By: Paige Valentik MPS, RD, LDN

Need some quick dinner ideas? Certainly! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient, yet versatile ingredient. Start by keeping it simple and just use it as is. Pair it with microwaveable rice or mashed potatoes and frozen veggies. Voila! Here are 5 more ways to use it…

1. Chicken Salad: Shred the rotisserie chicken and mix it with diced celery, red onion, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. You can add other ingredients like grapes, apples, or nuts for extra flavor and texture. Serve the chicken salad on sandwiches, wraps, with crackers or over a bed of greens for a quick and satisfying meal.
2. Chicken Tacos or Quesadillas: Pull the meat off the rotisserie chicken and warm it in a skillet with your favorite taco seasoning. Use the seasoned chicken to fill tacos or quesadillas along with cheese, salsa, avocado, and any other toppings you like. Serve with a side of rice and beans for a complete meal.
3. Chicken Soup: Make a comforting chicken soup by simmering the rotisserie chicken with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion in chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley. Serve the soup with crusty bread for a cozy meal.
4. Chicken Pasta: Toss shredded rotisserie chicken with cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms), and your favorite sauce (like Alfredo or marinara). Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for added flavor. Bake the pasta in the oven until bubbly and golden for a delicious pasta bake.
5. Chicken Fried Rice: Make a quick and flavorful chicken fried rice by stir-frying cooked rice with diced vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and bell peppers), scrambled eggs, and shredded rotisserie chicken. Season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for an authentic Asian flavor. Garnish with green onions and enjoy.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to using rotisserie chicken in your cooking. Oh, and one more secret: most grocery stores have pre-shredded rotisserie chicken making these quick meals THAT much easier! You can thank me later.