12 Ways to Turn a Rotisserie Chicken into Dinner

A favorite short cut for easier weeks

I love to start a Monday with a rotisserie chicken in hand. It feels like a little gift to myself, a way of easing into the week and lightening the load for that first dinner.

We usually de-bone and shred or chop the chicken to use for dinner on the first night. Any leftovers get tossed into wraps, sandwiches, or salads for a quick lunch later in the week.

This collection includes basics like chicken noodle soup and chicken salad, but I’ve also included some fresh ideas for casseroles, Thai soup, and even a spicy mac and cheese. I hope it makes your week a little easier and a lot more delicious!

30 Minute Chicken Noodle Soup

The OG, ultimate chicken noodle soup. I make this any time someone in the house is sick (unless it’s me, then I beg someone else in the house to make it for me). It’s comforting, but never boring, full of flavor, silky noodles, and tons of veggies.

Cranberry Pistachio Chicken Salad

The best classic chicken salad, with a little bit of sweetness from the cranberries, buttery pistachios, and the crunch of celery. Perfect on a croissant or seedy bread.

Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

This is SO easy to throw together and classic comfort food. I can never resist a buttery Ritz cracker topping.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice

Save time by skipping the part where you have to cook the chicken, and instead toss the rotisserie chicken with some Italian herbs and garlic, then stir it directly into this cozy, comforting one pot meal.

Big Ol’ Chopped Salad with Goat Cheese and Dates

This is another restaurant copy cat that I had to figure out how to make at home to avoid going broke over a salad. It’s got ALL THE THINGS- creamy goat cheese and avocado, sweet dates and corn, crunchy nuts, and a killer vinaigrette. You can make it with deli turkey, but it’s even better with rotisserie chicken!

Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

My husband I love this zesty, bright take on a classic chicken salad. It’s so good as a sandwich or on top of tortilla chips or crackers.

Chicken Quesadillas

I love to make these with our Mexican Marinated Chicken, but on busy weeknights, a rotisserie chicken does the trick. This is a recipe I pull it out often when I need something super fast that I know the kids will love.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

We used to have a chain of restaurants here in Columbus called Max and Erma’s and they made the BEST chicken tortilla soup. This is my at-home version, which has soothed some of the grief over losing one of my favorite restaurant soups.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

You know that buffalo chicken dip that shows up at every party? Imagine it in the form of a rich and creamy mac and cheese. I KNOW, RIGHT?

Creamy Thai Coconut Soup

This stuff will warm you up while also clearing your sinuses. It’s creamy without being heavy, and has a salty sour broth that will keep you coming back for more.

Panera Asian Sesame Salad

This sweet and tangy sesame dressing is the ticket to a delicious salad. Using rotisserie chicken means you can have this one on the table in about 15 minutes.

Cheesy Chicken Bruschetta Bread

Garlicky grilled bread, melted mozzarella, chicken and basil tomatoes combine for a fresh, summery dinner.