Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely put already cooked rotisserie chicken in a crock pot. This is a great way to use up leftovers and make delicious new meals. The key is to just heat the chicken through gently and avoid overcooking it.
More Detailed Answer
Rotisserie chicken is a convenient grocery store shortcut that can be used in all sorts of recipes. Often there are leftovers after eating it the first night. Rather than throwing the extras away, you can repurpose them into tasty new dishes using the slow cooker.
The primary benefit of using the crockpot is that the low, gentle heat helps warm the chicken without drying it out or making it rubbery. While rotisserie chicken is already fully cooked when purchased, reheating it too aggressively, such as in the oven or on the stovetop, can degrade the texture.
Below are some tips for getting the best results when putting leftover rotisserie chicken in the crockpot:
- Pull or cut the chicken off the bones and discard the skin and bones. Break or shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Don’t overfill the crockpot. Put in the amount needed for the particular recipe, usually 2-4 cups of shredded chicken for a 6 quart slow cooker.
- Add some liquid like broth, salsa, barbecue sauce, or soup. This prevents drying and helps flavor the chicken.
- Cook on LOW for 2-4 hours until heated through.
- Avoid cooking longer than 4 hours. The chicken can turn stringy and dry if overcooked.
- Use the chicken right away once done. Don’t leave it sitting on the warm setting for too long.
Follow those tips and your leftover chicken will be revived into a meal that tastes freshly cooked. The moist environment of the slow cooker allows the flavors to mingle without overdrying.
Dishes to Make
There are so many possibilities for using rotisserie chicken in the crockpot. Here are some delicious recipe ideas:
Chicken Chili
Shredded chicken + chili powder + onion + beans + crushed tomatoes + broth. Cook on LOW 4 hours. Top with cheese and sour cream.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken + onion + corn + diced tomatoes + broth + Mexican spices. Cook on LOW 4 hours. Stir in tortilla strips before serving.
Chicken & Dumplings
Chicken + mixed veggies + broth. Cook on LOW 3 hours. Drop biscuit dough on top and cook 30 minutes more.
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken + potatoes + carrots + peas + celery + onion + broth. Cook on LOW 3-4 hours. Pour into a baking dish, top with pie crust and bake until golden.
Chicken Alfredo
Chicken + broccoli + Alfredo sauce + pasta. Cook on LOW 2 hours. Stir in cooked fettuccine noodles.
Chicken Tacos
Chicken + salsa + corn + beans + taco seasoning. Cook on LOW 4 hours. Serve in tortillas with toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, etc.
Buffalo Chicken
Chicken + hot sauce + ranch dressing. Cook on LOW 1-2 hours. Serve on buns or over lettuce for wraps.
BBQ Pulled Chicken
Chicken + barbecue sauce. Cook on LOW 2-3 hours. Shred and serve on buns.
Chicken & Rice
Chicken + rice + mixed veggies + broth. Cook on LOW 3-4 hours. Season with garlic, herbs, etc.
Chicken Parmesan
Chicken + tomato sauce + parmesan. Cook on LOW 3 hours. Serve over spaghetti.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to reheat chicken in the crockpot?
Yes, reheating fully cooked chicken in the crockpot is completely safe. Just be sure to use the “safe” temperature zone of 140°F or above. The low gentle heat of the crockpot reheats without growing harmful bacteria.
Can you put frozen chicken directly into the crockpot?
No, frozen chicken should be thawed first before placing in the slow cooker. Trying to cook frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking. For food safety, chicken needs to reach 140°F within 1-2 hours.
How long does it take to reheat chicken in the crockpot?
Plan on about 2-4 hours on LOW to safely reheat chicken to 165°F. Check it periodically to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Keep the lid on as much as possible for even heating.
Should you add water or broth when reheating chicken?
Yes, adding some liquid helps keep the chicken moist and prevents drying out. Use about 1/2 cup broth, salsa, barbecue sauce, etc per 2-3 cups of chicken.
Can you use the high setting to reheat chicken faster?
It’s best to stick to LOW when reheating chicken. The high heat can overcook the surface before the inside is heated through. LOW allows gentle, even heating.
Is it better to shred or keep the chicken in chunks?
This comes down to personal preference for the particular dish. Shredded chicken works well for soups, chili, bbq, etc. Leaving chunks gives more texture in dishes like chicken & dumplings, pot pie, tacos, etc.
How long does leftover chicken last in the fridge?
Cooked chicken keeps 3-4 days refrigerated. For longer storage, place in freezer bags and freeze up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before using.
Can you reheat chicken directly from frozen?
No, frozen chicken should always be fully thawed in the refrigerator before reheating. Trying to reheat frozen chicken can result in unsafe temperatures while parts remain frozen.
Conclusion
Repurposing leftover rotisserie chicken in the crockpot is an easy way to create flavorful new meals for your family. By following some simple tips, like shredding the chicken and adding liquid, you can make sure that the chicken reheats evenly and doesn’t dry out.
From soups and chilis to casseroles and tacos, the possibilities are endless for crockpot chicken dishes! Keep your leftovers out of the trash and in the slow cooker rotation for delicious homecooked meals with minimal effort.