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Using a rotisserie chicken as the base of several meals throughout the week is a game-changer for anyone looking to save time and energy in the kitchen. This series offers quick, flavorful meals using rotisserie chicken, perfect for busy schedules, students, or anyone wanting an easy, fuss-free approach to meal prep. Here’s the first recipe in our series: a one-pot rotisserie chicken rice dish that’s packed with flavor and ready in no time.

Why Use Rotisserie Chicken for Meal Prep?

Rotisserie chicken is a versatile, cost-effective option for meal prep. With just one chicken, you can create multiple meals throughout the week. Not only is it flavorful, but it’s also already cooked, which speeds up the cooking process. Shredded rotisserie chicken can be used in a variety of recipes—from soups and salads to one-pot dishes like this rice recipe.

How to Store Rotisserie Chicken Properly

To keep rotisserie chicken fresh throughout the week, follow these simple storage tips:

1. Separate the Meat and Bones: Remove the meat from the bones and store them. Use the bones to make broth or stock if desired.
2. Refrigeration: Place the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
3. Freezing Option: If you don’t plan to use it all right away, you can freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months in an airtight freezer bag.

Recipe: One-Pot Rotisserie Chicken Rice

This easy, one-pot rice dish is packed with flavor and uses just a few pantry ingredients. With tender rice, aromatic spices, and shredded rotisserie chicken, it’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups basmati rice, rinsed
• 7 cups boiling water
• 1 rotisserie chicken thigh, leg, and wings, meat shredded (reserve bones for stock) – make sure it’s cold
• 2 small onions or 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp peppercorns
• 5-6 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
• 2-3 green chilies, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt, to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tsp chili powder or flakes
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Start with Aromatics
In a large pressure cooker or heavy-bottomed pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and peppercorns, cooking until fragrant.

2. Cook the Onions and Chicken
Add the sliced onions, cooking for about a minute until they start to soften. Then, add the rotisserie chicken skin and a small amount of fat along with the ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.

3. Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in a bit of salt and the soy sauce, then add the rinsed basmati rice, stirring well to coat the rice in all the flavors.

4. Add Water and Final Seasoning
Pour in the boiling water and add the lemon zest and juice. Place the shredded rotisserie chicken pieces on top and sprinkle with chili powder.

5. Cook the Rice

• Pressure Cooker Method: Cover and cook for 2 whistles, then let the pressure release naturally.
• Pot Method: If using a regular pot, cover tightly and cook on low until about 95% of the water is absorbed and the rice is nearly tender. Turn off the heat but keep the pot covered, letting the rice rest for 15 minutes. This will help the rice finish cooking gently, resulting in fluffy, separate grains without mushiness or burning on the bottom.

6. Garnish and Serve
Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh coriander and mint leaves, and serve hot.

Notes and Tips

• Water Ratio and Rice Type: This recipe calls for extra water due to the specific rice type and cooking method. If using a different type of rice or brand, adjust water as needed.
• Salt Adjustment: Keep in mind that rotisserie chicken is often seasoned, and soy sauce adds saltiness too. Adjust to taste.
• Bone Broth: Don’t discard the chicken bones! Use them to make a quick bone broth to add extra flavor to future meals.
• Meat: Make sure the chicken is cold to avoid it getting overcooked or turn into mush while cooking.

Versatile and Flavorful Meal Prep

This one-pot rotisserie chicken rice dish is a simple yet satisfying meal that makes the most of meal-prepped chicken. It’s a great way to enjoy delicious, home-cooked food on even the busiest days. Keep an eye out for the next recipes in this series, where we’ll transform leftover rotisserie chicken into more quick and tasty meals to carry you through the week.

Enjoy this easy, meal-prep-friendly recipe and let it take the stress out of weekday dinners!