Grocery store rotisserie chicken is one of the best options when pressed for time on weeknights. I will take no arguments. These 26 ideas use that one chicken for tacos, soups, casseroles, and beyond, and involve minimal effort on your part. Grab that chicken and let's get to it!
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1) Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
They are easy to make and ready in under 10 minutes which is why they are my top choice for hot days.
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Ingredients
Method
- Stir together the chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl.
- Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
- Separate the lettuce leaves and pat them dry.
- Spoon the chicken salad into each leaf and serve right away.
Notes
2) Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Spicy and cheesy, these will be on the table faster than delivery.
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 450F. Toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce.
- Spread the ranch dressing over the crust, leaving a small border.
- Top with mozzarella and the buffalo chicken.
- Bake 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Sprinkle with green onion and drizzle with extra ranch before slicing.
Notes
3) Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
We just leveled up taco night, and no one at the table will even notice!
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the chicken with taco seasoning and a splash of water in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry pan until soft and pliable.
- Fill each tortilla with the warm chicken.
- Top with lettuce, cheese, salsa, and cilantro and serve.
Notes
4) Chicken and Rice Soup
The first thing I grab when I hear any of my family members sneeze is a bowl of comfort.
Ingredients
Method
- Saute the onion, carrots, and celery in a pot until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the broth, rice, and thyme and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer 15 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and heat through for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.
Notes
5) Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Creamy and dreamy! Just the type of dinner that gets everyone to show up on time!
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the fettuccine in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet and saute the garlic for 1 minute.
- Pour in the cream and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Whisk in the parmesan until smooth, then stir in the chicken to heat through.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce, season with pepper, and serve.
Notes
6) BBQ Chicken Sliders
These are sweet, tangy, and the perfect form for a delicious treat! I bring a batch to every party, and they are always the first to go!
Ingredients
Method
Notes
7) Chicken Avocado Quesadillas
These use whatever is in the fridge and are creamy and melty with a crunch.
Ingredients
Method
- Layer chicken, cheese, avocado, and cilantro over half of each tortilla and fold over.
- Melt a little butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook each quesadilla 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and the cheese melts.
- Slice into wedges and serve with salsa or sour cream.
Notes
8) Easy Chicken Pot Pie
Everything you'd expect from a warm and delicious pot pie and you don't have to roll any dough!
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400F. Melt the butter in a pot and whisk in the flour for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the broth and milk and simmer until thickened.
- Stir in the chicken and frozen vegetables, then pour into a baking dish.
- Lay the puff pastry over the top and cut a few vents.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden.
Notes
9) Chicken Cauliflower Fried Rice
A healthy twist on takeout that my pickiest eater even enjoys!
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Push the veggies to one side, pour in the eggs, and scramble until set.
- Add the riced cauliflower and peas and carrots and stir-fry 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken and soy sauce and cook another 3 minutes.
- Top with green onions and serve hot.
Notes
10) Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
With a rich aroma throughout the kitchen, it's gooey, and a bit spicy!
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 375F. Mix the chicken with 1 1/2 cups cheese and the sour cream.
- Spread a little sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll up, and place seam-side down.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly, then top with cilantro.
Notes
11) Chicken Caesar Wrap
This is a great salad for lunch! It has crunchy romaine lettuce and creamy Caesar dressing.
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the chicken, romaine, parmesan, and croutons with the Caesar dressing.
- Lay each tortilla flat and pile the Caesar filling down the center.
- Fold in the sides and roll up tightly.
- Slice each wrap in half and serve.
Notes
12) Herbed Chicken Risotto
Using leftover chicken, you can make a fancy creamy risotto that feels like it was made in a restaurant.
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Ingredients
Method
- Saute the onion in butter until soft, then stir in the rice for 1 minute.
- Add the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more.
- Continue until the rice is creamy and tender, about 20 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken, parmesan, and fresh herbs.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Notes
13) Chicken Stuffed Peppers
They are a fun way to add some vegetables to the dish and make it more filling.
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 375F. Arrange the pepper halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
- Mix the chicken, rice, marinara, half the cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Spoon the filling into each pepper half.
- Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes, then uncover and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake 10 more minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
Notes
14) Chicken and Waffles
With a hint of indulgence and warm breakfast feels, this brunch is a hit.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, milk, eggs, and oil into a smooth waffle batter.
- Cook the batter in a hot waffle iron until golden and crisp.
- Warm the shredded chicken in a skillet until heated through and lightly crisped.
- Pile the chicken onto each waffle.
- Drizzle with maple syrup and serve hot.
Notes
15) Chicken Spinach Artichoke Dip
The popular dip that you know and love has been transformed to hearty enough to be called a meal.
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 375F. Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and parmesan until smooth.
- Stir in the chicken, spinach, artichokes, and 1 cup of the mozzarella.
- Spread into a baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve warm with chips, crackers, or bread.
Notes
16) Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta
This is the pasta I make when there is an abundance of produce in the garden. It's bright and fresh with the addition of garlic.
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the penne in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Saute the garlic in olive oil for 1 minute, then add the tomatoes.
- Cook until the tomatoes burst and soften, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken to heat through, then toss with the pasta.
- Finish with torn basil and parmesan and serve.
Notes
17) Chicken Nachos
These are loaded, cheesy, and perfect for sharing and my guests always seem to demolish them before I get the chance to serve them!
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400F. Spread the chips on a sheet pan in an even layer.
- Scatter the chicken, black beans, and cheese over the top.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
- Top with jalapenos, salsa, and cilantro and serve right away.
Notes
18) Greek Chicken Pita
Head to the Mediterranean without leaving your home! Enjoy these bright Mediterranean flavors that will be the ideal lunch for you.
Ingredients
Method
- Warm the pita breads briefly so they're soft and pliable.
- Spread tzatziki inside each pita pocket.
- Fill with chicken, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and feta.
- Add an extra spoonful of tzatziki and serve.
Notes
19) Curried Chicken Salad
With sweetness, and saltiness, and a hint of exotic, this chicken salad gets the most recipe requests!
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the mayonnaise and curry powder together in a large bowl.
- Add the chicken, grapes, raisins, almonds, and green onions.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill 15 minutes, then serve on bread, crackers, or greens.
Notes
20) Chicken Burrito Bowls
Build your own bowls are great because they give customers the flexibility to choose whatever they want. I get zero complaints!
Ingredients
Method
Notes
21) Chicken Stir Fry
Fresh, quick, and flexible, this really helps clear out the crisper drawer.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic into a quick sauce.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Stir-fry the vegetables until crisp-tender, about 6 minutes.
- Add the chicken and sauce and toss to coat and heat through.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
22) Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
This is creamy and cheesy comfort food that comes together in one dish. Easy clean up!
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 375F. Steam the broccoli until just tender.
- Mix the chicken, broccoli, rice, soup, milk, and half the cheese.
- Spread into a baking dish and top with the rest of the cheese and the breadcrumbs.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
23) Chicken Fajita Skillet
This one pan dinner feels like a party with the peppers and onions sizzling.
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat.
- Saute the peppers and onion until charred and softened, about 8 minutes.
- Add the chicken, fajita seasoning, and a splash of water and toss to coat.
- Cook until heated through, then squeeze lime juice over the top.
- Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Notes
24) Loaded Chicken Baked Potatoes
A conveniently loaded potato bar that makes a rotisserie chicken into a fully satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400F. Pierce the potatoes and bake 55 to 60 minutes until tender.
- Warm the shredded chicken in a skillet or microwave.
- Split each potato open and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Stuff with chicken and cheese and return to the oven until the cheese melts.
- Top with bacon, sour cream, and green onions and serve.
Notes
25) Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
You can save time on marinating and grilling by using already cooked chicken threaded on nice skewers.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano together.
- Thread the chicken chunks, peppers, and onion onto skewers.
- Brush with the lemon-herb mixture.
- Warm under the broiler or on a grill pan 8 to 10 minutes, turning once.
- Serve with tzatziki on the side.
Notes
26) Balsamic Chicken Sandwich
This sandwich is worth the time to slow down and enjoy! It has wonderful tangy balsamic sauce and melty cheese combined with rotisserie chicken.
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the chicken with the balsamic glaze in a skillet over medium heat until warm.
- Split and lightly toast the ciabatta rolls.
- Layer the chicken and a slice of mozzarella on each roll.
- Broil briefly to melt the cheese.
- Top with tomato and arugula, close the sandwiches, and serve.
