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:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- 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:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix chicken, half the enchilada sauce, cheese, and cumin.
- Roll the mixture into tortillas and place in a baking dish.
- Top with remaining sauce and cheese.
- 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:
- In a pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add broth, thyme, and chicken. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- 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:
- Beat cream cheese and buffalo sauce together.
- Fold in shredded chicken.
- Spread into greased cooking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 350.
- Sprinkle desired amount of shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top if desired.
- 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:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Spread BBQ sauce over pizza crust.
- Add chicken, cheese, and onion.
- 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:
- 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:
- Cook pasta according to package.
- In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic.
- Add cream and Parmesan. Stir until smooth.
- 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:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix all ingredients in a baking dish.
- 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:
- Warm chicken with taco seasoning in a skillet.
- 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:
- Sauté broccoli and garlic.
- 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:
- Combine all ingredients except sour cream in a pot. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- 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:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Mix chicken, soup, veggies, and milk in a baking dish.
- 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:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix chicken, rice, cheese, and sauce.
- 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:
- Heat chicken with taco seasoning.
- Place cheese and chicken on half of each tortilla.
- 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:
- Assemble ingredients in a bowl.
- 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!