You’ve just enjoyed a delicious rotisserie chicken for dinner, and now you’re left with a bounty of leftovers. The question is: what do you do with all that leftover chicken? Instead of letting it go to waste, why not transform it into mouthwatering meals that can last you for days? Whether you’re craving something savory, spicy, or fresh, leftover rotisserie chicken is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can help you create satisfying dishes in no time.
In this article, we’ll walk you through 10 delicious and easy rotisserie chicken leftover recipes that will turn your chicken into a series of flavorful meals. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why Rotisserie Chicken is Perfect for Leftovers
Before we get into the recipes, let’s take a moment to explore why rotisserie chicken is such a popular choice for leftovers.
Convenient and Time-Saving
One of the best things about rotisserie chicken is that it’s already cooked, saving you precious time in the kitchen. All you need to do is shred the meat and incorporate it into your next meal. You can enjoy the savory goodness of chicken without having to go through the entire cooking process.
Affordable and Cost-Effective
Rotisserie chickens are generally affordable, and you get a lot of meat for your money. Leftover rotisserie chicken can be used for multiple meals throughout the week, making it a cost-effective option for busy families.
Extremely Versatile
From soups to salads to tacos, there are endless ways to repurpose your leftover chicken. It can be used in a variety of cuisines, so you never get bored of the same flavors. The options are truly limitless!
How to Properly Store Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
To make sure your rotisserie chicken stays fresh and safe to eat, it’s important to store it properly. Here’s how:
Store in Airtight Containers
Once you’ve finished enjoying your chicken, transfer the leftovers into airtight containers. This will keep the chicken from drying out and protect it from absorbing unwanted odors from your fridge.
Use Within 3-4 Days
For the best taste and to avoid foodborne illness, eat your leftover rotisserie chicken within 3-4 days. If you’re not planning to use it within that timeframe, you can freeze it for later.
Freezing Leftover Chicken
If you’ve got a large amount of leftover chicken, freezing is an excellent option. Divide the chicken into smaller portions, place them in freezer-safe bags, and store them for up to 4 months. This way, you can use it whenever you need a quick meal.
10 Delicious Rotisserie Chicken Leftover Recipes
Now that you know why rotisserie chicken is great for leftovers, let’s explore 10 tasty recipes that will turn those leftovers into something extraordinary.
1. Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans
This chicken salad is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. With the addition of dried cranberries and toasted pecans, it’s sure to become your new favorite lunch option.
Ingredients:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt
- Dried cranberries
- Toasted pecans
- Celery
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayo, Greek yogurt, cranberries, and chopped celery.
- Stir to mix well, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with toasted pecans for added crunch.
- Serve on a bed of greens or between slices of bread for a satisfying sandwich.
2. Chicken Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a quick and delicious way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. The gooey cheese and savory chicken create the perfect combination for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Salsa
Instructions:
- Sauté the bell peppers and onions until they’re soft.
- Lay a tortilla in a hot skillet and sprinkle with cheese, shredded chicken, and sautéed veggies.
- Add a spoonful of salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
- Top with another tortilla and cook until both sides are golden and crispy.
3. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
This creamy and indulgent chicken Alfredo pasta is a crowd-pleaser. It’s a simple recipe that combines creamy Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and pasta.
Ingredients:
- Leftover rotisserie chicken
- Fettuccine pasta
- Alfredo sauce
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions.
- In a separate pan, heat the Alfredo sauce and garlic, then stir in the shredded chicken.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and stir to coat.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
4. Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Turn your leftover rotisserie chicken into a comforting soup filled with vegetables and herbs. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
- Shredded chicken
- Chicken broth
- Carrots
- Celery
- Potatoes
- Herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
Instructions:
- Sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots in a pot.
- Add the chicken broth, shredded chicken, and diced potatoes. Bring to a simmer.
- Let the soup cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Add fresh herbs and salt to taste, and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
5. BBQ Chicken Sliders
These BBQ chicken sliders are a great way to use up leftover chicken while satisfying your craving for something hearty and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- BBQ sauce
- Slider buns
- Pickles
- Coleslaw
Instructions:
- Mix the shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Pile the BBQ chicken onto slider buns and top with coleslaw and pickles.
- Serve these sliders for a tasty and easy meal.
6. Chicken Tacos
Tacos are always a crowd favorite, and with leftover rotisserie chicken, they’re even esier to make. The juicy chicken pairs perfectly with all your favorite taco toppings.
Ingredients:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Taco seasoning
- Tortillas
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Cheese
- Sour cream
Instructions:
- Warm the tortillas and sprinkle the chicken with taco seasoning.
- Fill the tortillas with the seasoned chicken and top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream.
7. Chicken Fried Rice
Transform your leftover chicken into a savory fried rice dish that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients:
- Leftover rotisserie chicken
- Rice (preferably day-old rice)
- Soy sauce
- Peas
- Carrots
- Onions
- Eggs
Instructions:
- Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots in a pan.
- Add the rice and shredded chicken, then drizzle with soy sauce.
- Scramble eggs in the pan, and then mix everything together.
8. Chicken Pesto Sandwich
A chicken pesto sandwich is a great way to elevate your leftover rotisserie chicken and turn it into a quick and tasty meal.
Ingredients:
- Rotisserie chicken
- Pesto sauce
- Sandwich bread
- Mozzarella cheese
- Spinach
Instructions:
- Spread pesto on slices of sandwich bread.
- Layer on the shredded chicken, spinach, and mozzarella.
- Grill the sandwich until the cheese melts and the bread is golden.
9. Chicken Caesar Wrap
A chicken Caesar wrap is a simple yet delicious meal that combines the classic flavors of a Caesar salad with the heartiness of chicken.
Ingredients:
- Shredded chicken
- Caesar dressing
- Lettuce
- Croutons
- Wraps
Instructions:
- Toss the chicken with Caesar dressing and croutons.
- Wrap everything in a flour tortilla and enjoy!
10. Chicken Pizza
Using leftover rotisserie chicken as a topping for pizza is a fantastic way to create a satisfying and savory meal.
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- Shredded chicken
- Pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Red onion
- Bell peppers
Instructions:
- Roll out the pizza dough and spread with pizza sauce.
- Top with shredded chicken, veggies, and cheese.
- Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
How to Make the Most of Your Rotisserie Chicken Leftovers
Planning Your Meals
The key to using leftover rotisserie chicken effectively is to plan ahead. Think about how you can incorporate the chicken into multiple meals for the week, whether you’re using it for a quick salad, a hearty soup, or a fun taco night.
Repurpose the Bones
Don’t throw away the bones! Use them to make homemade chicken broth, which can serve as the base for soups or sauces. It’s a great way to extract every last bit of flavor from your rotisserie chicken.
Freeze for Later
If you have too much leftover chicken to use immediately, freeze it in meal-sized portions for later. This will allow you to enjoy homemade dishes without the extra prep work.
Conclusion
With these 10 delicious recipes, you’ll never look at leftover rotisserie chicken the same way again. From creamy pastas to crispy tacos, these dishes are a fantastic way to make the most of your leftovers. The possibilities are endless, and the best part is you’re turning what could be wasted food into something delicious and satisfying. So next time you buy a rotisserie chicken, remember you’ve got at least 10 meals waiting for you!
Call to Action
How do you use your rotisserie chicken leftovers? Share your favorite recipes and tips in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to create more flavorful meals with less waste!