BBQ tips Cooking Leftover rotisserie chicken Recipes

How to Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken: Unmissable Tricks and Tips

Written By Avi Green
How to Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken: Unmissable Tricks and Tips

Rotisserie chicken is the unsung hero of quick and delicious meals. With its flavorful and juicy meat, it provides a fantastic base for countless dishes. But what happens when you can't finish a whole chicken in one go? Don't let those precious leftovers go to waste! In this article, we will dive deep into how to use leftover rotisserie chicken in thrilling and mouthwatering ways that will delight any BBQ enthusiast.

Why Leftover Rotisserie Chicken is a Game Changer

Leftover rotisserie chicken isnt just about convenience; its a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be repurposed. Think about it: the rotisserie cooking method keeps the chicken tender and juicy while infusing it with robust flavors that are perfect for a variety of dishes. Whether you're looking to whip up a quick snack or prepare a sumptuous dinner, leftover rotisserie chicken offers endless possibilities.

how to use leftover rotisserie chicken

How to Shred Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

The first step in utilizing your leftover chicken is shredding it properly. Shredded chicken can open doors to numerous recipes. For a detailed guide on how to do this like a pro, check out How to Shred a Rotisserie Chicken.

Step-by-Step Shredding Guide

  • Remove the chicken skin: While tasty, the skin can become rubbery when reheated. It's best used fresh.
  • Use your fingers or two forks to pull apart the meat into bite-sized pieces.
  • Store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 4 days.
how to use leftover rotisserie chicken

Creative Dishes You Can Make

1. Chicken Tacos

Shredded rotisserie chicken makes for fantastic taco filling. Toss the chicken in some taco seasoning, warm it up, and serve it in soft tortillas with your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, and cheese.

2. BBQ Chicken Pizza

Why not create a BBQ chicken pizza? Spread some BBQ sauce over a pizza crust, sprinkle the shredded chicken evenly, add some cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly. For more tips on heating chicken, read our How to Heat Up a Rotisserie Chicken.

3. Chicken Salad

Chicken salads are incredibly versatile. Mix your leftover chicken with some mayonnaise, celery, onions, and grapes for a delightful and refreshing dish.

Keeping Your Chicken Fresh

Proper storage is crucial to making the most of your leftovers. For advice on this, check out our piece on how to keep your chicken fresh.

Refrigeration Tips

  • Place shredded chicken in an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator at 40F or below.
  • Use within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Tips

  • Divide the chicken into meal-sized portions and place them in freezer-safe bags.
  • Label the bags with the date and use within 3 months.
  • When ready to use, let the chicken thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Enhancing the Flavor

The key to making your leftover rotisserie chicken dishes remarkable is seasoning. To enhance those mouthwatering BBQ flavors, consider the following tips:

  • Use various BBQ sauces to add a kick.
  • Add a simple marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite spices for extra moisture and zest.
  • Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley to elevate freshness.

FAQs

What are some quick meals to make with leftover rotisserie chicken?

Some quick meal ideas include chicken quesadillas, chicken wraps, and chicken stir-fry. Just add some veggies and your favorite sauces, and you're good to go!

How should I reheat leftover rotisserie chicken?

The best way to reheat your chicken is in the oven at 350F until warmed through. For more tips, you can read our detailed article on how to warm up rotisserie chicken.

Can I freeze leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure you store it in freezer-safe bags and label it with the date. It keeps well for up to 3 months.

In summary, learning how to use leftover rotisserie chicken is an excellent way to minimize waste and maximize flavors in your BBQ dishes. The possibilities are endless, from tacos to salads and even pizzas. For more recipes and tips, consider exploring other related articles and enhancing your BBQ game to a whole new level.

For more rotisserie chicken recipes, visit AllRecipes.

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"8FT High Pressure Propane Hose with Adjustable Regulator - Ideal for Outdoor Grill Gas Fitting, Grill, Burner, Fryer, and Cooker - 0-20 PSI - 3/8" Flare X 1/8" NPT Male"
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(180 Cu. In. (2 Pack)
$35.43
(2 Pack) Ocean'S Halo, Organic Soy-Free Spicy Korean BBQ Sauce, 12 Ounce
$48.00
(Hot&Spicy) CJ Korean BBQ Original Sauce Chicken & Pork Marinade 29.6 Ounce (1)
$27.98
(Set of 3) Heavy Duty Vegetable Grill Baskets for Outdoor Grill, Stainless Steel Veggie Grilling Basket for All Grills, BBQ Gifts for Men, 1 Large & 2 Small
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, 24025BMT, Cast 2-Burner, Liquid Propane Gas Grill, Black
$338.00
, 60936, Grill Light Cob Handle Mount,Black
$40.22
, Deli Slices, Hickory Smoked, 5.5 Oz
$10.28
, Inc. 1423 Broiler Brush, Black
$77.66
, One Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Seasoning Mix, 1.5 Oz
$5.65
, Santa Maria Style Seasoning, 7 Oz.
$22.28
- 4 Piece Black Drillbrush Ultra Stiff Cleaning Brush Set - Metal Brush for Drill Alternative - Grill Brush for Cordless Drill - Grill Grate Cleaner Brush
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- BBQ Grill Cleaner Oil | 100% Plant-Based & Vegan | Best for Cleaning Barbeque Grills & Grates | Use with Wooden Scrapers, Brushes, Accessories & Tools | Great Gift for Dad! (8Oz)
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- Black Nitrile Gloves, Hypoallergenic Co-Polymer 6 Mill Thickness, Disposable Gloves, Powder Free, Non Sterile, Ambidextrous, Finger Tip Textured, Dispenser Pack of 100, Size. Medium.
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- Carolina Barbeque Sauce, Gourmet Carolina Sauce, Tangy BBQ Sauce with Tomato Vinegar, Premium Ingredients, Made with Gluten-Free Ingredients (20 Oz)
$24.76
- Double Pre-Seasoned, Square Carbon Steel BBQ Grill Griddle, Made in USA - Perfect for Gas Grill - Durable, Flat Top Grill Pan - 1/4" Thick, 14" X 18"
$215.98
- Double Pre-Seasoned, Square Carbon Steel BBQ Grill Griddle, Made in USA - Perfect for Gas Grill - Durable, Flat Top Grill Pan - 3/16" Thick, 14" X 18"
$245.57
- Greek Freak Mediterranean Spice Blend - All-Purpose Rubs, Spices and Seasonings - Use On: Chicken, Chickpeas, Beef, Seafood, Pork, Vegetables, Turkey, Potatoes and Salad Dressing - 4 Oz
$34.24
- Grill Brush and Scraper, 16.7”, Stainless Steel, Grill Cleaner, Grill Brush, Grill Cleaning Brush, BBQ Brill Brush, BBQ Brush for Grill Cleaning, Grill Brush for Outdoor Grill, Safe Grill Brush
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- Large under Grill Mat - Black Diamond Plate, 36 X 48 Inches, for Outdoor Use
$108.08
- Magnetic Barbecue BBQ Light Set for Grilling - 6 Alkaline AAA Batteries Included - Works on All Grills with an Exception to Stainless Steel.
$56.02
- Master Grill Pan, Korean Traditional BBQ Grill Pan - Stovetop Nonstick Indoor/Outdoor Smokeless BBQ Cast Aluminum Grill Pan
$105.58
- Meat Claws Bbq Grill Accessories Set - 2 Silicone Gloves, Claws for Pulled Pork, BBQ Thermometer - Perfect Smoker Accessories Grilling Tools Gift Set for (Orange Glove-Thermometer-Claw)
$40.18
- Monterey Seafood Seasoning and Hog Wild Cajun Seasoning, Gluten-Free Bbq Rubs and Spices for Smoking
$55.17
- Onyx Collection, 12-Inch Grill Pan, Coated with New Teflon Platinum Non-Stick Coating (PFOA Free) (12-Inch)
$87.98
- Professional Grade Chef Apron for Kitchen, BBQ & Grill
$67.98
- Stovetop Indoor Korean BBQ Nonstick Grill Pan With, Pfoa-Free, Dishwasher Oven Safe, Made in Korea
$77.98
-Outdoor Gas Pizza Oven, Rotating Propane Pizza Grill Oven for Exterior Backyard Pizza Maker with 14" Pizza Stone, Portable Pizza Ovens for outside with Pizza Peel,Pia,Cutter,Gloves and Thermometer.
$500.58
. the Safer Grill Cleaning Brush. All Natural. No Metal Bristles.
$59.98
07047 Cool Touch Electric Griddle
$73.98
07061 22-Inch Electric Griddle with Removable Handles, Black, 22-Inch
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1 Pair/2 Pieces BBQ Gloves, Grilling Gloves, Heat Resistant Barbecue Oven Gloves, 1472°F/800°C Kitchen Fireproof Mitts Heat Proof for Grilling, Baking, Cooking, Welding Gloves Mitts - Red
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1 Piece Random Nonstick Enameled Cast Iron Pan/Pot (4 Styles: 10.25" Skillet/2Qt Saucepan/2.8Qt/4.8Qt Dutch Oven) – Healthy round Pot for Sourdough Bread Baking on All Stovetops, Mystery Cookware Box
$69.99
1-Piece 16.50 Inch Cast Iron Griddle Plate | Reversible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan for Gas Stovetop | Double Sided Used on Open Fire & in Oven | Pre-Coated with Oil
$58.44
1/2" X 1/8" Lavalock High Temp BBQ Gasket Smoker Seal for Nomex Door Lid, Self Stick Grey
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1/3Pc Non-Stick BBQ Grill Mat 40*33Cm Baking Mat Cooking Grilling Sheet Heat Resistance Easily Cleaned Kitchen for Party
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10 Inch Griddle Spatula Holder Magnetic Design, Stainless Steel Grill Barbecue Tool Rack, Griddle Accessories for Blackstone Flat Top Griddle and Other Grill Griddles (2 Pcs)
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10 Inch Square Cast Iron Grill Pan Skillet Grill Pan with Easy Grease Draining for Grilling Bacon, Steak, and Meats, Stove, Fire and Oven Safe for Camping or Barbecue (Red)
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10" Square Cast Iron Grill Pan Steak Pan Pre Seasoned Grill Pan with Easy Grease Drain Spout, with Large Loop Handles for Grilling Bacon, Steak, and Meats
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10-42 BBQ Brisket Rub - All-Natural Spice Seasoning for Steak, Rib, Beef Brisket - Barbecue Meat Seasoning Dry Rub - BBQ Rubs and Spices for Smoking and Grilling - No MSG, 0 Calorie - 10.5Oz Bottle
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10-42 BBQ Brisket Rub | All-Natural Spice Seasoning for Steak, Rib, Beef Brisket | Barbecue Meat Seasoning Dry Rub | BBQ Rubs and Spices for Smoking and Grilling | No MSG, 5.5.Oz Bottle
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10-Inch Skewer for BBQ Kebab, Unbleached Long Bamboo/Wood Roasting Sticks for Grill -Heavy Duty Thickness -Flat Stick Flag Handle -With Dust-Free Packaging (100-Pack)
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10-LED Grill Light, as Labeled
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100 Pcs Grilling Gloves Kit Disposable BBQ Gloves with 2 Pairs Cotton Liners Grilling Gloves Cooking Gloves Latex Free Nitrile Gloves for Outdoor Grilling Barbecue Cooking
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100% All-Natural Hardwood Pellets - Maple Wood (20 Lb. Bag) Perfect for Pellet Smokers, Smoky Wood-Fired Flavor
$53.96
100% Compostable Food Prep Gloves, Restaurant-Quality,For Food Handling, Powder-Free, 100 Count, Medium, Earth Friendly Highest ASTM D6400, US BPI and Europe OK Compost Certified, San Francisco
$20.30
100% Cotton Kitchen Apron with an Adjustable Neck with Long Ties for Women Men Chef
$40.14
12 Inch round Pizza Stone, Heavy Duty Cordierite Pizza Grilling Stone, Bread Baking Stone for RV Oven, Grill and Toaster Oven, Ideal for Baking Crisp Crust Pizza, Bread, Cookies and More
$73.03
12 Inch Lightweight Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle with Cleaning Kit - Smooth Polished Surface, Easy to Clean Cast Iron Skillets Use in the Oven, on the Stove or Grill, over a Campfire
$59.98