Few kitchen shortcuts are as versatile—or as satisfying—as a well-prepared rotisserie chicken. Ready to eat, perfectly seasoned, and endlessly adaptable, this grocery store staple can be the foundation of countless fast, affordable meals. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or just yourself after a long day, having a rotisserie chicken in your fridge is like holding a mealtime ace up your sleeve.

One of the simplest ways to use rotisserie chicken is to serve it as-is, alongside a quick salad or roasted vegetables. But its true potential shines when you shred or chop the meat and incorporate it into other dishes. Pulled chicken makes an excellent filling for wraps, sandwiches, or tacos. Add a spoonful of salsa, a sprinkle of cheese, and a few crisp greens, and you’ve got a fast, satisfying meal that feels fresh and flavorful. If you’re looking for inspiration, this Easy Fish Taco recipe from Bon Appétit is a great starting point—just swap in your rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version.

Pasta dishes also benefit from the ease of pre-cooked chicken. Toss shredded rotisserie chicken into a simple Alfredo or tomato sauce, and serve over your favorite pasta for a hearty dinner in minutes. For a creamy option, this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta from AllRecipes is a perfect way to use up leftover chicken without feeling like a leftover meal.

Soups are another natural fit. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of chicken noodle or a spicy chicken tortilla soup, pre-cooked chicken speeds up the process without compromising flavor. This Chicken Tortilla Soup from The Kitchn is a weeknight-friendly choice that delivers plenty of flavor with minimal effort.

Don’t overlook casseroles as a way to stretch a rotisserie chicken across multiple meals. Combine shredded chicken with cooked pasta or rice, a creamy sauce, and a handful of vegetables, then bake until bubbling and golden. This Chicken and Rice Casserole from AllRecipes is comforting, family-friendly, and perfect for leftovers.

Even small amounts of rotisserie chicken can go a long way. Scatter shredded chicken over a homemade pizza, stir it into fried rice, or fold it into quesadillas for a fast and filling meal. For a quick fried rice recipe, check out this Chicken Fried Rice from AllRecipes, which makes excellent use of leftover ingredients.

To make the most of your rotisserie chicken, don’t discard the bones. Use them to create a homemade broth that can serve as the base for soups, stews, or sauces. Making your own broth not only stretches your purchase further but also adds incredible depth to your dishes. This simple, pressure cooker chicken stock recipe from Serious Eats is an excellent guide for getting started.

A rotisserie chicken offers so much more than just convenience—it’s a smart, budget-friendly solution that unlocks endless meal possibilities. Keep one on hand, and you’ll always be just a few ingredients away from a quick, comforting dinner.