It seems that eating healthy, fast, cheap, and delicious food has always been an option right at your local grocery store.
Imagine this: it’s a Wednesday night, you’ve just finished work, and you swing by the grocery store to grab dinner. You’re tired, it’s late, and you’re trying really hard not to order pizza again (unless it’s one of those cool ones with a chicken crust, of course). As you walk by, a wonderful, savory smell catches your attention – it’s that familiar aroma that single folks everywhere know and love: the grocery store rotisserie chicken.
Now, some people give rotisserie chicken a hard time. Yes, it comes in a plastic bag, but think about it: you don’t have to deal with gooey raw chicken, it’s cooked fresh daily, and you’re practically guaranteed moist, flavorful chicken. It’s so easy to accidentally overcook chicken until it’s dry, and let’s be honest, how many times have you tossed out raw chicken because you kept choosing quicker dinner options? This supermarket hero, sometimes called the "Bachelor Bird," solves both these problems.
Plus, it’s packed with protein. Just a small four-ounce serving gives you a huge 36 grams of protein, complete with all the essential amino acids your body needs. When you also consider how much chicken you get for your money, this humble rotisserie chicken is the perfect protein to build all sorts of tasty, healthy, and super-easy weeknight meals around.
Here’s a smart way to use it: Buy a rotisserie chicken, enjoy the drumsticks for dinner with your favorite barbecue sides, then shred the rest of the chicken off the bone. Store these leftovers in a Ziploc bag, and you’ve got a head start on quick, healthy meals for the rest of the week.
To get you started, we’ve put together nine simple and delicious recipe ideas.
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No-Cook Southwestern Chicken Wraps: These couldn’t be easier! Just dice or shred your rotisserie chicken, add your favorite veggies and cheese, and wrap it all up. Dinner served! If you prefer something warm, try making Buffalo Chicken Tacos. You can use a quesadilla as the shell and load it up with healthy beans, veggies, and a squeeze of lime.
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Homemade Burrito Bowl: No one ever said on their deathbed, "I wish I’d eaten more Chipotle." Why not make your own burrito bowl with whatever ingredients you have at home?
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Chicken Parm Casserole: This recipe is perfect for using up that box of pasta in your cupboard and the jar of marinara sauce in your fridge. Add some cheese, seasoning, and a drizzle of olive oil (you can skip the breadcrumbs here) for a super easy and comforting meal that will last a few days.
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Mac and Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli: Think of this more as inspiration. If you’re short on time, grab a box of your favorite mac and cheese (like Annie’s), add some steam-in-bag broccoli, and your shredded chicken for a hearty, quick, and affordable meal.
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Chicken and Feta Tabbouleh: Tabbouleh is a famous Middle Eastern salad made with bulgur, tomato, onion, parsley, and mint. Mix in your rotisserie chicken and some rich feta cheese, and you’ve got a delicious meal ready to eat now or save for later. Don’t worry about a long ingredient list; just get the basics for your tabbouleh, and it’ll be bursting with flavor. Or, even easier, grab a tub from the deli when you pick up your chicken.
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Rotisserie Chicken and Bacon Cobb Salad: A great way to use rotisserie chicken is in a Cobb Salad. Simply crisp up some bacon in a toaster oven, boil a few eggs, shred your chicken, and mix up some BBQ ranch dressing. It’s a fantastic combination!
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Rotisserie Chicken BBQ Sandwiches: This might be the easiest and most satisfying recipe on the list. Just toss your shredded rotisserie chicken in a bowl, drench it in some barbecue sauce, and spoon it onto a bun or toast. If you have them, sliced onion and pickles make great toppings.
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White Chicken Chili: White chicken chili is one of the tastiest and healthiest meals you can make in a big batch to enjoy throughout the week. It’s incredibly simple: you just need some chicken broth, beans, and vegetables. For those times you need a quick meal, keep a can of vegetarian white chili in your pantry. Then, when you’re ready, just add your leftover rotisserie chicken for extra protein and to avoid that typical canned meat texture.
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Rotisserie Chicken Quesadilla: Few things are as delicious and straightforward as a toasted tortilla with melted cheese. This childhood favorite still makes a perfect meal after a long day. The secret to making it even better is adding fresh herbs and whipping up a yummy spicy mayo for dipping.