Delicious Recipes Using Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, but what do you do with the leftovers? Don’t let that flavorful chicken go to waste! With some creativity, leftover rotisserie chicken can be transformed into exciting dishes that save time, reduce food waste, and keep your meals delicious. In this article, we’ll share some of the best leftover rotisserie chicken recipes to inspire your next meal.

1. Classic Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is a timeless option when it comes to leftover rotisserie chicken recipes. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, it’s versatile and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• ½ red onion, minced
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or almonds
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard.
2. Mix in the celery, red onion, nuts, and parsley.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

2. Chicken Quesadillas

One of the easiest leftover rotisserie chicken recipes, quesadillas are a family favorite. Customize them with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salsa and sour cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the bell pepper and onion until softened.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle one half with cheese, chicken, and sautéed vegetables.
3. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden brown. Flip and cook the other side.
4. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa and sour cream.

3. Creamy Chicken Pasta

This creamy pasta dish is comfort food at its best and is a standout among leftover rotisserie chicken recipes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup spinach or kale (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Mix in the shredded chicken and greens, if using.
4. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with additional Parmesan if desired.

4. Hearty Chicken Soup

Transform your leftover chicken into a comforting bowl of soup, a classic choice for leftover rotisserie chicken recipes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup noodles (egg noodles or orzo work well)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add the chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, and chicken. Bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in the noodles and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

5. BBQ Chicken Pizza

For a quick and delicious dinner, BBQ chicken pizza is one of the easiest leftover rotisserie chicken recipes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pizza crust
• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the pizza crust.
3. Top with chicken, red onion, and mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
5. Sprinkle with cilantro before serving.

6. Chicken and Rice Casserole

This hearty casserole is a standout option for leftover rotisserie chicken recipes that feed a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the rice, broth, soup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture in a greased baking dish. Top with chicken and cheese.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

7. Asian-Inspired Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce wraps are a light, healthy, and flavorful choice among leftover rotisserie chicken recipes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• ½ cup water chestnuts, chopped
• 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
• Optional toppings: chopped peanuts, green onions, or sriracha

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and ginger.
2. Stir in the water chestnuts and cook until heated through.
3. Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves. Top with desired toppings and serve.

8. Buffalo Chicken Dip

For a party favorite, this spicy dip is one of the most indulgent leftover rotisserie chicken recipes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Celery sticks, crackers, or tortilla chips for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, dressing, and half of the cheddar cheese.
3. Spread the mixture in a baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly. Serve warm with dippers.

9. Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice is a quick, satisfying meal and one of the simplest leftover rotisserie chicken recipes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 3 cups cooked rice (day-old rice works best)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok. Scramble the eggs and set aside.
2. Add the peas, carrots, and green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry until tender.
3. Stir in the rice, chicken, and soy sauce. Cook until heated through.
4. Mix in the scrambled eggs. Serve immediately.

10. Chicken Pot Pie

A warm, flaky chicken pot pie is an irresistible comfort food that makes the most of your leftover rotisserie chicken.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the chicken, vegetables, cream of chicken soup, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture into a pie dish and cover with the puff pastry, crimping the edges.
4. Cut small slits in the pastry to allow steam to escape. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Let cool slightly before serving.

Conclusion

Leftover rotisserie chicken recipes are a fantastic way to make the most of your meals. Whether you’re craving comfort food, something light, or a quick dinner idea, these recipes offer a variety of options. Try one today and transform your leftovers into something extraordinary!