There’s no denying the magic of a rotisserie chicken. Whether you grab one from your local grocery store or pick up a freshly roasted bird from a restaurant, it’s a convenient, flavorful, and versatile ingredient that can be repurposed in countless ways. If you’ve found yourself with a bit of leftover rotisserie chicken, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the best leftover rotisserie chicken recipes that are easy to make, incredibly delicious, and will help you avoid food waste.
If you’re not sure how to make the most out of your leftover chicken, The Best Way to Reheat Chicken – USDA offers some helpful tips on ensuring your leftovers stay fresh and safe to eat. Additionally, if you’re looking for ways to store your leftovers, Food Storage Tips – USDA provides excellent guidelines for keeping your rotisserie chicken at its best.
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The Benefits of Using Leftover Rotisserie Chicken in Recipes
Using leftover rotisserie chicken isn’t just convenient; it also adds an incredible amount of flavor and protein to your meals. Here’s why it’s a great choice for busy weeknights:
- Saves time: Rotisserie chicken is already cooked, so all you have to do is shred it and incorporate it into your dish.
- Reduces waste: Repurposing leftovers is an eco-friendly way to minimize food waste and stretch your grocery budget.
- Adds flavor: The seasoned, tender chicken is packed with flavor, making it perfect for a variety of recipes.
If you’re looking for more tips on how to store your rotisserie chicken safely, the USDA’s food storage guidelines provide essential information on how to store your chicken properly for future use.
5 Easy Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes to Try Tonight
Here are five quick and easy recipes that will help you transform your leftover rotisserie chicken into a delicious meal in no time.
1. Chicken Quesadillas
One of the quickest ways to use up leftover chicken is by making chicken quesadillas. Here’s how you can make them:
- Ingredients:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- Salsa and sour cream (for serving)
- Instructions:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place a tortillas in the pan and sprinkle with cheese.
- Add a layer of shredded chicken and cover with more cheese.
- Place a second tortilla on top and cook until golden, then flip it over to cook both sides evenly.
- Served with sauce and sour cream.
Chicken quesadillas are the perfect comfort food with minimal preparation. You can also customize the fillings by adding veggies or your favorite seasonings.
2. Chicken Salad
Transform your leftover chicken into a creamy, satisfying chicken salad. Here’s a simple version:
- Ingredients:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Celery and onions (finely chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, and onions.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve on a sandwich, on a bed of greens, or in a wrap.
This chicken salad is light yet filling and can be eaten as a quick lunch or dinner.
3. Chicken Tacos
Tacos are always a crowd-pleaser, and they’re even better when you use leftover rotisserie chicken. Here’s how you can make chicken tacos:
- Ingredients:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Taco seasoning
- Soft or hard taco shells
- Toppings: lettuce, cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream
- Instructions:
- Heat the shredded chicken in a pan and toss with taco seasoning.
- Warm your taco shells and fill them with the seasoned chicken.
- Add your favorite toppings and serve.
Not only are chicken tacos easy to make, they’re also a fun meal that can be customized to suit everyone’s taste.
4. Chicken Fried Rice
Turn your leftover rotisserie chicken into a savory fried rice dish:
- Ingredients:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
- Eggs
- Peas, carrots, onions (chopped)
- Soy sauce
- Instructions:
- In a large skillet or wok, scramble the eggs and set aside.
- Add the chopped vegetables to the pan, cook them until tender.
- Add the rice, chicken, and soy sauce, then stir everything together.
- Stir in the scrambled eggs and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Chicken fried rice is a hearty and filling dish that makes for a great one-pan meal.
5. Chicken Soup
For a cozy and comforting meal, make a quick chicken soup using your leftover rotisserie chicken:
- Ingredients:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Chicken broth
- Carrots, celery, onions (chopped)
- Spices like thyme and bay leaves
- Instructions:
- In a large pot, fry the vegetables until tender.
- Add chicken broth and leave it until boils.
- Add the grated chicken and season with salt, pepper and your favorite herbs.
- Let the soup boil for 10-15 minutes to incorporate the flavors.
This chicken soup is the absolute comfort food, especially during the colder months.
Creative Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
6. BBQ Chicken Sliders
Transform your leftover chicken into savory BBQ chicken sliders:
- Ingredients:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- BBQ sauce
- Slider buns
- Pickles and coleslaw (optional)
- Instructions:
- Toss the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce.
- Serve on slider buns with optional toppings like pickles or coleslaw.
These sliders are perfect for a casual dinner or a party appetizer.
7. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
For a creamy and indulgent dinner, try chicken alfredo pasta:
- Ingredients:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Alfredo sauce
- Pasta (penne, fettuccine, etc.)
- Parmesan cheese
- Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to directions in the package.
- Heat the Alfredo sauce in a pan and stir in the chicken.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken, then top with Parmesan cheese.
This chicken alfredo is a deliciously rich dish that’s easy to make in under 30 minutes.
Tips for Storing and Reheating Leftover Roast Chicken
- Storing: To keep your leftover rotisserie chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To ensure your chicken stays tender when reheating, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F, or in a microwave-safe dish with a damp paper towel on top.
For more information on storing and reheating leftovers, the USDA’s food storage guidelines provide valuable insights on how to store and handle chicken safely.
FAQs – Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
How long can leftover rotisserie chicken last in the fridge?
- Answer: You can safely store leftover rotisserie chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness.
Can I freeze leftover rotisserie chicken?
- Answer: Yes, you can freeze leftover chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe bag or container and label it with the date.
How do I shred leftover rotisserie chicken easily?
- Answer: The easiest way to shred rotisserie chicken is by using two forks to pull apart the meat. Alternatively, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment can do the job quickly.
What’s the best way to use leftover rotisserie chicken in a soup?
- Answer: Simply add the shredded chicken to your soup base during the last few minutes of cooking to keep it tender and flavorful.
Conclusion
Leftover rotisserie chicken is more than just a way to stretch your grocery budget — it’s a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into countless dishes. From chicken tacos and quesadillas to hearty chicken soup and BBQ sliders, these recipes prove that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for convenience. By incorporating leftover chicken into your meals, you’ll not only save time but also reduce waste and create mouthwatering dishes your whole family will enjoy.
So, next time you have leftover rotisserie chicken, remember that you have endless possibilities at your fingertips. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a fun family meal, these recipes are here to help you make the most of your leftovers.
By using the tips and recipes in this article, you’ll never have to face the dreaded question of “What to do with leftover rotisserie chicken?” again. Try one of these recipes tonight and discover just how easy and delicious it can be to turn leftovers into a brand new meal!