Between all of our responsibilities, it can be difficult to make time to cook a whole meal from scratch. However, with a few clever tricks, you can have a healthy and satisfying meal ready in a flash — all you need is a rotisserie chicken.
Bulk stores and warehouse clubs like Costco sell inexpensive but delicious rotisserie chickens that are a great basis for many meals. A single chicken can easily become a whole week’s worth of scrumptious dishes.
If you’re craving chicken parm but your rotisserie chicken is already in pieces, don’t give up hope. Casseroles are simple to make but are also hearty and full of flavor. Plus, all of the ingredients in a chicken parm also make a great casserole-style bake — panko for crunch, sauce for sweetness and herb flavor, and mozzarella for that irresistible gooey goodness.
Chicken parm casseroles are also ideal for anyone trying to avoid fried foods.
One of the best parts of cooking is being able to combine cuisines from different cultures. When the Tex-Mex mood hits you, reach for the barbecue sauce and white corn tortillas. Add in the must-have taco fixings like corn or red peppers or experiment with something new like feta cheese.
Cilantro is a perfect choice of seasoning if you were lucky enough to dodge the gene that makes it taste like soap. Parsley is a good alternative, but make sure to squeeze in a bit of lime juice.
Corn has a natural sweetness and texture that makes it the perfect addition to an entire range of dishes. Add in juicy rotisserie chicken, onion, Monterey Jack cheese, heavy cream cheese, and potatoes for an impossibly delicious corn chowder.
Bring the spice with jalapenos; leave the seeds in for a bigger kick. Consider tossing in bacon pieces and drippings to add a whole new level of flavor.
Costco’s rotisserie chicken doesn’t just make delicious dinners. A chicken wrap is a healthy and delectable lunch. Plus, you can throw together a few wraps in a matter of minutes. Rotisserie chicken lends itself perfectly to Southwestern flavors, so include plenty of corn, avocado, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and lime juice.
Few flavor combos are as iconic as cheese, butter, and potatoes, but that’s not usually enough for a whole meal. With a bit of rotisserie chicken, you can turn an ordinary side dish into your family’s new favorite dinner. Make sure to bake the potatoes separately before adding them to the other ingredients so that they cook fully and your pre-cooked chicken doesn’t dry out.
Consider adding Greek yogurt to the mix. Not only will this mimic the flavor of sour cream, but it will also caramelize while keeping everything tender.
One of the benefits of cooking with a rotisserie chicken is the ease of the process. Doesn’t using a ton of pans kind of defeat the purpose? Cut down on dishes — and calories — by using a single pan for your pasta.
Cook ingredients like onion and mushrooms first and then add chicken stock to the pan. Once it’s boiling, cook your noodles in the stock. Throw in your chicken at the end, along with tasty extras like parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes.
Making sandwiches from leftover rotisserie chicken isn’t a new concept, but have you fully explored the possibilities? Sliders are the ultimate finger food: compact but full of flavor. You could choose to take the barbecue route with some red onions, barbecue sauce, and a bit of Dijon mustard.
Alternatively, buffalo sliders are finger-licking good. Make sure to add favorites like shredded celery and carrots to round out the flavor of the buffalo sauce.
Many of the dishes you can create from Costco’s rotisserie chicken are heavy and filling, but sometimes you just want something a bit easier. A chicken caesar salad is the best way to use up remaining chicken without breaking your calorie budget.
Crushed garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce give the salad plenty of flavor while croutons and chicken fill your belly.
When those cold temps start creeping in, it’s natural to want to warm up with a hearty, cozy meal. Chicken noodle casserole is all of the yummy goodness of traditional chicken noodle soup, but with a bit more substance. Onions and carrots are must-haves, but feel free to toss in your favorite veggies and soup fillers, like mushrooms or corn.
Many people also like to include cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack. Remember to grate your own cheese if you want it to melt quickly and properly.
Peppers are an ideal delivery method for all kinds of foods, including chicken salad. All it takes is slicing a bell pepper in half and filling it with the chicken salad of your choice. Not only is this a far healthier choice than slapping chicken salad on some bread or crackers, but it also brings a crisp bite and fresh taste to the dish.
How do you turn a single rotisserie chicken into a snack that could feed dozens? It’s simple: just add bread!
Buffalo chicken biscuits have a delicious blend of spicy and savory flavors that is a perfect match for any tailgate party, game day, or a simple night at home. Celery seed and green onions add layers to the flavor, while Louisiana-style hot sauce and pepper bring the heat. Make sure to add Colby-Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese to complete your snack.
Okay, technically it isn't a “real” shepherd’s pie, but it has all of the warm and homey flavors of the traditional version. Peas, carrots, onions, gravy, and your rotisserie chicken are must-haves for this updated alternative. For your topping, stick to the classics with creamy mashed potatoes or go for a twist and use a sweet potato mash.
Best of all, you can start the pie filling in a slow cooker before finishing the dish off in the oven, allowing you to have a savory, cozy meal waiting for you after a long day of work.
When you’re short on time or looking for something easy, enchiladas may not be the first meal that pops into your head. However, with clever cooking and a rotisserie chicken, you can have a plate full of mouthwatering food in a matter of minutes.
Along with the chicken, onions and green chiles are quick and delicious fillings for any enchilada. Top with some cheese and a cream cheese sauce or spicy tomato salsa.
To start your day off right, there’s no better breakfast than a hash. Transform your rotisserie bird into a hearty meal that will leave you feeling stuffed but craving more. Of course, the heart and soul of any good hash is the humble potato, so boost their flavor by cooking them in bacon drippings.
Onions, garlic, and bell peppers add color and deep flavors. Cook your eggs however you like, then toss in chicken and cheddar cheese to complete your new morning go-to.
Think of this stew as a fusion between Mexican flavors and Italian cooking. While it does have some kick to it, you can broil the poblanos to give them a smoky flavor but reduce their intensity.
Adobo sauce and tomatoes increase the smokiness and bring in fresh flavors. Serve over creamy polenta and bask in its soft, savory goodness. Leftovers make great taco or enchilada fillings, as well.
There is no going wrong with chicken and Asian flavors like soy, sesame, and ginger. Before putting this dish together, consider pre-cooking your rice and letting it chill overnight. This makes sure the rice retains its shape and doesn’t turn soft or mushy when you mix in your sauce and chicken. If you feel your dish is missing something, pour in a bit of honey or chop up red cabbage.
You knew it would be on this list. After all, chicken noodle soup is one of humanity’s simplest and most wonderful pleasures. All it takes is a bit of broth, a medley of vegetables, egg noodles, and a rotisserie chicken. If you want a soup with a bit more flavor and substance, add condensed cream of chicken soup.
To elevate your chicken noodle soup, mix in white wine, parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, and English peas.
Few things are as wonderful on a frosty night as a bowl of chili. If you’re wanting a lighter option that will still warm you to your core, trade heavier meat like beef or pork for some rotisserie chicken. Incorporate peanut butter for a distinctive flavor and add plenty of Mexican diced tomatoes, Southwestern corn, and pinto beans for a down-home taste.
A pinch of cinnamon is exactly what you need to round out the flavor combos.
You don’t need to break the bank to have a delicious meal. Sometimes the least expensive ingredients are the foundation of an unforgettable dish. Lay instant ramen noodles in a baking dish and cover them with cream cheese, milk, and the ramen flavor packets.
Scatter the chicken over the mixture and then add in some of your favorite ramen-friendly vegetables, such as broccoli, green onions, or corn. Let it bake and watch as you turn a few bucks into a dish fit for a king.
Chicken pot pie is one of those meals that you can’t help but think of fondly. However, while the filling itself is pretty straightforward, the crust can be a bit difficult. Rather than struggling with butter temperature and water-to-flour ratios, make drop biscuits instead.
You can cook your pot pie filling in an oven-safe pan and then drop your biscuits right on top, baking them to finish the dish. This saves time and effort without affecting what we all love about chicken pot pie.