Elevate Your Meals: Creative Ways to Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

Why use a store bought rotisserie chicken? Not only is it delicious – it’s an easy dinner. And a good way to get in a healthy weeknight meal when short on time. Throw some veggies in the oven with chopped potatoes and you have a full meal – quick, scrumptious, and well-balanced.

But it doesn’t have to be a one-time delight! Ever found yourself staring at the remnants of a succulent rotisserie chicken wondering what else you can do with it? Well, you’re in the right place! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a hidden gem in the kitchen. It’s a super easy way to make flavorful, versatile, and resourceful meals that will become family favorites. The best part… culinary creativity with a rotisserie chicken is also CONVENIENT!

Make this year a time to embrace new cooking adventures and create a world of possibilities. Most importantly, make the most out of every shred of that delicious bird and transform your weeknight meals.

Storing Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

Before diving into recipes, let’s talk about how to avoid waste. Shred every morsel of meat from the bones to salvage all the flavor. Shredding or chopping the chicken allows for more versatility in recipes, whether it’s for lunch or dinner. Seal the chicken in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Or store well-sealed chicken in the freezer for up to 6 months.

And don’t forget the bones! You can toss them into a sealed bag and freeze for later. The bones are culinary treasures that make a foundation for a savory homemade broth. This adds depth to future dishes, like soups and stews. And it also reduces waste and saves a bit of that grocery store budget in the process.

True Lemon Hacks: Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

Infuse new life into your leftovers while making quick and easy weeknight meals nutritious and exciting! From zesty chicken salads to mouthwatering sandwiches and savory stir-fries, these recipes are designed to make the most of every bite. Plus, it’s an easy way to get a healthy chicken dinner on the table.

24 Chicken Recipes for 2024

Two baguette chicken sandwiches with arugula and tomatoes. They are on a table with a knife, whole tomatoes, and arugula.

Scrumptious Sandwich Ideas

True Lemon Dilly Chicken Sandwich

Ingredients:

Leftover shredded rotisserie chicken (for 4 sandwiches)
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon dill, divided
1 baguette, cut into 4 portions and sliced lengthwise
4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
3 packets True Lemon
4 handfuls fresh arugula (or other lettuce)
Sliced tomato and yellow or green peppers
Whole grain mustard

Directions:

In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter; add garlic and ¼ teaspoon dill.
Add chicken and heat through, thoroughly coating in butter and seasoning.
Spread butter on both sides of the bread.
In a skillet or griddle, grill bread on both sides until golden brown.
In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, True Lemon, and remaining dill. Spread on one side of the bread.
Place arugula, chicken, mustard, and tomato on four slices of bread. Top with remaining bread. (Makes 4 sandwiches)

Also try: DITK Savory Chicken Salad

Delightful Chicken Salads

Chicken Taco Mason Jar Salad

Ingredients:

½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sub mayo or sour cream)
½ cup taco sauce
2 packets True Lime, divided
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
12 ounces rotisserie chicken
1 cup cooked or canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup fresh, frozen or canned corn, drained
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 pint-size, wide-mouth jars

Directions:

For dressing whisk together in a bowl, Greek yogurt, taco sauce, and 1 packet True Lime until completely combined and smooth.
Place an equal amount of the mixed dressing at the bottom of each jar.
Divide remaining ingredients among each jar, layering in the following order: chicken, black beans, corn, cheese, tomatoes, sprinkle of True Lime, and lettuce at the top.
Seal and refrigerate until ready to serve. To serve, unscrew the lid and invert the jar over a plate. The dressing will end up on top!

More salad recipes to try:

A chicken lime avocado soup, it is in a white bowl on a table on top of a napkin. A spoon is next to it with limes and tortilla chips in the background.

Savory Chicken Soups

Chicken and Avocado Lime Soup

Ingredients:

1 large onion, diced
2 ribs celery, diced
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 quarts chicken stock
1 pound rotisserie chicken, shredded
8 packets True Lime
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon paprika
¼ tablespoon cayenne pepper
2 diced avocados
¼ cup frozen corn, thawed
Crispy corn tortillas, crushed
Fresh cilantro (as garnish)

Directions:

In a large soup pot, sauté the onions and celery until transparent in olive oil.
Add the chicken, spices and broth. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in the True Lime.
In a bowl, gently mix the avocado and corn.
Pour the soup into serving bowls and top each with avocado and corn topping.
Garnish with crispy tortillas and fresh cilantro. Enjoy!

Other mouthwatering soups:

A wok with chicken pepper stir fry. The wok is on top of a placemat on a table.There are peppers and sesame seeds in the background.

Favorite Stir Fry Meals

True Lemon Stir-Fry n' Minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups minute white or brown rice
4 packets True Lemon (or 6 for zestier flavor)
1 pound rotisserie chicken, diced
1 tablespoon oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
¼ cup honey
1 package frozen vegetable blend

Directions:

Prepare rice according to package instructions.
Heat chicken in oil in a large skillet or work over medium-high heat.
Mix soy sauce, honey and True Lemon in a small bowl. Blend well.
Combine cooked rice, sauce and vegetables with chicken.
Stir fry over high heat until heated through, about 2 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!

More stir fry options:

A pasta salad with tomatoes, chicken, cheese, peppers, and basil. It is in a white bowl on top of a cloth on a table.There is a spoon and knife next to the bowl.

Pasta Inspiration

Greek Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

Leftover rotisserie chicken
2 pounds uncooked tri-color pasta
2 small onions, chopped
1 bell pepper, diced
1 large tomato, diced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup feta cheese
1/3 cup olive oil
2-4 packets True Lemon
2 tablespoons vinegar
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt

Directions:

Cook pasta and let cool completely.
Mix dressing ingredients: olive oil, True Lemon, vinegar, oregano, salt. Set aside.
Toss the pasta with veggies, parsley, feta cheese. Top with rotisserie chicken.
When ready to serve, add dressing and toss!

More pasta recipes to toss with chicken:

Chicken divan in a red casserole tray on a wooden table.

Looking for something different? Try out these other chicken favorites!

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Written by

Amy Cimo

Amy Cimo is a Nutrition Coach, Personal Trainer and Wellness Enthusiast based out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After going through her own health journey, she found her passion in helping others find balance between nutrition, physical activity and mindset to live healthy and be truly happy. Amy attended Louisiana State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She became a Certified Personal Trainer in 2021 through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and a Certified Nutrition Coach in 2022 through Precision Nutrition.