7 Ways to Jazz Up Rotisserie Chicken

February 9, 2024

Courtesy of Fit Foodie Finds

Sometimes self-care is dashing into the grocery store to pick up a rotisserie chicken to streamline dinner. We love rotisserie chicken as a shortcut – just toss a quick salad and dinner is ready. The best part: After you enjoy it one night, you can use the leftovers as the base for a whole new dish, making dinner quick and easy again. Here are 7 ways to transform leftover rotisserie chicken into a fast, healthy meal.

1. Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Peppers

Courtesy of Ahead of Thyme

Chicken parmesan is always a treat – but who has time on a busy weeknight for all that breading, cooking, layer, and cooking again? Instead, mix some shredded rotisserie chicken meat with breadcrumbs, cheese, and tomato sauce, spoon into bell pepper halves and bake. You get to tame the craving for chicken parm without the fuss.

Try this recipe from Ahead of Thyme

2. Vietnamese-Inspired Shredded Chicken Salad

Courtesy of The Defined Dish

Don’t be scared off by the long ingredient list for this vibrant, crunchy salad – start with coleslaw mix (pre-shredded cabbage and carrots) and you’re halfway there. Toss the crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and tender rotisserie chicken with a bright, citrusy, umami dressing, and get ready for a truly hearty salad.

Try this recipe from The Defined Dish

3. Chicken Quesadillas

Courtesy of The Seasoned Mom

Quesadillas are one of our favorite quick, crowd-pleasing dinners, and this one is even easier thanks to rotisserie chicken. Onions, bell pepper, corn and black beans add tons of texture and good nutrition, and a few pantry spices bump up the flavor. Of course there’s plenty of cheese, too. Don’t forget the toppings (we love it with some guac and salsa).

Try this recipe from The Seasoned Mom

4. Chicken Cobb Salad

Courtesy of Fit Foodie Finds

Here’s a super-protein-rich salad that’s so satisfying. Along with the rotisserie chicken, buy hard-cooked eggs already made to save yourself a step. Use the time you save to make the Greek yogurt-based blue cheese dressing; it adds tons of flavor and an extra hit of protein.

Try this recipe from Fit Foodie Finds

5. Easy Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice

Courtesy of Simply Delicious Food

Whip up your own chicken fried rice faster than delivery. Use your rotisserie chicken, leftover rice (or cauli rice – or combine the two), and whatever fresh or frozen vegetables you have on hand. Scrambled eggs add additional protein, and soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and garlic lend lots of flavor.

Try this recipe from Simply Delicious Food

6. Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup

Courtesy of Cooking Classy

A nutritious, flavorful, warming soup that’s on the table in 35 minutes? Yes, please. A few basic elements – rotisserie chicken, broth, pantry spices, canned tomatoes, frozen corn – join forces in a pot and transform into this ultra-tasty soup. Tortilla strips are a must, and then add more toppings if you wish, such as sour cream, avocado, cilantro or shredded cheese.

Try this recipe from Cooking Classy

7. Avocado Chicken Wraps

Courtesy of Salt and Baker

It’s hard to beat a healthy 10-minute meal. With nutrient-rich avocado, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and shredded rotisserie chicken, these wraps make a perfect WFH lunch or quick dinner on the go. Use a whole-grain wrap, make these in a lettuce wrap, or try a different alternative, like Trader Joe’s jicama wraps.

Try this recipe from Salt and Baker