16 Easy Recipes Using Rotisserie Chicken For Busy Nights: Quick and Delicious Meal Ideas

16 Easy Recipes Using Rotisserie Chicken For Busy Nights: Quick and Delicious Meal Ideas

16 Easy Recipes Using Rotisserie Chicken For Busy Nights: Quick and Delicious Meal Ideas

If you haven’t added grocery store rotisserie chickens to your weeknight survival kit, this is your sign! That little chicken does so much work during the weeks when cooking from scratch feels impossible. Here are 16 easy, cozy ideas to help you get the whole family to eat dinner.

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1) Buffalo Chicken Wrap

two buffalo chicken wraps sliced on the diagonal, in a wide horizontal shot, plated on a white board with celery sticks and a small bowl of ranch, natural window light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

It will be ready before the kids finish asking what's for dinner, plus it's spicy and creamy!

two buffalo chicken wraps sliced on the diagonal, in a wide horizontal shot, plated on a white board with celery sticks and a small bowl of ranch, natural window light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Buffalo Chicken Wrap

Crisp lettuce and shredded rotisserie chicken with ranch and buffalo sauce in a soft tortilla.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 wraps

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1/3 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 stalk celery thinly sliced

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
  2. Warm the tortillas for a few seconds so they roll without cracking.
  3. Spread ranch down the center of each tortilla, then layer lettuce, celery, buffalo chicken, and blue cheese.
  4. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Slice in half and serve.

Notes

Use mild buffalo sauce for the kids and let the grown-ups add hot sauce at the table.

2) Chicken Alfredo Pizza

a whole chicken alfredo pizza sliced into wedges, in a wide horizontal shot, on a wooden pizza peel with melted cheese and fresh parsley, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

You can now enjoy all the comforts of fettuccine alfredo while being able to eat it with your hands.

a whole chicken alfredo pizza sliced into wedges, in a wide horizontal shot, on a wooden pizza peel with melted cheese and fresh parsley, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chicken Alfredo Pizza

A crunchy pizza crust covered in Alfredo sauce with mozzarella cheese as well as soft pieces of rotisserie chicken.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pre-baked pizza crust
  • 3/4 cup alfredo sauce
  • 1.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  2. Spread alfredo sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border.
  3. Scatter the chicken over the sauce, then top with mozzarella and parmesan.
  4. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  5. Sprinkle with parsley, slice, and serve.

Notes

A little garlic powder on the crust before saucing makes it taste extra homemade.

3) BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

golden BBQ chicken quesadilla wedges fanned out, in a wide horizontal shot, on a slate board with a small dish of barbecue sauce, melty cheese visible, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Sweet, smoky, and cheesy to draw everyone to the kitchen!

golden BBQ chicken quesadilla wedges fanned out, in a wide horizontal shot, on a slate board with a small dish of barbecue sauce, melty cheese visible, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Rotisserie chicken in tangy barbecue sauce, melted ooey gooey cheese, and tortillas.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 quesadillas

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar
  • 1/4 cup sliced red onion
  • 1 tbsp butter

Method
 

  1. Toss the chicken with barbecue sauce until well coated.
  2. Melt a little butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Lay down a tortilla, add cheese, barbecue chicken, red onion, more cheese, and a second tortilla.
  4. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and the cheese melts.
  5. Slice into wedges and serve warm.

Notes

Serve with extra barbecue sauce or ranch for dipping.

4) Chicken Caesar Salad

a large chicken Caesar salad in a wide shallow bowl, in a wide horizontal shot, with shaved parmesan and golden croutons, on a linen-covered table, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This dinner is refreshing and relaxing on a warm evening.

a large chicken Caesar salad in a wide shallow bowl, in a wide horizontal shot, with shaved parmesan and golden croutons, on a linen-covered table, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chicken Caesar Salad

Romaine, crunchy croutons, and rotisserie chicken are tossed in a classic Caesar dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 heads romaine lettuce chopped
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 cup croutons
  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
  • 1/2 cup shaved parmesan
  • black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Add the chopped romaine to a large bowl.
  2. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss until the leaves are coated.
  3. Top with rotisserie chicken, croutons, and shaved parmesan.
  4. Finish with cracked black pepper and serve immediately.

Notes

Add the croutons right before serving so they stay crunchy.

5) Southwestern Chicken Soup

a bowl of southwestern chicken soup topped with avocado and tortilla strips, in a wide horizontal shot, on a rustic table with a lime wedge and spoon, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A big cozy pot that tastes like it simmered all day!

a bowl of southwestern chicken soup topped with avocado and tortilla strips, in a wide horizontal shot, on a rustic table with a lime wedge and spoon, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Southwestern Chicken Soup

A warm southwest spicy soup featuring rotisserie chicken, black beans, and corn!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 can black beans drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the taco seasoning and toast for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the broth, tomatoes, black beans, and corn, then bring to a simmer.
  4. Stir in the chicken and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes.

Notes

Crushed tortilla chips, avocado, and a squeeze of lime make this feel special.

6) Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas

cheesy chicken enchiladas in a baking dish with one serving lifted out, in a wide horizontal shot, garnished with cilantro and diced onion, red sauce bubbling, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

With a hug as a reward, it’s sure to be a hit! It’s cheesy and saucy, so it’ll be perfect!

cheesy chicken enchiladas in a baking dish with one serving lifted out, in a wide horizontal shot, garnished with cilantro and diced onion, red sauce bubbling, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas

Chicken enchiladas feature rotisserie chicken rolled in tortillas, covered with enchilada sauce, and topped with melted cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups red enchilada sauce
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup diced onion

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and spread a little sauce in a baking dish.
  2. Mix the chicken with half the cheese and the diced onion.
  3. Warm the tortillas, fill each with the chicken mixture, roll up, and place seam-side down.
  4. Pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly, then top with cilantro.

Notes

Warming the tortillas first keeps them from cracking as you roll.

7) Thai Chicken Curry

Thai red chicken curry over jasmine rice in a shallow bowl, in a wide horizontal shot, with red pepper and basil leaves, on a dark wood table, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Rich and luscious coconut curry that can be made in less time than it takes to receive take out!

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Thai red chicken curry over jasmine rice in a shallow bowl, in a wide horizontal shot, with red pepper and basil leaves, on a dark wood table, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Thai Chicken Curry

Coconut curry with rotisserie chicken and bell peppers.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice

Method
 

  1. In a pot over medium heat, stir the curry paste into a splash of coconut milk until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the rest of the coconut milk and the broth, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add the bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes until just tender.
  4. Stir in the chicken and fish sauce and simmer 5 more minutes.
  5. Serve over jasmine rice.

Notes

A squeeze of lime and fresh basil at the end brightens the whole thing up.

8) Chicken Pot Pie

chicken pot pie with golden puff pastry and one scoop removed, in a wide horizontal shot, in a ceramic dish on a kitchen towel, creamy filling visible, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Flaky, golden, and pure cozy comfort and with almost zero effort.

chicken pot pie with golden puff pastry and one scoop removed, in a wide horizontal shot, in a ceramic dish on a kitchen towel, creamy filling visible, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chicken Pot Pie

Creamy rotisserie chicken and veggies topped with a buttery puff pastry.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
  • 1 egg beaten

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Stir together the chicken, vegetables, soup, and milk, then pour into a baking dish.
  3. Lay the puff pastry over the top and trim to fit, cutting a few slits to vent.
  4. Brush the pastry with beaten egg.
  5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is puffed and golden.

Notes

Let it rest 5 minutes before scooping so the filling sets up.

9) Chicken Stir Fry

colorful chicken stir fry over rice in a wide bowl, in a wide horizontal shot, glossy sauce and bright vegetables, chopsticks resting alongside, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A vibrant skillet meal that helps you use up any veggies that are starting to wilt in your crisper.

colorful chicken stir fry over rice in a wide bowl, in a wide horizontal shot, glossy sauce and bright vegetables, chopsticks resting alongside, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chicken Stir Fry

Crisp veggies and rotisserie chicken mixed with a tasty garlic-soy sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 4 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cups cooked rice

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
  2. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until crisp-tender.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the chicken, soy sauce, and honey and toss for 2 minutes to heat through.
  5. Serve over rice.

Notes

Since the chicken is already cooked, add it last so it doesn't dry out.

10) Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

lemon chicken orzo soup in a white bowl, in a wide horizontal shot, with spinach and a lemon slice on the rim, on a soft linen napkin, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Zesty and warm, this soup wraps you in comfort.

lemon chicken orzo soup in a white bowl, in a wide horizontal shot, with spinach and a lemon slice on the rim, on a soft linen napkin, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Rotisserie chicken and orzo with a lemon broth and spinach.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 1 carrot diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a pot and cook the carrot for 3 minutes.
  2. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
  3. Add the orzo and cook for 8 to 9 minutes until tender.
  4. Stir in the chicken and spinach and simmer until the spinach wilts.
  5. Remove from heat, stir in the lemon juice, and serve.

Notes

Add the lemon juice off the heat so it stays bright and fresh.

11) Chicken Tacos

three chicken tacos lined up in a row, in a wide horizontal shot, topped with lettuce, cheese, and salsa, on a colorful plate with lime wedges, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Thanks to that bird, taco night just got a lot quicker!

three chicken tacos lined up in a row, in a wide horizontal shot, topped with lettuce, cheese, and salsa, on a colorful plate with lime wedges, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chicken Tacos

Warm tortillas filled with seasoned rotisserie chicken and your choice of toppings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 8 small tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/2 cup salsa

Method
 

  1. Warm the chicken in a skillet with the taco seasoning and water for 5 minutes.
  2. Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave.
  3. Fill each tortilla with the seasoned chicken.
  4. Top with lettuce, cheese, and salsa, and serve.

Notes

Set out toppings buffet-style so everyone builds their own.

12) Chicken Fajitas

chicken fajitas with charred peppers and onions on a cast iron skillet, in a wide horizontal shot, warm tortillas and lime wedges alongside, steam rising, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

You can feel the restaurant quality at home when you eat sizzling onions and peppers.

chicken fajitas with charred peppers and onions on a cast iron skillet, in a wide horizontal shot, warm tortillas and lime wedges alongside, steam rising, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chicken Fajitas

Rotisserie chicken, with grilled bell peppers and onions, and warm tortillas.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 1 tbsp fajita seasoning
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 8 flour tortillas

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat.
  2. Add the peppers and onion and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until charred and soft.
  3. Sprinkle in the fajita seasoning and stir.
  4. Add the chicken and cook for 3 minutes to heat through and coat.
  5. Pile into warm tortillas and serve.

Notes

A squeeze of lime over the peppers at the end makes them pop.

13) Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole in a baking dish with a scoop removed, in a wide horizontal shot, golden cheese on top, on a wooden trivet, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A cheesy bake that sneakily gets veggies into the kids!

cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole in a baking dish with a scoop removed, in a wide horizontal shot, golden cheese on top, on a wooden trivet, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli and rice with rotisserie chicken, all combined with a rich and creamy cheddar sauce and baked to perfection.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar
  • 1/2 cup milk

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Stir together the chicken, broccoli, rice, soup, milk, and half the cheese.
  3. Spread into a greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
  4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
  5. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Use thawed frozen broccoli to skip the chopping entirely.

14) Chicken Pesto Pasta

chicken pesto penne with cherry tomatoes in a wide bowl, in a wide horizontal shot, green pesto coating the pasta, parmesan on top, on a rustic table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

It takes as long as boiling the noodles to make it fresh and herby.

chicken pesto penne with cherry tomatoes in a wide bowl, in a wide horizontal shot, green pesto coating the pasta, parmesan on top, on a rustic table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chicken Pesto Pasta

Rotisserie chicken paired with pasta and mixed with vibrant basil pesto and cherry tomatoes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan
  • 2 tbsp reserved pasta water

Method
 

  1. Cook the penne according to package directions, then reserve a little pasta water and drain.
  2. Return the pasta to the pot and stir in the pesto and a splash of pasta water.
  3. Add the chicken and cherry tomatoes and toss until warmed through.
  4. Finish with parmesan and serve.

Notes

The reserved pasta water helps the pesto coat every noodle.

15) Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

honey mustard chicken salad scooped onto a croissant, in a wide horizontal shot, with greens and crackers on the plate, on a bright kitchen counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A light dinner or lunch that you can prepare in advance and will feel like a fun little treat.

honey mustard chicken salad scooped onto a croissant, in a wide horizontal shot, with greens and crackers on the plate, on a bright kitchen counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with a sweet and tangy honey mustard dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 stalk celery diced
  • 2 tbsp dried cranberries
  • salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, and honey in a bowl.
  2. Add the chicken, celery, and cranberries and stir to combine.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Chill for 10 minutes, then serve on bread, crackers, or greens.

Notes

A handful of chopped pecans adds a nice crunch.

16) Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

a chicken parmesan sandwich with melted cheese on a toasted roll, in a wide horizontal shot, marinara peeking out, on a wooden board with a side of chips, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

You get all the comfort of chicken parm without needing to dredge or fry anything.

a chicken parmesan sandwich with melted cheese on a toasted roll, in a wide horizontal shot, marinara peeking out, on a wooden board with a side of chips, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

Toasted roll with melted mozzarella, rotisserie chicken & marinara.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1.5 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 4 sub rolls
  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

  1. Warm the chicken and marinara together in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Brush the rolls with olive oil and toast lightly.
  3. Spoon the saucy chicken into each roll and top with mozzarella and parmesan.
  4. Place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts.
  5. Serve hot.

Notes

Watch the broiler closely so the cheese melts without burning.