Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

If you’re like me, you probably buy a rotisserie chicken every now and then, thinking it’ll be the perfect dinner for the night—until you realize that there’s way more chicken than you actually need. But don’t worry! Those extra bits of chicken can be the key to a bunch of easy, flavorful meals that’ll save you time, energy, and maybe even a few extra bucks.

Honestly, leftover rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver. It’s pre-cooked, so all you have to do is shred it and get creative. Whether you’re craving something comforting, spicy, or just downright simple, these recipes will make sure you never look at leftover chicken the same way again.

Let’s get to it. Grab that leftover rotisserie chicken and let’s make some magic happen.

1. Rotisserie Chicken Salad: Quick, Fresh, and So Tasty!

This is one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself without having to spend hours in the kitchen. You know those moments when you’re hungry but just don’t feel like cooking? Yeah, this chicken salad is your best friend.

What you’ll need:

• 2 cups of leftover rotisserie chicken (shredded)
• 1/2 cup of mayo (or Greek yogurt if you want a healthier twist)
• 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup of diced celery
• 1/4 cup of red onion (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup of dried cranberries or grapes (optional, but trust me, it adds a great touch)
• A handful of chopped pecans or almonds (optional, for crunch)

Instructions:

1. Shred your chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayo, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until it’s well-mixed.
3. Toss in the celery, red onion, cranberries, and nuts (if using). Give it a good mix.
4. Taste it—if it needs more salt, pepper, or a little more tang, adjust accordingly.
5. Serve it as a sandwich, on crackers, or just eat it with a fork (no judgment here).

I love making a big batch of this and having it in the fridge for a few days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or even a snack if you’re hungry between meals. And the best part? You can get creative with the mix-ins based on what’s in your fridge!

2. Chicken Quesadillas: The Perfect Comfort Food

Who doesn’t love a warm, crispy quesadilla filled with gooey cheese and shredded chicken? The beauty of this dish is that you can make it as spicy (or as mild) as you want. Plus, it’s ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for when you’re craving something savory and filling but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all day.

What you’ll need:

• 2 cups of leftover rotisserie chicken
• 4 flour tortillas (medium size)
• 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1/4 cup of diced onion
• 1/4 cup of diced bell peppers (red, green, or both)
• 1/4 teaspoon of cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder
• A pinch of salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter (for grilling)
• Salsa or sour cream (for dipping)

Instructions:

1. Shred your rotisserie chicken into small pieces.
2. Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions and bell peppers, and cook until softened (about 4-5 minutes).
3. Add the shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir it all together and let it cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Take a tortilla and sprinkle half of the cheese on one half. Add a few spoonfuls of the chicken mixture, and then top it off with the remaining cheese. Fold it over to create a half-moon shape.
5. Heat some oil or butter in another skillet, and grill the quesadilla until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
6. Slice it up, and serve with salsa or sour cream.

The beauty of quesadillas is you can throw in whatever fillings you have on hand. Some jalapeños for heat? Sure. Maybe a few black beans or corn to bulk it up? Why not!

3. Chicken Pot Pie: Comfort in Every Bite

When it comes to comfort food, chicken pot pie is the ultimate winner. And using leftover rotisserie chicken is a game-changer because it cuts down your cooking time significantly. You’ll end up with a dish that’s just as satisfying as the classic but way easier to make.

What you’ll need:

• 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup of frozen mixed veggies (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup (or homemade if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup of milk or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the frozen veggies and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes.
4. Roll out your pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Pour the chicken and veggie mixture into the crust.
5. Top it off with the second pie crust, sealing the edges well. Brush the top with an egg wash (just whisk the egg and a little water together) for a golden finish.
6. Cut a few slits on top to let steam escape and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with a side salad or some crispy bread.

This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or even as a meal prep option for the week. Plus, you can easily double the recipe and freeze a pie for later!

4. Chicken Fried Rice: A Quick Weeknight Dinner

Fried rice is one of those dishes that tastes like it took more effort than it actually did. You get that crispy, golden-brown rice with bits of chicken, veggies, and soy sauce that feels so satisfying.

What you’ll need:

• 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken
• 3 cups of cooked rice (day-old rice works best)
• 1/2 cup of frozen peas and carrots
• 1/4 cup of diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (more if you like it salty)
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• Green onions (for garnish)
• A pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add in the diced onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes).
2. Add the garlic and frozen peas and carrots to the pan, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Push the veggies to the side of the pan, then add the beaten eggs. Scramble them until cooked through, then mix them with the veggies.
4. Stir in the shredded chicken, rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Keep stirring until everything is well-mixed and the rice starts to get crispy bits (about 5 minutes).
5. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with green onions.

This fried rice is super flexible—you can throw in any leftover veggies or even some pineapple for a sweet twist. It’s a great way to get a meal on the table in under 20 minutes!

5. Buffalo Chicken Dip: The Ultimate Party Snack

I don’t care what anyone says, buffalo chicken dip is always a hit at parties. It’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and just plain addictive. Plus, using rotisserie chicken cuts down on your prep time, so you can spend more time enjoying the party (or binge-watching Netflix, no judgment).

What you’ll need:

• 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup of ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce (more if you want it spicier)
• 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of blue cheese (optional)
• Tortilla chips, crackers, or celery sticks for dipping

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy.
3. Fold in the shredded chicken and mix well.
4. Spread the mixture into a baking dish and top with the remaining cheese and blue cheese (if using).
5. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
6. Serve hot with chips, crackers, or celery sticks for dipping.

It’s that perfect spicy, creamy combo that everyone loves. Plus, it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

FAQs About Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

How long is leftover rotisserie chicken good in the fridge?

Great question! Leftover rotisserie chicken is generally good for 3-4 days when stored properly in the fridge. Be sure to put it in an airtight container or tightly wrap it in plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. If you’re not sure if it’s still good, give it a quick smell and check for any unusual texture or color changes. Better safe than sorry, right?

If you don’t plan on using it within that time frame, you can freeze it (more on that below!).

How to use a rotisserie chicken for the week?

If you’ve got a whole rotisserie chicken and want to stretch it out for a week’s worth of meals, you’re in luck. Here are some quick ideas to make the most of it:

1. Day 1 (The Big Meal): Have a classic rotisserie chicken dinner. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and a salad.
2. Day 2 (Leftovers Remix): Shred the leftover chicken and make chicken tacos, a chicken salad, or a chicken stir-fry.
3. Day 3 (Comfort Food): Use the chicken for a chicken pot pie or chicken noodle soup.
4. Day 4 (Snack Time): Whip up some buffalo chicken dip or make chicken quesadillas.
5. Day 5 (Simple Meal): Toss it in a pasta dish or a quick fried rice.
6. Day 6 (Meal Prep for the Weekend): Make a batch of chicken salad for lunches or use it in sandwiches for an easy grab-and-go meal.
7. Day 7 (Freezer Magic): If there’s any chicken left, shred it and freeze it for later meals.

The key is to repurpose it in different ways throughout the week, so it doesn’t feel like you’re eating the same thing every day.

What does Costco do with unsold rotisserie chicken?

If you’ve ever wondered about the unsold rotisserie chickens at Costco (because let’s be honest, they sell a lot of them), here’s what happens: Costco has a policy of donating unsold rotisserie chickens at the end of the day to local food banks. They do this to reduce waste and help feed people in need. So, if you’re buying one of their chickens, you can feel good knowing that they’re working to make sure none of that deliciousness goes to waste!

Can you freeze rotisserie chicken to use later?

Absolutely! You can freeze rotisserie chicken for up to 4 months—and it freezes beautifully. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Shred the chicken: Remove the meat from the bones and shred it (or leave it in larger chunks, depending on how you plan to use it later).
2. Pack it up: Store the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. You can portion it into smaller bags for easy use later.
3. Label it: Don’t forget to label it with the date so you know when it was frozen.
4. Reheat properly: When you’re ready to use it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight, or heat it straight from frozen in a pan or microwave.

This is a great way to always have cooked chicken on hand for quick meals down the road, without worrying about it going bad in the fridge.

Conclusion

Leftover rotisserie chicken can transform your weeknight dinners into something incredible. These recipes are simple, fast, and super satisfying—because let’s be real, we could all use a little more flavor in our lives without the hassle of starting from scratch every time.

Next time you have extra rotisserie chicken hanging around, don’t just stick it in the fridge and forget about it. Use it to whip up something delicious, whether it’s a quick chicken salad, a warm chicken pot pie, or even buffalo chicken dip. With these recipes, you’ll be turning those leftovers into mouthwatering meals that feel like a treat every time. So go ahead—get cooking, and enjoy!

If you’re looking for more tasty meal ideas, why not give my Salmon Pasta a try? It’s a flavorful, quick dish that pairs perfectly with your leftover chicken! Or, if you’re in the mood for something lighter, my Chicken Caesar Salad is fresh, crunchy, and a great way to enjoy your rotisserie chicken. For a comforting side, you can whip up some White Gravy to drizzle over mashed potatoes or biscuits. And if you’re craving a healthy treat, don’t miss my Cottage Cheese Smoothie—it’s creamy, satisfying, and perfect for a snack. All these recipes are easy to make and will keep you coming back for more!