13 Genius Ways To Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

Chicken tacos

Chicken tacos make for a fantastic fast meal, and there's no need to venture out when you can whip up a quick, healthy version at home. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, the process becomes even simpler, and you'll have tacos ready in just minutes.

One of the great benefits of homemade tacos is their versatility — you can include everyone's favorite toppings or set everything out in the center of the table for a DIY taco night. From avocado and jalapeños to cheese and cilantro, the possibilities are endless with tacos.

When using raw chicken, you'll need to prepare it ahead of time by marinating, as seen with these delicious adobado street tacos. However, if your chicken is already cooked to perfection, all you need to do is reheat the meat, sauté any vegetables you want to include, and serve it to a table full of eager diners.

Shred the chicken and warm it in a pan, seasoning it with garlic powder, chili, and paprika for added flavor. If you like, you can also sauté some bell peppers and tomatoes in the same pan, then transfer everything to a large bowl, ready to serve. You can choose between crispy yellow corn tortillas or soft flour tortillas — whichever you prefer. Present all the components in bowls on the table and let your family build their own tacos with their favorite combinations. The tender leftover chicken makes it easy to create a crowd-pleasing dish in no time.

Chicken casserole

Chicken casserole is a cozy dish that typically simmers for hours in a slow cooker, resulting in a deliciously tender meal. But what if you crave the richness of a casserole without the long wait? With some leftover rotisserie chicken, you can savor all the flavors of a casserole in a fraction of the time.

The secret to a fantastic leftover casserole lies in creating a creamy sauce that enhances the chicken. While mushrooms and onions are classic additions, feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand. Once your sauce is ready, layer the chicken with potatoes or other root vegetables in a baking dish, then pour the sauce over everything. After that, let the oven work its magic while you take a well-deserved break.

For a twist on the traditional casserole, consider trying our chicken Parmesan spaghetti bake recipe. This dish combines pasta and chicken in a creative and delicious way, making the most of your leftover chicken.

Chicken chili

A delicious chili is akin to a cozy embrace in a bowl, with beef being the most popular choice of meat for this traditional dish. However, poultry serves as an excellent alternative, and utilizing leftover rotisserie chicken simplifies the preparation even further. This dish is also highly adaptable, allowing it to be paired with rice, pasta, or even used as a topping for a baked sweet potato.

The secret to a mouthwatering chili—whether crafted from scratch or featuring leftover chicken—lies in perfecting the spice blend. Chili powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne are essential, but feel free to experiment by adding cinnamon or garlic for an extra twist. Sautéing these spices with your base of onions and garlic will infuse the chili with a rich, smoky flavor that beautifully complements the chicken.

The remainder of the sauce will consist of tomatoes and stock, followed by the addition of kidney beans and the cooked chicken, which should be simmered for 15 minutes. The outcome will be a flavorful meal that rivals any slow-cooked chili in depth of taste, all while being ready in a fraction of the time.

Chicken fajitas

Chicken fajitas are a fantastic way to whip up a delicious and nutritious meal for your family. Did you know that a single red bell pepper provides 169% of your daily recommended vitamin C intake? If you have leftover rotisserie chicken in the fridge, preparing fajitas just became a breeze. Once the peppers and onions are sautéed, your fajitas will be ready in no time.

To create a dish that is both vibrant and healthy, opt for a variety of bell peppers—red, orange, and yellow are sweet, while green has a slight bitterness—and slice them thinly along with an onion. While you might typically purchase a fajita seasoning mix, there's no need to spend extra money, as you probably have all the necessary spices in your pantry. Paprika, chili powder, and cumin will add a rich, smoky flavor to the vegetables. Then, simply add the cooked chicken to the pan and mix it with the seasoned veggies.

As the chicken warms up in the pan, gather some tortilla wraps, grate some mature cheddar cheese, and scoop sour cream into a bowl for serving. If you have a moment, consider making a batch of homemade guacamole or just toss in some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Chicken pot pie

Chicken pot pie, made with a rich creamy sauce and flaky pastry, is a timeless comfort food that is both satisfying and hearty. However, preparing and cooking it can be time-consuming. Utilizing leftover rotisserie chicken simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor.

While crafting your own pastry will undoubtedly enhance the taste of your pie, store-bought pastry is a perfectly acceptable alternative when you're short on time. To create the delicious creamy filling, sauté onions, peas, carrots, and any other vegetables until they are tender. Combine these with flour, chicken stock, and cream to achieve a thick and satisfying texture. Ideally, you would use homemade chicken stock, but the beauty of a leftover pie is its convenience—there's no shame in opting for a bouillon cube instead.

Once the filling is ready, stir in the chicken and transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish. Cover it with the pastry and bake until the crust is beautifully golden, which should take around 40 minutes. This hearty dish is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover chicken, resulting in a pie that tastes just as delightful as the original while saving you both time and money.

Chicken pho

If you're seeking a light and fragrant way to utilize your rotisserie chicken, consider trying chicken pho. This Vietnamese noodle soup is both nourishing and flavorful, and using pre-cooked chicken makes it a convenient option for a midweek dinner.

The foundation of chicken pho is its broth, which should boast rich, complex flavors. When opting for store-bought broth, select a high-quality variety that mimics homemade taste. If you have any leftover juices from roasting the chicken, incorporate them into the broth for added depth. Enhance the broth with traditional Vietnamese spices like ginger, star anise, and cloves, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes to meld the flavors.

Shred your leftover rotisserie chicken and add it to the broth near the end of cooking to warm it through without overcooking. Prepare the noodles separately, then place them at the bottom of a bowl and ladle the aromatic chicken and broth over them. Finish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil, and be sure to serve it steaming hot.

Chicken jook

If you've only been enjoying porridge at breakfast, you're missing out on a delightful savory dish that's a staple in Asian cuisine. Chicken rice porridge, also known as chicken jook or congee, is a hearty, creamy meal that will excite your taste buds. By using leftover rotisserie chicken, you can whip up this tasty dish quickly and easily, providing a refreshing twist to your typical midweek dinners. If you're planning to make this dish before cooking the chicken, consider basting it with Asian flavors like soy sauce and sesame oil for a more authentic taste in the jook.

The secret to infusing flavor into this rice porridge lies in creating a fragrant base with sautéed ginger and garlic before adding the rice and chicken stock. Let it simmer for about half an hour, ensuring the rice doesn’t boil dry. Then, incorporate the cooked chicken and any vegetables you prefer—mushrooms and carrots are excellent choices—and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Taste as you go, and once you're pleased with the aromatic flavors and texture, serve it topped with chopped scallions and fresh herbs.

Chicken tahini salad

If you're looking to add a twist to your typical leftover chicken salad, consider whipping up a tahini dressing to drizzle on top. This dressing brings a delightful umami flavor that enhances the chicken and pairs beautifully with fresh greens and vegetables.

For those unfamiliar with tahini, it's a paste made from sesame seeds commonly used in hummus. While you can easily make your own tahini with just two ingredients, it's readily available in most grocery stores, allowing you to grab a jar and store it in your pantry until needed. With its impressive nutritional benefits, including monounsaturated fats and a wealth of antioxidants, tahini serves as a fantastic healthy dip or a substitute for mayonnaise.

To prepare this salad, combine tahini with olive oil or sesame oil, lemon juice, and a hint of sweetness from either maple syrup or honey. Feel free to use any vegetables you like, but crispy greens, cucumbers, and bell peppers will add a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken. Arrange the vegetables atop the salad greens, then layer on the leftover rotisserie chicken. This dish comes together in just minutes, making it a nutritious and filling lunch or a light dinner that helps you utilize ingredients you already have on hand.

Chicken loaded baked potatoes

Loaded baked potatoes are the epitome of casual comfort food, and their customizable nature is a big part of their charm. If you’ve never tried stuffing your baked potato with chicken, you’re in for a delightful surprise; the tender chicken paired with classic toppings like cheese and sour cream creates a flavor combination your taste buds will adore.

To start, achieve a restaurant-quality baked potato by selecting the right type — Russets are perfect for this. Rub the potato with olive oil and bake it on a wire rack to ensure it crisps up nicely. While the potatoes are baking, you’ll have plenty of time to prepare your filling. If you’re a bacon lover — and who isn’t? — cook some in the oven until crispy, then crumble it on top. Combine any leftover chicken with grated cheese, scallions, and either ranch dressing or mayonnaise.

Once the potatoes are tender inside and perfectly crispy outside, slice them open, scoop out a bit of the flesh to make space for the filling, and top them with your tasty chicken mixture. Return them to the oven until the cheese is melted, then finish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped chives. This straightforward dish makes for a wonderful midweek dinner alongside a salad, or consider preparing a tray of them for your next gathering with friends.

Matzo soup

Matzo ball soup is a beloved Jewish dish, perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a nutritious boost. The majority of the preparation time is spent cooking the chicken, so opting for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can simplify the process.

If you’ve never tried matzo ball soup, it features a flavorful chicken broth paired with delightful dumplings made from matzo meal. While it’s traditionally enjoyed during Passover, it’s a dish that can be savored year-round. To create the broth, simmer carrots, celery, and onions in chicken stock. While that’s cooking, you can focus on the matzo balls, which are the highlight of the dish. Mix together eggs, matzo meal, and schmaltz (chicken fat) for the best taste, or substitute with vegetable oil if preferred. Chill the mixture for 15-30 minutes, then roll it into small balls. Drop the matzo balls into the simmering broth and let them cook for an additional 20 minutes before adding the shredded rotisserie chicken.

Serve the matzo ball soup hot, ensuring the dumplings are evenly distributed among the bowls. This simplified version of a classic recipe allows you to enjoy a wholesome, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen after a long day. Once your family experiences the rich, comforting flavors of this chicken soup, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Baked chicken pasta

Pasta is a guaranteed favorite in many homes, and when you smother it in cheese and bake it, it transforms into a comforting meal that can rescue your midweek dinners. Incorporating chicken into baked pasta adds a vital source of protein, creating a balanced dish that will keep everyone satisfied throughout the evening.

The first choice you'll need to make is which type of pasta to use. This traditional cheese pasta bake features ziti, a pasta shape akin to rigatoni that is favored in southern Italy, but you can also opt for penne, rigatoni, or even conchiglioni, which are large shell-shaped pasta. These shapes are perfect for capturing all the flavorful sauce, ensuring that every bite is a treat.

For the sauce, while you can certainly purchase a jar from the store, whipping up your own tomato sauce is quick and simple, plus it helps you avoid unnecessary sugar and salt. Once your sauce is ready, mix in the shredded rotisserie chicken, allowing it to soak up the rich flavors of the tomato sauce.

Combine the sauce with the cooked pasta, then generously sprinkle on a blend of cheeses—mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan create the perfect combination of tangy taste and melty texture. Bake the dish in the oven for about 30 minutes until the top is golden brown. Serve it directly from the baking dish at the center of the table, inviting everyone to compete for those delicious crispy edges!

Chicken nachos

Nachos are the ultimate savory treat—perfectly positioned between a snack and a light meal, depending on the toppings you choose. At their most basic, they consist of just tortilla chips and cheese, but you can elevate them into a delectable, protein-packed dish by adding chicken, beans, and tomatoes. To simplify preparation, consider using leftover rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the meat.

The best nachos feature toppings in every layer, so keep this in mind as you assemble them. Gather all your toppings beforehand—you can personalize them with sweet corn, jalapeños, red onion, and a variety of cheeses if you like.

Start by adding toppings to the first layer of tortilla chips, ensuring you include plenty of cheese. As it melts, the cheese will hold the layers together, making it more enjoyable to peel one layer off from the next. Continue stacking your layers in this manner until you run out of tortilla chips. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, being careful not to let the edges burn.

While the nachos are baking, prepare your dips. Homemade guacamole and sour cream are always a hit, providing a cooling contrast to the spiciness of the chilis. Whether you're serving them as a game day snack, a fun appetizer, or even a light meal, nachos are a fantastic way to transform leftover chicken into a delicious dish for your family.

Chicken quesadillas

When you're in need of a quick and satisfying meal, quesadillas are an excellent choice. They combine the nutrition of vegetables with the deliciousness of melted cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla. For an extra protein boost, consider adding chicken. While canned chicken works in a pinch, leftover rotisserie chicken is a great alternative.

Feel free to include any vegetables you like in your quesadillas—bell peppers, tomatoes, and olives are all fantastic choices. Simply chop them finely and place them in a skillet with a flour tortilla. The easiest way to put these quesadillas together is right in the pan, then add the shredded chicken. The term "quesadilla" is derived from the Spanish word for cheese, so be sure to sprinkle a generous handful over your toppings.

Next, you can either place another flour tortilla on top as a 'lid' or fold the filled tortilla in half. Cook until the cheese is melted and the filling is well-enveloped. Serve with a fresh green salad and enjoy!