Imagine the week’s chaos is over. The family is together, and dinner needs to be ready. You look in the fridge and see the leftover rotisserie chicken. It’s a lifesaver when you’re too tired to cook.
This rotisserie chicken can become many tasty dishes. It’s great for big families or for meal prep. Using leftovers saves time, cuts down on waste, and makes meals healthy and tasty.
There are many ways to use leftover chicken. You can make quick salads or big casseroles. We’ll show you lots of recipes that are easy to make and won’t break the bank.
Key Takeaways
- Discover creative and delicious ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Reduce food waste and save money with versatile recipes.
- Preparation tips for quick and easy meals perfect for busy weekdays.
- Ensure you have nutritious and flavorful meals for the whole family.
- Enjoy the convenience and delight of turning leftovers into gourmet dishes.
Why You Shouldn’t Waste Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
Using leftover rotisserie chicken is smart. It saves money and time. It’s also very tasty and easy to find in stores.
The Benefits of Using Leftover Chicken
Leftover rotisserie chicken is very useful. It lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. This means you can make lots of tasty meals with it.
One chicken can feed 4-6 people. You can make many different dishes with it. This saves you a lot of time and effort.
Cost-Effective Meal Planning
A rotisserie chicken costs $5 to $10. It can feed 2-4 people. Using it saves you about 50% of meal prep time.
This can save you $20 a month. That’s $1,200 a year. It’s a great way to save money on food.
40% of people like easy meals. Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this. It’s also good for the environment because it reduces food waste.
Quick and Easy Chicken Salad Recipes
Turn leftover rotisserie chicken into tasty salads. They’re great for a light lunch or side dish. These recipes are quick and yummy.
Classic Chicken Salad
The classic chicken salad is a top pick. It uses mayo, celery, and red onion. You can make it in 25 minutes for 6 people.
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast meat (approximately 4 cups diced)
- 2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
- 1 cup celery, cut in half lengthwise then sliced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 cup toasted and coarsely chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill
This salad keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Avocado Chicken Salad
For a creamy twist, try the avocado chicken salad. Mix ripe avocados with chicken, lime juice, and celery. Add a bit of salt and pepper for a gourmet touch.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
The Greek yogurt chicken salad is a healthier choice. It has Greek yogurt, chicken, celery, and pickle relish. It’s creamy and flavorful, ready in under 15 minutes.
Comforting Chicken Soup Recipes
Leftover rotisserie chicken makes great chicken soups for any time of year. It saves time and adds lots of flavor. You can make classic chicken noodle soup or chicken and rice soup with it.
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
This classic chicken noodle soup is comforting and nourishing. It’s ready in under 40 minutes. You can use leftover chicken to make it even quicker.
This recipe serves 6 and has a 4.9-star rating from 262 reviews. Adding fresh lemon juice gives it a zesty twist. Here’s what you need and its nutritional info:
- 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 medium carrots, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 cups of diced rotisserie or leftover chicken breast meat
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley for garnish
- Recommended pasta shapes, such as cheese tortellini
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Calories | 298 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 11.4g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4g |
| Cholesterol | 97.7mg |
| Sodium | 748.7mg |
| Carbohydrates | 22.9g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7g |
| Total Sugars | 7.5g |
| Protein | 24.8g |
Keep the soup in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Or freeze it for up to 3 months for a comforting meal anytime.
Hearty Chicken and Rice Soup
For a filling meal, try the chicken and rice soup. It’s made with carrots, chicken broth, and rotisserie chicken. The rice makes it a complete meal.
Using leftover chicken makes the soup flavorful and reduces waste. These recipes give your leftover chicken a delicious second life.
Creative Chicken Taco Ideas
Chicken tacos are a tasty and easy meal idea. You can make them with leftover chicken. Try the Asian Chicken Tacos, ready in just 30 minutes.
Each taco is a mix of chicken, slaw, and a special sriracha-lime sauce with four simple ingredients.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Average weight of chicken | 3/4 pound (about 340 grams) |
| Cooking time for pan-seared chicken | 6-10 minutes |
| Cooking temperature for chicken | 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) |
| Grilling time per side | 4-6 minutes |
| Total calories per serving | 716 kcal |
| Total carbohydrates per serving | 68 g |
| Total protein per serving | 34 g |
| Total fat per serving | 36 g |
| Saturated fat per serving | 8 g |
| Sodium per serving | 1206 mg |
| Serving size | 1 serving |
This meal is full of color and taste. It needs green cabbage, cilantro, red onion, and carrots. Honey mangoes add a sweet and tangy flavor.
Want to eat less carbs? Try cauliflower rice. You can use taco shells, rice, or lettuce wraps. Store leftover chicken in a sealed container in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for 3 months.
Here’s how to reheat your chicken:
- Stove method: Heat in a Dutch oven or sauté pan until hot and saucy.
- Slow cooker method: Heat from frozen on high for 1-3 hours.
- Instant Pot method: Pressure cook for 5 minutes after thawing.
Healthy Chicken Wraps and Sandwiches
Looking for tasty and easy meals? Try healthy chicken wraps and sandwiches. They are quick, nutritious, and full of flavor.
The chicken bacon ranch wrap is a favorite. It has about 676 calories per wrap. You can make two in 15 minutes, great for lunch or dinner.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shredded rotisserie chicken | 1 1/2 cups |
| Ranch dressing | 1/4 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1/3 cup |
| Crispy bacon | 2 strips |
| Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo | 1/4 cup |
| Flour tortillas (burrito-sized, 10″) | 2 |
You can change the recipe to fit your taste or diet. Try low-fat ranch or whole grain tortillas.
Each wrap is packed with good stuff. Here’s what you get:
- 386 kcal
- 21 g Carbohydrates
- 25 g Protein
- 23 g Total Fat (7 g Saturated Fat, 3 g Polyunsaturated Fat, 10 g Monounsaturated Fat, 0.01 g Trans Fat)
- 75 mg Cholesterol
- 374 mg Sodium
- 480 mg Potassium
- 4 g Fiber
- 2 g Sugar
- 350 IU Vitamin A
- 7 mg Vitamin C
- 174 mg Calcium
- 2 mg Iron
These wraps have proteins and healthy fats. They help build muscle and keep you full. They’re perfect for a quick meal or lunch on the go.
Homemade Chicken Pizza Recipes
Make your pizza night special with leftover rotisserie chicken. Try BBQ chicken pizza or Mediterranean flavors. Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a hit, mixing pre-cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and cheese.
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza is fast and tasty. It’s ready in 25 minutes, making eight slices for everyone.
| Nutritional Breakdown (per slice) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 277 |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Protein | 16g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 41mg |
| Sodium | 852mg |
| Potassium | 110mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 260IU |
| Vitamin C | 2mg |
| Calcium | 138mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
You’ll need 12 to 16 ounces of pizza dough for the perfect Buffalo Chicken Pizza. Also, get:
- ¾ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cups of cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
- 4 ounces each of sharp cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese
- Optional: ½ cup of ranch or blue cheese dressing
Preheat your oven to 425℉ (215℃). Bake the pizza for 15-18 minutes. The edges should be golden, and the cheese melted. Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat at 300℉ (150℃) for 10-12 minutes or in an air fryer at 325°F (163°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
Using leftover chicken makes delicious homemade pizzas. Enjoy your next pizza night with these tasty ideas!
Simple and Delicious Chicken Pasta Dishes
Chicken pasta dishes are quick and comforting. They use leftover rotisserie chicken well. This section covers two tasty recipes: Creamy Chicken Alfredo and Chicken Pesto Pasta.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo
Creamy Chicken Alfredo is a favorite for many. It’s rich and comforting. It’s also great for using up rotisserie chicken.
- Cooking Time: About 25 minutes.
- Main Ingredients: Chicken, pasta, Alfredo sauce.
- Cooking Method: It’s mostly hands-off with a slow cooker.
To make Creamy Chicken Alfredo, cook pasta in chicken broth for 7 minutes. Then, add cream and Parmesan. Let it thicken for 1 to 2 minutes. Add chicken and veggies, and warm for 5 minutes before serving.
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Chicken Pesto Pasta is light and flavorful. It’s a great choice for quick meals. It combines basil pesto with rotisserie chicken.
- Cooking Time: About 20 minutes.
- Main Ingredients: Chicken, pasta, basil pesto.
- Cooking Method: It’s quick to make on the stovetop.
To make Chicken Pesto Pasta, cook pasta like cavatappi or penne. Mix cooked pasta with pesto and chicken. Add roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for extra texture and nutrition.
This dish is ready to eat or can be stored for later. When reheating, add broth or cream to keep pasta moist. Both dishes are quick, easy, and delicious, perfect for busy cooks.
Flavorful Chicken Stir-Fry Recipes
Using leftover rotisserie chicken in stir-fries is a great idea. It saves time and adds flavor to your meals. These recipes are easy and delicious.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
This teriyaki chicken stir-fry is quick and tasty. It’s ready in under 35 minutes. You’ll need:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16 oz.) bag of frozen mixed stir fry vegetables
- ⅔ cup stir fry sauce
- 1 ¼ cups brown rice
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1 tablespoon canola oil (divided)
First, heat ½ tablespoon of canola oil. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes. Then, set it aside.
Next, stir-fry the vegetables in the same pan with the rest of the oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Mix the chicken, vegetables, and sauce. Simmer for a few more minutes.
Serve it over brown rice. This recipe makes four servings. Each serving has about 451 calories, 57 grams of protein, and 24 grams of carbs.
Spicy Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
If you like spicy food, try this stir-fry. It has 5 cloves of garlic and optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice to your liking. Here’s what you need:
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 small head of broccoli
- 1 small red bell pepper
- ½ cup sliced snow peas
- ½ cup matchstick carrots
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
Start by cooking the firmer vegetables (broccoli, onion, carrots) for 5-7 minutes. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes more.
Add the snow peas and sauce. Stir-fry for 2 minutes. This dish is balanced and great for family dinners. It serves four and is low in calories. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.
Both recipes are quick and healthy. They’re perfect for using up leftovers. Choose between sweet teriyaki or spicy flavors to satisfy your taste buds.
Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes for Breakfast
Start your day with a twist using leftover rotisserie chicken. These breakfasts are filling and show how versatile rotisserie chicken is. It’s not just for lunch and dinner.
Chicken and Egg Breakfast Burritos
Make a tasty burrito with scrambled eggs, shredded chicken, and cheese. Add diced peppers and onions for extra taste. It’s great for busy mornings because it’s easy to eat on the go.
This meal is packed with protein from chicken and eggs. You’ll feel full and energized all morning.
Chicken Omelette
A chicken omelette is a fantastic breakfast choice. Whisk eggs and cook them in a pan. Add shredded chicken when the eggs start to set.
Throw in some spinach, tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. It’s a protein-packed meal that’s both delicious and healthy.
Appetizing Chicken Casserole Ideas
Make your kitchen a place of joy with these tasty leftover rotisserie chicken casserole recipes. Using leftover chicken and common ingredients saves time. It also adds flavors that will make you happy.
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
The cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is great for family dinners. It’s full of comforting tastes. You can make it fast while keeping the cheesy flavor.
Mexican Chicken Casserole
For something more exciting, try the Mexican chicken casserole. It adds bold Mexican tastes to your dinner. Mix leftover chicken with black beans, salsa, and corn for a fun twist.
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional stats for a spinach artichoke chicken casserole:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 391 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 21 g |
| Total Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 19 g |
| Cholesterol | 55 mg |
| Sodium | 995 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Adding these leftover rotisserie chicken casseroles to your meals makes them more interesting. It also uses up leftovers in tasty ways.
Rotisserie Chicken in Mediterranean Dishes
Exploring the Mediterranean is fun and tasty. It’s a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. This cuisine is full of flavor and good for you. Try a Mediterranean chicken dish that’s ready in 25 minutes.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 543 |
| Calories from Fat | 129 |
| Total Fat | 17g (22% DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 5g (25% DV) |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg (25% DV) |
| Sodium | 1368mg (59% DV) |
| Total Carbohydrates | 66g (4% DV) |
| Dietary Fiber | 10g (9% DV) |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Protein | 43g |
To make this dish, you need 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts. Cut them into 1-inch cubes. Cook the chicken for 8-9 minutes.
Sauté the chicken in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 cloves of garlic. Use a special seasoning mix. It has kosher salt, black pepper, and more.
Add 3 cups of fresh baby spinach, diced tomatoes, and artichoke hearts. Serve on whole wheat pitas. This dish is healthy and tasty. It’s ready in under 30 minutes.
The chicken can last 3-4 days in the fridge. This means you can enjoy Mediterranean flavors anytime.
Gluten-Free Leftover Chicken Recipes
If you follow a gluten-free diet, using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great idea. It makes quick and tasty meals. You can make salads, stir-fries, or soups with it.
A Gluten-Free Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a fantastic choice. It takes just 20 minutes to make. Each serving has 338 kcal and 55.9 grams of protein.
This salad has only 7.8 grams of carbs. It’s perfect for those watching their carb intake.
Here are some ways to make this salad even better:
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based yogurt and dairy-free mayonnaise.
- Low-fat: Non-fat Greek yogurt and fat-free mayonnaise.
- Low-carb/keto-friendly: Skip onions and opt for full-fat Greek yogurt or avocado.
Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to an hour. This lets the flavors mix well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
Always let your rotisserie chicken cool before chopping. This makes it easier to handle.
Shredded poached chicken or grilled chicken breast are good substitutes. Pre-cooked chicken stays fresh in the fridge for 2-3 days. This way, you can enjoy your meals without worrying about them going bad.
With these smart swaps and tips, making healthy rotisserie chicken recipes is easy. You can enjoy every bite without worrying about gluten.
Rotisserie Chicken in Salads and Bowls
Using leftover rotisserie chicken in salads and bowls is fun. It adds healthy options to your meals. The Chicken Caesar Salad and the Southwest Chicken Bowl are great examples. They turn leftovers into tasty meals.
Chicken Caesar Salad
The Chicken Caesar Salad is a favorite. It has crunchy lettuce, zesty dressing, and grilled croutons. It’s topped with leftover rotisserie chicken. This salad is a protein-packed meal ready in minutes.
| Preparation Time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Yield | 4 servings |
| Calories per Serving | 251 kcal |
| Protein per Serving | 18 g |
| Total Fat per Serving | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat per Serving | 3 g |
| Cholesterol per Serving | 53 mg |
| Sodium per Serving | 549 mg |
| Fiber per Serving | 5 g |
| Sugar per Serving | 4 g |
| Storage Duration | 4-5 days |
| Ingredient Count | 5 ingredients |
| Cooking Method | One-pot |
| Optional Toppings | 6 |
Southwest Chicken Bowl
The Southwest Chicken Bowl is full of flavor. It has black beans, corn, avocado, and lime dressing. It’s a colorful and tasty dish that’s easy to make.
Kid-Friendly Chicken Meal Ideas
It can be hard to make meals that everyone likes. But, with these kid-friendly leftover rotisserie chicken recipes, it’s easy. Baked chicken nuggets are a big hit with kids because they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside.
For healthy options, try homemade chicken nuggets made with sweet potato. They’re great for babies and toddlers.
4-ingredient baked chicken meatballs are quick and easy. You can make a lot and freeze them for fast meals. Easy marinated chicken tenders come in three flavors, so everyone can find something they like.
If you’re in a hurry, try Instant Pot BBQ chicken. It’s ready in just 20 minutes with only two ingredients.
Slow cooker chicken and bean tacos are easy and fast. They’re ready in about 25 minutes. For finger foods, try easy Instant Pot butter chicken. It’s made with shredded chicken thighs and is mess-free.
One-pan pesto chicken and rice is simple for weeknights. It’s easy to clean up and tastes great.
If you have babies, there are chicken puree recipes for different stages. Creamy chicken pasta is also good, as it hides veggies in the sauce. Chicken and stars soup is comforting and cooks quickly.
Easy chicken noodle soup is great for big families. It’s cheap and you can eat it many times without losing flavor. Add these kid-friendly leftover rotisserie chicken recipes to your meals for healthy and tasty dinners for your kids.
Conclusion
Leftover rotisserie chicken opens up many cooking options. It helps you make quick, tasty meals. You can make soups or chicken tacos easily.
Using rotisserie chicken recipes saves time. You can make chicken noodle soup or stir-fry quickly. It makes cooking faster.
These recipes are good for your wallet and taste buds. They are quick and healthy. Rotisserie chicken is great for making meals fast and easy.
FAQ
What are some easy rotisserie chicken recipes to try?
You can make many tasty dishes with leftover rotisserie chicken. Try chicken salads, creamy Chicken Alfredo pasta, chicken stir-fries, and chicken tacos. They’re quick and delicious.
How can I use leftover rotisserie chicken in a healthy way?
Use leftover chicken in salads, soups, and wraps for a healthy diet. Try Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad, Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry, and Chicken Caesar Wraps. They’re nutritious and yummy.
What are some creative ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Get creative with leftover chicken. Make chicken tacos, chicken and egg breakfast burritos, or a Mediterranean-style chicken Caprese salad. These ideas add variety to your meals.
What are some quick rotisserie chicken meal ideas for busy nights?
For quick meals, try chicken quesadillas, chicken pesto pasta, and chicken noodle soup. They’re fast, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for kid-friendly meals?
Yes! Leftover chicken is great for kids. Make chicken quesadillas, mini chicken pot pies, and chicken pasta dishes. They’re tasty and good for kids.
What are some delicious ways to use rotisserie chicken in salads?
Rotisserie chicken is great in salads. Enjoy classic Chicken Salad, Avocado Chicken Salad, or Chicken Caesar Salad. They’re all tasty.
How can I incorporate leftover rotisserie chicken into soups?
Use leftover chicken in soups. Make classic chicken noodle soup or chicken and rice soup. They’re comforting and delicious.
What are some healthy wraps and sandwiches using leftover rotisserie chicken?
Make healthy wraps and sandwiches with leftover chicken. Try spicy Thai chicken wraps, Chicken Caesar wraps, and chicken and avocado sandwiches. They’re nutritious and tasty.
How can I use leftover rotisserie chicken in pizza recipes?
Add rotisserie chicken to your pizza. Top it with BBQ chicken or make a Mediterranean chicken and feta pizza. It’s a tasty twist on pizza night.
What are some flavorful chicken stir-fry recipes using leftover rotisserie chicken?
Turn leftover chicken into stir-fries. Try Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry or Spicy Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry. They’re healthy and flavorful.
What are some casserole ideas using leftover rotisserie chicken?
Use leftover chicken in casseroles. Try cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole or Mexican chicken casserole. They’re comforting and easy to make.