Rotisserie chicken in-demand dish that people of all ages and demographics enjoy. Its convenience, affordability, and versatility make it a go-to meal option for many people.
It is common for there to be leftover rotisserie chicken, especially if you have purchased a large bird or are cooking for a small group. While it is always tempting to eat all of the chicken as soon as it is cooked, it is important to remember that leftover rotisserie chicken can be stored and eaten later.
But we all want to know how long is rotisserie chicken good for and how to store it, right?
- When it comes to fresh rotisserie chicken, it is best to consume it within 2 hours of purchase. If you are not planning on eating it right away, it is important to store it in the refrigerator as soon as possible to prevent the growth of bacteria.
- If you have leftover rotisserie chicken that has been refrigerated, it is generally safe to eat it for up to 3-4 days. However, it is important to note that the longer it sits in the refrigerator, the less fresh it will taste and the drier it will become.
- If you want to extend the shelf life of your leftover rotisserie chicken, you can freeze it. To do this, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen rotisserie chicken can last for up to 4 months in the freezer.
- When you are ready to eat the frozen rotisserie chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator or microwave. It is not recommended to thaw the chicken at room temperature as this can allow bacteria to grow.
- When it comes to reheating rotisserie chicken, it is important to do so thoroughly to ensure that it is safe to eat. Place the chicken in a preheated oven or microwave and heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F. This will kill any bacteria that may have grown during storage.
- Use leftover chicken in salads, sandwiches, and casseroles: Leftover rotisserie chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be shredded and added to salads, sandwiches, and wraps or used as a protein in casseroles, soups, and pasta dishes.
Here are a few recipe ideas for using leftover rotisserie chicken:
- Chicken salad: Shred the leftover chicken and mix it with mayonnaise, diced celery, and diced onion. Add in a few spices, such as salt, pepper, and paprika, to taste. Serve the chicken salad on top of a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich.
- Chicken and broccoli casserole: Combine leftover rotisserie chicken with cooked broccoli, cooked pasta, and a creamy sauce made from milk and shredded cheese. Bake the casserole in the oven until it is hot and bubbly.
- Chicken and black bean quesadillas: Mix leftover rotisserie chicken with canned black beans, diced tomato, and diced onion. Spread the mixture onto a tortilla and top with shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and cook it in a pan until the cheese is melted and the quesadilla is crispy.
- Chicken noodle soup: Shred the leftover rotisserie chicken and add it to a pot of homemade or store-bought chicken broth. Add in cooked noodles, diced vegetables, and any other desired spices and seasonings. Simmer the soup until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- BBQ chicken pizza: Shred the leftover rotisserie chicken and mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce. Spread the mixture onto a pre-baked pizza crust and top with shredded cheese and any other desired toppings. Bake the pizza in the oven until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
By using leftover rotisserie chicken in these and other recipes, you can create new and delicious meals that are easy and convenient to prepare.
Calorie content of a rotisserie chicken
The calorie content of rotisserie chicken will vary depending on the size of the serving and any additional ingredients or seasonings that are added. Here is an estimate of the caloric content of a 3.5-ounce serving of rotisserie chicken (about the size of a deck of cards):
- Plain rotisserie chicken: 165 calories
- Rotisserie chicken with skin: 200-220 calories
- Rotisserie chicken with added sauces or seasonings: 220-250 calories
It is important to pay attention to portion sizes when consuming rotisserie chicken, as eating larger servings will increase the caloric content of the meal. Additionally, choosing rotisserie chicken that is prepared with minimal added ingredients and seasonings can help to reduce the caloric content of the dish.
