What to Make with a Rotisserie Chicken (10 Easy Ideas)
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You know those nights when you’ve got a million things going on at once?
Sports, homework, extra homework… and then everyone’s hungry RIGHT now.
That’s when a rotisserie chicken in the fridge feels like a small victory!
You can turn it into all kinds of meals without spending an hour in the kitchen, and it makes you feel like you kind of have it together even when the week’s been chaotic.
So, before you let that chicken sit in the fridge another day, let’s turn it into something new and easy.
If you like these ideas, you’ll love scrolling through these 70 leftover rotisserie chicken recipes.
I also rounded up 35 more easy rotisserie chicken recipes that are perfect for dinner when you don’t feel like cooking.
Here are a few simple ideas to get you started.
1. Add it to a salad
Rotisserie chicken is perfect for quick salads. Toss it over mixed greens, or build a heartier bowl with lettuce, corn, avocado, and black beans.
It’s fresh, filling, and takes less time than scrolling for takeout.
If takeout has been sneaking into your week lately, you’ll love my simple meal planning method. I also have some free meal planning printables to help you get dinners on track.
2. Make soup
The chicken’s already cooked, so all you have to do is toss it into the pot with broth, noodles or rice, and whatever veggies you have on hand.
Let it simmer for a few, and dinner’s ready.
3. Toss it into a stir-fry
I always keep frozen stir-fry veggies in the freezer for busy nights. Just heat them in a pan, add a little sauce, and toss in your leftover chicken at the end.
Dinner’s ready in about 15 minutes, and it tastes like you actually planned ahead.
4. Make a one-pot pasta
Leftover rotisserie chicken makes one-pot pasta nights even easier.
Add the chicken near the end of cooking so it warms through while the pasta finishes.
You can use Alfredo, pesto, or marinara. Whatever your family likes best!
5. Have a sandwich or wrap night
A good sandwich or wrap is an underrated dinner idea.
Everyone can build their own, and dinner basically makes itself.
Add fruit or chips on the side and call it good.
6. Whip up a burrito or quesadilla
Burritos and quesadillas are so versatile. You really can’t mess them up.
Warm up your tortillas, add shredded chicken, cheese, and any veggies or sauces you like.
It’s one of those meals that comes together fast and always hits the spot. You can even freeze a few burritos for quick lunches later in the week.
7. Mix it with rice and veggies
Or, skip the tortilla and make an easy burrito bowl.
Start with cooked rice, then add your leftover chicken, beans, and any veggies you have on hand. Top it with salsa, cheese, or a little sour cream for extra flavor.
It’s simple, filling, and a great way to use up odds and ends from the fridge.
8. Make a casserole
Don’t wait until the holidays to make a casserole!
Mix your chicken with cooked rice or pasta, a can of cream soup, some veggies, and cheese.
Bake until it’s warm and bubbly, and dinner’s done.
9. Jazz up frozen pizza
Add extra protein to a frozen pizza.
You can also toss on any veggies that need to be used up. Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, anything goes.
10. Make chicken fried rice
Toss your chicken into a pan with cooked rice, scrambled eggs, soy sauce (or coconut aminos!), and veggies.
It’s fast, filling, and uses what you already have. Perfect for weeknights when you don’t want to cook.
