Turn leftover rotisserie chicken into tasty new dishes with these 10 simple recipes. Enjoy appetizers like Buffalo Chicken Biscuits and Chicken Alfredo Dip. Or try hearty meals like Chicken and Spinach Lasagna, Wild Rice Casserole, and Chicken Fried Rice.
These recipes are perfect for busy nights. They save time and still offer great flavor and quality.
Key Takeaways
- 10 easy recipes featuring leftover rotisserie chicken
- Variety of dish types including appetizers, main courses, and casseroles
- Time-saving ingredients and preparation methods for quick weeknight meals
- Versatile recipes that can be customized to your taste preferences
- Leftovers can be transformed into new and delicious meals
Why Rotisserie Chicken Is Your Secret Weeknight Weapon
Rotisserie chicken is a big deal for convenience food. It’s a quick and affordable way to feed your family on busy weeknights. It’s used in 100% of the recipes, showing how important it is.
Time-Saving Benefits
Rotisserie chicken saves you time by skipping marinating and grilling. This is especially helpful on busy weeknights. 90% of the recipes say it’s a quick and easy way to make meals.
Cost-Effectiveness
Rotisserie chicken is cheaper than cooking chicken from scratch. It’s a smart choice for those who want to save money. You can make delicious, cost-effective meals with it.
Versatility in Cooking
Rotisserie chicken can be used in many dishes. You can make casseroles, pasta bakes, enchiladas, and quesadillas. 20% of the recipes show how versatile it is.
Rotisserie chicken is great for saving time, money, and making tasty meals. It’s your secret weapon for quick and convenience food meals. Use it to make your meal prep easier and enjoy budget-friendly meals all week.
Essential Tips for Storing and Handling Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
Keeping leftover rotisserie chicken safe and fresh is key. It helps with meal planning and saves time. Here are some tips to keep your chicken good for many meals.
Refrigerator Storage
Put leftover rotisserie chicken in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. Cool it down first to avoid it getting tough.
Freezer Storage
Freeze shredded or diced chicken for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove air to stop freezer burn. This makes it easy to add to meals later.
Reheating Rotisserie Chicken
Reheat chicken to 165°F (74°C) for safety. The microwave is fast, but oven or stovetop makes it tender and moist.
| Reheating Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 20-25 minutes at 375°F | Provides tender, moist results |
| Stovetop | 5-10 minutes on medium heat | Stirring frequently for even heating |
| Microwave | 1-2 minutes on high | Quick and convenient, but may dry out chicken |
| Air Fryer | 5-8 minutes at 400°F | Crisps up the outside while keeping the inside juicy |
Follow these tips to keep your leftover rotisserie chicken safe and tasty. Enjoy it in many recipes throughout the week.
Classic Chicken Pot Pie with Pre-Cooked Chicken
Homemade chicken pot pie is a true comfort food classic. Thanks to pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, making it is easy and quick.
Use the tender chicken from a rotisserie to make the filling. Add carrots, peas, and celery for extra flavor. This dish is a hit with everyone.
Crust Options and Variations
Choosing a crust is fun. You can make one from scratch or use store-bought. Or, try a flaky puff pastry for extra indulgence. For a quicker option, use pre-made biscuit dough.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This homemade pot pie recipe is great for busy days. Make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then, just add your crust and bake.
This Classic Chicken Pot Pie is a family favorite. Its creamy filling and flaky crust are perfect. Plus, it’s easy to make with pre-cooked chicken.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Looking for a comforting, one-dish meal for the whole family? This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is perfect. It has tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s easy to make and loved by all.
The secret to this recipe is the mix of ingredients. We use 50% cheddar and 50% mozzarella cheese for a gooey topping. To save time, use a rotisserie chicken and frozen broccoli. They can be quickly cooked before making the casserole.
After mixing the chicken, broccoli, and cheese sauce, it’s baked to perfection. This makes a comforting meal ready in 20 minutes. Serve it with a salad or roasted potatoes for a complete dinner.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rotisserie Chicken, shredded | 1 pound or 3 cups |
| Broccoli Florets | 3 cups |
| Cheddar Cheese, shredded | 1.5 cups |
| Mozzarella Cheese, shredded | 1.5 cups |
| Cream Cheese | 4 ounces |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Parsley, Salt, and Pepper | To taste |
To make this casserole, sauté the broccoli and mix the cheeses and cream. Then, combine everything in a baking dish. Bake at 395°F for 20 minutes. It’s a delicious meal for family dinners or weeknights. Leftovers last up to 5 days, making it great for busy weeks.
For more flavor, try adding ground beef, turkey, or sausage instead of chicken. You can also change the cheese blend, cream, and seasonings to fit your taste. This casserole is a versatile and satisfying meal that will be a weeknight favorite.
Quick Buffalo Chicken Dip for Gatherings
Turn your leftover rotisserie chicken into a delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip. It’s great for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers. This dip is spicy, creamy, and ready in minutes. It’s so tasty, your guests will ask for more.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy the Buffalo Chicken Dip with celery sticks, tortilla chips, or crackers. The mix of tangy, spicy dip and crunchy snacks is perfect. You can also serve it with breadsticks or baguette slices for a heartier option.
Ingredient Substitutions
Make the Buffalo Chicken Dip your own. Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack and Parmesan. Change the heat by picking a milder or spicier hot sauce. Adding Ranch or blue cheese dressing makes it creamier.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Total Calories | 369 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Protein | 31 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Sodium | 948 mg |
This Buffalo Chicken Dip is a quick, tasty way to use up leftover chicken. It’s creamy, spicy, and easy to serve. It’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
Discover the magic of leftover rotisserie chicken with these creative recipes. They turn simple ingredients into tasty, easy meals. From cozy casseroles to fresh salads, these ideas will make you wonder why you didn’t try them sooner.
Begin with a classic Chicken Pot Pie. It combines the rotisserie chicken with a creamy filling and flaky crust. For a spicy kick, try Buffalo Chicken Dip. It’s a hit at any party.
Looking for something hearty? Try Chicken Enchiladas Verde. It’s tender chicken in homemade tomatillo sauce, wrapped in tortillas. Or, enjoy BBQ Chicken Pizza. The smoky chicken is the star on a crispy crust.
For a light meal, make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. It’s a mix of Caesar flavors and pre-cooked chicken. And, don’t miss the Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s a classic, even better with rotisserie chicken.
These recipes show how versatile leftover rotisserie chicken can be. They’re perfect for family meals or potlucks. Enjoy these easy, creative ideas that highlight your leftover chicken.
| Recipe | Ingredients | Nutrition (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Alfredo |
|
|
Homemade Chicken Enchiladas Verde
Turn your leftover rotisserie chicken into a tasty Mexican dish with these easy-to-make Chicken Enchiladas Verde. They have homemade green enchilada sauce, shredded chicken, and melted cheese. This recipe will make your taste buds happy.
Sauce Preparation Tips
The secret to these tasty enchiladas is the green enchilada sauce. Begin by roasting tomatillos, onion, and Serrano chiles until they’re charred. Then, blend them with garlic, lime juice, and fresh cilantro. This makes a bright, tangy sauce. You can make the sauce ahead of time, making it easy to assemble.
Assembly Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium skillet, warm the shredded rotisserie chicken with a bit of the green enchilada sauce.
- Spread a thin layer of the sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon the chicken mixture onto the center of each corn or flour tortilla, roll them up, and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining green enchilada sauce over the enchiladas, making sure to cover them completely.
- Sprinkle the top with shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack or cheddar).
- Bake the enchiladas for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve these easy enchiladas with your favorite toppings, like sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo. This makes a complete Mexican feast. Enjoy the bold flavors of this homemade chicken enchiladas verde dish.
BBQ Chicken Pizza Made Easy
Turn leftover rotisserie chicken into a tasty homemade pizza with a few ingredients. This barbecue chicken pizza is a hit for quick dinners on busy nights.
First, heat your oven to 350°F. Roll out pizza dough to fit a 14-inch pan. Mix half of the barbecue sauce with the chicken, then spread it on the dough.
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, divided
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Add garlic-seasoned chicken and red onions, then the cheddar and mozzarella. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts.
Enjoy this barbecue chicken pizza hot, with extra sauce on top. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
This barbecue chicken pizza is a tasty way to use leftover chicken. It’s a quick dinner that everyone will love. Add your favorite toppings for a unique homemade pizza experience.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Turn your leftover rotisserie chicken into a refreshing pasta salad. It’s great for summer. This salad has tender chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, and colorful ingredients. It’s both satisfying and versatile.
Dressing Options
The dressing is key in this salad. You can make it from scratch or use store-bought. For homemade Caesar dressing, mix Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Or, use pre-made Caesar dressing to save time.
Add-in Suggestions
- Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Drained capers
- Croutons for added crunch
- Sliced grilled or sautéed chicken
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
This pasta salad recipes is versatile. Try different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. They work well with the ingredients. You can also change the salad by adding your favorite vegetables or protein, like shrimp or salmon. This gives a new twist to the classic Caesar dressing flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free rotini/fusilli pasta | 8 oz |
| Rotisserie chicken, cooked and shredded | 1 lb |
| Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved | 1-1/2 cups |
| Shredded Parmesan cheese | 2/3 cup |
| Drained capers | 3 Tbsp |
Make this summer meals dish in 15 minutes. Chill it for at least 30 minutes to blend the flavors. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to two days. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a main course.
Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup
When it gets cold, nothing is better than a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. You can make this classic fast with leftover rotisserie chicken and chicken broth. It’s filled with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and egg noodles, making it a perfect cold weather meal.
Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this soup quick. Just shred the chicken and mix it with sautéed onions, carrots, and celery. Add chicken broth, spices, and noodles for a comforting meal in under 30 minutes.
For even quicker soup, try making it in an Instant Pot. The pressure cooker makes your homemade soup ready fast. Top it with fresh parsley for a delicious, nourishing meal on chilly days or when you’re not feeling well.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rotisserie Chicken, shredded | 2 cups |
| Yellow Onion, diced | ⅓ cup |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Celery, sliced | 3 stalks |
| Carrots, sliced | 3 medium |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Cayenne Pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Turmeric | ¼ teaspoon |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Chicken Stock | 32 ounces |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Egg Noodles | 2 cups |
| Parsley, chopped | 1 tablespoon |
This chicken noodle soup recipe is quick, easy, and full of nutrients. It’s a satisfying and comforting meal that warms you up on cold days. Enjoy it as a full dinner or save leftovers for a quick lunch or snack later.
Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowls
Make your leftover rotisserie chicken shine with Mediterranean flavors. Create a grain bowl with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh veggies. It’s a quick, healthy dinner or meal prep idea.
Customization Ideas
These bowls are all about flexibility. Try different grains like quinoa or couscous. Use chicken thighs or seafood like shrimp or salmon. Add fresh veggies, olives, avocado, or nuts for extra flavor and nutrition.
Meal Prep Tips
- Marinate the chicken in Greek dressing for 30 minutes to an hour. This adds bold Mediterranean flavors.
- Cook Success Boil-in-Bag White Rice in advance for a quick, easy method.
- Roast or grill veggies ahead of time for easy assembly on busy days.
- Store each component separately in the fridge for up to 4 days. This makes quick bowl assembly possible.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutritional Value per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Rotisserie Chicken | 2 cups, shredded | Protein: 42g |
| Success Boil-in-Bag White Rice | 1 cup, cooked | Carbohydrates: 50g |
| Cucumber | 1 cup, diced | Vitamin C: 15mg |
| Tomato | 1 cup, diced | Vitamin A: 587 IU |
| Red Onion | 1/2 cup, thinly sliced | Fiber: 2g |
| Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas) | 1 cup, drained and rinsed | Protein: 15g |
| Feta Cheese | 1/4 cup, crumbled | Calcium: 277mg |
These grain bowls bring the Mediterranean’s rich flavors to your table. They’re a delicious, healthy meal that you can customize. The mix of chicken, rice, and veggies is perfect for those following the Mediterranean diet.
Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas
Looking for a quick and satisfying Tex-Mex lunch idea? Try making chicken and spinach quesadillas with leftover rotisserie chicken. This recipe combines tender chicken, spinach, and cheese in crispy tortillas. It’s a delicious mix of flavors and textures to start your day.
Begin by cooking fresh baby spinach with garlic until it’s soft. Then, mix in the shredded chicken. Add shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese for that cheesy taste. Fold the filling into tortillas and cook until golden and cheesy.
Enjoy your chicken and spinach quesadillas with homemade pico de gallo, sour cream, or guacamole. This quick lunch idea is tasty and full of protein and nutrients. You can also add diced bell peppers, black beans, or cumin for more flavor.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 477 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Sodium | 1052mg |
| Fat | 13% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Carbohydrate | 66g |
| Sugars | 15g |
Enjoy the flavors of Tex-Mex with these easy chicken and spinach quesadillas. They’re great quick lunch ideas to keep you full and energized all day.
Time-Saving Chicken Alfredo
Nothing beats the taste of a classic chicken Alfredo. This recipe turns leftover rotisserie chicken into a tasty meal fast. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Start with a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Shred or chop it and mix with cooked pasta and Alfredo sauce. Add steamed broccoli or frozen peas for extra nutrition.
This creamy chicken Alfredo is ready in 20 minutes. It’s ideal for busy nights when you want a hearty Italian meal. Pair it with a side salad for a balanced dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients and Preparation
- 8 ounces of penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 1/2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup of half & half or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
Cook the pasta as directed. Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Then, mix in half & half, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Stir in the chicken and pasta until everything is well combined and hot.
This recipe is easy to tweak. Add steamed broccoli or frozen peas for more nutrition. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. Leftover Alfredo can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it with a bit of milk or half & half.
Conclusion
Leftover rotisserie chicken is a treasure trove for quick, tasty meals. It can turn into comforting casseroles, fresh salads, or hearty soups. These leftover recipes add variety and save time for busy families.
These rotisserie chicken ideas show how versatile this ingredient is. You can make everything from chicken pot pie to creamy casseroles and zesty dips. These recipes help you turn leftovers into delicious meals for your family.
So, next time you get a rotisserie chicken, don’t throw away the leftovers. Use them to create a variety of meals. This way, you save time and money while making your family happy with homemade food.