Are you looking for the most INCREDIBLE busy weeknight recipes to use up the leftover rotisserie chicken that’s sitting in your fridge? You’ve come to the right place! This huge collection includes 40+ of the BEST, family-friendly recipes that will put that leftover shredded chicken to work. We all need quick, kid-friendly dinner options that also won’t break the bank, too. These delicious and wholesome recipes for hearty soups, sandwiches, casseroles, chicken enchiladas and more are about to transform your dinner routine!
I’ll admit that I often grab a store-bought Costco Rotisserie Chicken as a last minute dinner. It’s just so easy and I usually even have extra to use for leftovers later in the week. Sometimes I even do it just so that I can shred the chicken and put it into my freezer for a later date. I love a protein that can be repurposed for multiple meals! Work smarter, not harder.
If you prep ahead you should try making this Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken or Oven Baked Rotisserie Chicken. Making these is just as easy, has an amazing chicken broth you can save and tastes even better than store-bought! I also have a foolproof rotisserie chicken seasoning using spice ingredients you already have. This seasoning yields the best flavor and you can store it for up to A YEAR in an airtight container!
How Long is Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Good For?
Leftover rotisserie chicken can be saved for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, per recommendations of the USDA.
If you want to use your rotisserie chicken to make a new recipe, try to use it within 3-4 days, or freeze it into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container. Then, store to extend the life of the chicken.
Can You Freeze Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Freezing rotisserie chicken is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Shred chicken
- Place into a large freezer safe container or bag.
- Store for up to 6 months
Most Popular Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
Rotisserie chicken is your new best friend in the kitchen. It is great for everything from tacos to soups to casseroles! These are some of the most popular recipes that we have on the website. Choose any one of these and you will have some happy bellies.
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole – A quick 30 minute meal
- Mouth-Watering Street Tacos – You can make these any day of the week – not just taco Tuesday!
- Easy Butter Chicken – 20 minutes to repurpose leftovers – it’s a meal my family loves! I also like to add some veggies like zucchini squash, broccoli or baby potatoes.
- Baked Chicken Chimichangas – Ready in less than 25 minutes.
- Chicken Tetrazzini – You won’t believe how easy and delicious this comfort meal is!
- 15 Minute Chicken Fried Rice – a well rounded, one pan meal that even gets the vegetables in like peas, carrots and whatever else you have on hand.
- Smothered Chicken Burritos
- Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
- Chicken Noodle Casserole
Kid Friendly Recipes Using Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
Simple recipes that busy moms and dads can whip up in a flash is just what we need! Using leftover chicken, these quick and easy recipes do not disappoint! Some of these you might even be able to toss into the lunchbox.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza – BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and cheese are layered on top of a thin pizza crust – so good. Don’t forget the ranch dressing!
- BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza
- Easy Chicken Pot Pie
- Chicken Burrito Bowls – This has cauliflower in it and you’d never know! I also suggest topping with my jalapeno ranch dressing.
- BBQ Chicken Enchiladas – This is a fun twist on classic enchiladas
- Oven Baked Chicken Tacos or Baja Chicken Tacos
- Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Chicken Roll Ups – Super easy, quick, and are packed with bold and tasty flavors.
- Chicken Fajita Bowls
Casserole Recipes + Skillet Meals with Rotisserie Chicken
One-pan meals and casseroles are busy weeknight lifesavers. They simplify dinner prep and cleanup by combining all the wholesome ingredients, including rotisserie chicken into a single dish, making hectic evenings a breeze for busy families.
- Chicken Rice Casserole – A classic go to chicken casserole when I’m in a pinch.
- Chicken Cobbler – If you haven’t made our chicken skillet before, what are you waiting for?
- Pesto Pasta Bake
- Crustless Chicken Pot Pie – This is the best way to make pot pie because it is full of flavor and without the crust so it’s extra easy!
- Easy Taco Casserole
- Southwest Chicken Casserole
Rotisserie Chicken Sandwiches and Sliders
Quick and customizable ideas for assembling sandwiches, wraps, and sliders with leftover chicken. Remember that all.of these can be made to your liking! If you prefer a wrap, you can substitute a tortilla instead of Hawaiian rolls.
- BBQ Chicken Sliders with Ranch Slaw
- Ranch and Bacon Chicken Sliders
- Garlic Bread Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
- Pulled BBQ Pork Sliders
- Buffalo Chicken Wrap — Chicken breast tossed in buffalo sauce, paired with crunchy celery, blue cheese crumbles, and buttermilk ranch dressing, all wrapped in a flour tortilla.
- Shredded Chicken Sliders
- Chicken Club Sandwich – Layers of leftover shredded chicken, crispy bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion and mayo between slices of toasted whole-grain bread.
- Greek Chicken Wrap
Quick Salads Made with Rotisserie Chicken
Fresh salad recipes and lighter meals can still be hearty and filling with the help of shredded rotisserie chicken. These are great to also make ahead for lunch.
- Rotisserie Chicken Salad – This is my favorite chicken salad recipe. Eat this alone or with crackers, lettuce cups, or in a sandwich for a delicious lunch or dinner option.
- Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Leftover Chicken and Pasta Salad -Toss shredded chicken with chilled cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, and feta cheese. Dress with a light vinaigrette or lemon juice.
- Million Dollar Chicken Salad
- Chicken Cobb Salad – I love this hearty salad that is great for lunch or dinner.
- Easy Chef Salad
- Pesto Chicken Salad
- Mexican Caesar Salad
Soup Recipes to Use Up Shredded Chicken
Hearty and comforting soups are great to repurpose leftover rotisserie chicken. Using the leftovers just makes these recipes even easier! These can be made in a crockpot or on the stove. Serve with a delicious side to round out your meal and consider yourself done.
- Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup – A fall and winter classic!
- Southwest Chicken Soup
- Creamy Tortilla Soup
- Green Chile Chicken Corn Chowder
- Bacon Ranch White Chicken Chili – My mouth is actually watering thinking of this.
- Irresistable Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup – The leftovers are even better!
- Wild Rice Soup with Chicken
Quick Appetizer Recipes with Rotisserie Chicken
Crowd-pleasing appetizers that are tried and true and always get rave reviews when I serve them at parties. I love that an appetizer can also be hearty when it’s filled with chicken.
- Jalapeno Popper Chicken Sliders
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Chicken Fajita Nachos
- Cajun Chicken Dip
- Chicken Fajita Dip
This should give you a great start to figure out how to use leftover rotisserie chicken. If you need more ideas check out this MEGA list of recipes using diced chicken.
If you have a tried and true leftover rotisserie chicken recipe, make sure and let me know in the comments!
How do you quickly shred rotisserie chicken?
It is best to shred your rotisserie chicken when it is warm. If you have a chicken that’s been in the fridge, you can warm up your chicken at 200 degrees in the oven before shredding with 2 forks.
How can I keep my rotisserie chicken from drying out?
Adding a small amount of chicken broth to your bowl or dish you’re using is the best liquid to insure that flavor and moisture stays in your chicken.
Why do people like using rotisserie chicken?
Rotisserie chicken is a staple item for many people because it is so versatile. You can serve it as is with a couple of sides or shred it and use in tacos, sandwiches, casseroles and so many more dishes!
Crispy Shredded Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded chicken breast, (or pulled rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 10 crispy taco shells, (or more depending on size)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, or Mexican blend
Toppings (optional)
- shredded lettuce
- pico de gallo
- corn salsa
- sour cream
- guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375˚F.
- Combine the shredded chicken, salsa, and taco seasoning until evenly mixed.
- Stand the taco shells upright tightly in a 9×13 baking dish. Fill each shell with taco meat and top with cheese.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through.
- Remove the tacos and stuff with preferred toppings, or allow each person to top their tacos in any way they like!
Recipe Notes
- Chicken – You can use pulled rotisserie chicken, a few breasts that were boiled or baked, leftover fried tenders, or even the container of pre-shredded chicken from the grocery store.
- Salsa – It can be mild, medium, or spicy, but I do recommend choosing one that is thick and chunky. If you choose a looser, liquid style salsa it can cause sogginess in the shells.
- Shredded Cheese – Shredded cheddar, a Mexican blend, or even a spicier shredded pepper jack can all be used with tasty results.
- To make less tacos, use the same method, but place shells in an 8×8 baking dish.
- To make more tacos, use 2 9×13 baking dishes, or 1 half sheet pan.
Leave a Reply