5 Delicious Dinners You Can Make with a $5 Costco Rotisserie Chicken

Costco's rotisserie chicken is a budget-friendly staple that can transform your weeknight dinners. At just $5, it serves as the base for a variety of delicious meals. Here are five easy recipes that will help you make the most of this versatile ingredient.

1. Million-Dollar Chicken Casserole

This creamy and cheesy casserole is a crowd-pleaser and can be prepared ahead of time.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 block softened cream cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Cajun or Creole seasoning
• 5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• Fresh parsley
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cottage cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken and parsley.
4. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
5. In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and garlic powder. Sprinkle this topping over the casserole.
6. Add mozzarella cheese on top and bake for 35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Serving Suggestion:

Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

2. Crabless Chicken Cakes

These chicken cakes are a fun twist on traditional crab cakes and are perfect for kids.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup relish
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp lemon pepper
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 cup crushed cracker crumbs
• Breadcrumbs for coating

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, relish, parsley, hot sauce, salt, pepper, lemon pepper, and onion.
2. Add crushed cracker crumbs to the mixture and combine well.
3. Shape the mixture into patties and coat with breadcrumbs.
4. Pan-fry in olive oil until golden brown, then finish cooking in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve with a simple salad and lemon wedges for a refreshing touch.

3. Creamy Green Curry Chicken Ramen

This dish is quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp green curry paste
• 2 cans coconut milk
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 8 oz ramen noodles
• Snow peas and other green vegetables
• Fresh cilantro and lime juice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot and sauté jalapeno, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
2. Stir in green curry paste and cook for another minute.
3. Add coconut milk, chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, and fish sauce. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add ramen noodles and vegetables, cooking for 3-5 minutes until noodles are tender.
5. Serve garnished with cilantro and lime juice.

4. Copycat Costco Chicken Bake

Recreate the beloved Costco chicken bake at home with this easy recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 can pre-made pizza crust
• Store-bought Caesar dressing
• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Cooked bacon
• Mozzarella and provolone cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Roll out the pizza crust and cut it into four rectangles.
3. Brush Caesar dressing on the dough, leaving a border.
4. Fill with chicken, bacon, and cheese, then roll up like a burrito.
5. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet and brush with more dressing.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then top with cheese and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve warm for a hearty meal that kids will love.

5. Marry Me Chicken Soup

This creamy soup is rich in flavor and perfect for impressing guests.

Ingredients:

• Oil from sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 quarts chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper
• 1/2 lb pasta
• Fresh spinach

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
2. Add tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then season with basil and spices.
4. Bring to a boil, then add pasta and cook until tender.
5. Stir in rotisserie chicken and spinach before serving.

Final Thoughts

These five recipes showcase the versatility of a $5 Costco rotisserie chicken. They are not only budget-friendly but also quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights. Try one or all of these dishes and enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank!