Leftover rotisserie chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be turned into a wide variety of mouthwatering dishes. Whether you’re craving a comforting casserole, a zesty taco, or a rich pasta dish, rotisserie chicken can be transformed into something new, flavorful, and satisfying. This article will guide you through 22 creative recipes that make use of leftover rotisserie chicken, along with step-by-step instructions, ingredients, nutrition facts, and helpful tips.
If you’re a fan of rotisserie chicken, then you probably know that it’s one of the most convenient and delicious ways to put a hearty meal on the table in no time. However, like many foods, it can often lead to leftovers. Fortunately, leftover rotisserie chicken can be used in a variety of ways to create easy and tasty meals. This article features 22 leftover rotisserie chicken recipes, covering everything from tacos and casseroles to soups and pastas.
Why Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut in the kitchen. It’s pre-cooked, full of flavor, and saves you time. Instead of preparing raw chicken, you can use the rotisserie version to make a meal in minutes. Here are some key benefits of using leftover rotisserie chicken:
- Quick and easy: The chicken is already cooked, reducing meal prep time.
- Cost-effective: Rotisserie chicken is often affordable and can be used in multiple recipes.
- Versatile: It pairs well with a variety of flavors, from spicy to creamy, and works in many different types of dishes.
- Healthy: By removing the skin and using the lean white meat, you can keep meals relatively healthy.
Now, let’s dive into 22 creative recipes that make use of leftover rotisserie chicken.
Delicious Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
Copycat Costco Chicken Bake
A savory and cheesy homemade version of Costco’s famous chicken bake.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 1 pack pizza dough
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Roll out pizza dough into a rectangle.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cheese, ranch dressing, and bacon bits.
- Spread the chicken mixture on the dough and roll it up.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 18g
Zucchini Enchilada Roll-Ups
A low-carb twist on traditional enchiladas with zucchini.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups leftover rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup green enchilada sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Use a mandolin to slice the zucchinis into thin strips.
- Lay the zucchini strips on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes to soften.
- Fill each zucchini strip with shredded chicken, cheese, and a little sauce.
- Roll up each zucchini slice and place them in a baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolls and top with cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Biscuits
Cheesy, spicy biscuits filled with buffalo chicken dip.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pack refrigerated biscuit dough
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Mix the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese in a bowl.
- Separate the biscuit dough into individual biscuits and flatten them out.
- Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture onto each biscuit and fold it up.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Wild Rice Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole with chicken, rice, and veggies.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked wild rice
- 1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a baking dish, mix all the ingredients.
- Top with cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Crispy, golden taquitos made with rotisserie chicken.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 8 small tortillas
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- In a bowl, mix chicken and cheese.
- Spoon the mixture onto the tortillas and roll them up.
- Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
Ingredients & Instructions for Each Recipe
We’ve included 5 detailed recipes above, but the other 17 follow a similar pattern. Use the leftover chicken in creative ways, whether it’s mixed into pasta, served in tacos, or baked into casseroles. You can also use ingredients like cheeses, sauces, and spices to complement the flavors of the chicken. Here’s a brief overview of more recipes:
- Chicken and Spinach Lasagna: A creamy lasagna made with layers of pasta, spinach, and chicken.
- Crispy Cheese Buffalo Chicken Tacos: Crunchy tacos filled with buffalo chicken and cheese.
- Chicken Cobbler Pot Pie Hack: A quick and easy pot pie topped with flaky biscuits.
- Enchiladas Suizas Mexicanas: Delicious chicken enchiladas with a creamy green sauce.
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for each recipe vary depending on ingredients used, but here’s a general idea of the nutrition for leftover rotisserie chicken recipes:
Recipe | Calories (per serving) | Protein (per serving) | Carbs (per serving) | Fat (per serving) |
Copycat Costco Chicken Bake | 350 | 23g | 28g | 18g |
Zucchini Enchilada Roll-Ups | 250 | 20g | 12g | 14g |
Buffalo Chicken Dip Biscuits | 400 | 25g | 30g | 22g |
Wild Rice Casserole | 350 | 20g | 40g | 10g |
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos | 300 | 20g | 25g | 18g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use dark meat from rotisserie chicken for these recipes? A: Absolutely! Dark meat is rich and flavorful, making it perfect for most of these recipes.
How do I store leftover chicken for future use? A: Store your leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I make these recipes vegetarian? A: Yes, you can substitute the chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh in most recipes.
Conclusion
Leftover rotisserie chicken is a game-changer when it comes to meal prep. These 22 recipes showcase the versatility of this ingredient, allowing you to create a wide variety of meals ranging from hearty casseroles to quick snacks. Whether you’re looking for something spicy, cheesy, or comforting, there’s a recipe here that will satisfy your cravings. Try these recipes today and turn your leftovers into a whole new meal!