Using a rotisserie chicken as the base for multiple meals is a fantastic way to save time, reduce waste, and enjoy a variety of flavors throughout the week. In this guide, we will show you how to create three different and delicious dishes from one rotisserie chicken: Pesto Pasta, Fried Rice, and Lemon Chicken Soup. These recipes are simple, quick, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients for Pesto Pasta
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli works well)
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How to Make Pesto Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts. Mix until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the pesto.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Ingredients for Chicken Fried Rice
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice
- Prepare the Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready to go. Thaw the peas and carrots, dice the onions, and mince the garlic.
- Cook the Eggs: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and the onions are translucent. Add the peas and carrots, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Chicken and Rice: Add the shredded chicken and cooked rice to the skillet. Stir to combine, breaking up any clumps of rice.
- Season and Serve: Add the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to coat the rice and chicken evenly. Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Soup
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Lemon Chicken Soup
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onions, cooking until they begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until tender.
- Add Chicken and Lemon: Once the orzo is cooked, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine and let the soup simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
About the Main Ingredients
Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is pre-cooked, which saves time and effort in meal preparation. The chicken is usually seasoned and roasted on a rotisserie, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. It is an excellent source of protein and can be used in salads, sandwiches, soups, and main dishes.
Pesto Sauce
Pesto is a flavorful sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It is commonly used in Italian cuisine and can be added to pasta, spread on bread, or used as a marinade. Pesto adds a fresh, herby flavor to dishes and is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants.
Rice
Rice is a staple food in many cultures and provides a great base for a variety of dishes. It is gluten-free and can be paired with a wide range of ingredients. Day-old rice is particularly useful for fried rice as it is less sticky and absorbs flavors better during cooking.
Lemon
Lemon adds a bright, citrusy flavor to dishes and is commonly used in both savory and sweet recipes. The juice and zest of the lemon are often used to enhance the flavor of soups, sauces, and desserts. Lemons are high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system and improve overall health.
Using these ingredients creatively allows you to transform a simple rotisserie chicken into three delightful meals, showcasing different flavors and cuisines. Enjoy the versatility and convenience of these recipes, and feel free to customize them to suit your taste preferences.
