A freshly cooked rotisserie chicken can be all you need to get dinner on the table fast. Easily picked up from the grocery store, this nutrient-rich protein serves as an ideal starting point for a number of different recipes. Having the rotisserie chicken on hand means there's one less component to cook on busy weeknights, so you can get dinner (or lunch) on the table stat.
Whether you purchase a small or large bird, there are lots of tasty and intriguing ways to transform the meat into something special for your family. From hearty casseroles and classics (like chicken pot pie) to simple salads and comforting soups, our best rotisserie chicken recipes (plus ideas for leftovers!) will have the whole family asking for seconds.
Barbecued Chicken and Zucchini Pizza
If you have pizza dough in your refrigerator or freezer, or you can pick some up on the way home, this meal comes together fast. You'll need about half a bird, so it's a great leftover rotisserie chicken recipe. (If you have a bit more or a bit less than half, don't fret—this recipe is forgiving.)
Chicken and Grape Salad
When you have half a rotisserie chicken to use up, make this tasty dinner salad that serves four. (If you have a quarter of a chicken left, make it for two!) Combined with sweet grapes, salty bacon, red-leaf lettuce, and a creamy blue cheese dressing, it’s a fresh, fast dinner everyone will love.
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Just like Grandma used to make! This easy casserole recipe breathes new life into leftover rotisserie chicken and rice with sautéed mushrooms, frozen peas, fresh parsley, a tangy sour-cream sauce, and golden breadcrumbs.
Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowl
The simple cilantro-lime marinade transforms rotisserie chicken in this deconstructed burrito. But the best part about the dish is how versatile it is—while we use rice and beans, the hearty ingredients can easily be switched out for your favorite grains or lettuce.
Creamy Leftover-Turkey-and-Rice Soup
Rotisserie chicken makes a great, easy swap for the turkey in this 25-minute take on avgolemono soup. Its base is a mix of eggs yolks, turkey stock, and lemon juice—a perfect blend of creaminess and brightness. The dish is thickened with cooked rice and shredded chicken (or turkey).
Cobb Salad Sandwich
Enjoy your Cobb salad in sandwich form when you stack crusty bread with shredded rotisserie chicken, bacon, tomato, avocado, and hard-cooked eggs. Drizzle with homemade blue cheese dressing just before serving.
Half-Hour Chicken Gumbo
Rotisserie chicken, precooked andouille sausage, and frozen okra are the workarounds that get this stew on the table in 30 minutes. To make the most of your time, bake a batch of cornbread while the gumbo simmers.
Chicken, Chickpea, and Pesto Salad
Toss chickpeas, sliced English cucumber, celery, and shredded rotisserie chicken in pesto to make this hearty, healthy chicken salad. Chopped tomatoes and bell peppers can be added for extra flavor and crunch.
Cheesy Chicken-and-Corn Pizza
A great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, this flavor-packed pizza also uses store-bought dough so it comes together in a snap. The chicken is tossed in a tomatillo salsa for a kick of heat, while cheese and corn kernels cool down this enchilada-inspired dish.
Chicken with Couscous and Orange
Using a supermarket rotisserie chicken and quick-cooking couscous gets this one-pot dinner on the table in a flash. Fresh mint leaves, chopped navel orange, and toasted pistachios lend vibrant flavors to this easy meal.
Chicken and Kale Casserole
Kale and lemon zest add a twist to this chicken and pasta casserole, while ricotta and parmesan cheeses make it rich and satisfying.
Lemony Pesto Chicken Soup
If you're craving a burst of brightness on a cold day, this is the soup to make. Three tablespoons of lemon juice add a citrusy bite to this quick and easy to prepare meal, which is made with primarily store-bought ingredients, including chicken broth, rotisserie chicken, and pesto.
Apricot-Basil Chicken Salad
Dried apricots, fresh basil, and slivered almonds make this chicken salad worthy of a spot at an elegant luncheon or in a pretty picnic basket. Combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, paprika, minced garlic, and champagne vinegar to make the tangy, flavorful dressing.
Rotisserie Chicken with Yogurt Sauce and Herb Relish
Paired with a savory yogurt sauce, herb relish, and celery-radish salad, rotisserie chicken becomes the main event in this filling entrée
Southwestern Chicken Wraps
A tangy, spicy spread made from sour cream, pickled jalapeños, and lime juice adds kick to these wraps stuffed with rotisserie chicken, black beans, tomato, and avocado.
Turmeric-Ginger Chicken Soup
You can make this immunity-boosting soup in under 20 minutes using store-bought broth and rotisserie chicken. Ginger, garlic, and turmeric give the comforting meal a welcome depth of flavor.
Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Combine shredded leftover rotisserie chicken with sautéed spinach in a white wine-cream sauce to make this comforting casserole. The topping of torn bread lightly coated in olive oil becomes golden and crisp as it bakes.
Chicken Potpies with Ham
Fennel bulb and seeds add a new twist to these individual chicken potpies. Using store-bought pie crust and rotisserie chicken means this recipe is quick enough to make for a weeknight dinner.
Green Thai Chicken Soup
Warm up with this one-pot chicken soup that's as easy to make as it is to clean up. The flavor from store-bought broth and green curry paste melds together to form the soup's base, while baby bok choy and sweet bell peppers add crunch.
Chicken and Kale Hand Pies with Cheddar Crust
These hand-held pies make a satisfying lunch dish or party appetizer. Flaky cheddar pastry encloses a filling of sautéed kale, leeks, thyme, and shredded chicken.
Chicken, Mushroom, and Cabbage Salad with Soy-Lemon Dressing
The dressing—which also does double duty for marinating mushrooms—takes center stage in this quick-to-make salad. Let sliced white button or cremini mushrooms sit in a warm mixture of soy sauce, lemon juice, sugar, and sesame oil; then toss the dressing with shredded rotisserie chicken, napa cabbage, radishes, carrot, celery, scallion, and mint leaves.
Chicken, Avocado, and Bacon Sandwich
Perfect a deli-style sandwich at own home by piling it high with shredded rotisserie chicken, avocado, and bacon. Spread slices of toast with mayonnaise mixed with garlic for a burst of tangy creaminess.
Easy Chicken Posole
Get dinner on the table in just 10 minutes by using store-bought broth and rotisserie chicken to create this flavorful take on posole. After that it's just stirring in the rest of your ingredients, including canned hominy, salsa, and sherry vinegar.