Stopped by the store and grabbed a rotisserie chicken on the way home from work in the hopes of a quick and easy dinner, but want something a little fancier than chicken, bread roll, and some coleslaw? Check out these creative and delicious ways to transform your plain rotisserie chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal without breaking a sweat. From salads to pasta dishes, make impressive dishes with these simple yet impressive recipes.
Getting the most out of rotisserie chicken
When it comes to getting the most out of your rotisserie chicken, the first thing you want to do is debone it.
Most rotisserie chickens will be tender enough that you can do this over a large bowl simply using your hands. I wear gloves as its more hygienic, and you don't end up with the chicken under your nails, which is pretty gross.
If you find it hard to get the chicken off the bone then use a small sharp knife to help.
Be sure to look out for small bones as you debone the chicken, as it can be easy for these to go unnoticed and cause a nasty surprise when you bite into them later.
Once you have removed the chicken from the bones you can either use two forks to shred it or a sharp knife to cut it into small pieces depending on how you plan on serving it.
Keep the leftover bones and use them to make a delicious homemade broth. Simply simmer the bones in a large saucepan with water, onions, carrots, and celery. Then, strain it before use.
Asian noodle dishes
Precooked chicken meat is a great way to speed up the process when making Asian noodle dishes like lo mein, or a simple stir fry, or in Filipino pancit bihon. Simply add your chicken pieces to cooked noodles and vegetables with seasonings and sauces such as soy sauce and garlic. Then, stir fry to bring the flavors together.
Achieving the perfect balance of ingredients is key to mastering Asian noodle dishes. The umami-rich soy sauce complements the savory chicken, while the assortment of fresh vegetables adds a refreshing crunch to every mouthful.
Family-friendly casseroles
Chicken stock, pasta and rotisserie chicken can be combined to create a delicious chicken casserole. Begin by layering cooked pasta, cooked chicken meat and a generous amount of cheese in a baking dish. This creates a delicious and hearty base for your dish.
Once the layers are set, pour chicken stock over the mixture then top it off with breadcrumbs to create a crispy and golden-brown topping. Bake the dish in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is perfectly crispy.
When the casserole is ready, serve it hot out of the oven for a cozy and comforting meal. Pair it with a fresh side salad tossed in vinaigrette dressing to balance out the richness of the dish. The combination of flavors and textures will turn a simple rotisserie chicken into a gourmet dish.
My favorite casserole to make with rotisserie chicken is this Simple Chicken Fajita Casserole Bake.
Hearty dips
For a simple buffalo chicken dip, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese until well combined. This creates a spicy and creamy base for the dip.
Cook the mixture on the stovetop or in a slow cooker on low until it becomes bubbly and creamy. Serve the mixture warm with celery sticks and tortilla chips for dipping. The crunchy celery provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy dip, while the chips add a satisfying crunch.
Or use your chicken in this Warm Pesto Chicken and Cheese Dip and serve with some fresh sliced baguette.
Other ways to use rotisserie chicken
While the meat is undeniably delicious served by itself, there are unlimited possibilities to use it in your cooking. From savory soups and hearty salads to flavorful wraps and casseroles, you can make the most out of every last bite of this kitchen staple.
Try one of these wrap or salad ideas:
Tacos or tortillas
You can create delicious tacos by shredding the meat and adding fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. Fill soft or crispy shells for a quick and satisfying meal.
Or add the chicken with some rice, black beans, avocado, lettuce, diced tomato and sour cream, mix together and wrap in a large tortilla.
Curry
Make a delicious curry by simmering aromatic spices, coconut milk and vegetables and then adding in shredded rotisserie chicken. Serve over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Soup and stew
Use the meat in a hearty soup or stew by combining it with broth, vegetables and herbs. Simmer until all flavors meld together for a comforting and wholesome meal.
You could even add some rice, orzo, couscous or chickpeas to bulk it up.
This Creamy Enchilada Soup and this White Chili Chicken are both perfect examples of hearty dishes to which leftover chicken can be added to.
Tips for perfect chicken dishes
Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices and flavor combinations to add your chicken to.
Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro as a colorful and flavorful garnish. Not only do they add a pop of freshness, but they also make the meal look more enticing because of the gorgeous colors.
Why use rotisserie chicken for dinner?
Whether you're looking to streamline meal prep or add a gourmet touch to your weeknight dinners, there are endless ways to use the meat from a rotisserie chicken. It is such a versatile ingredient.
By following the tips provided and exploring creative ways to use a rotisserie chicken, you can simplify your cooking and impress your family or guests with delicious meals that won't make you work up a sweat or worry about whether your chicken is cooked enough.
Remember, the key is to experiment with flavors, textures, and presentation to create delicious and visually appealing dishes. Don't be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and make each meal your own.
BUT if you do want to work up a little bit of a sweat then follow this guide to learn How To Make A Rotisserie Style Chicken in the Oven, it's surprisingly simple and the flavor is just amazing.
This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
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