Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and delicious meal option that can be enjoyed hot right after purchasing or saved for leftovers. One of the most common ways to use up leftover rotisserie chicken is to shred it and use it in other dishes like sandwiches, salads, casseroles, and more. This leads to the question – can you shred rotisserie chicken when it is cold, or does it need to be warm? Let’s take a closer look at the answer.
Yes, you can shred rotisserie chicken when it is cold
The good news is that it is perfectly fine to shred rotisserie chicken when it is cold. Once the chicken has cooled down to refrigerator temperature after bringing it home from the grocery store deli, it can be shredded or cut up without any issues. Here are some key points on shredding cold rotisserie chicken:
- The chicken meat firms up as it cools, which can actually make it easier to shred. Warm chicken shreds very easily, but the strands often clump together. The firmer texture of chilled chicken makes it easier to tear into long, thin shreds.
- Cold chicken shreds nicely with forks or fingers. No special tools are required.
- Any seasonings or spices on the chicken infuse throughout the meat as it rests. Shredding later allows those flavors to distribute.
- The shredded chicken stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container and can be used in recipes during that time.
So shredding rotisserie chicken when cold is not only possible, but it can be advantageous over shredding it hot. The colder temperature leads to a better end result.
Tips for easy shredding
Follow these tips for effortlessly shredding cold rotisserie chicken:
- Use two forks to shred. Insert the tines into the chicken and pull it apart into thin strands. Forks offer more control than using your fingers.
- Remove the skin first if desired. The skin can become rubbery when cold.
- Cut the chicken off the bones before shredding. It helps to have smaller, manageable pieces.
- Consider cutting the breast meat into cubes first. The dense breast meat can be harder to shred unless it is cut up first.
- Take your time. Rushing through cold chicken shredding can result in uneven, chunky pieces.
- Use the chicken within 3-4 days for food safety. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to shred chicken when hot or cold?
There are benefits to shredding chicken both hot and cold. Hot shredding makes the chicken very easy to pull apart, but the texture can be mushier. Cold shredding produces drier, more defined shreds but requires a bit more effort. It comes down to personal preference.
How long does cooked rotisserie chicken last in the fridge?
Properly stored cooked rotisserie chicken will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to place it in an airtight container. Once shredded, the chicken should also be used within 3-4 days.
What is the best way to store shredded rotisserie chicken?
The best way to store shredded rotisserie chicken is in an airtight glass or plastic container. You can also place it in a resealable plastic freezer bag. Avoid storing in aluminum foil, as this can allow for freezer burn over time. Properly stored, shredded chicken keeps for 3-4 days.
Can you freeze shredded rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken can be frozen for longer term storage. Place it in airtight packaging, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using in recipes.
How to use shredded rotisserie chicken
Shredded rotisserie chicken is versatile and can be used in all kinds of delicious recipes. Here are some great ways to use up leftover shredded chicken:
- Chicken salad sandwiches
- Tacos or burritos
- Casseroles or soups
- Stir fries
- Pasta dishes
- Salads
- Pizzas
- Quesadillas or enchiladas
- Sandwiches
Get creative with the flavors by seasoning the shredded chicken with cajun spices, lemon, salsa, pesto, barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, or any of your favorite dressings or marinades.
Recipes using shredded rotisserie chicken
Here are 3 delicious recipe ideas for using shredded rotisserie chicken:
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Top a prepared pizza crust with shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded rotisserie chicken, red onion, cilantro, and barbecue sauce. Bake until the cheese is melted and pizza is heated through.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Toss shredded romaine lettuce with a creamy Caesar dressing. Top with shredded rotisserie chicken, parmesan cheese, and croutons.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Simmer chicken broth with onions, garlic, and spices. Add shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, corn, and beans. Ladle into bowls and top with tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and cilantro.
The possibilities are endless for how to use shredded rotisserie chicken! It takes boring leftovers and elevates them into tasty new dishes.
Nutrition of shredded rotisserie chicken
Shredded rotisserie chicken maintains the nutritional qualities of the original cooked chicken. Here are some of the main nutrition facts (based on a 3 oz serving):
| Calories | 140 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 340mg |
| Protein | 25g |
| Calcium | 15mg |
Shredded rotisserie chicken is high in protein and low in calories per serving. It can make a very nutritious addition to salads, sandwiches, and other recipes.
Conclusion
Shredding rotisserie chicken when it is cold is perfectly safe, convenient, and produces great results. The firm, chilled meat is easy to shred using two forks and creates the ideal texture for adding to so many dishes. Store the chicken for 3-4 days in the fridge or freeze for even longer term use. Some of the best ways to enjoy shredded rotisserie chicken include sandwiches, salads, pizzas, tacos, casseroles, and soups. So go ahead and get shredding when that store-bought chicken has cooled down – your tasty meals for the week await!