colorful, low-carb, and ready in under an hour. This simple sautéed hash is versatile, nourishing, and perfect for clean-eating lifestyles.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering
2. Add onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent
3. Add diced sweet potato and stir occasionally until lightly browned and tender
4. Stir in bell pepper and cook until softened
5. Add shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook until heated through
6. Fold in spinach and cook until wilted
7. If desired, let hash sit undisturbed for a minute to create a crispy base
8. Adjust seasoning and serve hot
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: sauté
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 75
Keywords: holiday leftover chicken hash, fall veggie hash, low-carb fall dinner, one-pan meal, leftover makeover, nourishing fall meal, cozy dinner
The Heart of a Fall Hash Recipe
The result is a colorful, nutrient-rich hash that’s quick to make, filling, and ideal for anyone looking to keep their meals both satisfying and wellness-inspired. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds us that cozy fall routines can be as easy as heating up a skillet and letting simple ingredients shine.
Nourishing Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need
Ingredients That Bring Seasonal Flavor
The beauty of this Holiday Leftover Chicken & Veggie Hash lies in its ability to celebrate fall’s best ingredients while keeping things simple and wholesome. Each component adds a layer of flavor, texture, and nourishment — making it a truly nourishing fall meal that satisfies without being heavy. By combining hearty vegetables with lean chicken and fresh herbs, this fall veggie hash recipe creates a meal that balances comfort and health, offering a delicious low-carb balance for busy weeknights or post-holiday evenings.
| Ingredient | Approximate Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Leftover chicken | 2 cups | Shredded or cubed for easy mixing |
| Sweet potatoes | 1 medium | Diced small so they cook evenly |
| Bell pepper | 1 large | Choose red or yellow for natural sweetness |
| Onion | 1 small | Diced to bring a subtle caramelized flavor |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Helps achieve golden crispness |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced for aromatic depth |
| Spinach | 1 cup | Optional—adds color and extra greens |
| Thyme or rosemary | 1 tsp | Fresh or dried herbs for earthy warmth |
Each ingredient plays its own role: the sweet potatoes lend natural sweetness and a hint of starchiness that balances the protein of the chicken; peppers and onions add color and lightness; and fresh herbs tie everything together with an unmistakable fall aroma. Spinach or kale can be stirred in at the end for a boost of nutrients, turning this simple recipe into a complete, nourishing fall meal. Whether you’re following a clean eating plan or just craving a low-carb fall dinner, this base can adapt beautifully to whatever you have on hand.
Tools That Make Cooking Easier
To bring this fall veggie hash recipe to life, you don’t need fancy gadgets — just a few reliable tools that make the process smooth and enjoyable. A well-heated cast-iron skillet is the real star of the show; its even heat helps create those irresistible golden, crispy edges that define a great hash. Pair it with a sturdy spatula to toss ingredients gently and prevent sticking.
You’ll also want a sharp knife and cutting board for prepping veggies, a mixing bowl for combining everything before it hits the skillet, and a serving dish for presenting your hash family-style.
- Pre-chop veggies earlier in the day to save time when cooking.
- Reheat leftover chicken slightly before adding it to the pan — this keeps it juicy and helps it blend easily with the vegetables.
- Use medium-high heat to brown the veggies first, then lower it slightly to let flavors meld without overcooking the greens.
These simple tools and techniques make cooking not only easier but also more enjoyable. Every sizzling stir in the pan will remind you that turning leftovers into a hearty, nourishing fall meal doesn’t require effort — just a little creativity and care. With everything ready on your countertop, you’ll be set to build layers of flavor and texture that feel both indulgent and wholesome.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method & Creative Serving Ideas
Easy Cooking Directions for a Holiday Leftover Chicken Hash
Making your Holiday Leftover Chicken & Veggie Hash is wonderfully simple — everything happens in one skillet, creating both ease and incredible flavor. The key is balancing a golden crisp on the veggies with tender, juicy bites of chicken. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve that perfect texture and taste:
- Heat the pan. Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Give it a minute or two to heat through — you want the surface to be evenly hot for that signature golden crust.
- Sauté aromatics. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and just turning translucent. This little step builds the base layer of flavor that will season every bite of your holiday leftover chicken hash.
- Add hearty vegetables. Toss in the diced sweet potatoes and stir to coat them evenly with the oil and aromatics. Let them cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally so they develop color on all sides. If you’re adding denser vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots, include them now so everything cooks evenly.
- Mix in lighter veggies. After the sweet potatoes start to soften, add the bell peppers and cook another 3–4 minutes. These vegetables contribute sweet brightness and help the dish feel light, even as it remains hearty enough for a low-carb fall dinner recipe.
- Fold in the leftover chicken. Add your shredded or cubed chicken to the skillet, tossing gently with the vegetables. Because it’s already cooked, you only need a few minutes — just long enough to warm it through and allow the flavors to blend. Add thyme or rosemary here, plus salt and pepper to taste.
- Add greens and finish. If using spinach or kale, fold it into the mix just before removing the skillet from heat. The residual warmth will wilt the greens and round out your fall veggie hash beautifully.
- Adjust texture and serve. If the mixture seems dry, drizzle in a bit more olive oil or a splash of broth for moisture. For those who enjoy a little crispness, let the hash sit undisturbed in the skillet for one last minute before plating — this creates a delicious, slightly crispy base layer.
In less than 25 minutes, you’ll have a pan of golden perfection ready to enjoy. This one-skillet technique not only simplifies cleanup but also concentrates the flavors, making it a dependable go-to for busy fall evenings.
Serving Suggestions That Feel Like Fall
- Top it with a fried or poached egg. The runny yolk adds richness that melds beautifully with the crispy, savory hash — a weekend brunch-style twist on a nourishing fall meal.
- Serve with a simple side salad. Pair your hash with crisp greens tossed in lemon vinaigrette to balance out the dish’s earthy notes.
- Add fall-inspired toppings. Consider sprinkling toasted pumpkin seeds, diced avocado, or a drizzle of tahini over the top for texture and color. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme give an aromatic lift.
- Make it family-style. Bring the skillet straight from stovetop to table for an inviting presentation. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual holiday gatherings.
- Reheat leftovers easily. Store your hash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to keep it crispy, or warm gently in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prep the vegetables the day before or cook the entire hash ahead of time, then reheat it just before serving. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more satisfying the next day. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty breakfast, an easy lunch, or a comforting dinner, this fall veggie hash brings that unmistakable cozy feeling of autumn into every bite.
FAQs & Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works beautifully in this holiday leftover chicken hash — just swap equal amounts and follow the same directions. Since turkey is often leaner, a dab of olive oil or broth helps maintain moisture.
2. How do I store leftover hash?
Store your cooled fall veggie hash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet to keep its crisp texture. It can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight before reheating.
3. Can this recipe fit into the AIP or DASH diet?
Yes! This low-carb fall dinner recipe is flexible for both dietary approaches. For AIP, skip bell peppers and use compliant herbs. For the DASH version, focus on herbs and lemon for flavor without excess salt. Either way, it’s a naturally balanced, colorful dish.
4. What other vegetables work well in a fall hash?
Try adding parsnips, carrots, or rutabagas for earthy depth, or cauliflower and zucchini for a lighter version. Combining crisp vegetables with tender greens adds texture and visual appeal to your fall veggie hash recipe.
5. How can I make it dairy-free or egg-free?
This nourishing fall meal is naturally dairy-free. For an egg-free option, skip the fried egg topping and finish with avocado or tahini for rich creaminess.
Conclusion — A New Fall Favorite
The Holiday Leftover Chicken & Veggie Hash proves that comfort and nourishment can come from the simplest of moments — especially when transforming the remains of a festive feast into something fresh and full of life. With just one skillet, a handful of seasonal vegetables, and a touch of creativity, you can craft a low-carb fall dinner recipe that warms both the kitchen and the soul.
This dish celebrates resourcefulness, turning holiday leftover chicken into a vibrant, nourishing fall meal that’s satisfying, wholesome, and colorful. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy family dinner, a weekend brunch, or a next-day lunch, it’s bound to become a new fall tradition. Next time your fridge is full after the holidays, skip the reheating — make this fall veggie hash instead and savor the comfort of something deliciously new. Let it remind you that even leftovers can bring joy to the table — one golden, crispy bite at a time.
