If you’ve been around here long enough, you already know I love a good shortcut when it comes to weeknight dinners. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, homework, and all the chaos of back-to-school season, the last thing I want to do is spend an hour in the kitchen every night. Enter: Costco rotisserie chicken.

For just $4.99 each, I grab two rotisserie chickens on Sunday, and we’re set up for nearly a week’s worth of family-friendly dinners. With a little planning, these two chickens stretch into five full meals for a family of 4–5—and no one gets bored eating the same thing over and over. Even better? These meals are picky-eater approved, mom-tested, and easy enough that dad can throw them together, too.

Here’s how I meal prep it:

• On Sunday afternoon, I pull most of the meat off both chickens (shred it and keep in airtight containers).

• I save the bones in a freezer bag to make broth later.

• During the week, I grab what I need and use it in these quick meals.

5 Easy Weeknight Meals with 2 Costco Rotisserie Chickens

Meal 1: Easy Chicken Quesadillas

Start the week simple. Shredded chicken + shredded cheese + tortillas = dinner in under 15 minutes. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and a quick veggie (we do cucumber slices or baby carrots). Everyone can customize theirs, and picky eaters love that they can keep it plain.

Meal 2: Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake

This is comfort food at its best. Mix cooked pasta with shredded chicken, a jar of Alfredo sauce, and a little shredded mozzarella or parmesan. Stir in steamed broccoli if your family will eat it (or leave it on the side for the picky ones). Pour everything into a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly. It’s warm, hearty, and makes great leftovers for school lunches, too.

Meal 3: Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings

This one feels like a hug in a bowl. In the morning, toss shredded chicken, chicken broth, chopped carrots, celery, and a can of cream of chicken soup into your slow cooker. Let it simmer all day. About 30 minutes before serving, drop in pieces of homemade biscuit dough (just roll out your biscuit dough and cut into strips or small rounds). They cook right in the crock pot, and you’ve got the coziest dinner ever. My kids ask for seconds every time.

Meal 4: Chicken Fried Rice

Take-out fake-out! Sauté some veggies (we love peas, carrots, and onion), add in cooked rice, scrambled eggs, and shredded chicken. Toss with a little soy sauce, and dinner’s on the table in 20 minutes. If your kids are veggie-averse, just keep it simple with chicken, egg, and rice—they’ll still gobble it up.

Meal 5: BBQ Chicken Sliders

The perfect Friday night dinner! Mix shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce, pile it onto slider buns (or Hawaiian rolls), and top with cheese or coleslaw (or keep it plain for the picky ones). Serve with chips and fruit, and everyone’s happy.

Shopping List for 5 Meals Using 2 Costco Rotisserie Chickens

Pantry / Dry Goods

• Flour tortillas

• Pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)

• 1 jar Alfredo sauce

• Rice (white or brown, or precooked packets)

• Soy sauce

• BBQ sauce

Dairy

• Shredded cheese (cheddar + mozzarella)

• Parmesan cheese (optional)

• Sour cream

• Eggs

• Butter

• Milk

Fresh Produce

• Cucumbers or baby carrots

• Broccoli (optional for pasta bake)

• Carrots (chicken & dumplings)

• Celery (chicken & dumplings)

• Onion (fried rice)

• Green onions (optional)

• Fruit (for sides with sliders)

Bakery

• Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls

Canned & Packaged

• 1 can cream of chicken soup

• Chicken broth (carton or canned)

Baking Staples (for homemade biscuits/dumplings)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

Pro tip: If you want to make life really easy, keep frozen veggies (like peas, carrots, and broccoli florets) on hand. They’re a lifesaver for nights you don’t want to chop anything.

Your Turn!
Do you love grabbing Costco rotisserie chickens to stretch into easy weeknight meals? Which one of these dinners would your family enjoy the most? Share your go-to rotisserie chicken meal in the comments—I’d love to hear your ideas!