Using Rotisserie Chicken Leftovers

On social media, you’ve probably seen Costco shoppers raving about what a great deal their rotisserie chickens are. It’s understandable why they’re popular — they’re affordable and delicious, though I might argue that our air fryer rotisserie chicken is just as good and just as inexpensive. If you’re wondering what to do with rotisserie chicken leftovers, here are ways to transform leftover meat into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Getting the most out of rotisserie chicken leftovers

By deboning leftover rotisserie chicken, you’ll be able to use the meat in various dishes like casseroles or soups. The meat must be removed from the bones carefully with a sharp knife. Once removed, it can be shredded or cut into small pieces for use in recipes.

To enhance the flavor, you can add different seasonings to the meat, such as herbs, spices or prepared sauces. Experiment with various combinations of seasonings and adjust them to taste. You can also use the chicken bones to create delicious homemade chicken broth or add it to your recipe for a chicken taco soup. Just simmer the bones in water with water, onions, carrots and celery. Then, strain it before use.

Asian noodle dishes

Precooked chicken meat is a convenient ingredient to use in Asian noodle dishes like lo mein and Filipino pancit bihon. Simply add your chicken pieces to cooked noodles and vegetables with seasonings such as soy sauce and garlic. Then, stir fry to bring the flavors together.

Achieving the perfect balance of ingredients is key to mastering Asian noodle dishes. The umami-rich soy sauce complements the savory chicken, while the assortment of fresh vegetables adds a refreshing crunch to every mouthful.

Family-friendly casseroles

Chicken stock, pasta and rotisserie chicken can be combined to create a delicious chicken casserole. Begin by layering cooked pasta, cooked chicken meat and a generous amount of cheese in a baking dish. This creates a delicious and hearty base for your dish.

Once the layers are set, pour chicken stock over the mixture then top it off with breadcrumbs to create a crispy and golden-brown topping. Bake the dish in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is perfectly crispy.

When the casserole is ready, serve it hot out of the oven for a cozy and comforting meal. Pair it with a fresh side salad tossed in vinaigrette dressing to balance out the richness of the dish. The combination of flavors and textures will turn a simple rotisserie chicken into a gourmet dish.

Hearty dips

For a simple buffalo chicken dip, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese until well combined. This creates a spicy and creamy base for the dip.

Cook the mixture on the stovetop or in a slow cooker on low until it becomes bubbly and creamy. Serve the mixture warm with celery sticks and tortilla chips for dipping. The crunchy celery provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy dip, while the chips add a satisfying crunch.

Other ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken

There are endless ways to use the meat from a rotisserie chicken. Here are a few ideas.

Mexican dishes

You can create delicious tacos by shredding the meat and adding fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. Fill soft or crispy shells for a quick and satisfying meal. Or you can use the shredded chicken in enchiladas. See the recipe card below for how to do that using rotisserie chicken leftovers and leftover rice.

Curry

Incorporate the chicken into a delicious curry by simmering it with aromatic spices, coconut milk and vegetables. Serve over steamed rice for a fragrant and exotic dish.

Soup and stew

Use the meat in a hearty soup or stew by combining it with broth, vegetables and herbs. Simmer until all flavors meld together for a comforting and wholesome meal. With this recipe for creamy turkey mushroom soup, just substitute the leftover chicken for turkey.

This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.