Use rotisserie chicken to make a stress-free return to school dinner with these quick, healthy recipes. Perfect for busy weekday nights!
Hello Hello! how are you? I hope you’ve had a wonderful week for now. It’s a crazy week around here with practice, basketball and volleyball games, so I’m trying to be as strategic as possible with meal planning and preparation.
One of my favorites during such a busy week: good ‘ol rotisserie chicken!
(I know it’s hot and covered in plastic, but what can you do? You can make your own chicken completely, but we’re talking about the fast hacks of today!)
School dinner hacking with Rotisserie chicken
The return to school season is always creeping up fast, and suddenly weekday dinners feel like homework, after-school activities, and juggling acts during the usual bedtime rush. It’s funny because the summer felt so cold and now I’m back in school…it feels like pure confusion.
One of my favorite secret weapons for a fast and healthy dinner? Store-bought rotisserie chicken. Already cooked, tender and packed with protein, reducing preparation time in half while keeping your diet healthy and satisfying.
School dinner hacking with Rotisserie chicken
Today I wanted to use rotisserie chicken to share some of my favorite back to touring dinner hacks, plus some simple recipe ideas that I could continue with the rotation.
Benefits of cooking with rotisserie chicken
Thyme Saver: No need to roast or bake. Just shredded!
Budget-friendly: One chicken often grows to 2-3 meals.
Protein packing: helps you achieve protein goals by reducing PREP.
KID Approved: Mild flavor makes it easy to mix into a variety of dishes. Kids love rotisserie chicken.
Versatility: Works with soups, tacos, casseroles, wraps, salads, and more.
Simple tips for using rotisserie chicken
Shredded while warm: It’s easier to pull away right after you get home.
Save bones: Simmer in water, vegetables and herbs to make homemade stocks for soups.
Store properly: Store shredded chicken in a fridge airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze in 1 cup portion later.
Add fresh herbs and spices: Bright flavours like lemon, coriander, cumin, or paprika can instantly turn leftovers into new dishes.
A simple rotisserie chicken dinner
Here are my go-to recipes and meal ideas to join in within 30 minutes.
1. Chicken and Vegetable Fried Rice
A simple stir-fry is a lifesaver on weekdays.
material:
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
3 bowls of rice (left or frozen pieces work well)
2 cups mixed frozen vegetables
Two eggs lightly whisk
2-3 tablespoons coconut amino or low sodium sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
Manual:
Heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok.
Add the vegetables and cook until tender.
Push the vegetables sideways and scramble the eggs into the same pot.
Stir in the rice, chicken and coconut aminos. Cook until heated.
Serve hot by sprinkling green onion or sesame seeds. Sriracha and drizzle.
2. Rotisserie Chicken Enchilada
This is always a family favorite and is freezer friendly.
Check out the complete recipe for Rotisserie Chicken Enchilada.
3. Sweet potatoes stuffed in barbecue chicken
A naturally gluten-free dinner with just a few ingredients.
material:
4 medium sweet potatoes until baked or microwaved
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1/3 cup BBQ sauce (find low sugar or clean ingredients brand)
Minced green onions or cheese or feta for garnish
Manual:
Place the chicken and barbecue sauce in a bowl.
Split the sweet potatoes and use a fork to fuzz the inside.
BBQ chicken mixture and garnish with green onions and cheese.
4. Chicken tortilla soup
Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a one-pot meal.
material:
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
4 cups of chicken soup (homemade or store bought)
One can make diced tomatoes
1 cup of black beans, rinsed
One Onion
Three cloves of garlic, chopped
1/2 cup of cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp oregano
Tortilla strips for fresh coriander, lime wedges, cheese and toppings
Manual:
Fry the garlic and onions in a little oil for a few minutes until soft. Add the remaining ingredients to a large pot and simmer for 20 minutes.
Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Enjoy warm with toppings.
5. Greek chicken pita wrap
Light and fresh dinner options that are easy to customize.
material:
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
4 Whole grain or gluten-free pita
1 cup of chopped cucumber
1 cup of chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup purple onion, mined
1/4 cup chopped karamata olives
1/2 cup Azalea sauce or hummus
Crushed feta
Fresh mint for serving
Manual:
Easy to warm in the oven or microwave.
Layers of chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives and azaleas. Top with fresh mint.
We will wrap and serve immediately.
Time-saving dinner tips from school
Sunday Batch Prep: Pre-cook two chickens, pre-veggies, rice and quinoa. If you prefer homemade rotisserie chicken, this is the time to do it! Pop into the oven or trayger.
Double recipe: Leftovers will be enough to use for lunch the next day.
Mix the flavors: Use a variety of spice blends or sauces (such as buffalo, teriyaki, pesto) to keep your meal interesting.
Keep pantry staples on hand: coconut amino, salsa, canned beans, frozen vegetables and olive oil make weekday meals faster.
These return to school dinner hacks with rotisserie chicken allow you to have a nutritious meal at the table in less time than ordering takeaway. I’m a huge fan of little planning and some shortcuts can go a long way to make weekday nights smoother. That’s also much cheaper!
What is your favorite way to eat with rotisserie chicken? Share your comments – I’m always looking for new ideas to try!
xoxo
Gina
