10 Easy Rotisserie Chicken Recipes (Use It Before It Goes Bad)

You picked up that delicious rotisserie chicken, and it was perfect for a quick dinner. Now it’s day 2, and you’re looking at the leftovers thinking... "Not more chicken!" We get it—plain leftover chicken can get boring fast.But here’s the trick: rotisserie chicken isn’t meant to be eaten the same way twice. It’s already seasoned, already cooked, and already full of flavor. Think of it as a shortcut ingredient that can transform into a variety of meals in no time.Here are 10 easy recipes to help you use up that leftover rotisserie chicken before it goes bad (and before you get tired of it).

Quick Meals (Under 15 Minutes)

Chicken Quesadillas

The fastest possible dinner, packed with flavor. What you need:

• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Flour tortillas
• Shredded cheese
• Optional: salsa, sour cream, jalapeños

How to make it:

Layer cheese and chicken on one half of a tortilla. Fold the tortilla in half and cook in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and melty. Done!

Time: 10 minutes

Chicken Salad

A classic that never goes out of style. What you need:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1/3 cup mayo
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Chopped celery, grapes, or apples (pick one)
• Salt and pepper

How to make it:

Mix everything together and serve on bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps for a refreshing meal.

Time: 5 minutes

BBQ Chicken Sliders

Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and loved by kids and adults alike. What you need:

• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• BBQ sauce
• Slider buns
• Coleslaw (optional but recommended)

How to make it:

Toss the chicken with BBQ sauce, heat in the microwave or a skillet, then pile it onto buns with a dollop of coleslaw.

Time: 10 minutes

Hearty Meals (15-30 Minutes)

Chicken Tortilla Soup

It feels fancy but is ridiculously easy to make. What you need:

• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 can black beans (drained)
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Cumin, chili powder
• Toppings: tortilla chips, avocado, cheese, sour cream

How to make it:

Combine the chicken broth, beans, tomatoes, and spices in a pot. Bring to a simmer, then add the shredded chicken and heat it through. Top with tortilla chips, avocado, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a cozy meal.

Time: 20 minutes

Chicken Pasta

Creamy, garlicky, and utterly satisfying. What you need:

• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• 8 oz pasta (any shape)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan
• Spinach or sun-dried tomatoes (optional)

How to make it:

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. In the same pot, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring to create a creamy sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and shredded chicken, mixing until everything is well-coated.

Time: 25 minutes

Chicken Fried Rice

Better than takeout, seriously. What you need:

• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• 3 cups cold leftover rice (important: must be cold)
• 2 eggs, scrambled
• Frozen peas and carrots
• Soy sauce 
• Sesame oil

How to make it:

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Scramble the eggs and set them aside. Add the peas and carrots to the pan, cooking until tender. Then, toss in the cold rice and chicken, stir-frying until the rice is slightly crispy. Finally, add soy sauce and sesame oil to taste, and mix the scrambled eggs back in.

Time: 15 minutes

Pro tip: This is the best use for day-old rice and day-2 chicken. Both improve with a little time in the fridge.

Meal Prep Ideas

Chicken Grain Bowls

Prep once, eat all week. Base formula:

• Grain: rice, quinoa, or farro
• Protein: rotisserie chicken
• Veggies: roasted or raw
• Sauce: whatever you're in the mood for

Example combo:

Rice + chicken + cucumber + chickpeas + feta + tzatziki. Make 4 containers on Sunday, and you’ve got lunches ready to go for the whole week.

Time: 30 minutes for 4 meals

Chicken and Veggie Wraps

No reheating required—grab and go! What you need:

• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Large flour tortillas or lavash
• Hummus or cream cheese spread
• Crunchy veggies: lettuce, cucumber, bell pepper, shredded carrot

How to make it:

Spread hummus or cream cheese on the tortilla, layer on the chicken and veggies, then roll it tightly. Slice it in half, and you’re ready to eat!

Time: 5 minutes each

Use Up the Last Bits

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Comfort food that feeds a crowd.What you need:

• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Frozen broccoli (optional)

How to make it:

Mix the chicken, rice, soup, sour cream, and half the cheese. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Time: 40 minutes total

Chicken Stock

Don’t throw away the carcass! What you need:

• Rotisserie chicken bones and carcass
• Onion, carrot, celery (rough chop, no need to peel)
• Bay leaf, peppercorns
• Water

How to make it:

Place the chicken bones, veggies, and spices in a large pot, then cover with water. Let it simmer for 2-4 hours. Strain out the solids and store the stock in portions for future use. Freeze any extras!

Time: Mostly hands-off

The Strategy: Plan Before You Buy

Here’s how we approach a rotisserie chicken:

• Day 1: Eat it as-is with simple sides – Rotisserie chicken is delicious on its own, so the first day should be an easy meal. Pair it with some roasted veggies, a side salad, or your favorite starch—rice, potatoes, or bread. This is your chance to enjoy the chicken in its freshest form and keep things simple.
• Day 2: Transform leftovers (quesadillas, salad, soup) – After day 1, it's time to get creative. You’ve already got the base ingredient ready to go, so think of ways to turn it into a completely different meal. Toss some chicken into a salad for a light and fresh dish, or make quick quesadillas for a cheesy, comforting meal. If you’re craving something cozy, whip up a chicken tortilla soup or chicken and rice casserole. The options are endless!
• Day 3: Meal prep or one more transformation – By day 3, you might have a little leftover chicken that needs to be used up. This is when meal prep can come in handy. Make some chicken grain bowls or wraps for lunches throughout the week. These are easy, healthy, and can be tailored to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Another great option is a stir-fry or fried rice, where the chicken’s flavor will really shine.
• Day 4: Use up any remaining bits or freeze – By day 4, you’ve likely exhausted most of the chicken, but don’t let the last little bits go to waste. If you still have some leftover, consider making homemade chicken stock from the bones and scraps. It’s a great way to stretch that chicken into something useful for future meals. If you’ve truly used up everything, freeze any remaining chicken or stock to be used at a later date.