Searching for a versatile dinner option that can pave the way for a variety of delectable meals down the road? Look no further than Rotisserie Chicken! Whether it’s store-bought or prepared at home, Rotisserie Chicken is your meal prep hero. Make the most of your leftover Rotisserie Chicken with these 20 delicious recipes!
Why Rotisserie Chicken is a Weekly Meal Prep Must-Have:
Rotisserie chicken is a game-changer for meal prepping, and here’s why:
- Time-Saver Extraordinaire: Rotisserie chicken is already cooked to perfection, saving you hours of prep and cooking time during the week. It’s a lifesaver for those busy days when you crave a homemade meal without the fuss.
- Versatile and Flavorful: The succulent and well-seasoned meat of roast chicken adds a burst of flavor to any dish. It’s like having a secret ingredient that elevates your meals effortlessly.
- Budget-Friendly: Buying a whole rotisserie chicken (or a whole chicken that you cook at home) is often super cost effective. Plus, you can use it for multiple meals, stretching your food budget further.
How to Store Leftover Chicken:
Properly storing your leftover cooked chicken ensures it stays fresh and safe to eat. Here’s how to do it:
- Cool It Down: After purchasing or cooking your chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature. Never leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacteria growth.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Place the leftover chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze for Later: To extend its shelf life, freeze the chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Label it with the date to help you keep track. Frozen cooked chicken can be enjoyed for up to 2-6 months.
20 Easy Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes:
Chinese Chicken Salad
Chinese Chicken Salad is an easy, yet flavorful lunch or weeknight dinner. With a perfect blend of savory chicken, fresh veggies, and a delectable dressing, this salad is a total crowd pleaser.
Tostada Salad
Tostada Salad are full of fresh ingredients that are good for you! This recipe is a quick and easy lunch and will turn any salad hater into a lover!
Mu Shu Chicken
Mu Shu Chicken is an easy and affordable Chinese recipe that's packed with flavor. Have the comfort of Chinese takeout without having to leave your house!
Chicken Pozole
This comforting, hearty Mexican style soup is full of flavor and will warm you up from the inside out.
Easy BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are an easy weeknight meal and a perfect way to use leftover roast chicken! Top with some coleslaw for added crunch and you've got a total crowd pleaser!
Chicken Pesto Wraps
Chicken Pesto Wraps are healthy yet delicious and just as easy to make for lunch as a PB&J. Leftover roast chicken tossed in a delicious pesto, what's not to love!
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup is one of my family's favorite easy, weeknight meals. In about 30 minutes you have a delicious, hearty soup that everyone will love.
Pizza Quesadillas
Hmm.. what to make for dinner? Pizza? Quesadilla? Why not have both and make Pizza Quesadillas with leftover roast chicken.
Easy Cobb Salad in a Jar
Cobb Salad in a Jar is the ultimate meal prep for busy weeks. Everything is ready to grab and go for a healthy and delicious lunch.
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken Pot Pie is classic recipe for a reason. It's simple to make, comforting to eat and warms you up from the inside out.
Mexican Enchiladas
Mexican Enchiladas are one of my go-to weeknight meals! Ooey gooey cheese with chicken and veggies make this recipe irresistible.Â
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is so easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes! It's a delicious weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Asian Chicken Soup
This chicken soup is comforting and super tasty. Great for chilly days and nights when you just want something warm!
Cold Soba Noodle Salad
These noodles are one of my favorite recipes of all time and ready in minutes! Substitute leftover roast chicken for tofu in this recipe and enjoy!
Lo Mein
This recipe is for Vegetarian Lo Mein, but just add your leftover rotisserie chicken and you've got a delicious Chicken Lo Mein!
Pizza Stuffed Potatoes
Stuff your potatoes with your favorite pizza toppings plus your leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick, easy and fun weeknight meal!
Lettuce Wraps
Substitute chicken for the tofu in this recipe and enjoy a fresh and delicious Chicken Lettuce Wrap for lunch!
Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Top this delectable Mediterranean Chopped Salad with your leftover roast chicken for added protein and flavor.
Chicken Burrito Bowls
Use your leftover roast chicken to build your dream burrito bowl with tons of your favorite toppings!
From quick weeknight dinners to simple lunches, leftover rotisserie chicken is your kitchen ally. With these recipes and meal prep tips in your arsenal, you’ll have more time to savor delicious homemade meals without the stress. So, make rotisserie chicken a regular guest at your dinner table, and watch your meal prep game soar to new heights!
Let me know what other recipes you’re making with your leftover roast chicken in the comments or tag me on social media if you make any of these!
Perfect Roast Chicken
This roast chicken is super easy to make and will give you a fantastic crispy chicken that's juicy on the inside every single time.
Ingredients
- 1 4 pound whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3-4 sprigs thyme, rosemary or fresh herb of choice
- 1 lemon, cut in half
- 4-5 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed (or one head of garlic cut in half)
Instructions
- Wash the chicken and pat dry, removing as much excess liquid as possible.
- Rub chicken all over with olive oil, season inside and out with salt.
- Place chicken in a 9-inch skillet with an oven-proof handle or cast iron skillet or sheet tray lined with foil.
- Heat oven to 450°F.
- Stuff chicken with herbs, lemon and garlic and tie legs together.
- Place chicken in oven and bake for 15 minutes. Lower temperature to 350°F and continue to bake for 45-50 minutes or until internal temp reads 160°F.
- Remove from oven and allow chicken to cool for 10 minutes and serve.
Notes
Brine if you have time: If you have time, you can brine the bird for extra juiciness. In step 1, cover the bird (inside and out) with salt then refrigerate, uncovered, for 3-24 hours.
Convection Oven: Use the convection setting on your oven if you have one, reducing the cooking time in step 7 to 25 minutes.
Skillet: If you don’t have a skillet with an oven-proof handle, use a baking dish just larger than your chicken.Â
Nutrition
Calories: 660kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 52g | Fat: 48g | Cholesterol: 220mg | Sodium: 990mg | Fiber: 1g
Did you make this recipe?Mention @Weelicious or tag #weelicious!
Some great ideas for busy families to eat healthier!
Sounds delish!
I make an easy fricassee with left-over or store-bought chicken (or even left-over turkey). While the rice gets ready in the rice-cooker, I make a basic white sauce using chicken stock, add mushrooms, asparagus (and/or peas and corn) until al dente, and then add bite-sized pieces of chicken. For grown-ups, we add a bit of white wine to the sauce but I leave this out for a kid-friendly meal. Grate a bit of nutmeg into the sauce at the end.