35+ Recipes to Make with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken is a total lifesaver. It is pretty simple to make yourself, but head into Costco or many grocery stores, and they have them ready and waiting for you. Add a couple of your favorite sides and you have a quick and easy dinner. But the real bonus is that you can use the leftovers to make another meal. Leftover rotisserie chicken recipes are a great way to save time and stretch your budget! And these are all gluten free (or can be with a simple swap)!
With two growing boys who are basically eating machines and a food blog, you can bet I go to Costco almost every week. And while I love the savings from buying in bulk the things I know we will use up, there are a few things I buy mainly for convenience and saving time.
My kids will devour a fruit platter in a couple of days and I don’t have to be asked to cut up a pineapple. And a mango. And a cantaloupe. You get the picture.
The veggie platters get split into lunches for the week and used in things like a frittata or beef stir fry. And…
Costco rotisserie chicken!
Yes, you can totally make a homemade rotisserie chicken, which is an even cheaper option. But for $6, the convenience is worth it. Plus, the ones at Costco are HUGE. For our family of four, we can easily have a roast chicken dinner with a couple of our favorite sides and a second dinner using the leftovers. Sometimes there is even enough to make chicken salad for the week or to put on top of some salads with Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing or Creamy Balsamic Dressing.
Though if I feel like grabbing one from the grocery store, sometimes I will even grab a second since these are usually smaller. I’ll spend a few extra dollars just to be able to make another dinner or meal prep some school lunches!
Is rotisserie chicken gluten free?
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.
What do you serve with rotisserie chicken?
As I said, the first meal is usually a more traditional “chicken dinner” when I don’t have time to roast one myself. Some of our favorite sides are:
What can you make with leftover chicken?
- Easy dinners – 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 storebought 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.
In this collection, you’ll find over 35 recipes to make all of these ideas with your leftover rotisserie chicken!
And you don’t just have to use rotisserie chicken. These recipes can be made with any leftover chicken, like:
- Oven-roasted chicken or slow cooker roast chicken
- Grilled chicken breasts
- Instant pot chicken breasts
- Crockpot shredded chicken
Really, you could even use your leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or a crockpot turkey breast, too!
So let’s go…
35+ Easy Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
Easy Dinners
Make dinnertime a snap on a busy weeknight. Chop or shred that leftover chicken and use it for tostadas, enchiladas, salads, fried rice, and more.
BBQ Chicken Tostadas
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.
GLUTEN FREE
Greek Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats
A wholesome meal packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Enjoy it as a low carb dinner, or pair it with rice or pasta.
GLUTEN FREE
Jambalaya Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
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
French Spaghetti
This fast and easy twist on your usual spaghetti dinner is sure to become a family favorite.
GLUTEN FREE when served with GF pasta, zoodles, or spaghetti squash
Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries and Blueberry Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
Juicy marinated chicken, fresh berries, goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and an easy homemade vinaigrette salad dressing, it’s a healthy family friendly meal.
Healthy Chicken Caesar Salad
The classic gets lightened up with a Greek yogurt Caesar dressing, and you can even try polenta croutons.
GLUTEN FREE OPTION
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Casserole
The great taste of buffalo chicken with the healthy addiotion of quinoa, all cooked up in your crock pot. Don't forget the blue cheese!
GLUTEN FREE
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
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
Peach, Tomato, Chicken and Blue Cheese Salad
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
Rotisserie Chicken Cobb Salad
Enjoy this protein-packed salad right away, or package the lettuce separately for a fabulous meal prep lunch option.
GLUTEN FREE
Quick Chicken Curry
Leftover chicken is a shortcut to make this dish fast and easy. Add a few veggies and tons of flavor from Indian spices and you’ve got an incredible meal coming together in minutes.
GLUTEN FREE
Chicken Fried Rice
Making your own takeout is usually healthier, 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
Appetizers and Snacks
Using chicken that is already cooked saves time when making party dishes like dips and other finger food.
Hot Jambalaya Dip
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
Mediterranean Chicken Pinwheels
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
Monterey Chicken Potato Skins
Loaded with barbecue chicken, cheese, and bacon, they’re the perfect appetizer for your next party.
GLUTEN FREE
Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls
Kick up the heat with this cool appetizer. A fun and spicy twist on traditional rice paper rolls.
GLUTEN FREE
Apple Cheddar Chicken Salad on a Stick with Honey Mustard Dip
Salad skewers with apple slices and chunks of chicken and cheddar cheese plus fresh, crisp lettuce are fun and tasty. Serve a big platter with your favorite dip or dressing.
GLUTEN FREE
Buffalo Chicken Dip
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
Soups
Whether you use storebought 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 Corn Chowder
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
Greek Avgolemono Chicken Zoodle Soup
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
Chicken Tortilla Soup
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
Rotisserie Chicken Soup
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
Semi-Homemade Thai Chicken Noodle Soup
When you need a warm, comforting, satisfying meal, but don’t have a lot of time, combine a few basic (but still healthy) convenience foods, and maybe even some leftovers, with a bit of Asian flair for a quick, easy, almost instant, steaming bowl of deliciousness.
GLUTEN FREE
Avgolemono Soup
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 minutes
Chicken Salad Recipes
When you are talking about leftover chicken, everyone thinks about chicken salad. But these are anything but basic. Make sandwiches, lettuce wraps, salads, and more.
Tropical Chicken Salad
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
Greek Yogurt Honey Dijon Chicken Salad
Has the zippy flavor of mustard, a hint of sweetness, and the crunch of apples, but it is made with Greek yogurt and no mayo.
GLUTEN FREE
Tzatziki Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Puts a fresh and healthy Greek-inspired twist on the classic chicken salad recipe with the bright flavors of lemon and dill, and salty feta.
GLUTEN FREE
Bacon Ranch Quinoa Chicken Salad
Comfort food flavors in a healthy, satisfying dish that is easy to make ahead for busy days.
GLUTEN FREE
Waldorf Chicken Salad
A healthier version of this popular recipe with juicy grapes and crunchy walnuts. Swap out the mayo with protein-packed Greek yogurt and make it ahead have on hand for lunch all week.
GLUTEN FREE
Avocado Chicken Salad
A delicious, filling, low carb, keto lunch recipe made with chicken, bacon, onions, celery, and creamy avocado.
GLUTEN FREE
Barbecue Ranch Quinoa Chicken Salad
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
Apple Blue Cheese Chicken Salad
A tangy and creamy twist on the traditional chicken salad recipe. You’ll love the creaminess balanced with the crunch of apples and walnuts or pepitas plus the tang of the yogurt and blue cheese.
GLUTEN FREE
Mango Avocado Quinoa Chicken Salad
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
Waldorf Quinoa Chicken Salad
Add a whole grain twist to a classic. A simple, healthy, and protein-packed combination of sweet and savory flavors, juicy bursts of grapes, and toasty nutty crunchy goodness.
Buffalo and Blue Cheese Chicken Salad
Get your favorite hot wings flavor, including the carrots and blue cheese that go along with them, all a kicked up recipe that keeps the kitchen cool.
GLUTEN FREE
Strawberry Lime Quinoa Chicken Salad
Healthy and satisfying, sweet and savory, and ideal for a portable lunch or a light dinner. The strawberries and lemon-lime dressing add sweetness and tang, with little salty bites of feta and the crunch of pine nuts.
GLUTEN FREE
Enjoy!
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CatW says
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. 😉
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I am so happy that these recipes are helpful for you. Love that you are supporting local farmers too!