Rotisserie chicken is a staple in many households. It’s affordable, convenient, and offers a versatile protein that can be transformed into various meals. But what exactly should you do with a rotisserie chicken after buying it? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best ways to store, prepare, and enjoy rotisserie chicken, ensuring you maximize every bite.
How to Store a Rotisserie Chicken After Buying It
Proper storage is crucial when it comes to keeping your rotisserie chicken fresh. The first thing you need to know is how to store it correctly to maintain its flavor and texture while preventing any risk of spoilage. Let’s break down the best methods for storing rotisserie chicken, whether you plan to eat it within a few days or extend its life through freezing.
Refrigerating Rotisserie Chicken for Short-Term Use
Refrigeration is the most common method of storing a rotisserie chicken, especially if you plan to use it within the next few days. Here’s how to do it:
- Store in Airtight Containers: Once you bring the chicken home, it’s best to remove it from its original packaging and place it in an airtight container. The plastic containers that most rotisserie chickens come in aren’t ideal for long-term storage as they often have gaps that allow air in, leading to quicker spoilage.
- Shred Before Storing: Shredding the chicken before storing it in the refrigerator can make it easier to grab and use for meals throughout the week. For instance, having pre-shredded chicken on hand means you can quickly toss it into salads, wraps, or casseroles without any additional prep work.
- Store for 3-4 Days: When stored correctly in an airtight container, rotisserie chicken can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. Be sure to keep the chicken in the coldest part of your fridge, typically near the back or in a crisper drawer, to maintain optimal freshness.
Freezing Rotisserie Chicken for Long-Term Storage
If you don’t plan on eating the chicken within a few days, freezing is the best option. Freezing helps preserve the chicken for months, allowing you to use it in future meals without losing quality.
- Portion for Convenience: Before freezing, consider dividing the chicken into portion sizes that match your typical meal needs. This way, you can thaw only the amount you need rather than defrosting the entire chicken. Portioning also helps reduce waste, as you’ll be less likely to thaw more than you can consume.
- Use Freezer-Safe Bags: Place the chicken portions into freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Air is the enemy of freshness when it comes to freezing, as it can cause freezer burn, which affects the texture and flavor of the chicken.
- Label with Dates: Always label your freezer bags with the date you froze the chicken. Properly frozen rotisserie chicken can last for up to three months. However, for the best quality, it’s recommended to use it within the first two months.
For more tips on food safety and proper storage, check out How to Safely Store Leftover Chicken.
Quick and Easy Meal Ideas Using Rotisserie Chicken
One of the biggest advantages of buying a rotisserie chicken is its versatility in the kitchen. It’s already cooked, which means it can be quickly transformed into a variety of meals. Below are some meal ideas that answer the question of what to do with a rotisserie chicken after buying it. These recipes are fast, simple, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a meal on the table in a hurry.
Chicken Tacos: A Family-Friendly Favorite
Chicken tacos are a quick and delicious way to use rotisserie chicken. They’re highly customizable, allowing everyone in the family to add their favorite toppings. Here’s how to make them:
- Shred and Season: Start by shredding the chicken and warming it in a skillet. You can season it with taco seasoning, cumin, or simply a pinch of salt and pepper. For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice.
- Assemble Your Tacos: Fill soft or hard taco shells with the seasoned chicken. Top with salsa, avocado, shredded lettuce, and a sprinkle of cheese. If you want to kick up the flavor, add pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of sour cream.
- Sides and Pairings: Serve the tacos with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad. This meal is not only quick to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy.
Chicken Salad: A Healthy and Versatile Option
Chicken salad is another great answer to the question of what to do with a rotisserie chicken after buying it. It’s light, refreshing, and can be tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a simple lunch or a more elaborate dish, chicken salad fits the bill.
- Mix the Ingredients: Start with shredded rotisserie chicken as your base. Then, add ingredients like diced celery, chopped apples, dried cranberries, or nuts for texture and flavor. Mix everything together with your choice of dressing, whether that’s a classic mayo-based dressing or a lighter vinaigrette.
- Serving Suggestions: Chicken salad can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve it over a bed of greens for a healthy lunch, stuff it into a pita or wrap for a portable meal, or pile it onto whole-grain bread for a hearty sandwich.
- Creative Variations: You can change up the flavors by adding spices, herbs, or other mix-ins. For example, try adding curry powder for a curried chicken salad or swap in Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
For more creative meal ideas and recipes, take a look at these Sourdough Discard Recipes for a fresh take on what to serve alongside your rotisserie chicken dishes.
Weekly Meal Prep with Rotisserie Chicken
One of the best uses for a rotisserie chicken is incorporating it into weekly meal prep. Prepping meals in advance not only saves time but also ensures you have healthy, ready-to-eat options throughout the week. Knowing what to do with a rotisserie chicken after buying it can help you set up a meal plan that makes busy weekdays smoother.
Portioning Chicken for Meal Prep
When meal prepping with rotisserie chicken, portioning is key. Dividing the chicken into portions that align with your meal plan allows for flexibility and convenience:
- Divide and Conquer: Start by shredding the chicken and portioning it into containers that fit your meal plan. If you’re making salads, wraps, or grain bowls, you can pre-portion the chicken to streamline meal assembly during the week.
- Mix and Match Meals: Having pre-portioned chicken on hand makes it easy to mix and match meals throughout the week. For example, you can use the same shredded chicken in a salad one day, in a sandwich the next, and in a stir-fry later in the week.
- Freezer-Friendly Prep: If you want to extend the life of your meal prep, consider making freezer-friendly dishes like chicken casseroles, soups, or enchiladas that you can freeze and reheat as needed.
For additional meal prep ideas, check out these Cottage Cheese Recipes that are perfect for pairing with rotisserie chicken.
Freezer Meals Made with Rotisserie Chicken
Incorporating rotisserie chicken into freezer meals is a fantastic way to ensure you always have a homemade meal on hand, even on the busiest days. Freezer meals can be prepared in bulk and stored for months, making them an excellent solution for meal planning.
- Casseroles and Bakes: One of the easiest ways to use rotisserie chicken in freezer meals is by incorporating it into casseroles. Combine shredded chicken with vegetables, pasta, and a creamy sauce, then top with cheese and bake. Once the casserole is cooked, let it cool, divide it into portions, and freeze.
- Chicken Enchiladas: Rotisserie chicken makes a delicious filling for enchiladas. Roll shredded chicken in tortillas, add a layer of enchilada sauce, and sprinkle with cheese. Once assembled, the enchiladas can be frozen and later baked when you’re ready to eat.
- Soups and Stews: Chicken soups and stews freeze exceptionally well. Use the rotisserie chicken to create a hearty chicken noodle soup or a spicy chicken chili. After cooking, let the soup cool, then portion it into containers and freeze for future meals.
These freezer-friendly recipes not only save time but also ensure that you have nourishing meals ready whenever you need them.
Making Homemade Chicken Broth with Rotisserie Chicken Bones
Knowing what to do with a rotisserie chicken after buying it includes making use of every part of the bird, including the bones. One of the most valuable byproducts of a rotisserie chicken is the bones, which can be used to make rich and flavorful chicken broth. This broth can serve as a base for soups, stews, sauces, and even risotto.
How to Make Chicken Broth from Rotisserie Chicken Bones
Making broth from the leftover bones is easier than you might think, and the result is a nutrient-dense stock that’s far better than anything you can buy in stores.
- Gather Your Ingredients: Start with the chicken carcass, along with any remaining skin or meat that you didn’t use. Add in vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, as well as garlic and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for Rich Flavor: Place all the ingredients in a large stockpot and cover with water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 4-6 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful your broth will be.
- Strain and Store: Once the broth is done simmering, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids. Let the broth cool before transferring it to storage containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to six months.
Making broth is one of the most sustainable ways to use rotisserie chicken, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. For a detailed recipe and additional tips, check out this Homemade Chicken Stock Recipe.
Creative Dinner Recipes Using Rotisserie Chicken
When deciding what to do with a rotisserie chicken after buying it, dinner recipes are where you can get truly creative. The pre-cooked chicken serves as an excellent base for a wide range of dishes, from comforting classics to inventive new meals. Below are a few dinner recipes that showcase the versatility of rotisserie chicken.
Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Comfort Food Made Easy
Chicken Alfredo pasta is a classic comfort dish that’s creamy, satisfying, and quick to make with rotisserie chicken.
- Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking your favorite pasta—fettuccine is a popular choice—according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, warm a jar of Alfredo sauce in a large skillet.
- Add the Chicken: Once the sauce is heated, stir in shredded rotisserie chicken and let it warm through. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding minced garlic, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Combine and Serve: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated, then serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Easy Chicken Pot Pie: A Cozy, Hearty Meal
Chicken pot pie is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce under a golden, flaky crust. It’s an excellent way to repurpose rotisserie chicken into a hearty, filling dinner.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large saucepan, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add in the shredded rotisserie chicken, followed by a mixture of chicken broth and cream to create a rich, savory sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Assemble the Pot Pie: Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, then cover with a layer of pre-made pie crust or puff pastry. Cut small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake and Enjoy: Bake the pot pie in a preheated oven until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners and is sure to become a household favorite.
For more comforting recipes and creative pairings, try this Spicy Margarita Recipe to complement your chicken dishes with a fun twist.
How to Efficiently Shred and Debone Rotisserie Chicken
One of the best ways to get the most out of your rotisserie chicken is by shredding and deboning it as soon as you bring it home. Doing this immediately ensures the meat stays tender and moist, making it easier to incorporate into meals throughout the week. Knowing what to do with a rotisserie chicken after buying it involves understanding the most efficient methods for preparing it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Shredding and Deboning Rotisserie Chicken
- Start with the Legs and Wings: Begin by removing the legs and wings from the chicken. These parts are typically the easiest to remove, as they naturally pull away from the body. You can either shred the meat or keep it in larger pieces for later use.
- Remove the Breast Meat: Next, slice down the center of the chicken to remove the breast meat. Use a sharp knife to carefully separate the meat from the bone. The breast meat can be shredded or left in larger portions, depending on your intended use.
- Shred the Meat: Once you’ve removed all the meat from the chicken, use your hands or two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Shredded chicken is versatile and can be used in various dishes, from salads and wraps to soups and casseroles.
- Store the Shredded Chicken: Place the shredded chicken in airtight containers for easy access throughout the week. If you don’t plan to use it right away, consider freezing some of the portions for future meals.
This method ensures you have prepped chicken on hand, making meal assembly quick and easy.
Healthier Meal Options Using Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken can be part of a balanced, healthy diet. It’s a lean source of protein and can be paired with a wide range of nutrient-dense ingredients to create meals that are both delicious and good for you. Here’s what to do with a rotisserie chicken after buying it if you’re focused on healthier eating.
Low-Carb Chicken Wraps for a Guilt-Free Lunch
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, using rotisserie chicken in lettuce wraps is an excellent option. It’s light, satisfying, and easy to prepare.
- Prepare the Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves, such as romaine or butter lettuce, as the base for your wraps. Fill each leaf with shredded rotisserie chicken, avocado slices, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of salsa or guacamole.
- Customize Your Flavors: The beauty of lettuce wraps is their versatility. You can change up the flavors by adding different toppings or sauces, such as a tangy vinaigrette, a spicy mayo, or fresh herbs like cilantro or basil.
- Serving Suggestions: These wraps are perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Pair them with a side of fresh vegetables, such as cucumber slices or bell pepper strips, for a complete, healthy meal.
Mediterranean Chicken Bowls for Balanced Nutrition
Mediterranean diets are known for being heart-healthy and rich in flavor. Rotisserie chicken fits perfectly into this style of eating, allowing you to create balanced and delicious bowls.
- Build the Bowl: Start with a base of quinoa or brown rice, then layer on shredded rotisserie chicken, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add a Zesty Dressing: Drizzle the bowl with a simple dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. This light, tangy dressing complements the flavors of the chicken and veggies perfectly.
- Serving Options: These bowls can be enjoyed warm or cold, making them a great option for meal prep. You can also customize the bowls with additional ingredients like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or fresh herbs.
These healthy recipes show that knowing what to do with a rotisserie chicken after buying it goes beyond traditional dishes, allowing you to explore a wide range of flavors while maintaining a balanced diet.
For more creative combinations, take a look at these Ninja Creami Recipes for dessert ideas that can pair well with your meals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long can I keep rotisserie chicken in the fridge?
Rotisserie chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days if kept in an airtight container. It’s important to store the chicken in the coldest part of your fridge to maintain its freshness.
Can you freeze rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, shred the chicken before freezing and store it in freezer-safe bags with the air removed. Label the bags with the date to keep track of when they were frozen.
What’s the best way to reheat rotisserie chicken?
The best method for reheating rotisserie chicken is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, and cover it with foil to keep the moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through.
How do I keep rotisserie chicken from drying out?
To prevent rotisserie chicken from drying out, store it with its juices in an airtight container. When reheating, cover the dish with foil to retain moisture. You can also add a splash of broth or water before reheating to help keep the chicken moist.
In conclusion, knowing what to do with a rotisserie chicken after buying it opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Whether you’re looking for quick meals, healthy options, or ways to repurpose leftovers, this guide offers something for everyone. From shredding and storing the chicken to creating delicious dinners and nutritious meal preps, rotisserie chicken is a versatile and valuable addition to your kitchen.
For even more delicious ideas and creative recipes, don’t miss out on exploring Birria Tacos Recipe to enhance your meal planning with bold, exciting flavors.