How to Store Rotisserie Chicken: Tips and Tricks for Keeping It Fresh and Delicious

Rotisserie chicken is one of the most convenient and versatile foods you can buy at the grocery store. It’s already cooked, seasoned, and ready to eat, and you can use it in countless ways, from salads and sandwiches to soups and casseroles. But how do you store rotisserie chicken properly, and how long does it last in the fridge or freezer? In this blog post, we’ll answer these questions and more, and give you some tips and tricks for keeping your rotisserie chicken fresh and delicious.

How to Store Rotisserie Chicken in the Refrigerator

The first thing you need to do when you bring home a rotisserie chicken is to decide whether you want to eat it right away, or save it for later. If you choose to eat it right away, you can keep it warm and moist by leaving it in its original packaging and placing it in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it for a few minutes, or reheat it on the stovetop or in an air fryer.

If you choose to save it for later, you should refrigerate it as soon as possible, preferably within two hours of purchase. The best way to store rotisserie chicken in the refrigerator is to remove it from the bones and shred the meat. This will help to prevent the chicken from drying out and becoming tough. You can store the shredded chicken in a covered container or a resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to four days.

You can also store the whole rotisserie chicken in the refrigerator, but you need to take some extra steps to keep it moist and juicy. First, you need to transfer the chicken to an oven-safe dish and add some chicken broth, stock, or water to the bottom of the dish, enough to cover it about half an inch high. This will help to create some steam and prevent the chicken from drying out. Then, you need to cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to four days. When you want to reheat it, you can simply put the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, removing the foil for the last five minutes to crisp up the skin.

How to Store Rotisserie Chicken in the Freezer

If you want to store your rotisserie chicken for longer than four days, you can freeze it for up to three months. The best way to freeze rotisserie chicken is to remove it from the bones and shred the meat, just like you would for refrigerating it. Then, you need to spread the shredded chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze it until firm, about an hour. This will help to prevent the chicken from sticking together and forming ice crystals. Next, you need to transfer the frozen chicken to a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Label the container or bag with the date and the amount of chicken, and store it in the freezer for up to three months.

You can also freeze the whole rotisserie chicken, but you need to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn and loss of flavor. First, you need to let the chicken cool completely at room temperature, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Then, you need to place the wrapped chicken in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag, label it with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to thaw it, you can either put it in the refrigerator overnight, or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Then, you can reheat it in the oven, microwave, stovetop, or air fryer, as described above.

How to Use Rotisserie Chicken in Recipes

One of the best things about rotisserie chicken is that you can use it in so many different recipes, from simple to elaborate, from savory to sweet. Here are some of the ways you can use rotisserie chicken in your cooking:

• Shred the meat and use it for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, or enchiladas. Add some salsa, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro for a Mexican feast.
• Chop the meat and use it for salads, sandwiches, wraps, or pitas. Add some lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, cheese, and dressing for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
• Dice the meat and use it for soups, stews, chilis, or curries. Add some broth, vegetables, beans, spices, and herbs for a warm and cozy dish.
• Slice the meat and use it for pasta, rice, or quinoa dishes. Add some sauce, cheese, vegetables, and seasonings for a hearty and delicious dish.
• Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces and use it for casseroles, pies, or pot pies. Add some cream of chicken soup, cheese, vegetables, and biscuits or pastry for a comforting and filling dish.
• Mix the meat with some cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and seasonings for a creamy and flavorful dip. Serve it with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables for a tasty appetizer or snack.
• Combine the meat with some eggs, cheese, milk, and bread for a savory and easy breakfast casserole. Bake it in the oven until golden and bubbly, and enjoy it with some fruit or jam.
• Blend the meat with some cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon for a sweet and creamy spread. Use it as a filling for crepes, pancakes, waffles, or toast, and top it with some whipped cream or fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions people have about storing rotisserie chicken:

• How can I tell if rotisserie chicken is bad? Rotisserie chicken that has gone bad will have an unpleasant smell, a slimy texture, or a change in color. If you notice any of these signs, do not eat the chicken and discard it immediately.
• How long can rotisserie chicken sit out? Rotisserie chicken should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F. Bacteria can grow rapidly in the danger zone between 40°F and 140°F, and cause food poisoning. If you are not going to eat the chicken right away, refrigerate or freeze it as soon as possible.
• Can I refreeze rotisserie chicken that has been thawed? It is not recommended to refreeze rotisserie chicken that has been thawed, as this can affect the quality and safety of the meat. Thawed chicken should be cooked or eaten within two days, or discarded. If you need to freeze rotisserie chicken, do it only once, and make sure it is wrapped well and labeled with the date.
• Can I reheat rotisserie chicken more than once? It is not recommended to reheat rotisserie chicken more than once, as this can also affect the quality and safety of the meat. Reheated chicken should be eaten within two hours, or refrigerated or discarded. If you need to reheat rotisserie chicken, do it only once, and make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Conclusion

Rotisserie chicken is a great food to have on hand, as it can save you time and effort in the kitchen, and provide you with many delicious and nutritious meals. However, you need to store it properly, either in the refrigerator or the freezer, to keep it fresh and safe. Follow the tips and tricks in this blog post, and you’ll be able to enjoy your rotisserie chicken for days or even months. Bon appetit!