Busy families often find themselves in a time crunch, struggling to whip up healthy and delicious meals.
Rotisserie chicken is here to save the day! This versatile ingredient can turn into a variety of quick, satisfying dishes that please the whole family. With a little creativity, you can transform leftover rotisserie chicken into delightful meals that require minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Let’s dive into ten incredible recipes that make use of this convenient staple, ensuring you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones.
1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus
This dish is the epitome of simplicity and flavor. Imagine tender pieces of rotisserie chicken sautéed with fresh asparagus, all coated in a zesty lemon garlic sauce. The bright flavors are uplifting, perfect for a weeknight meal that feels special. For the freshest lemon flavor, consider using the Elite Gourmet ETS623 BPA-Free Electric Citrus Juicer. This compact juicer not only helps you extract juice effortlessly, but it also allows you to control the pulp and ensures you get every last drop of that zesty lemon goodness.
Overview:
– Servings: 4
– Prep Time: 10 mins
– Cook Time: 20 mins
– Total Time: 30 mins
– Calories: 350 per serving
Nutrition Information:
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 10g
– Fat: 20g
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
– 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Toss in asparagus, and cook until tender, around 5 minutes.
4. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, lemon juice, and zest. Stir until heated through.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm!
– For added flavor, sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.
– This dish pairs beautifully with a side of quinoa or brown rice.
2. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, this casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level. Using rotisserie chicken saves time without sacrificing flavor. The combination of tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce creates a mouthwatering dish perfect for feeding a crowd. To make this dish even more convenient, consider using a Glass Baking Dish for easy transport and storage – it’s oven, freezer, and microwave safe!
Overview:
– Servings: 6
– Prep Time: 15 mins
– Cook Time: 30 mins
– Total Time: 45 mins
– Calories: 420 per serving
Nutrition Information:
– Protein: 32g
– Carbohydrates: 15g
– Fat: 23g
Ingredients:
– 3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 can cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and 1 cup of cheese. For a deliciously convenient flavor boost, you can use McCormick Garlic Powder to ensure the garlic flavor is perfectly blended throughout the dish. Mix well.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
4. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
– For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
– Use any vegetables you have on hand for a personalized twist!
When life gets busy, let rotisserie chicken come to the rescue! In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole that’s sure to satisfy the whole family.
Don’t forget to stock up on shredded cheese mix for this recipe and others. It’s a versatile ingredient that can add richness to countless dishes!
3. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, BBQ chicken quesadillas are a fantastic option. The smokiness of BBQ sauce paired with melted cheese and shredded rotisserie chicken creates a delicious meal that’s ready in no time. Plus, it’s a fun way for kids to enjoy their dinner!
To whip up these quesadillas, you’ll need some key ingredients. Start with 365 by Whole Foods Market Original Barbecue Sauce, which adds the perfect blend of flavors to your chicken. This versatile sauce enhances the taste of the shredded rotisserie chicken, making each bite irresistible.
You’ll also need a reliable cooking surface like the T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan Set. With its non-stick properties, this skillet ensures that your quesadillas cook evenly without sticking, making the flipping process a breeze. It’s perfect for achieving that golden-brown crispiness we all love.
### Overview:
– Servings: 4
– Prep Time: 10 mins
– Cook Time: 10 mins
– Total Time: 20 mins
– Calories: 300 per serving
### Nutrition Information:
– Protein: 25g
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Fat: 15g
### Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 4 large tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
– Olive oil for frying
### Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet. On one half, layer cheese, BBQ chicken, and more cheese.
4. Fold the tortilla and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Repeat with remaining tortillas, then slice and serve with sour cream or salsa.
For an extra kick, consider adding sliced red onions or jalapeños. You can also serve these quesadillas with a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your quick and delicious dinner!
4. Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Indulge in creamy comfort with this chicken Alfredo pasta bake. The combination of rotisserie chicken, pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce creates a hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners. You can throw everything together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. For this recipe, consider using an 8-piece deep glass baking dish set with plastic lids, which is ideal for this type of meal. Its versatility allows you to go from oven to table to refrigerator with ease, ensuring that leftovers are stored conveniently.
Overview:
– Servings: 6
– Prep Time: 15 mins
– Cook Time: 25 mins
– Total Time: 40 mins
– Calories: 500 per serving
Nutrition Information:
– Protein: 35g
– Carbohydrates: 45g
– Fat: 25g
Ingredients:
– 3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, diced
– 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
– 2 cups Alfredo sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced chicken, Alfredo sauce, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
For a quick and easy way to add flavor to your dish, consider using sauce mix creamy pasta sauce. This Alfredo sauce mix is perfect for whipping up a delicious, creamy base without any artificial flavors or added MSG, making your meal prep even simpler.
– Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color.
– This dish can be made in advance and refrigerated for easy meal prep!
Dinner doesn’t have to be a hassle! With rotisserie chicken and a creamy Alfredo sauce, you can whip up a hearty pasta bake in just 40 minutes – family dinners made easy!
5. Southwest Chicken Salad
For those warm evenings, a refreshing Southwest chicken salad is an excellent choice. Packed with flavor and nutrition, this salad combines rotisserie chicken with beans, corn, avocado, and a zesty dressing. It’s a meal that’s not just quick but also a great option for meal prep throughout the week.
To make your preparation even easier, consider using rotisserie chicken shredder claws. These handy tools allow you to effortlessly shred the cooked rotisserie chicken in no time, making the process smoother and less messy.
Overview:
– Servings: 4
– Prep Time: 10 mins
– Cook Time: 0 mins
– Total Time: 10 mins
– Calories: 250 per serving
Nutrition Information:
– Protein: 28g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fat: 10g
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
– 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
– 1 avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
3. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to a day.
For dicing the avocado, the avocado slicer is a must-have tool. It simplifies the process, ensuring clean cuts and making it easier to incorporate perfectly diced avocado into your salad.
To keep your greens and other vegetables fresh, consider investing in an salad spinner. This handy device quickly washes and dries your produce, making assembly even quicker and ensuring your salad has the best texture and taste.
– Add crushed tortilla chips on top for extra crunch.
– Use your favorite dressing to customize this salad!
6. Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa
Spice up taco night with these quick chicken tacos topped with fresh mango salsa. Using rotisserie chicken makes it easy to assemble these delightful tacos that burst with flavor. The sweet and spicy mango salsa adds a tropical twist that everyone will love.
Overview:
– Servings: 4
– Prep Time: 10 mins
– Cook Time: 5 mins
– Total Time: 15 mins
– Calories: 350 per serving
Nutrition Information:
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 40g
– Fat: 15g
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
– 8 small corn tortillas
– 1 mango, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño, minced
– Juice of 1 lime
– Fresh cilantro, chopped
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, and salt to make the salsa. Set aside.
2. Heat tortillas in a skillet until warm and pliable.
3. Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and top with mango salsa.
4. Serve immediately for fresh flavors!
– Substitute the mango with pineapple for a different flavor.
– Serve with lime wedges for an extra kick.
Taco night just got a tropical upgrade! With rotisserie chicken and zesty mango salsa, you can whip up delicious chicken tacos in just 15 minutes. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor – what’s not to love?
7. Chicken Stir-Fry with Veggies
Whip up a quick and healthy dinner with a chicken stir-fry using rotisserie chicken, which cuts the cooking time in half. This allows you to enjoy a colorful mix of stir-fried vegetables and tender chicken in a savory sauce. Consider using a non-stick skillet like the T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan Set, which makes stir-frying a breeze and ensures that your ingredients cook evenly without sticking. This dish is versatile and can change according to what’s in season or what you have on hand.
For flavor, you’ll need a good soy sauce. A soy sauce dispenser like the Winco PSUD-48 can help you pour just the right amount, making it easy to enhance your meal without the mess.
Here’s how to prepare it:
**Overview:**
– Servings: 4
– Prep Time: 10 mins
– Cook Time: 10 mins
– Total Time: 20 mins
– Calories: 300 per serving
**Nutrition Information:**
– Protein: 29g
– Carbohydrates: 25g
– Fat: 10g
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp ginger, minced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Cooked rice for serving
**Instructions:**
1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
3. Toss in your mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the shredded chicken and soy sauce, stirring until heated through.
5. Serve over cooked rice for a filling meal.
Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes for heat. This dish is a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies!
8. Chicken Fried Rice
Transform leftover rice into a delicious chicken fried rice using your rotisserie chicken. This dish is not just a great way to repurpose ingredients, but it also packs a punch of flavor and nutrition. It’s quick to prepare and is a hit among kids and adults alike, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Overview:
– Servings: 4
– Prep Time: 10 mins
– Cook Time: 15 mins
– Total Time: 25 mins
– Calories: 400 per serving
Nutrition Information:
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 45g
– Fat: 10g
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
– 4 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup peas and carrots (frozen or fresh)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions:
1. Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add a little oil.
2. Add the peas and carrots, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes.
3. Push the veggies to one side, pour in the beaten eggs, and scramble.
4. Add the cooked rice and shredded chicken, mixing everything together.
5. Pour in soy sauce and stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes. Serve hot!
– Use day-old rice for the best texture.
– Feel free to add any leftover veggies you love to the mix.
9. Chicken Pot Pie
A classic chicken pot pie becomes a breeze to prepare when using rotisserie chicken. This comforting dish offers a flaky crust filled with a creamy chicken and vegetable mixture. It’s the ultimate cozy meal for busy evenings, and a homemade pot pie can easily become a family favorite!
For a quick and convenient option, consider using Cream of Chicken Soup, which can save you time in preparation without sacrificing flavor. It adds a rich creaminess to the filling, ensuring your pot pie is both hearty and delicious.
Overview:
– Servings: 6
– Prep Time: 15 mins
– Cook Time: 30 mins
– Total Time: 45 mins
– Calories: 450 per serving
Nutrition Information:
– Protein: 32g
– Carbohydrates: 40g
– Fat: 20g
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
– 1 can cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 premade pie crust (store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture into a pie dish and cover with the pie crust, sealing the edges.
4. Cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
– For a golden finish, brush the top crust with an egg wash before baking.
– Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
With rotisserie chicken, a homemade chicken pot pie goes from dream to dinner in just 45 minutes! Cozy up with this classic comfort food that the whole family will love.
10. Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Warm up with a bowl of hearty chicken and vegetable soup. This easy recipe allows you to use rotisserie chicken for a quick, comforting meal that’s full of nutrients. Plus, it’s a great way to clean out your fridge while creating something wholesome. To make your cooking process even easier, consider using a large stock pot for boiling the chicken broth and cooking the vegetables. Its ample size ensures that you can prepare enough soup for the whole family without any hassle.
For chopping your vegetables, a vegetable chopper would be a fantastic addition to your kitchen. This handy tool makes quick work of prepping your mixed vegetables, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
Here’s a simple overview of the recipe to get you started:
– Servings: 4
– Prep Time: 10 mins
– Cook Time: 20 mins
– Total Time: 30 mins
– Calories: 300 per serving
**Nutrition Information:**
– Protein: 25g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fat: 8g
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, peas)
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil.
2. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in shredded chicken and Italian seasoning, letting it simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
5. Enjoy warm with crusty bread!
Feel free to use leftover veggies to customize the soup, and don’t forget that you can freeze leftovers for a quick meal later!
Conclusion
Rotisserie chicken is not just a meal starter; it’s a game changer for busy families.
With these ten quick meal hacks, your dinner dilemmas can become delicious experiences without all the stress. Embrace these easy dinner ideas and let mealtime become a cherished time for connection and creativity. Say goodbye to cooking fatigue and hello to flavorful evenings with loved ones!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some quick and easy dinner ideas using rotisserie chicken?
If you’re in a pinch, rotisserie chicken is your best friend! You can whip up delicious meals like BBQ chicken quesadillas, chicken Alfredo pasta bake, or a refreshing Southwest chicken salad in no time. These dishes not only save you time but also allow you to enjoy a variety of flavors the whole family will love!
How can I use rotisserie chicken for meal prep?
Meal prep becomes a breeze with rotisserie chicken! You can easily shred it and use it in multiple recipes, like chicken fried rice or chicken stir-fry with veggies. Portion out your meals for the week and store them in the fridge or freezer. This way, you’ll always have a quick, nutritious option ready to go!
Are there healthy rotisserie chicken meals for families?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken can be a part of healthy meals. Consider making a chicken and vegetable soup or a one-pan lemon garlic chicken & asparagus dish. These options are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them perfect for busy families looking to eat well without the hassle.
What are some time-saving cooking tips when using rotisserie chicken?
One of the best time-saving tips is to utilize rotisserie chicken as a base for multiple meals. For example, use it in cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole one night and then transform leftovers into chicken tacos with mango salsa the next. Also, don’t forget to keep the bones for making a flavorful broth for soups—double-duty cooking at its finest!
Can I customize recipes with rotisserie chicken to fit my family’s tastes?
Definitely! One of the perks of using rotisserie chicken is its versatility. You can easily adjust flavors and ingredients to suit your family’s preferences. For example, swap the veggies in a chicken stir-fry or change sauces in chicken tacos. Get creative and make these recipes your own while still enjoying the time-saving benefits!
