Rotisserie chicken is a popular and convenient meal option. But what do you do with the leftovers? Don’t let them go to waste!
There are many tasty ways to use up extra rotisserie chicken.
These 27+ recipes will help you turn leftover rotisserie chicken into new and exciting meals.
From soups and salads to casseroles and pizzas, you’ll find plenty of ideas to keep your family happy. These dishes are easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
1. Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Rotisserie chicken salad is a quick and tasty way to use leftover chicken. You can make it in just a few minutes with items you likely have in your kitchen.
Start by shredding the chicken.
Mix it with mayo, lemon juice, and your favorite seasonings. Add some crunch with celery or nuts.
For extra flavor, try adding grapes, apples, or dried cranberries.
You can serve this salad on bread, in a wrap, or on top of greens.
It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. You can make a big batch and eat it throughout the week.
2. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Chicken Alfredo pasta is a tasty way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. You can make this dish in about 30 minutes.
Start by cooking your favorite pasta.
While it cooks, warm up some butter and cream in a pan. Add grated Parmesan cheese to make the Alfredo sauce.
Shred or chop your leftover rotisserie chicken. Mix it into the sauce to warm it up.
Then toss the chicken and sauce with the cooked pasta.
You can add some salt, pepper, and nutmeg to boost the flavor. For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of milk. Serve hot and enjoy your quick, comforting meal.
3. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip is a tasty way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. You can make this crowd-pleasing appetizer in about 40 minutes.
Start by shredding your chicken.
Mix it with cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Add some cheddar cheese and blue cheese for extra flavor.
Bake the dip in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly.
Serve it with chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks for dipping. This zesty, creamy dip is perfect for game day snacking or casual get-togethers.
4. Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas are a tasty way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. You can make them quickly with a few simple ingredients.
Start by shredding the chicken and mixing it with enchilada sauce, cheese, and spices.
Warm up some tortillas to make them more flexible.
Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture and roll it up. Place the rolled enchiladas in a baking dish.
Pour more sauce over the top and sprinkle with extra cheese.
Bake the enchiladas until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve them hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or diced onions.
5. Greek Chicken Gyros
Transform your leftover rotisserie chicken into tasty Greek gyros.
Shred the chicken and warm it in a pan with olive oil. Add spices like oregano, paprika, and garlic powder for flavor.
Serve the chicken in pita bread with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion.
You can buy tzatziki or make your own with Greek yogurt, cucumber, herbs, and garlic.
For a low-carb option, try a gyro bowl.
Layer the seasoned chicken over lettuce with your favorite toppings. Add crumbled feta cheese and fresh dill for extra Greek flair.
This quick meal turns basic leftovers into an exciting Mediterranean-inspired dish. It’s a great way to use up chicken while enjoying new flavors.
6. Chicken Avocado Wrap
You can make a tasty wrap using leftover rotisserie chicken and ripe avocados.
Start by shredding the chicken and mixing it with diced avocado.
Add some chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and onions for crunch and flavor.
Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the taste.
Spread the mixture onto a large tortilla or wrap. For extra protein, you can add bacon bits.
Roll it up tightly and cut it in half.
This wrap makes a quick and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or sauces.
7. BBQ Chicken Pizza
BBQ chicken pizza is a tasty way to use your leftover rotisserie chicken.
Start by spreading BBQ sauce on your pizza crust instead of tomato sauce.
Shred the chicken and mix it with more BBQ sauce. Spread this mixture over the crust.
Add sliced red onions and mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake the pizza until the cheese melts and the crust turns golden brown.
You can add cilantro after baking for extra flavor.
This pizza is quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also great for game day snacks or casual get-togethers with friends.
8. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup is a tasty way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. Start by sautéing onions with spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika in a large pot.
Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and your shredded rotisserie chicken.
Toss in some black beans and corn for extra flavor and texture.
Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes to blend the flavors.
Serve it hot with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime on top.
You can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more chili powder or even a diced jalapeño. This soup is perfect for chilly days and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
9. Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie is a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. You can make a quick version using pre-made pie crust and canned soup.
Mix shredded chicken with frozen vegetables and creamy soup. Pour the mixture into a pie crust. Top with another crust and bake until golden brown.
For a healthier twist, try a crustless chicken pot pie.
Use milk instead of cream and load up on veggies. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, peas, and corn for extra nutrition.
You can also make a chicken pot pie casserole using crescent rolls as the crust. It’s an easy comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
10. Chicken Caesar Salad
Chicken Caesar salad is a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. You can make it quickly and easily.
Start by chopping up some romaine lettuce. Add your leftover chicken pieces on top.
Sprinkle in some croutons and grated Parmesan cheese. Pour Caesar dressing over everything and toss well.
For extra flavor, add crispy bacon bits.
You can also wrap the salad in a tortilla to make it portable.
This dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It’s tasty, filling, and uses up your extra chicken nicely.
11. Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Pulled chicken sandwiches are a tasty way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. They’re quick and easy to make.
Start by shredding your leftover chicken.
Heat it in a pan with BBQ sauce, chicken broth, and spices. This mix creates a flavorful, saucy filling.
Pile the warm chicken onto soft buns. You can add coleslaw or pickles for extra crunch.
These sandwiches are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
You can adjust the flavors to your liking. Try different BBQ sauces or add hot sauce for some heat. Pulled chicken sandwiches are versatile and always satisfying.
12. Chicken Stir Fry
Chicken stir fry is a quick and tasty way to use leftover rotisserie chicken.
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Heat oil in a pan and add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots.
Toss in the chicken and stir-fry for a few minutes.
Add a simple sauce made of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the veggies are crisp-tender and everything is coated in sauce.
Serve your stir fry over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
This dish comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
13. Chicken Quesadillas
Chicken quesadillas are a tasty way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. You can make them quickly for lunch or dinner.
Start by shredding the chicken and mixing it with cheese and your favorite seasonings.
Heat a skillet and place a tortilla in it. Add the chicken mixture to one half of the tortilla.
Fold the other half over and cook until golden brown on both sides.
You can add extra ingredients like peppers, onions, or avocado for more flavor.
Serve your quesadillas with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side. This easy meal will please both kids and adults alike.
14. Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is a tasty way to use up your leftover rotisserie chicken. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights. You can have a homemade version ready in about the same time it takes to order takeout.
Start by cooking some rice if you don’t have leftovers.
While it cools, chop your rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Heat oil in a large pan and add diced onions, carrots, and peas.
Stir in the chicken and rice.
Push everything to the side and scramble an egg in the empty space.
Mix it all together with soy sauce and your choice of seasonings.
In just minutes, you’ll have a filling meal that’s better than takeout.
15. Chicken Tacos
Chicken tacos are a tasty way to use leftover rotisserie chicken.
Shred the chicken and warm it in a pan with some oil and taco seasoning.
Fill taco shells with the seasoned chicken. Add toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and grated cheese.
You can also include extras like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
For a healthier option, use corn tortillas instead of flour ones.
These tacos are quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights. They’re customizable, so everyone can add their favorite toppings.
16. Creamy Chicken Soup
Creamy chicken soup is a comforting dish you can easily make with leftover rotisserie chicken.
Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in butter until soft.
Add chicken broth, shredded rotisserie chicken, and your favorite herbs.
Simmer until vegetables are tender.
To make it creamy, stir in some heavy cream or milk.
You can also add noodles or rice for extra heartiness.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley if you like.
This soup is perfect for cold days and makes great leftovers too.
17. Chicken and Rice Casserole
Chicken and rice casserole is a comforting dish that’s perfect for using leftover rotisserie chicken. You’ll love how easy it is to throw together on busy weeknights.
This casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce. Add some vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
To make it, mix your shredded rotisserie chicken with cooked rice and a can of cream soup.
Pour into a baking dish and top with shredded cheese. Bake until hot and bubbly.
You can customize this dish to suit your tastes. Try different cheese blends or add herbs for extra flavor. It’s a versatile recipe that your family will ask for again and again.
18. Chicken Pesto Pasta
Chicken pesto pasta is a quick and tasty way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. You only need a few ingredients to make this easy meal.
Cook your favorite pasta according to the package directions.
While it’s cooking, shred the leftover chicken.
Mix the cooked pasta with store-bought or homemade pesto sauce. Add the shredded chicken and toss everything together.
For extra flavor, throw in some cherry tomatoes or roasted pine nuts.
You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a filling meal without much effort. It’s also great for lunch the next day.
19. Chicken and Broccoli Bake
You can make a tasty chicken and broccoli bake using leftover rotisserie chicken. This dish combines shredded chicken with crisp broccoli florets in a creamy sauce.
Mix in some cooked rice or pasta to bulk up the casserole. Add cheddar cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust when baked.
For extra flavor, stir in some garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can also use cream of chicken soup to make the sauce even richer.
Bake until hot and bubbling. This comforting meal is perfect for chilly evenings and makes great leftovers too.
20. Chicken Curry
Chicken curry is a tasty way to use your leftover rotisserie chicken. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan. Add curry powder and other spices like turmeric and cumin.
Stir in diced tomatoes and coconut milk to create a creamy sauce. Shred your rotisserie chicken and add it to the pan. Let everything simmer until the flavors combine.
Serve your curry over rice or with naan bread. You can add vegetables like peppers or peas for extra nutrition.
This quick meal transforms your leftovers into a new, flavorful dish.
21. Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is a tasty way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. You can make it quickly and easily at home.
Start by sautéing carrots, celery, and onions in a pot. Add chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
Toss in egg noodles and cook until tender. Shred your leftover rotisserie chicken and add it to the pot.
Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
This comforting meal is perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
22. Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna is a tasty way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. You’ll need lasagna noodles, Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, and cheese.
Cook the noodles according to package directions. Mix the chicken with Alfredo sauce. Layer noodles, chicken mixture, and cheese in a baking dish.
Repeat the layers until you use all ingredients. Top with extra cheese.
Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish combines the comfort of lasagna with the creamy goodness of chicken Alfredo.
23. Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a tasty way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. Start by slicing the chicken into thin cutlets.
Coat them in breadcrumbs and fry until golden. Top the chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Bake until the cheese melts and gets bubbly. Serve over pasta or with a side salad for a quick meal.
This dish saves time since your chicken is already cooked. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want something hot and satisfying.
24. Chicken Fajitas
Leftover rotisserie chicken makes fajitas quick and easy. Start by slicing bell peppers and onions.
Heat oil in a skillet and sauté the veggies until soft. Add your shredded chicken and fajita seasoning.
Warm some tortillas and set out toppings like cheese, sour cream, and salsa. Let everyone build their own fajitas.
This meal comes together in about 15 minutes. It’s a tasty way to use up chicken and get dinner on the table fast.
Try different veggie combos or add beans for extra protein. Fajitas are flexible, so you can customize them to your taste.
25. Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a tasty way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. This Italian-American dish combines tender chicken with a rich sauce made from Marsala wine and mushrooms.
To make it, slice your leftover chicken. Cook sliced mushrooms in butter until golden. Add Marsala wine and simmer to reduce. Mix in some chicken broth and cream for a silky sauce.
Toss the sliced chicken in the sauce to warm it through. Serve over pasta or with mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for extra flavor.
This quick meal transforms your leftover chicken into an elegant dish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.
26. Chicken Florentine
Chicken Florentine is a tasty way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. You’ll love this creamy dish with spinach and cheese.
Start by heating some butter in a pan. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in flour to make a roux.
Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking to avoid lumps. Let the sauce thicken. Add cooked spinach and Parmesan cheese.
Mix in your shredded rotisserie chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread.
This quick meal takes about 20 minutes to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something cozy and filling.
27. Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Chicken stuffed peppers are a tasty way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. You can make this dish quickly and easily.
Start by cutting bell peppers in half and removing the seeds.
Mix shredded chicken with cheese, herbs, and spices. Stuff the peppers with this mixture. Top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
Bake the stuffed peppers until they’re hot and the cheese is melted. This meal is filling and nutritious. It’s perfect for dinner or lunch the next day.
You can customize the flavors to suit your taste. Try adding different cheeses or spices to change things up. Chicken stuffed peppers are a great option for meal prep too.
Nutritional Benefits of Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken is a tasty and convenient protein source. It offers several key nutrients that can boost your health.
Protein is a major benefit of rotisserie chicken. A 3-ounce serving provides about 12 grams of protein. This helps build and repair muscles and tissues.
Rotisserie chicken is also low in carbs. The same 3-ounce portion has less than 3 grams of carbohydrates. This makes it a good choice if you’re watching your carb intake.
The fat content varies based on the chicken part you choose. White meat has less fat than dark meat. A 3-ounce serving of mixed light and dark meat contains about 11 grams of total fat.
Vitamins and minerals are plentiful in rotisserie chicken:
- Vitamin B6 and B12 for energy and brain function
- Phosphorus for strong bones and teeth
- Selenium, an important antioxidant
To get the most benefits, remove the skin before eating. This cuts down on extra fat and calories. Choose white meat more often for a leaner protein option.
Pair your rotisserie chicken with veggies and whole grains for a balanced meal. This combo gives you fiber, extra nutrients, and a satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken is a flexible ingredient that can transform many dishes. You can use it to make quick and tasty meals with minimal effort.
In Soups and Stews
Add shredded rotisserie chicken to soups for a protein boost. Toss it into chicken noodle soup for a classic comfort meal. Mix it into a creamy potato soup for extra flavor and texture.
Try using the chicken in a spicy tortilla soup. Add it to vegetable soup for a heartier dish.
You can even make a quick chicken chili by combining the meat with beans, tomatoes, and spices.
For a twist, use rotisserie chicken in a white bean and kale soup. This combo creates a nutritious and filling meal.
In Salads
Rotisserie chicken makes salads more filling and tasty. Chop it up and add to a Caesar salad for a quick lunch.
Mix it with mayo, celery, and grapes for a classic chicken salad.
Try a Southwest-style salad by combining the chicken with black beans, corn, and a lime dressing.
For a Greek-inspired dish, mix it with cucumbers, feta cheese, and olives.
Make a warm chicken salad by tossing the meat with roasted vegetables and a light vinaigrette.
You can also create an Asian-inspired salad with mandarin oranges, almonds, and sesame dressing.