Looking for ways to use up leftover rotisserie chicken recipes?
You’re in luck! We’ve got 5 tasty recipes that are quick and easy to make. Your family will love them. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, with prep times from 10 to 30 minutes.
Imagine having many dinner options, like Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas and Chicken Poke Bowl. All made with leftover rotisserie chicken. These recipes save you time and money, and there are 92 easy chicken recipes to try.
These recipes are great for busy parents or college students. They help you make the most of your time and ingredients. Let’s dive into these 5 delicious recipes that will make meal planning easy.
Why Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Using leftover rotisserie chicken can change your kitchen game. It saves time and adds flavor and versatility to many dishes. You can make soups, salads, casseroles, and sandwiches with it.
The benefits of using rotisserie chicken are many. It’s a key ingredient in 100% of the recipes in this article. Plus, 75% of these recipes cook in under an hour, making it a huge time-saver.
Benefits of Using Rotisserie Chicken
Some key benefits of rotisserie chicken include:
- Convenience: It’s easy to find in most supermarkets.
- Versatility: It works in many dishes, from soups to salads.
- Time-saving: It cuts down cooking and prep time.
Time-Saving Advantages
Rotisserie chicken is a big time-saver. Many recipes using it cook in under an hour. This makes it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Flavor and Versatility
Rotisserie chicken brings flavor and versatility to various dishes. It’s great in soups, salads, casseroles, and sandwiches. It’s a favorite in many kitchens.
Delicious Chicken Salad Recipe
To make a tasty chicken salad, you need a few simple ingredients. You’ll need mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, mustard, salt, sugar, and pepper. Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great way to reduce waste and make a delicious meal.
Making the chicken salad is quick and easy. First, shred the cooked chicken. Then, mix it with the dressing ingredients. The dressing includes mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and mustard. Adding diced celery and onion gives the salad extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4-1/2 cups of cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup of diced celery
- 1/2 cup of diced onion
- 3/4 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of poultry seasoning
Easy Preparation Steps
To prepare the chicken salad, mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Serve it on its own or on top of lettuce. You can add your favorite ingredients to customize it.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve the chicken salad on its own, on lettuce, or as a sandwich filling. Adding toasted almond slivers or chopped scallions gives it extra flavor and texture. Each serving has about 431 calories, 38g of fat, 20g of protein, and 393mg of sodium.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked shredded chicken | 4-1/2 cups |
| Diced celery | 1 cup |
| Diced onion | 1/2 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 3/4 cup |
Comforting Chicken and Rice Casserole
A delicious chicken and rice casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner. You’ll need seasoned chicken, green chiles, black beans, corn, and crispy tostadas. Leftover rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor.
To cook, preheat your oven to 350 ℉. Cook the instant white rice as directed. Sauté the chicken, garlic, and onions until the chicken is done. Mix the cooked rice, chicken, and other ingredients in a large bowl.
Cooking Instructions and Customization Tips
To customize your casserole, add shredded sharp Cheddar cheese or frozen chopped broccoli. Try different rice types like brown or jasmine for a unique taste. Here are some tips:
- Add diced ham or bacon for extra protein
- Use different cheeses like mozzarella or feta
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
Follow these instructions and tips to make a delicious chicken and rice casserole. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to three months.
| Nutrition Information per Serving | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Carbohydrates | 76g |
| Protein | 21g |
| Fat | 24g |
Flavorful Chicken Tacos
Using leftover rotisserie chicken, you can make delicious chicken tacos easily. Just a few ingredients are needed for a tasty meal. You’ll need shredded or diced chicken, taco seasoning, and your favorite toppings.
Cooking the chicken is simple. Heat olive oil in a pan, add garlic for flavor, and then the chicken. You can also use leftover roast beef, pulled pork, or roast turkey. Add taco seasoning and boiling water for that real taco taste.
Key Ingredients and Cooking
Getting creative with toppings is fun. Try diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and grated cheddar cheese. Use hard corn taco shells or soft flour tortillas. To warm tortillas, microwave for 20-30 seconds or heat on the stovetop for 15-30 seconds each side.
Serving with Toppings
Here are some tips for making chicken tacos:
- Use about 1/4 to 1/3 pound of chicken per taco
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days
- Consider using soft flour tortillas for a more pliable and easier-to-fold taco
With these tips and a bit of creativity, you can make tasty chicken tacos. Next time you have leftover rotisserie chicken, try this recipe. Enjoy the flavorful and easy chicken tacos.
Quick Chicken Stir-Fry
To make a tasty chicken stir-fry, you need a few key ingredients. These include leftover rotisserie chicken, your favorite stir-fry veggies, and basic stir-frying skills. It’s a great choice for a weeknight dinner because it’s quick, easy, and you can customize it.
Stir-frying is all about cooking fast over high heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning. Use frozen veggies, pre-diced onions, and rotisserie chicken to speed things up. Some top stir-fry ingredients are:
- Rotisserie chicken
- Frozen stir-fry vegetables
- Pre-diced onions
- Garlic and ginger
- Soy sauce
Adding tasty sides can make your chicken stir-fry even better. Try steamed rice, roasted veggies, and toasted sesame seeds. Don’t forget green onions and a drizzle of homemade hot honey sesame sauce for extra flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Rotisserie chicken | 1 cup | 260 |
| Frozen stir-fry vegetables | 1 cup | 50 |
| Pre-diced onions | 1/2 cup | 25 |
| Garlic and ginger | 1 clove and 1 inch | 10 |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons | 10 |
With these ingredients and techniques, you can whip up a healthy and delicious chicken stir-fry. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. So, why not try it and see what you like best?
Hearty Chicken Soup
Using leftover rotisserie chicken, you can make a comforting chicken soup. It’s perfect for a cold winter’s day. You’ll need basic ingredients like vegetable oil, chopped onions, and celery sticks.
You’ll also need mushrooms, chicken broth, carrots, and cooked chicken. For flavor, add white pepper, salt, and spices like thyme and poultry seasoning.
Steps to Make the Soup
Start by sautéing onions, celery, and mushrooms in oil. Then, add chicken broth, carrots, and cooked chicken. Bring it to a boil, then simmer.
You can thicken the soup with flour and add cream for creaminess.
Variations and Add-Ins
Chicken soup is great because you can make it your own. Try adding diced bell peppers, fresh herbs, or lemon juice. You can also use different broths or add noodles or rice.
This recipe is easy to make and always a hit. It’s perfect for a quick meal or a comforting soup. It’s sure to become a favorite.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vegetable oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Chopped onions | 1 cup |
| Celery sticks | 2 medium |
| Fresh button mushrooms | 4 ounces |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups |
Simple Chicken Quesadillas
Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great way to make delicious chicken quesadillas. You’ll need shredded chicken, flour tortillas, and shredded cheese. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and get your ingredients ready, like avocado oil, red bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper.
To make chicken quesadillas, sauté the chicken with spices and veggies. Then, put it in a tortilla with cheese. Cook until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted. You can also add dips like guacamole or sour cream for extra flavor.
Here are some key ingredients and nutrition facts for chicken quesadillas:
- 12 ounces of shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken
- 4 ounces of canned roasted and diced green chiles, drained
- 8 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, such as avocado oil
- Nutrition facts per serving: 1021 calories, 59g fat, 137mg cholesterol, 2394mg sodium
For a twist, add different spices or ingredients like diced onions or black olives. Serve with salsa or sour cream for more flavor. These simple steps and ingredients make a tasty meal for any time.
Try other recipes like Healthy Chicken Pad Thai, Meal Prep Caprese Chicken Quinoa Bowl, and Black Bean and Corn Salsa. They offer new flavors and ingredients to keep your meals exciting.
| Recipe | Ingredients | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Quesadillas | Shredded chicken, flour tortillas, shredded cheese | 15 minutes |
| Healthy Chicken Pad Thai | Chicken breast, rice noodles, vegetables | 20 minutes |
| Meal Prep Caprese Chicken Quinoa Bowl | Chicken breast, quinoa, cherry tomatoes | 25 minutes |
Savory Chicken Pasta
Using leftover rotisserie chicken, you can make a tasty chicken pasta. It’s great for a weeknight dinner. You can pick from penne, fettuccine, or linguine for your pasta.
For a tasty sauce, you can use a store-bought one or make your own. Try a homemade Alfredo sauce with Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. It’s quick to make, ready in about 5 minutes.
After cooking your pasta and sauce, think about how to garnish it. Chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, or grated Parmesan cheese are good choices. Adding cooked chicken or sautéed veggies makes it more filling. This way, you can make a tasty chicken pasta for any night.
Customizing Your Chicken Pasta
- Use different types of pasta, such as penne or linguine, to change up the texture of your dish
- Add some heat with red pepper flakes or sliced jalapenos
- Mix in some steamed vegetables, like broccoli or bell peppers, for added nutrition
By following these tips and using leftover rotisserie chicken, you can create a delicious and easy chicken pasta dish. It’s perfect for any night of the week. So next time, try making some savory chicken pasta with a quick sauce and garnish it with fresh herbs and veggies.
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is a favorite dish when you have leftover rotisserie chicken. It’s easy to make, customizable, and ready in 20 minutes or less. You’ll need cooked chicken, frozen veggies, and pantry staples.
A step-by-step cooking guide helps make perfect chicken fried rice. You’ll need 2 large eggs, 10 oz of jasmine rice, 10 oz of cauliflower rice, and 16 oz of rotisserie chicken. Don’t forget to make a sauce with coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce.
Essential Components
Chicken fried rice has protein, healthy fats, and carbs. Each serving has 38 grams of protein, 44 grams of carbs, and 475 calories. It’s also low in fat, with only 15g per serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
To start, heat oil in a large skillet or wok. Add frozen veggies and cooked chicken, stir-frying until combined. Push the mixture to one side, add more oil, and crack in eggs. Scramble them until cooked.
Then, add cooked rice and sauce to the pan. Stir-fry everything together.
Here’s a summary of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 354
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 141mg
- Sodium: 759mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 21g
Creative Chicken Wraps
Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great way to make delicious chicken wraps. You just need a few ingredients to create a tasty meal. Start with large tortillas, shredded chicken, and your favorite fillings.
Learning how to wrap and roll is important for a good chicken wrap. Warm your tortillas first to avoid tears. Then, add a mix of seasoned chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy sauces. Try BBQ sauce, Caesar dressing, or basil pesto.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 pound of shredded rotisserie chicken
- Large tortillas (such as 10″ burrito-sized flour tortillas)
- Favorite fillings (e.g. lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sauces)
For a quick meal, check out La Rosa Chicken & Grill. They have gourmet chicken wraps with 49 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. With a bit of creativity, you can make tasty chicken wraps anytime.
Wrapping and Rolling Techniques
To make your wrap, start with fillings in the center of the tortilla. Leave a small border around the edges. Then, fold the bottom up, the sides, and the top.
Apply gentle pressure to compress the wrap. This makes it easier to handle. With practice, you’ll get better at making chicken wraps.
Tips for Storing Leftover Chicken
Storing leftover chicken right is key to keeping it fresh and safe. You can keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 90 days. Always use airtight containers to stop it from spoiling.
Before you put it in the fridge or freezer, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent it from drying out. Then, you can store it, making sure to label and date the containers. When you reheat it, use methods like the oven, microwave, or air fryer. Make sure it heats up to at least 165°F.
Best Storage Practices
- Store leftover chicken in airtight containers
- Label and date the containers
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of purchase
- Cool the chicken to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing
How Long Can You Keep It?
Leftover chicken stays good in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you freeze it, use it within 90 days for the best taste and texture.
Reheating Recommendations
Reheat leftover chicken in the oven, microwave, stovetop skillet, or air fryer. Always check that it reaches at least 165°F to keep it safe to eat.
| Storage Method | Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days |
| Freezer | up to 90 days |
Conclusion: Making the Most of Leftovers
Now you can use your leftover rotisserie chicken in many ways. Try creamy pasta dishes or hearty soups. A study by Epicurious shows that Americans throw away 40% of their food. This means a lot of money and resources are wasted.
By using leftover chicken, you can make tasty meals and reduce waste. Recipes like chicken salad, chicken and rice casserole, and chicken tacos can inspire you. They encourage you to try new things and find your favorite dishes.
The creamy rotisserie chicken pasta recipe is a great example. It got a 4.96 out of 5 rating from 22 votes. It shows how leftover chicken can become a delicious meal.
Experimenting with New Recipes
Exploring leftover rotisserie chicken recipes is exciting. The key is to be creative and open to new ideas. With a bit of courage, you can turn last night’s dinner into tomorrow’s lunch or something entirely new.
So, don’t be afraid to try new things. Make the most of your leftovers and enjoy the process.
FAQ
How long is leftover rotisserie chicken good in the fridge?
Leftover rotisserie chicken stays good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Make sure it’s in a sealed container at 40°F (4°C) or below. This keeps it safe from bacteria and illness.
How to best use a rotisserie chicken?
You can use a rotisserie chicken in many ways. Try it in salads, casseroles, soups, or sandwiches. Shred or chop it and add it to your favorite dishes. It’s also great as a topping for tacos or pasta.
What does Costco do with unsold rotisserie chicken?
Costco gives unsold rotisserie chicken to food banks and charities. This helps cut down on waste and helps local communities.
Is rotisserie chicken just as healthy as chicken breast?
Rotisserie chicken can be healthy, but it’s not always as good as chicken breast. It has more sodium and fat because of how it’s cooked and seasoned. But, you can make it healthier by removing the skin and choosing leaner parts.
Can I freeze leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can freeze leftover rotisserie chicken. Use airtight containers or bags to keep it fresh. Frozen chicken stays good for 4 to 6 months.
How do I reheat leftover rotisserie chicken?
Reheat leftover rotisserie chicken in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. Make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. Adding chicken broth or water helps keep it moist.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken in slow cooker recipes?
Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken is great in slow cooker recipes. Just shred or chop it and add it to your favorite slow cooker dishes.