Rotisserie chickens are a convenient and delicious staple that can be utilized in a variety of dishes. However, once purchased they only last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. To get the most out of your rotisserie chicken, it’s important to know how to store it properly and use it before it goes bad. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Proper Storage
First, be sure to store the chicken properly as soon as you get home to maximize freshness and shelf life. Here are some tips:
- Remove it from the packaging and let cool completely.
- Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Store in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of purchasing.
- Use within 3-5 days for maximum freshness.
- Slice off pieces as needed instead of storing cooked chicken for extended periods.
- Freeze any unused portions for longer storage.
Make Simple Meals
Rotisserie chicken is perfect for easy meals with minimal prep time. Here are some simple recipe ideas:
- Chicken Salad – Shred and mix with mayo, celery, onion, and seasonings for sandwiches or wraps.
- Quesadillas – Dice chicken and combine with cheese, salsa, beans, etc. for quick quesadillas.
- Chicken Tacos – Warm shredded chicken in taco seasoning and serve in tortillas or taco shells.
- Stir Fry – Slice chicken and stir fry with frozen vegetables and teriyaki sauce over rice.
- Soup – Simmer diced chicken in broth with veggies and noodles for a hearty soup.
- Casserole – Combine chicken with rice, veggies, and cheese sauce for an easy casserole.
Get Creative with Leftovers
Don’t let any go to waste! Get creative with these leftover chicken recipes:
- Pot Pie – Make a chicken pot pie by topping pieces of chicken with gravy, vegetables, and a biscuit crust.
- Enchiladas – Roll up tortillas with shredded chicken, cheese, and enchilada sauce for tasty enchiladas.
- pizza – Top pizza crust with chicken, veggies, sauce, and cheese for a homemade pizza.
- Sandwiches – Chicken salad, chicken parmesan, or bbq chicken all make great sandwich fillings.
- Breakfast – Add to scrambles, frittatas, breakfast burritos, or hash for a protein punch.
- Pasta – Toss with noodles, pesto, roasted veggies, or creamy sauce for a one-dish meal.
Repurpose the Carcass
Don’t throw away the bones and carcass! Put them to use by:
- Making bone broth – Simmer bones to make a nutritious broth perfect for soups or sauces.
- Preparing chicken stock – Boil bones with veggies for a rich and flavorful stock.
- Roasting for snacks – Roast the carcass with seasoning to enjoy bone-in chicken wings.
Conclusion
With proper storage, strategic meal planning, and creative recipes, you can get the most out of a rotisserie chicken. Maximize its versatility by shredding, dicing, or keeping it whole for various dishes. Feel free to get creative with global flavors, mix and match ingredients, and find new ways to infuse leftovers into your weekly menu.