Most grocery stores and warehouse chains sell fresh rotisserie or roast chicken daily. The mouthwatering aroma of herbs and seasoning calls to you as you browse the produce aisle or eye the bakery section. And while it’s tempting to simply carve it up and enjoy it as-is, that juicy, flavorful chicken can be the key ingredient in countless easy and delicious meals.

Here are some clever ways to make the most of your store-bought rotisserie chicken with 15 recipes, plus tips on choosing, storing, and reheating it.

Get the Best Bird: Tips for Choosing, Storing & Reheating

How to Pick the Best Rotisserie Chicken

Not all store-bought chickens are created equal! Here’s how to get the juiciest, most flavorful one:

• Check the timestamp – Most stores label their rotisserie chickens with the time they were put out. Choose the freshest one available.
• Look for golden, crispy skin – A well-roasted bird should have an even, golden-brown color.
• Go for a heavier bird – If two chickens look the same but one feels heavier, it’s likely juicier with more meat.
• Avoid puddles – If the container has too much liquid, the chicken may be overcooked or dry.

Storing Rotisserie Chicken

• Refrigerate it ASAP – If you’re not eating it immediately, store it in the fridge within 2 hours.
• Keep it whole for better freshness – The chicken stays juicier if left whole until you’re ready to use it.
• Freeze leftovers – Shred or chop the meat and freeze it in portions for future meals.

The Best Way to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken

• Oven: Wrap it in foil and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
• Air fryer: Heat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for crispy skin.
• Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave in 30-second intervals.

Now, let’s get cooking!

15 Delicious Recipes Using Rotisserie Chicken

1. Classic Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, diced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: Grapes, pecans, or chopped apple

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Serve on bread, in lettuce cups, or with crackers.

2. Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce – red or green depending on preference
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 8 small tortillas
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ tsp cumin

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix chicken, half the enchilada sauce, cheese, and cumin.
3. Roll the mixture into tortillas and place in a baking dish.
4. Top with remaining sauce and cheese.
5. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve with sour cream.

3. Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 cups egg noodles

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add broth, thyme, and chicken. Simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Add noodles and cook until tender. Serve warm.

4. Buffalo Chicken Dip

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 16 ounces cream cheese softened
• 3/4 cup buffalo sauce
• Shredded cheddar – amount depending on taste
• Blue cheese crumbles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Beat cream cheese and buffalo sauce together.
2. Fold in shredded chicken.
3. Spread into greased cooking dish.
4. Bake for 15 minutes at 350.
5. Sprinkle desired amount of shredded cheese on top.
6. Bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
7. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top if desired.
8. Serve hot with chips or crackers.

5. BBQ Chicken Pizza

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Spread BBQ sauce over pizza crust.
3. Add chicken, cheese, and onion.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

6. Chicken Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup Caesar dressing
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup croutons

Instructions:

1. Toss all ingredients together. Serve chilled.

7. Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded or cut-up rotisserie chicken
• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package.
2. In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic.
3. Add cream and Parmesan. Stir until smooth.
4. Toss in chicken and pasta. Serve warm.

8. Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup shredded cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Small broccoli florets (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix all ingredients in a baking dish.
3. Bake for 25 minutes.

9. Chicken Tacos

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 tsp taco seasoning
• 8 small tortillas
• Toppings: Lettuce, salsa, cheese

Instructions:

1. Warm chicken with taco seasoning in a skillet.
2. Fill tortillas with chicken and toppings.

10. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Cooked rice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté broccoli and garlic.
2. Add chicken, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir and serve (over rice if desired).

11. White Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients except sour cream in a pot. Simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Stir in sour cream before serving.

12. Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• ½ cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Mix chicken, soup, veggies, and milk in a baking dish.
3. Top with pie crust and bake for 30 minutes.

13. Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, halved
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup cooked rice
• ½ cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix chicken, rice, cheese, and sauce.
3. Stuff mixture into peppers and bake for 25 minutes.

14. Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 4 tortillas
• 1 tsp taco seasoning

Instructions:

1. Heat chicken with taco seasoning.
2. Place cheese and chicken on half of each tortilla.
3. Fold over and cook in a skillet until crispy.

15. Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup feta cheese
• ¼ cup hummus

Instructions:

1. Assemble ingredients in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and enjoy!

Conclusion: Rotisserie Chicken = Dinner MVP

A store-bought roast chicken is a busy cook’s best friend. Whether you’re making soups, salads, pastas, or casseroles, it’s a simple and delicious shortcut to dinner. Next time you grab one at the grocery store, try one of these easy recipes and make the most of every bite!

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