One of my favorite dinner time-savers is to always pick up a rotisserie chicken or make an extra roast chicken when I’m putting one in the oven. You see, these easy leftover rotisserie chicken recipes turn that grocery store or Costco bird into dinner without much work at all. Whether you’ve got a whole chicken or just the last of the meat pulled off the bones, there’s are over 40 ideas here to make with it tonight. And these are all gluten free (or can be with a simple swap)!
Rotisserie Chicken – the secret to easy dinners!
Rotisserie chickens from the grocery store or Costco are a total lifesaver on busy nights. Sure, you can make a homemade rotisserie chicken or air fryer rotisserie chicken from scratch, but sometimes the convenience of grabbing one already cooked is worth it.
The ones at Costco are so huge that our family of four gets a full chicken dinner plus a second meal from the leftovers — sometimes even enough for chicken salad or a salad topped with Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing or Creamy Balsamic Dressing. If I’m at the regular grocery store, I’ll often grab two smaller chickens instead, just to stock up on dinners or meal-prep some school lunches.
After you’ve enjoyed that chicken dinner, or even right when you get home from the store, you’ll want to pull the meat off the bone and store it so your leftover rotisserie chicken recipes come together fast. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge within two hours of bringing it home from the store or taking it out of the oven. Based on the USDA guidelines, you can stroe it refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days.
If you won’t use it within that time, you’ll want to freeze it. Portion it out into one- or two-cup portions in freezer storage bags. Squeeze out the air, flatten then, and label wirth the date. Frozen chicken keeps for up to 4 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.
You can even use the carcass to make chicken stock. Toss the bones and skin into a large pot with an onion, a carrot, a couple of celery stalks, and enough water to cover, then simmer for a few hours. This can also be refrigerated for several days, or frozen in portions.
What is the Best Thing to Make with a Rotisserie Chicken?
That’s really up to you! Here’s a quick rundown of ways to use rotisserie chicken, then you can keep reading to get all of the recipes!
Easy meal ideas – chop or shred that chicken and use it for tostadas, enchiladas, salads, fried rice, and more.
Appetizers and snacks – using chicken that is already cooked saves time when making party dishes like dips and other finger food.
Soups – whether you use store-bought broth or make homemade chicken stock from the carcass, you have the base of a simple and comforting soup recipe. And since you usually don’t need a lot, this is a great way to use up that last bit of meat.
Chicken salad – this is always the obvious choice, so we can’t leave it off the list. But there are so many more ways to make chicken salad than just adding mayo. Fruits, nuts, other veggies, and different seasonings and flavors make your chicken salad sandwich (or wrap or lettuce wrap or salad greens) anything but basic.
And you don’t just have to use rotisserie chicken. These recipes can be made with any leftover chicken, like:
Generally, rotisserie chicken is gluten free. You can avoid all concerns by roasting the chicken yourself so that you know what you put into the seasonings. However, the ones from Costco are typically gluten free (do be sure to confirm this at your local Costco).
I have gotten them from several different grocery stores and all have been gluten free, but check the labels to be sure that there are no gluten ingredients added in the seasonings they use.
40+ Recipes with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
Start with a grocery store rotisserie chicken and turn it into a family-favorite quick and easy dinner. Those leftovers get reinvented into soups, salads, nachos, tostadas, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and so much more. It’s dinner made easy when you start with leftover chicken.
Put a kicked-up twist on the usual chicken salad recipe by stirring in hot sauce to spice things up, plus carrots and celery for something crisp and fresh. Don't forget the blue cheese to finish it off with the tangy flavor that pairs perfectly.GLUTEN FREE
These are sure to be a family favorite, especially on busy nights. There's nothing to lose with shredded chicken, your favorite barbecue sauce, and cheese piled on corn tortillas plus a few minutes of prep time.
This hearty casserole is creamy, cheesy, and so satisfying. Unlike other versions, you don't need canned cream of soup because a simple alternative makes it just as delicious, but better for you.GLUTEN FREE
Rotisserie chicken isn't the only shortcut to these savory sandwiches. A quick slaw and shortcut to amp up the saucy goodness make this family-favorite meal so fast and easy.GLUTEN FREE OPTION
Creamy and comforting, this is just what a cozy family meal calls for. This gluten-free soup recipe is made with a savory, velvety broth brimming with tender veggies and chicken, plus hearty wild rice.GLUTEN FREE
Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut so you don't have to cook the chicken, then toss it in the smoky, slightly spicy sauce. You'll be ready for taco night when you serve it up with corn tortillas and your favorite toppings.GLUTEN FREE
This hearty salad is so fresh and flavorful, adding crisp lettuce, beans, tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and shredded cheese to that chicken. You'll love the homemade lemony Italian dressing too! GLUTEN FREE
Puts a fresh Greek-inspired twist on the classic chicken salad recipe with the bright flavors of lemon and dill, and salty feta. It's a better-than-Costco copycat!GLUTEN FREE
Light but hearty, this is a delicious veggie-packed comfort food. It's made in one pot on the stove from simple, everyday ingredients.GLUTEN FREE OPTION (use GF orzo)
Turn the classic Tex Mex favorite into a quick meal you can make on busy weeknights. Read the tips to see how to make it even faster with leftover chicken. It's a great low carb recipe with flexible serving options for everyone.GLUTEN FREE
This is an Asian-inspired twist on the classic comfort food brimming with flavors like ginger, garlic, and lemongrass. A few shortcuts ensure you have it ready in less than 30 minutes!GLUTEN FREE OPTION (use GF soy sauce)
Ranch, barbecue sauce, and shredded cheddar mixed up with some cooked and cooled quinoa and leftover chicken, and there ya’ go. An easy way to get the kids eating quinoa.GLUTEN FREE
Enjoy a restaurant favorite at home. Cover the crust with barbecue sauce, shredded chicken, three kinds of cheese, and more. You won’t be able to stop at one slice!GLUTEN FREE when made with the gluten free pizza crust recipe included.
Juicy marinated chicken, fresh berries, goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and an easy homemade vinaigrette salad dressing make this salad bright and fresh. It's a summery family favorite that even gets the kids eating salad.GLUTEN FREE
Creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor with a tangy Greek yogurt dressing and fresh herbs. The fresh flavors make it a perfect lunch or light dinner.GLUTEN FREE
Pile them high with fresh veggies, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and humus atop fluffy quinoa. Perfect for meal prep, they’re a flavorful, easy option for busy days.GLUTEN FREE
Your basic macaroni and cheese gets a comfort food upgrade and can be made right on the stovetop. It’s a satisfying one-pot meal because it’s loaded with chicken, bacon, and, of course, plenty of cheese. GLUTEN FREE when made with gluten free noodles.
Crispy tortillas piled high with your favorite toppings, these are as much fun to make as they are to eat. With almost no cooking required, it’s a total breeze to let everyone customize their own for a quick and easy dinner the family is sure to love.GLUTEN FREE
All you need are a few ingredients and leftover rotisserie chicken to make this easy appetizer that combines chicken with flavorful olives, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers.GLUTEN FREE if using gluten free tortillas.
You are going to love piling this sweet, savory, and tangy chicken salad on sandwiches, lettuce wraps, and so much more. Made with Greek yogurt to keep it creamy and light, but with the savory flavor of your favorite barbecue sauce, this isn’t your usual chicken salad recipe.GLUTEN FREE
Making your own takeout is usually cheaper and tastier than the cartons of food the delivery guy drops at your door, plus it can often be faster. Recreate an Asian favorite with this recipe.GLUTEN FREE when made with gluten free soy sauce or tamari.
You'll love all the colors, flavors, and textures when you combine quinoa and chicken with the creaminess of avocado, the sweetness of mango, the juicy pop of tomatoes, a bit of tang, and a just a hint of spice. GLUTEN FREE
Comfort food at its best. With two layers of flaky pie crust, tons of vegetables, and tender pieces of chicken in a rich and creamy gravy, this is the perfect family dinner.GLUTEN FREE if made with the gluten free pie crust recipe.
An easy and comforting soup you can make all in one pot. Loaded with corn, veggies, and plenty of chicken to make it hearty and satisfying, but it's super creamy even without flour or cream.GLUTEN FREE
Stuffed baked sweet potatoes filled with a quick and easy version of jambalaya (minus the rice) is a fun twist on the smoky, spicy Cajun recipe.GLUTEN FREE
A saucy way to combine two favorites into one family-friendly easy dinner recipe or a party appetizer to share with friends. And the best part is that they are so fast to make.GLUTEN FREE
The next time you enjoy a rotisserie chicken, take those leftovers and turn them into a pot of amazingly delicious, soul-warming, feel-better-all-over soup. It's truly a bowl full of comfort at it's best.GLUTEN FREE
The classic gets lightened up with a Greek yogurt Caesar dressing, and you can even try polenta croutons.GLUTEN FREE by using gluten free croutons or polenta croutons.
Corn tortillas stuffed with chicken, cheese, las palmas green chile enchilada sauce, sour cream, and green chiles, topped with more sauce and cheese. It'll be your favorite Mexican dinner.GLUTEN FREE
The perfect balance of sweet and salty, crisp and creamy, all doused with Creamy Greek Yogurt Maple Dijon Dressing. It feels hearty and satisfying, but it’s really super light and fresh. GLUTEN FREE
This popular recipe is packed with juicy grapes and crunchy walnuts for a savory-sweet flavor and just enough crunch. It swaps in Greek yogurt for the mayo to lighten things up a bit.GLUTEN FREE
An easy appetizer recipe loaded with all the ingredients in the classic Cajun dish, plus plenty of cheese. Everyone will love it for a Mardi Gras party or game-day snack. Get your chips and veggies ready for a dive into this hot cheesy dip.GLUTEN FREE
A classic Greek soup thickened with eggs, loaded with rice, chicken and flavored with lots of lemon. This soup is a hearty delicious soup requiring minimal effort and ready in only 30 minutesGLUTEN FREE
This hearty dinner salad is so satisfying with crisp greens topped with savory rotisserie chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, avocado, tomatoes, salty bacon, and a creamy maple dijon dressing. It's fresh and flavor-packed!GLUTEN FREE
A sweet and tangy recipe with juicy pineapple and crunchy macadamia nuts. A perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors and creamy texture with just a bit of crunch, and lightened up with Greek yogurt.GLUTEN FREE
Based on the restaurant dish with the same name, this appetizer recipe is loaded with chicken, cheese, and barbecue sauce, then topped with bacon and tomatoes. It’s easy, cheesy, and perfect for dipping tortilla chips, crackers, and even veggies.GLUTEN FREE
A lightened up version of a traditional Greek avgolemono soup recipe. Everything you love about comforting chicken soup, but without all the carbs, plus a twist of lemon to lighten the flavors and add a little zing.GLUTEN FREE
A sinfully creamy and mouthwatering appetizer infused with hot wing flavors. It's a delicious dip perfect to serve as an appetizer for any special occasion.GLUTEN FREE
A great way to stretch leftover chicken, easily feeding your family dinner for a second night. It's warm and cozy with flavors everyone loves.GLUTEN FREE
So many of your favorite flavors are packed into this satisfying dish. It's a great option to make ahead for busy nights or meal prep lunches.GLUTEN FREE
Thx for compilation of 35+ recipes for rotisserie chicken. I’m trying to eat healthier and buying chickens for local farms so needless to say there is minimal processing and so I’m trying your recipe for the whole chicken and then need to turn the leftovers into something else. With my work hours, I probably wouldn’t have gotten around to doing it if someone didn’t do the thinking and experimenting for me. 😉
Thx for compilation of 35+ recipes for rotisserie chicken. I’m trying to eat healthier and buying chickens for local farms so needless to say there is minimal processing and so I’m trying your recipe for the whole chicken and then need to turn the leftovers into something else. With my work hours, I probably wouldn’t have gotten around to doing it if someone didn’t do the thinking and experimenting for me. 😉
I am so happy that these recipes are helpful for you. Love that you are supporting local farmers too!