Elevate Your Meals: Creative Ways to Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
Why use a store bought rotisserie chicken? Not only is it delicious – it’s an easy dinner. And a good way to get in a healthy weeknight meal when short on time. Throw some veggies in the oven with chopped potatoes and you have a full meal – quick, scrumptious, and well-balanced.
But it doesn’t have to be a one-time delight! Ever found yourself staring at the remnants of a succulent rotisserie chicken wondering what else you can do with it? Well, you’re in the right place! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a hidden gem in the kitchen. It’s a super easy way to make flavorful, versatile, and resourceful meals that will become family favorites. The best part… culinary creativity with a rotisserie chicken is also CONVENIENT!
Make this year a time to embrace new cooking adventures and create a world of possibilities. Most importantly, make the most out of every shred of that delicious bird and transform your weeknight meals.
Storing Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
Before diving into recipes, let’s talk about how to avoid waste. Shred every morsel of meat from the bones to salvage all the flavor. Shredding or chopping the chicken allows for more versatility in recipes, whether it’s for lunch or dinner. Seal the chicken in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Or store well-sealed chicken in the freezer for up to 6 months.
And don’t forget the bones! You can toss them into a sealed bag and freeze for later. The bones are culinary treasures that make a foundation for a savory homemade broth. This adds depth to future dishes, like soups and stews. And it also reduces waste and saves a bit of that grocery store budget in the process.
True Lemon Hacks: Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
Infuse new life into your leftovers while making quick and easy weeknight meals nutritious and exciting! From zesty chicken salads to mouthwatering sandwiches and savory stir-fries, these recipes are designed to make the most of every bite. Plus, it’s an easy way to get a healthy chicken dinner on the table.
24 Chicken Recipes for 2024
Scrumptious Sandwich Ideas
Ingredients:
- Leftover shredded rotisserie chicken (for 4 sandwiches)
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dill, divided
- 1 baguette, cut into 4 portions and sliced lengthwise
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 3 packets True Lemon
- 4 handfuls fresh arugula (or other lettuce)
- Sliced tomato and yellow or green peppers
- Whole grain mustard
Directions:
- In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter; add garlic and ¼ teaspoon dill.
- Add chicken and heat through, thoroughly coating in butter and seasoning.
- Spread butter on both sides of the bread.
- In a skillet or griddle, grill bread on both sides until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, True Lemon, and remaining dill. Spread on one side of the bread.
- Place arugula, chicken, mustard, and tomato on four slices of bread. Top with remaining bread.
- Makes 4 sandwiches.
Also try: DITK Savory Chicken Salad
Delightful Chicken Salads
Ingredients:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sub mayo or sour cream)
- ½ cup taco sauce
- 2 packets True Lime, divided
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 12 ounces rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup cooked or canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup fresh, frozen or canned corn, drained
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pint-size, wide-mouth jars
Directions:
- For dressing whisk together in a bowl, Greek yogurt, taco sauce, and 1 packet True Lime until completely combined and smooth.
- Place an equal amount of the mixed dressing at the bottom of each jar.
- Divide remaining ingredients among each jar, layering in the following order: chicken, black beans, corn, cheese, tomatoes, sprinkle of True Lime, and lettuce at the top.
- Seal and refrigerate until ready to serve. To serve, unscrew the lid and invert the jar over a plate. The dressing will end up on top!
More salad recipes to try:
Tropical Pineapple Punch
Bursting with the zesty flavors of citrus and the sweetness of fresh pineapple, this drink is a tropical paradise in a glass.
Ingredients:
- 1 packet of Triple Citrus Lemonade
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
- 2 cups ice cubes
- Pineapple wedges for garnish
Directions:
- In a blender, combine the Triple Citrus Lemonade packet, fresh pineapple chunks, coconut milk, simple syrup, and ice cubes.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the mixture into glasses and garnish each with a pineapple wedge.
- Serve immediately and transport yourself to a tropical paradise with every sip!
Minty Melon Cooler
Stay cool and refreshed with the crispness of melons and the invigorating aroma of fresh mint. This drink is a revitalizing sip of summer!
Ingredients:
- 1 packet of Triple Citrus Lemonade
- 1 cup diced watermelon
- 1/2 cup diced honeydew melon
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
- 2 cups ice cubes
- Mint sprigs for garnish
Directions:
- In a blender, combine the Triple Citrus Lemonade packet, diced watermelon, diced honeydew melon, fresh mint leaves, simple syrup, and ice cubes.
- Blend until smooth and slushy.
- Pour the mixture into glasses and garnish each with a sprig of mint.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the revitalizing taste of summer in every sip!
Triple Citrus Mango Madness
Infused with the tangy essence of citrus and the lusciousness of ripe mango, this cooler is a burst of tropical flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 packet of Triple Citrus Lemonade
- 1 cup diced mango
- 8 packets True Lime, dissolved in water
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
Directions:
- In a blender, combine the Triple Citrus Lemonade packet, diced mango, True Lime, simple syrup, and ice cubes.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the mixture into glasses and garnish each with a slice of mango.
- Serve immediately and indulge in the tropical bliss of Citrus Mango Madness!
Triple Citrus Strawberry Cooler
Beat the heat with this icy Triple Citrus Cooler infused with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. Blended with a hint of mint, this frosty beverage is perfect for chilling out on a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
- 1 packet of Triple Citrus Lemonade
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
- 2 cups ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Directions:
- In a blender, combine the Triple Citrus Lemonade packet, fresh strawberries, simple syrup, and ice cubes.
- Blend until smooth and slushy.
- Pour the mixture into glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing coolness!
As the temperature rises, grab your glass and toast to summer with Triple Citrus Lemonade. There’s no better way to beat the heat this year than with a cocktail in hand. Its vibrant flavors and versatile nature make Triple Citrus Lemonade the perfect base for a variety of summer drinks that will keep you feeling cool, hydrated, and satisfied all season long. So, whether you're lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, be sure to whip up one of these delightful cocktails and unwind in the joys of summer!
This blog brought to you by True Lemon Shaker
Made from Real Lemons, NO Salt or Sugar, Simple, Non-GMO Ingredients, Unsweetened; 0 Calories, 0 Sugar
Article Reviewed 01/07/2024:
Amy Simo
Title, Position or Organization
Amy Cimo is a Nutrition Coach, Personal Trainer and Wellness Enthusiast based out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After going through her own health journey, she found her passion in helping others find balance between nutrition, physical activity and mindset to live healthy and be truly happy. Amy attended Louisiana State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She became a Certified Personal Trainer in 2021 through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and a Certified Nutrition Coach in 2022 through Precision Nutrition.
