Lifestyle

8 Dinner Shortcuts Using a Rotisserie Chicken

LifestylePublished Aug 29, 2014
By Liz Alterman
rotisserie chicken

What mom doesn't love a shortcut? And there's nothing better than one that saves you time in the kitchen! 

While take-out is always tempting, when you're hungry and in a hurry, before you reach for those menus, let me share my secret ingredient for whipping up a delicious dinner in half the time: the rotisserie chicken

This classic staple, most often sold in that futuristic-looking plastic bubble, has become my best friend on busy evenings. As yummy as it is versatile, a ready-to-eat roasted chicken can give you a well-deserved head start when you need it most (like when your kids are chanting, "When's dinner?").

Another thing I love about it: minimal clean-up. But here's a tip I learned the hard way: If you want your guests to think you spent the whole afternoon in front of the stove basting your bird, be sure to dispose of its packaging before they arrive!

Here are 8 ways to jump-start dinner using a rotisserie chicken.  

More from The Stir: 7 Shortcuts All New Moms Should Take (& Not Feel Guilty About) 

How do you make the most of a rotisserie chicken?

Image via iStock.com/WarrenPrice

1/8
Chicken Enchilada-placeholder
Chicken Enchilada
CorbisImages/EdYoung

Chicken Enchilada

Thanks to prepared chicken, you can whip up these enchiladas in a flash. Before you know it, your kitchen will smell like an authentic Mexican cantina!

2/8
Pulled Barbecue Chicken Subs-placeholder
Pulled Barbecue Chicken Subs
CorbisImages/ElementPhoto

Pulled Barbecue Chicken Subs

These sandwiches are a quick and delicious twist on the perennial favorite: pulled pork. Just pick up some rolls and cole slaw and you'll have dinner, or even a tasty lunch, on the table in 20 minutes or less.

3/8
Chicken Salad-placeholder
Chicken Salad
JohnSmith/Corbis

Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is a great place to show off your culinary creativity. Because the chicken is ready to go, think of all the other ingredients you'll have time to chop and dice! From fresh veggies and beans to shredded cheeses and even hard boiled eggs, this is a great chance to throw in all those flavors you crave!

4/8
Chicken Pot Pie-placeholder
Chicken Pot Pie
thefoodpassionates/Corbis

Chicken Pot Pie

This rustic crowd-pleaser typically takes a while to make. Not anymore, thanks to your already-prepared chicken! Wow your family with this fast and delicious chicken pot pie recipe.

5/8
Chicken Wrap-placeholder
Chicken Wrap
Image @CreativeStudiHeinemann/Westend61/Corbis

Chicken Wrap

That's a wrap! From simple lettuce, tomato, and a bit of mayo to a tricked-out sandwich with pesto, roasted red peppers, and fresh mozzarella, you can't go wrong with a chicken wrap.

6/8
BBQ Chicken Pizza-placeholder
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Image @RadiusImages/Corbis

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Shred that chicken and smother it with your favorite barbecue sauce, place it on pie dough along with some of your other best-loved toppings, and voila! Instant BBQ chicken pizza. So much better than the frozen variety.

7/8
Chicken Soup-placeholder
Chicken Soup
Image @DavidPapazian/Corbis

Chicken Soup

Hearty and healthy, chicken soup is perfect on a chilly evening. Add noodles, rice, or veggies and serve this with a loaf of bread or simple sandwiches.

8/8
Chicken Fried Rice-placeholder
Chicken Fried Rice
Image @RadiusImages/Corbis

Chicken Fried Rice

Making your own chicken fried rice is a fun (and cheaper) alternative to ordering take-out. Bonus: You can use up any leftover veggies while you're at it!

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