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Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

Thanks to these leftover rotisserie chicken recipes, you don’t actually have to cook chicken to make an amazing chicken dish!

A photo collage of leftover rotisserie chicken recipes.
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The Shortcut to Quick Chicken Dinners

After so many years cooking, there is nothing I love more than learning about a new trick or shortcut that will cut down time in the kitchen. This one may seem obvious to some, but I can’t sing the praises of rotisserie chicken enough. It saves me the time to cook and works really well in any recipe that calls for shredded chicken.

The pre-roasted rotisserie chickens are typically sold in the deli section of the grocery store, and are typically more affordable than buying a raw, whole chicken that still needs to be cooked. The best place to buy them is Costco.

I like to shred the meat and keep it stored in the fridge (or even the freezer!) at the ready if I need a quick easy dinner idea without a lot of work.

You can also opt to use a roasted chicken or make your own shredded chicken if for some reason you can’t find rotisserie or would prefer to do it yourself. Both options work really well in the leftover rotisserie chicken recipes below.

5 Reasons to Make Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

The rotisserie chicken makes a great shortcut, but it is so much more than that. If you are just learning to cook or are low on time, give these recipes a try. Here is why I love to use it.

  • Almost foolproof. New cooks don’t need to worry that the chicken is cooked properly with a rotisserie chicken.
  • Saves time. You don’t have to take time cooking the chicken, so that means the meal is on the table in less time.
  • Builds confidence. Rotisserie chicken gives a new cook (or even a seasoned one) the chance to focus on the other flavors and different ways to bring the dish together.
  • Staple ingredient. As I mentioned above, I like to always have a shredded rotisserie on hand (fridge or frozen) in case of a quick meal.
  • Endless options. Just look at all the different ways this one ingredient can be transformed into leftover rotisserie chicken recipes: casseroles, quesadillas, soups, pizzas, salads, and so on.

FAQs

How long is rotisserie chicken good for in the refrigerator?

When stored properly cooked chicken is good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store in a sealed storage bag or container and it’s a good idea to label it with a date so you know how long it has been there.

How do I revive leftover rotisserie chicken?

If you are reheating your whole chicken, reheating rotisserie chicken in the oven is best. Remove rotisserie chicken from packaging and place in an oven safe dish. Add a cup of chicken broth to the pan and then tent the chicken with foil so it doesn’t dry out. Roast for 25 minutes at 350 degrees F.

How to use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Use any of the following recipes with your leftover chicken or for a quick idea top almost any salad recipe with it for an extra boost of protein and flavor.

You could also make a sandwich for lunch, top it on a pizza or add it to pasta recipes.

Best Recipes with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken in 30 Minutes

Since the rotisserie chicken is already cooked, it is a big time saver. These recipes with rotisserie chicken are a great way to have dinner on the table in less time than delivery.

Creamy chicken pasta with peppers on white plate.

Wraps, Burritos, and More

I always have tortillas or taco shells on hand, so this makes it super easy to create a full meal with just the addition of a leftover rotisserie chicken. Here are a few of my go-to recipes on how to turn these items into a family favorite.

chicken burrito on white plate
  • Chicken Burritos. These come together in a flash and can be customized with whatever you like.
  • Chicken Flautas. The creamy and cheesy chicken filling, made in a flash with rotisserie chicken, is rolled and then fried to crispy perfection.
  • Sheet Pan Quesadillas. I love this recipe for its ease and endless opportunities to mix flavors.
  • Chicken Caesar Wrap. One of my favorite ways to enjoy the classic salad on the go.
  • Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos. I like to make a bunch and keep them frozen until I need a quick dinner.
  • Chicken Crepes. These incredibly flavorful crepes are a beautiful way to impress any guest.
  • BBQ Chicken Tacos. Just 15 minutes to make taco Tuesday a night to remember plus it solves what to make with rotisserie chicken.

Salad Recipes Using Rotisserie Chicken

Salad is so much more than a side, especially when we add rotisserie chicken. These recipes with rotisserie chicken are just a few of my favorite salads that take center stage for lunch or dinner.

pesto chicken salad

Casserole Recipes for Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

Casseroles can be time consuming, but they don’t have to be. I cut down on the time by using a rotisserie chicken and it makes everything just a little bit easier.

Slice of white chicken lasagna in pan.

Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipes

There is little as comforting as a warm bowl of soup, and, thanks to rotisserie chicken leftovers, these recipes come together quickly giving you more time to relax and simply enjoy.

chicken taco soup in bowl

Rotisserie Chicken Pizza Recipes

Chicken on pizza may seem a little far out to some, but it just takes one bite to realize that the two were meant to be. You really can customize any pizza dough with your favorite toppings along with shredded rotisserie chicken, but here are a few favorites to get you started.

BBQ chicken pizza sliced.
  • Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza. BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, mozzarella, red onion and cilantro come together to create an addictive pizza.
  • Healthy Pizza. I always feel good after eating a slice of this topped with fresh veggies, mozzarella, chicken, arugula and a balsamic glaze.
  • 15-Minute Mexican Pizza. Warm tortillas are stuffed with refried beans, shredded chicken, and melty cheese. Yum!
  • Buffalo Chicken Pizza. Your favorite buffalo chicken wings have been transformed into a pizza.

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A photo collage of leftover rotisserie chicken recipes.

Rotisserie Chicken

5 from 12 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
This fast and easy store-bought chicken can be used in a multitude of ways once the meat is removed and shredded.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 1 rotisserie chicken

Instructions

  • On a cutting board, place the chicken, breast-side up, and cut away any twine.
  • Remove the skin and discard. Pull all the meat from the breast, legs, and thighs until no meat remains on the body.
  • Shred the meat with your hands or in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low. You can also opt to cut or dice the meat, depending on the recipe you are making.

Notes

Storage: Store shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze the shredded chicken in an airtight container up to 4 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 276kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.03g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 521mg | Sugar: 0.03g

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

The Full List of Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

Click on the links below to find the recipes for all of the delicious leftover rotisserie chicken recipes mentioned above.

creamy chicken pasta with peppers on white plate
Creamy Chicken Pasta
Tender farfalle noodles coated in a creamy and rich white pasta sauce with sautéed onions, peppers and shredded chicken. Your family will be begging for seconds of this creamy chicken pasta recipe!
Total Time: 35 minutes
Read more
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Buffalo chicken sliders are made with soft, crispy toasted Hawaiian rolls filled with saucy tangy buffalo chicken topped with gooey melted cheese. They're perfect for feeding a hungry crowd!
Total Time: 25 minutes
Read more
Chicken Salad Croissant
This chicken salad croissant sandwich is easy to make and ready in 30 minutes! Flavorful homemade chicken salad is sandwiched between two halves of a soft buttery croissant for a simple meal that is great year round!
Total Time: 30 minutes
Read more
bbq chicken stuffed sweet potato with cilantro
Stuffed Sweet Potato Recipe
Deliciously stuffed sweet potatoes made 4 different ways. This easy dinner idea is loaded with flavor and is super filling! 
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Read more
Sheet Pan Nachos
Crispy baked tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, chicken and all your favorite toppings. These sheet pan nachos make an easy dinner, appetizer or snack that's ready in just 20 minutes! 
Total Time: 20 minutes
Read more
Chicken flautas on a white plate.
Chicken Flautas
Enjoy the flavors of Mexico with these easy chicken flautas. Rolled tortillas are filled with a cheesy and creamy chicken filling and then fried to golden perfection! They make a delicious snack or a quick dinner for your hungry family.
Total Time: 25 minutes
Read more
chicken burrito on white plate
Chicken Burritos
Crispy flour tortillas filled with shredded honey lime chicken, cilantro lime rice, pinto beans and melted cheese. Then topped with a creamy salsa verde sauce. This chicken burrito recipe is an easy authentic Mexican dish that you'll reach for again and again. 
Total Time: 35 minutes
Read more
bbq chicken tacos on plate
BBQ Chicken Tacos
Warm corn tortillas loaded with tangy BBQ chicken, black beans salsa, fresh cilantro and a drizzle of cilantro lime dressing. These easy BBQ chicken tacos are made in just 15 minutes and are the perfect dinner to serve your family on Taco Tuesday! 
Total Time: 15 minutes
Read more
Chicken caesar wrap with chips on a white plate.
Chicken Caesar Wrap
Delicious chicken caesar wrap filled with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, avocado, lettuce and Caesar dressing. A quick and easy lunch or appetizer that tastes amazing! 
Total Time: 10 minutes
Read more
Sheet pan quesadilla on a metal baking sheet.
Sheet Pan Quesadillas
Made with a crispy shell, filled with black beans, rice, shredded chicken, taco seasoning, and melty cheese, then baked until golden. Easy sheet pan quesadillas can be customized to your liking and ready in 40 minutes to satisfy any crowd for game day parties or simple weeknight dinners!
Total Time: 40 minutes
Read more
chicken taquitos recipe
Chicken Taquitos
These baked chicken taquitos are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside and full of fabulous flavor. An easy and delicious dinner recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights! 
Total Time: 30 minutes
Read more
fork taking bite of chicken crepes on white plate
Chicken Crepes
These chicken crepes are filled with a creamy béchamel sauce, shredded chicken, melty cheese then baked and served with fresh pesto and balsamic glaze on top! An easy way to impress your guests or to enjoy a light lunch all summer long!
Total Time: 40 minutes
Read more
asian chicken salad in white bowl
Asian Chicken Salad
This Asian chicken salad is everything you want in a salad recipe…fresh, light, crunchy and delicious. It's super flavorful and is loaded with all your favorite toppings! 
Total Time: 20 minutes
Read more
chicken quinoa salad with mango, lime and cilantro
Mango Chicken Quinoa Salad
Chicken quinoa salad with juicy mango and chunks of rich avocado is the perfect light meal or side dish to make this summer.
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Read more
chicken taco salad with salsa ranch dressing in a white bowl
Chicken Taco Salad
Shredded chicken taco salad loaded with lettuce, black beans, grilled corn, avocado, tomatoes and bell peppers. Topped with a creamy salsa ranch dressing. Simple, flavorful and delicious!
Total Time: 20 minutes
Read more
pesto chicken salad
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
This chicken pesto pasta salad is light, healthy and packed with the perfect basil pesto flavor! Great for BBQs, brunches, baby showers & more! 
Total Time: 20 minutes
Read more
chicken salad with grapes in bowl
Chicken Salad Recipe
This chicken salad recipe is so flavorful and tastes amazing! Try it on a croissant, in a lettuce cup, spread on top of crackers or stuffed in a pita or tortilla.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Read more
Slice of white chicken lasagna in pan.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
Layers of noodles topped with a creamy white sauce made with cream cheese, Parmesan, tender shredded chicken, cream, spinach, and aromatics. Creamy chicken alfredo lasagna has it all! Of course, we can't forget the melty mozzarella!
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Read more
green chile chicken enchiladas in casserole dish
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
These green chile chicken enchiladas are creamy, cheesy and full of flavor! This recipe is absolutely to die for…better than a Mexican restaurant! 
Total Time: 45 minutes
Read more
mexican casserole
Mexican Chicken Casserole
This Mexican chicken casserole is an easy weeknight meal that's made in one dish in just 30 minutes! Creamy, cheesy and baked to perfection.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Read more
chicken enchilada casserole in white dish
Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
This cheesy chicken enchilada casserole is the perfect dish for busy weeknights. Only takes 5 ingredients to make, 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake. It doesn't get easier than that!
Total Time: 45 minutes
Read more
chicken broccoli rice casserole
Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe
An easy dinner idea that is the perfect "all in one" meal that's great for busy weeknights. This chicken broccoli casserole is a staple dish at our house!
Total Time: 45 minutes
Read more
chicken taco soup in bowl
Chicken Taco Soup
Easy chicken taco soup made in just one pot in 30 quick minutes. Our favorite hearty and flavorful soup recipe to enjoy during the fall season. 
Total Time: 30 minutes
Read more
chicken gnocchi soup
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This homemade chicken gnocchi soup is the perfect comfort food… creamy, hearty and delicious! Only takes one pot and 30 minutes to make. 
Total Time: 30 minutes
Read more
chicken corn chowder with bacon on top
Chicken and Corn Chowder
A creamy and comforting soup recipe loaded with shredded chicken, potatoes, bacon, corn and flavorful spices. This one-pot chicken and corn chowder is easy, hearty and super delicious!
Total Time: 45 minutes
Read more
White lasagna soup in a black stockpot.
White Lasagna Soup
Rich and hearty creamy white lasagna soup is packed with tender shredded chicken, lasagna noodles, Italian spices, spinach, and a velvety broth with cream and Parmesan cheese. It's a comforting version of the classic pasta dish but without the hassle of layering the noodles!
Total Time: 20 minutes
Read more
bbq chicken pizza
BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
This BBQ chicken pizza is topped with BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, mozzarella, red onion and cilantro. It has tons of flavor and is ready in just 30 minutes!
Total Time: 30 minutes
Read more
Healthy Pizza
The BEST healthy pizza topped with fresh veggies, mozzarella, chicken, arugula and a balsamic glaze. Ready in just 20 minutes and perfectly crispy and delicious! 
Total Time: 20 minutes
Read more
sliced mexican pizza
Mexican Pizza Recipe
Delicious warm tortillas stuffed with refried beans, meat and melty cheese. Add your favorite toppings and there you have it…a yummy Mexican pizza made in just minutes!
Total Time: 15 minutes
Read more
Slice of buffalo chicken pizza.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Make the most delicious buffalo chicken pizza for dinner tonight with as many shortcuts as you need making it even easier! Saucy chicken, blue cheese dressing, and mozzarella topped with blue cheese and extra sauce!
Total Time: 22 minutes
Read more


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