5 Delicious Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
As a busy parent, finding new ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken can be tough. But, those bits of meat can turn into tasty meals that everyone will love. We’ll show you five easy recipes to make your leftover chicken into something special.
Looking for a cozy casserole, a fresh salad, or a tasty stir-fry? We’ve got you covered. These recipes are perfect for any night of the week. Let’s explore the yummy options you can make with your leftover chicken!
The Ultimate Guide to Making the Most of Your Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken is a versatile and convenient ingredient. It can elevate your meals with minimal effort. From savory soups to satisfying casseroles, it’s the foundation for many delicious dishes. In this guide, we’ll explore its benefits, share storage and food safety tips, and provide preparation techniques.
Benefits of Using Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken has many advantages for busy home cooks:
- Time-saving: It’s already cooked, so you can quickly add it to your recipes, saving time.
- Flavorful: The rotisserie cooking infuses the chicken with delicious flavors that enhance various dishes.
- Versatile: You can shred, cube, or slice it, making it perfect for soups, casseroles, sandwiches, and more.
- Cost-effective: Buying a rotisserie chicken is often more budget-friendly than cooking a whole chicken from scratch.
Storage and Food Safety Tips
Proper storage and handling of leftover rotisserie chicken is key for food safety and shelf life. Follow these guidelines:
- Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
- If you won’t use it in 4 days, freeze it. Cooked chicken can be frozen for 2-6 months.
- Always check for signs of spoilage, such as off odors, discoloration, or sliminess, before consuming. If unsure, discard the chicken.
Best Practices for Shredding and Preparing
To make the most of your rotisserie chicken, follow these tips for shredding and preparing:
- Shred or cube the chicken using two forks or your hands for easy incorporation into recipes.
- Use the entire chicken, including the dark meat, for extra flavor and moisture in your dishes.
- Repurpose the chicken carcass to make a flavorful homemade chicken stock or broth, reducing waste and maximizing value.
By understanding the benefits, storage requirements, and preparation techniques for rotisserie chicken, you can unlock a world of delicious and convenient meals. These meals will save you time and effort in the kitchen.
Essential Tools and Ingredients for Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
Whipping up tasty dishes with leftover rotisserie chicken is easier with the right tools and ingredients. Stock your kitchen with these essentials to take your cooking to the next level. You’ll unlock a world of delicious possibilities.
First, make sure you have a large, sturdy skillet or saucepan. This piece of cookware is your go-to for sautéing, simmering, or baking. A sharp chef’s knife is also crucial for shredding or dicing chicken easily.
For pantry staples, keep items like condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and various rice and pasta types. These will help you make creamy casseroles, hearty stir-fries, and comforting chicken salads.
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Condensed cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Rice and pasta
With these tools and ingredients, you’re set to turn your leftover rotisserie chicken into a tasty meal. Get ready to explore a world of kitchen tools, pantry staples, and rotisserie chicken recipes. You’ll make the most of every last bite.
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
Spice up your weeknight with these buffalo chicken enchiladas. They’re made with tender rotisserie chicken, creamy cheese, and buffalo sauce. This dish is bold and comforting, perfect for satisfying your cravings.
Ingredient List
- 3 cups cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces chopped green chiles
- 1 cup buffalo-style hot sauce
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, and the chopped green chiles. Mix until well incorporated.
- Pour the buffalo sauce into the chicken mixture and stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Spread a small amount of the buffalo chicken mixture onto each tortilla, then roll them up tightly.
- Arrange the filled tortillas seam-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top the enchiladas with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these creamy buffalo chicken enchiladas warm. Enjoy with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. For a healthier option, pair them with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. This spicy twist on enchiladas is indulgent and delicious!
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Value |
---|---|
Calories | 404 |
Fat | 20g (Sat Fat: 6g) |
Sodium | 1100mg |
Carbohydrate | 30g (Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 4g) |
Protein | 26g |
Cholesterol | 59mg |
“These buffalo chicken enchiladas are a game-changer! The combination of spicy and creamy flavors is simply irresistible.”
Enjoy these buffalo chicken enchiladas as a delicious way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. Prep time is just 25-28 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner. Use the 20% off discount code REALFOOD20 on Primal Kitchen products to save money.
Quick and Easy Chicken Lo Mein
Looking for a tasty and easy meal? Try this chicken lo mein recipe! It’s ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight.
The secret is Twin Marquis Lo Mein Noodles. They add a fun chewiness that matches the chicken and veggies. You can swap them with spaghetti if you like.
This chicken lo mein serves 4 and is packed with 477 calories, 13g of fat, and 35g of protein. It’s also full of Vitamins A and C. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup sliced white onion
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 scallions, chopped
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- Optional: 1/4 tsp MSG
- 8 oz fresh Twin Marquis Lo Mein Noodles
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the chicken, salt, pepper, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Heat a wok or skillet over high heat. Add oil and swirl it around.
- Add carrots, cabbage, and onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they’re tender.
- Add ginger, garlic, and scallions. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and water. Stir to mix.
- Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until hot.
- Add the noodles and toss gently. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve the chicken lo mein hot, garnished with scallions if you like.
For the best results, use a carbon steel wok. It heats evenly and sears well. If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet works too. Just don’t overcrowd it.
This chicken lo mein recipe turns leftover rotisserie chicken into a tasty Asian-inspired stir-fry dish. Your family will love it!
Classic Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans
Take your lunch to the next level with this tasty chicken salad recipe. It’s made with shredded rotisserie chicken, sweet grapes, and crunchy pecans. It’s great for quick, satisfying meals all week.
Variations and Add-ins
Make your chicken salad your own by trying different mix-ins. Add dried cranberries, diced apples, or crumbled bacon for extra texture and taste. You can also swap pecans for chopped walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or tarragon can also enhance the salad.
Make-Ahead Tips
This chicken salad is perfect for busy days because it’s easy to make ahead. You can prepare it up to 4 days in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just scoop it onto lettuce cups, sandwiches, or use it as a dip with crackers when you’re ready.
For food safety, keep the rotisserie chicken and salad separate in the fridge. Don’t let the salad sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours before eating.
Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie
Turn your leftover rotisserie chicken into a cozy chicken pot pie. This recipe has a flaky crust filled with creamy chicken, veggies, and savory sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy night in and will be loved by all.
You’ll need 1 pound of cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or cubed. Mix it with 2 cups of thawed, drained frozen mixed veggies. In another bowl, mix a can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper for the sauce.
Put the chicken and veggie mix in a deep-dish pie plate. Pour the soup mix over it, making sure it’s spread out. Cover with a ready-to-use pie crust, crimp the edges, and cut slits for steam.
Bake the chicken pot pie at 375°F until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles, about 30-35 minutes. Let it cool a bit before serving. Each slice has about 374 calories, 20 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 666 milligrams of sodium, 25 grams of carbs, and 23 grams of protein.
This comfort food is a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. Serve it with a salad or roasted veggies for a full meal.
Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Weeknights can be chaotic, but leftover rotisserie chicken makes quick, tasty meals easy. It’s a versatile ingredient that turns into many quick dinners. This makes it a great help for busy meal planning.
Time-Saving Tips
To make weeknight cooking easier, try these tips:
- Shred or chop the leftover rotisserie chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for easy access.
- Use pre-cut or frozen vegetables to minimize prep time.
- Opt for quick-cooking grains like quinoa or couscous to round out your meals.
- Leverage store-bought sauces, dressings, or marinades to add flavor with minimal effort.
Meal Prep Strategies
Planning ahead can greatly help with quick weeknight meals. Here are some strategies to help you:
- Cook a rotisserie chicken on the weekend and portion out the leftover meat for the week.
- Prepare a large batch of roasted vegetables or a salad base that can be used in multiple dishes throughout the week.
- Assemble make-ahead casseroles or freezer-friendly meals on the weekend to reheat on busy weeknights.
- Keep a well-stocked pantry with staple ingredients like canned beans, pasta, and rice to build quick, nutritious meals.
By using these tips and strategies, you can make leftover rotisserie chicken a weeknight hero. Enjoy quick dinners, meal planning, and rotisserie chicken meals with ease.
Recipe Overview | Key Insights |
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Out of the total 20 recipes provided, 15 recipes feature rotisserie chicken as the main protein ingredient, indicating that rotisserie chicken is a popular choice for leftover recipes. | Rotisserie chicken is a versatile and widely used ingredient in leftover recipes, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. |
35% of the recipes listed offer a casserole dish option, showing a preference for this type of meal among the leftover rotisserie chicken recipes. | Casseroles are a popular choice for utilizing leftover rotisserie chicken, as they are easy to prepare and can feed a family. |
20% of the recipes include a soup option, illustrating that soups are a common choice for utilizing leftover rotisserie chicken in recipes. | Soups are a popular way to incorporate leftover rotisserie chicken, providing a comforting and nourishing meal option. |
10% of the recipes involve Mexican cuisine, like burritos and enchiladas, indicating a slight inclination towards Tex-Mex flavors in the leftover rotisserie chicken recipes. | There is a preference for incorporating leftover rotisserie chicken into Tex-Mex-inspired dishes, offering a flavorful and diverse option for weeknight meals. |
25% of the recipes suggest using additional store-bought ingredients, such as refrigerated dough, tortellini, or empanada wrappers, to simplify the cooking process when using rotisserie chicken. | Utilizing pre-made or store-bought ingredients can help streamline the cooking process when working with leftover rotisserie chicken, making it an even more convenient option for busy weeknights. |
Hearty Chicken and Spinach Lasagna
Take your pasta to the next level with this amazing Chicken Lasagna recipe. It’s a twist on the classic, using rotisserie chicken for tender chicken, spinach for nutrients, and a creamy sauce. It’s a meal that’s both satisfying and comforting.
This chicken lasagna is all about the right mix of flavors and textures. It has layers of pasta dishes, chicken, spinach, and three cheeses. It’s a dish that’s both hearty and indulgent, loved by all.
Nutrition Facts | Value | % Daily Value |
---|---|---|
Calories per Serving | 546 | – |
Fat | 41g | 63% |
Saturated Fat | 21g | 131% |
Cholesterol | 168mg | – |
Sodium | 775mg | 34% |
Protein | 41g | 82% |
If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or just want a comforting pasta dish, try this Chicken and Spinach Lasagna. It’s perfect for a family dinner. You can even make it ahead and bake it when you’re ready for a hassle-free meal.
“This chicken lasagna recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy sauce is simply irresistible.”
Chicken Fried Rice with Mixed Vegetables
Turn your leftover rotisserie chicken into a tasty fried rice dish. This quick recipe adds fresh mixed vegetables for a vibrant, flavorful Asian-inspired meal. It’s great for busy weeknights.
Using leftover rotisserie chicken is key. Shred it and mix it with rice, veggies, and savory sauce. This makes a complete, nourishing dish everyone will love.
- Start by gathering your ingredients: shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked rice, diced onion, celery, carrots, red pepper, and frozen peas.
- Sauté the vegetables in a wok or large skillet until they’re tender-crisp, then add the shredded chicken and cooked rice.
- Drizzle in a blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and lemon juice to infuse the dish with savory, umami-rich flavors.
- Toss everything together until the rice is heated through and the flavors have melded, then finish with a sprinkle of chopped spring onions.
This chicken fried rice is not only tasty but also helps reduce food waste. Enjoy it as a main dish or a side with your favorite Asian-inspired meals.
“This chicken fried rice is a game-changer for using up leftover rotisserie chicken. It’s so quick, easy, and tasty – the whole family devours it!”
For the best results, use cold, cooked rice and shred the chicken beforehand. This makes the dish quick and easy, perfect for busy nights. Customize it with your favorite veggies or add some heat with chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
Looking for a way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or craving a tasty fried rice dish? This recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Asian-Inspired Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Turn your leftover rotisserie chicken into a tasty Asian-inspired stir-fry. It combines tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and a rich sauce. This mix of textures and flavors will take you on a journey to Asia’s vibrant streets.
Sauce Preparation
The sauce is the heart of this dish. Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and cornstarch for a glossy coating. Add minced garlic and fresh ginger for extra depth and complexity.
Cooking Techniques
Cook the stir-fry over high heat to keep the veggies crisp. Sear the chicken until it’s lightly browned. Then, add the broccoli and stir-fry until it’s tender-crisp.
Finally, pour in the sauce and let it simmer. This will thicken the sauce and coat the ingredients evenly.
Serve this stir-fry over steaming white rice or noodles for a full Asian cuisine meal. It’s a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner that everyone will love.