I purchase rotisserie chicken and good bread with the same mentality: protective, slightly smug, and above all, practical. It is great for dinner insurance and allows for very different meals depending on what is in your fridge and how much effort you are willing to put into it. Below are examples that I really use: some are ‘cook-ish’ and some are glorifully slapdash, but all are meant for real life. If you like having a plan etc. then take the meat out while it is warm and place it in a container. Future you will appreciate it.
Contents
- 1) Chicken Tortilla Soup
- 2) Chicken Caesar Wraps
- 3) BBQ Chicken Flatbreads
- 4) Chicken And Rice
- 5) Chicken Pesto Pasta
- 6) White Bean Chicken Chili
- 7) Chicken Quesadillas
- 8) Greek Chicken Pitas
- 9) Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes
- 10) Chicken Fried Rice
- 11) Chicken Enchilada Skillet
- 12) Chicken Ramen
- 13) Chicken Pot Pie
- 14) Chicken Salad
- 15) Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
- 16) Chicken Tacos
- 17) Chicken Stuffed Shells
- 18) Chicken Cobb Salad
- 19) Chicken Pho Bowls
- 20) Chicken Parmesan Melts
- 21) Chicken And Dumplings
- 22) Chicken Nachos
- 23) Chicken And Mushroom Toast
- 24) Chicken Shawarma Bowls
- 25) Chicken Corn Chowder
- 26) Chicken Pizza Muffins
- 27) Chicken Pad Thai
- 28) Chicken Grain Bowl
- 29) Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches
1) Chicken Tortilla Soup
I’ll admit that this is the one I make when I’m craving ‘restaurant soup’ but I’m not leaving the house. Simmer canned tomatoes, broth, a little cumin, and whatever salsa you have, then stir in shredded rotisserie chicken at the end so it stays tender. Add crunchy tortilla strips and a creamy topping of your choice: sour cream, yogurt, or even mashed avocado! For most people, it makes the kitchen seem like you’ve got your life under control.
2) Chicken Caesar Wraps
This is the ‘I need lunch but also a little drama’ wrap. Toss shredded chicken with romaine, Caesar dressing, lemon, and a scandalous amount of black pepper. Go ahead, add croutons to the wrap! It’s rule breaking that we can get behind. If you enjoy anchovies, using them can add a sharper and more sophisticated taste to the entire dish.
3) BBQ Chicken Flatbreads
On paper, this is simple. In practice, I typically say to myself, \”just add a little more cheese\” until it becomes a small architectural marvel. Spread barbecue sauce on naan or flatbread, add chicken, red onion, and mozzarella, then bake until blistered at the edges. Waking it up at the end is a handful of cilantro or pickled jalapeños. It’s sweet and smoky and forgiving of you getting distracted and leaving it in for an extra minute.
4) Chicken And Rice
Even if you didn’t actually meal prep, this still tastes like you did. Combine finely chopped scallions with grated ginger, a pinch of salt, and hot oil (or use scallion-ginger paste if you have it handy). Pile chicken over warm rice with cucumbers or shredded carrots for crunch. People have different sensitivity levels to the intensity of raw allium, so if you’re sensitive, consider rinsing the scallions or using less.
5) Chicken Pesto Pasta
Pesto can be viewed as a shortcut in cooking. Toss hot pasta with pesto, a squeeze of lemon, and a splash of pasta water, then fold in chicken right at the end. I enjoy including a large handful of arugula so that it wilts into the pasta and has a slightly peppery flavor. It is particularly nice when the fridge is filled with condiments and visions of what is to come.
6) White Bean Chicken Chili
This is the type of chili that is gentle and cozy. It won’t punch you in the face with heat unless you want it to. Simmer white beans, broth, green chiles, cumin, and a little onion, then stir in chicken near the end. Top with cheese if you want to be indulgent, and add lime, cilantro, and in your case. I have previously presented it with crushed tortilla chips on top and no one seemed to notice the absence of cornbread.
7) Chicken Quesadillas
Quesadillas are my way out. Fill tortillas with chicken, cheese, and something green (spinach, scallions, even leftover roasted broccoli), then crisp in a skillet. “Fridge salsa” is the quick-chop (tomato, onion, cilantro, lime, salt) variation, and it’s usually better than it has any right to be. If you enjoy spicy food, adding a few shakes of hot sauce to the inside of the quesadilla will completely alter it’s taste.
8) Greek Chicken Pitas
I refer to it as “Greek-ish” because I do not wish to argue about authenticity at 6:30 p.m. Stuff warm pita with chicken, cucumber, tomato, and a generous spoon of tzatziki (store-bought is fine; we’re adults). Adding a few sprinkles of oregano and some feta cheese enhance the flavor and presentation of the dish. Do not skip cucumbers if you can avoid it. They are the main source of the crunch in the dish.
9) Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes
This has a slightly absurd but entertaining quality, like a tailgate food that somehow ended up on a regular weekday. Cook sweet potatoes in the oven or microwave until they’re easily pierced with a fork, then arrange them on a bed of chicken that has been mixed with buffalo sauce and a little butter. To maintain the classic buffalo chicken aesthetic, sprinkle on some diced celery and drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing on top. While the sweet and spicy mixture tends to please the masses, it’s important to note that if you are sensitive to hot foods, you should opt for a 50-50 mix of buffalo sauce and plain chicken.
10) Chicken Fried Rice
Feeling good and competent at the same time? That’s what leftover rice can do! Stir-fry onion, frozen peas and carrots, and scrambled egg, then add cold rice and soy sauce. Add the chicken at the end so it warms up without getting tough. I always make it a point to add a small splash of sesame oil and act as if it was intentional.
11) Chicken Enchilada Skillet
Rolling enchiladas is a meditative experience for some, and for me, it is mildly scary. Instead, I prepare some classico torn tortillas, add some sauce, chicken, cheese to an oven safe pan and bake it until it is good. It is still in the same flavor neighborhood without the tedious work. With a good dollop of sour cream and a couple pickled jalapeños, it adds a festive feel.
12) Chicken Ramen
If you show a bit of creativity, instant ramen can become a very gratifying experience. Adding chicken, a jammy egg, and a veggie of your choice (spinach, mushrooms, or even frozen corn) can take this meal to another level. If you aren’t that big of a fan of spice, feel free to skip it, but to add a little bit of heat and fragrance, I enjoy putting a spoonful of chili crisp in it. Overall it becomes a lot more enjoyable experience.
13) Chicken Pot Pie
This is pot pie for people who don’t want to deal with pie dough. Make a quick creamy filling with onions, frozen mixed veg, broth, and a splash of milk, then stir in chicken. Bake the biscuits separately (store bought dough is totally fine) and place them on the top. The first bite always makes me pause for a moment.
14) Chicken Salad
I used to think I hated chicken salad, but it turns out I hated bland chicken salad. Combine the chicken with mayonnaise (or a mixture of mayonnaise and yogurt), celery, pecans (toasted), halved grapes, and a confident pinch of salt. The sweet grape soda is the hidden gem that stops it from being too cafeteria-like. You can spread it on toast, use it as a filling in a croissant, or eat it straight from the jar as I often do.
15) Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Now is not the time for purity tests concerning Alfredo. Warm cream or milk with garlic, melt in parmesan, and let it thicken just enough to cling to noodles. Just before serving, add in the chicken and broccoli (it can be steamed, roasted, or however is easiest). If the sauce appears to be too thick, adding a splash of pasta water from the cooking pot will fix the thick sauce.
16) Chicken Tacos
If you want to add more excitement to your chicken dish, a pineapple salsa is the perfect accompaniment. Combine chopped pineapple, red onion, cilantro, diced jalapeños, and lime juice, and you’ve got a bright and refreshing topping that goes great on chicken and warm tortillas. Sometimes I put a layer of refried beans on the tortillas as a base. That way, everything stays in place as you eat. You may want to modify the level of acidity and spiciness to your taste by adjusting the amount of lime and jalapeños used in the salsa.
17) Chicken Stuffed Shells
Although stuffed shells seem complicated, using a rotisserie chicken makes them surprisingly easy. Mix ricotta with chopped spinach, shredded chicken, parmesan, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy. Add filling and sauce, then top with mozzarella and bake. I have seen a doubtful child sample one bite and then stealthily take three more. This is tantamount to a five-star review.
18) Chicken Cobb Salad
My response (besides requiring me to go out to forage for snacks at 9 pm) is to layer romaine with chicken, bacon (yes, bacon), egg, avocado, tomato, and blue cheese. A little vinaigrette is simple, but I wouldn’t judge you for using ranch instead. I wouldn’t blame you if you bought pre-cooked bacon and let modern conveninece cradle you.
19) Chicken Pho Bowls
While this can never replace a real bowl from a great Vietnamese spot, this can scratch the itch on a cold night. Simmer broth with ginger, star anise, and a tad of fish sauce, then pour it over noodles and chicken. Add herbs and lime at the table to make it smell bright and alive. If star anise isn’t your thing, feel free to omit it. Some people find it overpowering.
20) Chicken Parmesan Melts
This is a sandwich that is as enjoyable as a Friday night out. Toast bread, add chicken, spoon on marinara, blanket it in mozzarella, and broil until molten and browned at the edges. A few basil leaves make it seem less like a shortcut (even though it is). Unless you enjoy taking risks, eat it over a plate.
21) Chicken And Dumplings
It might seem like this stew will take a long time, but it doesn’t have to. Start with a broth base, and add in some carrots, celery, and chicken. Once this is done, add in the biscuit dough and cover it until everything has puffed. The steam will fog your glasses in an old-fashioned way. If you like your broth to be thicker, a little cornstarch slurry will do the trick, but don’t add to much.
22) Chicken Nachos
Nachos are my preferred dinner option when eating on the couch as they also offer a festive experience. You can layer the chips with beans, chicken, cheese, and pickled jalapeños and bake them until the cheese glistens. For toppings that are a mix of hot and cold, add sour cream, salsa, and avocado after. The only rule is to disperse the toppings so that you do not have a disappointing mound of plain chips.
23) Chicken And Mushroom Toast
I long for places like this when it rains. I will start with the mushrooms. Cook them in some butter and add a bit of garlic. After that add either cream or milk and let it simmer until it reaches a silky consistency. Fold in some chicken to heat it and serve it over some toast or mashed potatoes. Because of how rich this dish is, I find that it pairs best with something sharp and green, be that arugula or lemony peas.
24) Chicken Shawarma Bowls
My weeknight version of Shawarma incorporates some of the same flavors, including cumin, paprika, garlic, and, if you’re daring, a dash of cinnamon. Warm the chicken in a skillet with the spices so they bloom and smell incredible. Accompany with rice, a salad with chopped cucumber and tomato, and a speedy sauce with yogurt and garlic. I’ve previously scorched the spices by turning the heat up too high, so just keep it at medium, and you’ll be good.
25) Chicken Corn Chowder
Corn chowder is sweet, creamy, and calming in a way that feels slightly medicinal. Once the potatoes are cooked in the broth, add the corn (whether it’s fresh, frozen, or canned), and then stir in the milk and chicken at the very end. A hint of smoked paprika adds complexity without making it taste like ”BBQ soup.” For the lactose sensitive, unsweetened oat milk can work for some folks, although it alters the taste a bit.
26) Chicken Pizza Muffins
This dinner is designed to feel like a child’s lunch, and that’s a compliment. Toast some English muffins, top them with marinara, chicken, and cheese, then broil until bubbly. I like to add some thinly sliced olives or a sprinkle of oregano for that fresh pizzeria smell. They are also super light, which is not something you can always say with pizza, and you can easily eat two and not feel weird about it.
27) Chicken Pad Thai
Original pad Thai is in a league of its own, but this weeknight version gets you close enough to smile. Toss rice noodles with a sauce of tamarind (or a little lime plus brown sugar in a pinch), fish sauce, and soy, then add chicken and scrambled egg. Conclude with peanuts and lime on the table. If you’re apprehensive about using fish sauce, begin with a small quantity; its flavor can be quite intense.
28) Chicken Grain Bowl
I prepare this when I want to have the clean out the fridge type energy but without the sad bowl outcome. Start with quinoa or farro, add roasted veggies (even frozen ones roasted hard can work), then top with chicken. Mix tahini with lemon, garlic, and enough water to make it pourable, then drizzle generously. This is one of those meals where it makes sense to add some seasoning. Salt will be your friend for this one.
29) Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches
This is the point where it all gets a little silly, and I’m all for it. Warm biscuits and rotisserie chicken, add a fried egg, and some hot honey or jam if you like the sweet and savory combo. The egg creates the impression that you’re eating a proper meal, even though it’s more like a cozy little hand-held situation. And if you’ve eaten this in silence because it was that enjoyable, I get it, same.
