Who doesn’t love a delicious, quick, and affordable lunch? If you’re like most of us, you’re always on the lookout for easy meal solutions that don’t break the bank or take hours to prepare. Enter the Costco rotisserie chicken, the ultimate kitchen MVP. For just $5, you get a juicy, flavorful bird that can be transformed into a multitude of tasty lunches. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this versatile chicken is your ticket to stress-free and scrumptious meals.
Imagine the convenience of having a perfectly cooked chicken ready to go, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. With our list of 15 creative and mouthwatering lunch ideas, you can make the most of every bite. From wraps and salads to soups and pizzas, these recipes will show you how to turn that humble rotisserie chicken into an array of delightful dishes that are sure to please your taste buds and your wallet. So grab that $5 wonder and let’s get cooking!
1. Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich
Creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, this chicken salad sandwich is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch. It combines the richness of mayonnaise with the crunch of celery and the freshness of green onions.
Recipe: Shred 2 cups of rotisserie chicken and mix with 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 2 chopped green onions. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve on your favorite bread with lettuce and tomato. Optional: add a handful of grapes or chopped apples for a sweet twist.
2. Chicken Caesar Wrap
A handheld version of the classic Caesar salad, this wrap is both delicious and portable. It combines the savory flavors of Caesar dressing with the crunch of romaine lettuce.
Recipe: Toss 2 cups of shredded chicken with 1/4 cup Caesar dressing, 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and a handful of croutons. Place the mixture in a large tortilla, roll it up tightly, and cut in half. Optional: add a few strips of cooked bacon for extra flavor.
3. BBQ Chicken Pizza
Sweet and tangy BBQ chicken atop a crispy crust makes for a mouthwatering pizza. This easy-to-make pizza is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Recipe: Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (I Love Sweet Baby Ray’s!) over a pre-made pizza crust. Top with 2 cups shredded chicken, 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
4. Chicken Avocado Toast
Elevate your avocado toast game with juicy rotisserie chicken for a protein-packed meal. This simple yet delicious toast is perfect for a quick and nutritious lunch.
Recipe: Mash 1 avocado with juice from 1/2 lime, salt, and pepper to taste. Spread on 2 slices of toasted bread. Top with 1 cup shredded chicken. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes, a sprinkle of cilantro, and a drizzle of olive oil.
5. Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry
A quick and colorful stir-fry that’s bursting with fresh flavors and nutrients. This dish is perfect for a healthy and satisfying lunch.
Recipe: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup each of sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add 2 cups shredded chicken and 2 tablespoons soy sauce, stirring to combine. Serve over rice or noodles.
6. Chicken Quesadilla
Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, these quesadillas are a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch, they can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Recipe: Place 1/2 cup shredded chicken and 1/2 cup shredded cheese between two tortillas. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden and the cheese is melted. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
7. Chicken and Pesto Pasta
This creamy and aromatic pasta dish is perfect for a comforting lunch. The combination of pesto and chicken creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
Recipe: Cook 8 ounces of your favorite pasta according to package instructions. Drain and return to the pot. Add 1/2 cup Kirkland pesto sauce, 2 cups shredded chicken, and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Toss to combine and heat through. Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
8. Chicken and Rice Soup
Warm and comforting, this soup is perfect for a cozy lunch. It’s a great way to use leftover rice and chicken for a hearty meal.
Recipe: In a large pot, combine 6 cups chicken broth, 2 cups shredded chicken, 1 cup cooked rice, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 diced onion. Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Optional: add a handful of spinach or kale for extra greens.
9. Chicken Tacos
Quick, easy, and customizable, these tacos are always a hit. The combination of flavorful chicken and fresh toppings makes for a delicious meal.
Recipe: Warm 8 soft or hard taco shells. Fill each shell with 1/4 cup shredded chicken. Top with shredded lettuce, grated cheese, diced tomatoes, and your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. Serve with lime wedges.
10. Chicken and Spinach Salad
A fresh and healthy salad that’s perfect for a light lunch. The sweet strawberries and creamy feta complement the savory chicken beautifully.
Recipe: In a large bowl, toss 4 cups baby spinach with 2 cups shredded chicken, 1 cup sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup toasted almonds. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss to combine.
11. Chicken and Hummus Wrap
Creamy hummus and juicy chicken wrapped in a soft tortilla make for a delicious lunch. This wrap is both nutritious and satisfying.
Recipe: Spread 1/4 cup hummus on a large tortilla. Add 1 cup shredded chicken, 1/2 cup sliced cucumber, and 1 cup shredded lettuce. Roll up tightly and slice in half. Optional: add a few slices of avocado for extra creaminess.
12. Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Spicy and tangy buffalo chicken on soft slider buns, perfect for a fun lunch. These sliders are great for a quick and flavorful meal.
Recipe: Mix 2 cups shredded chicken with 1/4 cup buffalo sauce. Serve on 8 slider buns with blue cheese dressing and a handful of coleslaw. Optional: add a pickle slice for extra tang.
13. Chicken Fried Rice
A quick and tasty way to use leftover rice and rotisserie chicken. This fried rice is packed with flavor and perfect for a satisfying lunch.
Recipe: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté 1/2 cup diced onions, 1/2 cup diced carrots, and 1/2 cup peas until tender. Add 3 cups cooked rice and 2 cups shredded chicken. Stir in 3 tablespoons soy sauce and cook until heated through. Push the rice to the side and scramble 2 eggs in the empty space. Mix everything together and serve.
14. Chicken Pot Pie
Comfort food at its best, this pot pie is creamy, savory, and delicious. It’s a perfect lunch to warm you up on a chilly day.
Recipe: Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix 2 cups shredded chicken with 1 cup each of cooked peas, carrots, and corn, and 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup. Pour into a pie dish and cover with a pie crust. Cut a few slits in the crust to vent and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
15. Chicken and Mango Salsa Lettuce Wraps
Light, fresh, and full of flavor, these lettuce wraps are a refreshing lunch option. The sweet mango salsa pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
Recipe: Mix 2 cups shredded chicken with 1 cup mango salsa (combine 1 diced mango, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, and juice of 1 lime). Spoon the mixture into large lettuce leaves (such as romaine or butter lettuce) and serve. Optional: add a few slices of avocado for extra creaminess.
Enjoy these delicious lunch ideas using your Costco rotisserie chicken!
