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42 Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

If you have an extra rotisserie chicken on hand but you’re tired of your regular recipe rotation, we’ve got a list of leftover rotisserie chicken recipes for you to try.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll grab a rotisserie chicken or two at Costco or the grocery store, even if you don’t need it, just so you can use it to prep quick lunches or dinners when you don’t have time to make a full meal. I’ll also roast a whole chicken in the oven myself sometimes, or pop one in the slow cooker, and shred the chicken to make something else. Honestly, it’s such a versatile protein and so easy to make.

The best thing about rotisserie chickens are that you can usually pick one up at Walmart, Sam’s Club, Safeway, Food Lion and many more places for under $10. You can feed the family in minutes by pairing it with an easy side. Some stores offer $5 deals or two-for-one days. Keep an eye on your grocery stores circular to see when you can get the best deal.

Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

Best Way To Store Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

Did I mention that it’s versatile? When you have a leftover rotisserie chicken you can get to work shredding all the leftovers off the bone. Put the shredded pieces in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days (but you’ll use it before then). You can use the shredded chicken to toss into whatever you’re making. If you don’t plan on using the chicken right away, you can store it in the freezer in an airtight container for up to two months.

Best Ways To Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

If you don’t like the skin you can discard those pieces when you throw out the bones. Or! You can make broth. You can do this in a regular pot, or you can make it in an instant pot or slow cooker. Here’s the best way to make broth:

  • Remove all the meat from the carcass
  • Roughly chop some celery, carrots, and onion
  • Peel and crush a few garlic cloves
  • Add bones, skin (if using), vegetables, garlic, and salt and pepper to a pot (or slow cooker/IP)
  • Add enough water to completely cover your chicken and vegetables (12-16 cups), or in the IP fill to the max fill line
  • Bring the water to a boil, then turn down and simmer for as long as possible – some people recommend 12-14 hours, but I’ve done it for as little as 6 and still gotten flavorful broth
  • You can reduce the cook time by using an instant pot – cook it on high for 180 minutes using manual release
  • If using a crock pot, you can keep it cooking for 24 hours to get supper nutrient rich broth
  • Cool and strain the broth to remove the skin, bones, and vegetables then store the broth in mason jars or other airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week
  • You can also freeze your broth where it will last several months – and if you don’t have time to make the broth right away, you can freeze the carcass in an airtight container until you’re ready to make it.

In addition to making broth, the actual meat from the chicken is perfect for adding to many different dishes including:

  • Tacos, burritos, and quesadillas
  • Pasta and mac & cheese
  • Sandwiches
  • Salads
  • Soups and stews
  • Wraps
  • Enchiladas
  • Pizza and flatbread
  • Stir frys
  • Fried Rice and chow mein

And so much more! Avoid drying out the chicken by adding it to stove-top dishes near the end of the cooking process. If adding it to a casserole or other oven based recipe, the sauce should help it retain moisture. Cream bases and broth bases will keep the chicken from becoming too dry.

Time to get creative with your leftovers! Here’s a list of some of the best leftover rotisserie chicken recipes.

Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

If you're looking for new and creative ways to use this versatile protein, we've got a list of leftover rotisserie chicken recipes for you to try.

Heidi Deal
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