A rotisserie chicken is one of the easiest ways to get a fast, tasty dinner, but what do you do with the leftovers? Instead of letting that extra chicken go to waste, you can turn it into many different meals throughout the week. Using leftover chicken saves time since the meat is already cooked and ready to use. It also saves money by stretching one chicken into several meals for your family. In this article, we will share 13 easy leftover rotisserie chicken recipes that turn extra meat into exciting new dishes.
1. Chicken Noodle Soup
This classic soup is one of the best ways to use leftover chicken. Saute onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot until softened. Add chicken broth, shredded rotisserie chicken, and egg noodles, then let everything simmer until the noodles are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and a bit of thyme for extra flavor. This warm, comforting soup is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
2. Chicken Salad Sandwiches
This simple recipe turns leftover chicken into a quick lunch option. Shred or chop the chicken into small pieces and mix with mayonnaise, mustard, and a bit of celery. Add salt and pepper to taste, then spread onto bread or croissants. This chicken salad also works great on top of a bed of greens. It is a fast, no cook way to use up extra chicken.
3. Chicken Quesadillas
These cheesy quesadillas make a fast dinner that kids and adults both enjoy. Shred the leftover chicken and mix with shredded cheese, then spread between two tortillas. Cook in a hot pan for a few minutes on each side until the cheese melts and the tortilla turns golden. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side. This recipe takes less than fifteen minutes from start to finish.
4. Chicken Fried Rice
This one pan meal turns leftover rice and chicken into a fast, filling dinner. Saute vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions in a large pan until softened. Add cooked rice, shredded chicken, and a splash of soy sauce, stirring everything together. Push the mixture to one side and scramble an egg in the empty space, then mix it all together. This dish comes together quickly using ingredients you likely already have.
5. Chicken Tacos
These easy tacos make a fun, fast dinner using leftover chicken. Warm the shredded chicken in a pan with taco seasoning and a splash of water or broth. Fill tortillas with the seasoned chicken along with your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa. This meal takes only about ten minutes to put together. It is a great way to use leftover chicken in a completely different way.
6. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
This creamy pasta dish turns leftover chicken into a comforting dinner. Cook pasta according to package directions, then set aside. In a separate pan, warm up store bought or homemade alfredo sauce with the shredded chicken. Toss the sauce and chicken with the cooked pasta until well combined. This rich, satisfying meal comes together in under twenty minutes.
7. Chicken And Rice Casserole
This baked casserole is warm, filling, and perfect for a family dinner. Mix shredded chicken, cooked rice, and a can of cream soup together in a baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and bake at three hundred fifty degrees until bubbly and golden. This casserole is a great way to use up both leftover chicken and rice. It also makes great leftovers for the next day.
8. Buffalo Chicken Dip
This popular appetizer is perfect for parties or game day snacking. Mix shredded chicken with cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Spread into a baking dish and bake until hot and bubbly. Serve with chips, celery, or crackers for dipping. This dip disappears fast whenever it is served.
9. Chicken Caesar Salad
This fresh salad turns leftover chicken into a light, healthy meal. Toss chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, and croutons. Top with sliced or shredded rotisserie chicken for added protein. This salad comes together in just a few minutes with minimal cooking required. It makes a great lunch or light dinner option.
10. Chicken Pot Pie
This comforting dish uses leftover chicken in a warm, hearty meal. Mix shredded chicken with frozen mixed vegetables and a simple cream sauce. Pour the mixture into a pie dish and top with a sheet of puff pastry or pie crust. Bake until the crust turns golden brown and the filling bubbles. This classic comfort food is perfect for cold nights.
11. Chicken Tortilla Soup
This flavorful soup turns leftover chicken into a warm, satisfying meal. Saute onions and garlic in a pot, then add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and shredded chicken. Season with cumin, chili powder, and a bit of lime juice. Top with crushed tortilla chips, cheese, and avocado before serving. This soup has great flavor and comes together quickly.
12. Chicken Stuffed Baked Potatoes
This filling meal turns simple baked potatoes into a complete dinner. Bake potatoes until soft, then cut open and fluff the inside with a fork. Top with shredded chicken, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Add green onions or bacon bits for extra flavor if desired. This meal is easy, filling, and uses up leftover chicken in a fun way.
13. Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These light, fresh wraps make a healthy dinner option using leftover chicken. Mix shredded chicken with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of honey. Spoon the mixture into large lettuce leaves and add shredded carrots or green onions on top. Fold the lettuce around the filling like a taco. This low carb meal is fast, fresh, and full of flavor.
How To Store Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days after cooking. Remove the meat from the bones before storing to make it easier to use in future recipes. Freezing shredded chicken in freezer bags works well if you want to save it for longer than a few days. Label freezer bags with the date so you know how long the chicken has been stored. Having pre-shredded chicken ready in the fridge or freezer makes quick meals even easier to put together during busy weeks.
