Rotisserie chicken is one of my stealthiest weeknight cheats to get dinner on the table FAST. (And I have a feeling I’m not alone.) It’s ready to go at the grocery and succulent and juicy. What’s not to love? There’s no need to simply put a whole chicken on your dinner table when a world of quick and delicious rotisserie chicken recipes is practically begging to be whipped up.
I will say that the flavor of the chickens can vary quite a bit from store to store. My favorites in Austin are from Central Market—the Hatch Chile is next-level falling-off-the-bone good. But no matter where you live, any good grocery store will likely have a decent version. On the days when I want nothing more than to pick up a fast-food meal, I’ll simply cut up a rotisserie chicken and serve it with a salad and sweet potatoes that I baked in my meal-prepping that week.
When you have just a little more time or are feeling a burst of cooking inspiration, try one of these 9 recipes that take your store-bought bird and turn it into something that tastes like you’ve been slaving at the stove all day.
Featured image by Ashleigh Amoroso.
9 Rotisserie Chicken Recipes to Streamline Weeknight Cooking
Thai Chicken Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing
Why We Love It: I have yet to find a dish that spicy peanut sauce doesn’t pair well with. The toppings are endless with this summer-style salad: cut up a fresh avocado or dice a ripe and juicy mango. Whatever you choose to decorate your salad, the colors and flavors don’t disappoint.
Hero Ingredient: This salad’s claim to fame? Its spicy peanut dressing. If you’re not big on the heat packed into this dressing, opt for a little less sriracha.
Hoisin Chicken Cabbage Tacos
Why We Love It: Not only is this recipe a perfect way to use up your rotisserie chicken, but lettuce wrap tacos are also a great way to utilize the remaining romaine that always seems to linger in the fridge. Top with spices like chili and red pepper flakes for a kick and cucumber and lime to keep these tacos light, fresh, and flavorful.
Hero Ingredient: Hoisin sauce flavors this chicken to perfection.
Turmeric Chicken Soup
Why We Love It: If you’re looking to wind down with a warm and cozy but still healthy dish, look no further than this turmeric chicken soup. We love turmeric and all of its benefits in just about every dish. Nutrient-packed ingredients like ginger and chicken broth make this soup one to keep on your radar during cold and flu season, or whenever you need a little pick-me-up (spring allergies are real).
Hero Ingredient: Buckwheat soba noodles are the new elevated take on your classic chicken soup noodle.
Lime-y Chicken Tacos with Carrot, Jicama, & Mint
Why We Love It: I find chicken tacos to sometimes be a hassle, especially when I’m on a tight schedule. Rotisserie chicken is the perfect option that can be used in a pinch for these delicious cilantro-lime tacos.
Hero Ingredient: Don’t pass up the chipotle aioli!
Pesto Chicken Cobb Salad, Family-Style
Why We Love It: This family-style salad is a great way to throw together a variety of healthy ingredients in a short period of time. Rotisserie chicken and soft-boiled eggs bring the protein component to this hearty salad and fresh toppings like red onion and lemon juice add a touch of brightness.
Hero Ingredient: Pesto is the base of this simple dressing, and trust us, it will bring this (or any) summer salad to the next level.
Thai Chicken Pizza from The Modern Proper
Why We Love It: This recipe has my heart. Thai flavors, specifically those found in pad thai and pad see ew, rank high on my all-time favorite dishes. Pizza is right behind those dishes on that list, so what better than combining both and serving them as one? Savory Thai peanut sauce coats this chicken and creates a mouth-watering contrast to the hoisin sauce.
Hero Ingredient: Top with dry roasted peanuts for a crunchy textural addition.
Salsa Verde Chicken and Zucchini Enchiladas with Mango from Half Baked Harvest
Why We Love It: While recipe curator and creator of Half Baked Harvest Tieghan Gerard uses baked chicken in her recipe, this is a great opportunity to sub in a rotisserie chicken to save time and maximize flavor. These enchiladas have a bit of a kick, the flavors are mellowed by sweet toppings like mango and acidic additions like lime juice.
Hero Ingredient: Homemade or store-bought, salsa verde is your key to the most delicious enchiladas.
BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad from What’s Gaby Cooking
Why We Love It: Quinoa salads are one of my favorite ways to keep my meals filling while not consuming unhealthier grain options. This loaded recipe tosses your cooked chicken in a bit of BBQ sauce for a tangy and sweet flavor. Plus, it uses toppings like corn and avocado to give the bowl a bit of a southwestern vibe.
Hero Ingredient: Garnish with cilantro for a pop of green goodness.
White Bean Chicken Soup from The Modern Proper
Why We Love It: This garlicky white bean soup is the perfect dish to wind down with after a jam-packed day. Cannellini beans are a great source of protein in addition to your rotisserie chicken, and bold flavors like jalapeno and lemon juice will have your tastebuds dancing.
Hero Ingredient: Minced garlic should not be skipped.
This post was originally published on October 17, 2018, and has since been updated.