Rotisserie chickens are one of our favorite things to pick up at the supermarket — not only are they delicious to eat as is, they’re super-convenient for adding quick, good-for-you protein to meals. In fact, they’re a top shortcut we use in the Woman’s World test kitchen to serve up healthy recipes in a flash. And we’re sharing some of our favorite ideas, from adding rotisserie chicken to salads, turning it into soups and even creating your own glaze to make a whole bird seem homemade. Keep scrolling for the healthy rotisserie chicken recipes that’ll make dinnertime a breeze!
Tips to make the most of rotisserie chicken
Lots of recipes call for shredding rotisserie chicken. And while you can use two forks to pull apart the meat, for the fastest results we like to use a stand mixer. Simply remove the meat from the bone and discard any skin, then place the cooked chicken in the bowl of a stand mixer and run on medium speed for 25 seconds. That’s it! (Click through for how to reheat rotisserie chicken so it tastes as delicious as the day you bought it.)
Another trick we love to get the most bang for your grocery buck: Save the bones to use for stock. Simply store in a zip-top bag in the freezer until ready to use. Then boil the bones with your next batch of celery, onions, carrots and aromatics such as peppercorns, garlic cloves, bay leaves and more. The collagen from the bones will bring out intense flavor, acting as a great base to your next soup or stew.
12 healthy recipes using rotisserie chicken
Now that you know how to make the most out of your rotisserie chicken, keep scrolling to find our favorite healthy recipes from the Woman’s World test kitchen.
1. Mexican Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing
Packed with slimming nutrients, this colorful entrée sets the stage for a deliciously good-for-you meal.
2. Honey-Lime Rotisserie Chicken
A tangy-sweet glaze transforms store-bought rotisserie chicken into the mouthwatering centerpiece of a sure-to-wow meal.
3. Chicken Waldorf “Pasta” Salad
Our twist on the classic Waldorf salad delivers sweet crunch from apple “noodles”and plenty of tanginess from cider vinaigrette.
4. Fruit ‘n’ Nut Chicken Salad Sandwiches
A blend of yogurt and sour cream adds creamy, tangy deliciousness with 75 percent less fat and calories than mayo.
5. Mini Hoisin Chicken Lettuce Cups
This veggie-packed side is a cinch to toss together, thanks to the convenience of packaged cole slaw mix and leftover roast chicken.
6. Warm Spiced Orange Chicken
A fall spice blend gives this roast amazing flavor that’s easy enough for a weeknight—yet special enough for a weekend gathering.
7. Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Crunchy, sweet, salty and savory, our healthier version of a take-out favorite is popping with flavors.
8. Chicken Tortilla Soup
This soul-satisfying dinner winner tastes so fresh, no one will guess it’s made in just 20 minutes using supermarket chicken and canned soup.
9. Garlic-Herb Rotisserie Chicken
A fast glaze turns a rotisserie chicken into the perfect main for a restaurant-quality meal made in just 15 minutes.
10. Herbed Panzanella Salad
As easy as chop, toss and serve, this no-cook salad transforms leftover chicken and stale bread into a showstopping start to an effortlessly cool summer dinner.
11. Southwest Layered Chicken Salad
For an extra-refreshing combination on a summer evening, try pairing this crisp salad with a light and citrusy wheat beer.
12. Teriyaki Sesame Glazed Chicken
A savory spiced glaze transforms rotisserie chicken into a wow-worthy main dish that’s weeknight-easy yet celebration-special.
For more mouthwatering chicken recipes, click through the links below!
10 Delicious Bone-In Chicken Recipes That Save You Money Too
Our Test Kitchen Director’s 5 Favorite Chicken Leg Recipes — So Delicious For Less!
Turn Last Night’s Leftovers Into Tonight’s Feast With These Shredded Chicken Recipes