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At $5, the Costco rotisserie chicken is a great value for its price. It’s convenient, and it’s a versatile ingredient in many recipes. If you want to get the most out of your Costco rotisserie chicken, here are 5 tips and ideas for how to use it. Number 5 is a game-changer that will pay off in money, health benefits, and kitchen know-how that will impress the people you cook for.

1. However you plan to use the chicken, use it immediately after purchase
   The Costco rotisserie chicken is typically cooked and ready to eat when you buy it. To get the most out of the chicken, use it immediately after purchase while it’s still hot and juicy. You can also refrigerate it for later use, but the texture and flavor may change after it’s been refrigerated and reheated.
2. You can eat the chicken as is, for a quick and easy meal
   Roasting a chicken is an hours-long proposition; if you’re short on time, the Costco rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver. Slice it and serve with some instant mashed potatoes and some microwavable frozen veggies, or a salad kit. Or make a chicken and vegetable stir-fry, by chopping up some vegetables and cooking them together with the chicken in a skillet or wok.
3. You can shred the chicken, and use it in many different kinds of cuisines
   Shredded rotisserie chicken can be added to soups, stews, casseroles, salads, sandwiches, and more. Shredded chicken is also great for making chicken tacos or enchiladas. Shredded rotisserie chicken has plenty of juice and flavor, but is also a “blank canvas” that can support all kinds of different seasonings, from subtle to spicy. You can add spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder to give the chicken a Mexican flair, or soy, sesame and ginger for Asian flavors, or use herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to give it an Italian twist.
4. Leftovers? Freeze for later use
   If you have leftover chicken that you can’t use right away, freeze it for later use. Shredded chicken freezes well and can be thawed in the fridge or microwave when you’re ready to use it.
5. Use the carcass to make chicken stock (check out our recommendations!)
   After you’ve finished eating the meat, don’t throw away the carcass! Use it to make a delicious homemade chicken stock and say goodbye to bricks of liquid, gritty stock cubes, and salty pastes. Simply simmer the carcass in water with some vegetables and herbs for a few hours, then strain and discard the solids. With this homemade chicken stock you can make healthy, budget-conscious soups, stews, risottos, and other recipes that start with a flavorful base.

It’s already a great buy that works in hundreds of different recipes, and with these tips – especially number 5! – you can turn that Costco rotisserie chicken into a super value that brings variety, health benefits, and bragging rights in the kitchen. If you’ve never made homemade chicken stock before, no worries – start here (post 2) for the basic recipe, and continue here (post 3) for some flavor variations.