I often reach for a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to turn into an easy, delicious meal — this recipe takes that cooked chicken, gives it a quick seasoning boost, finishes it in the oven, and ends up with juicy, flavorful chicken ready in about 35 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple to pull together, even after a long day. With just a few pantry spices and a lemon, I can transform a ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken into something that tastes freshly made and special. The seasoning of garlic powder, paprika, and lemon brightens the chicken beautifully. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet versatile enough to dress up for company. And the leftovers? They’re fantastic for salads, wraps, or soup the next day.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 rotisserie chicken
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lemon, juiced
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Remove the rotisserie chicken from its packaging and place it in a baking dish.
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the chicken.
Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken, coating it well.
Squeeze the lemon juice all over the chicken.
Bake in the oven for about 20–25 minutes, or until heated through and lightly crisp on the outside.
Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving to keep the juices inside.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
I might add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before baking for an aromatic twist.
For more heat, I’ll sprinkle in a little cayenne or red pepper flakes.
If I want a Mediterranean vibe, I’ll swap paprika for smoked paprika and add za’atar or oregano.
I can shred the chicken after baking and turn it into tacos, wraps, or chicken salad.
If I prefer a crisp skin, I’ll place the chicken under the broiler for the final 2–3 minutes (watching carefully) to get some extra browning.
Storage/reheating
I let the chicken cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container. In the fridge, it keeps well for up to 3 days. If I won’t use it within that time, I shred it, wrap it tightly, and freeze it for up to 3 months.
For reheating, I prefer the oven over the microwave. I set the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15–20 minutes. If I’m short on time, I use the microwave in short increments, covering the chicken with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
FAQs
What kind of rotisserie chicken should I use?
I usually grab a standard pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. I look for one that’s hot, juicy, and well-seasoned to build on those flavors.
Can I adjust the seasoning to suit my preferences?
Absolutely. I tweak the garlic powder or paprika levels, add some smoked paprika, or include fresh herbs depending on what I’m craving.
How do I know the chicken is properly reheated and safe to eat?
I make sure the chicken is hot all the way through, especially in the thickest parts. It should be steaming and the juices should run clear.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the rotisserie chicken and the seasonings I use don’t contain any hidden gluten, this recipe stays gluten-free.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this chicken?
I like serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a green salad, rice pilaf, or even garlic bread. It goes well with almost anything.
Conclusion
This rotisserie chicken recipe has become one of my go-to meals because it’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. I love how it turns a store-bought chicken into something that tastes homemade with just a few simple steps. It’s perfect for any night of the week, and the leftovers always come in handy. I’m confident I’ll be making this again and again.
This quick and flavorful rotisserie chicken recipe enhances store-bought cooked chicken with garlic, paprika, and lemon, then finishes it in the oven for a fresh, juicy meal in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
1 rotisserie chicken
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Remove rotisserie chicken from packaging and place in a baking dish.
Drizzle olive oil evenly over the chicken.
Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken to coat.
Squeeze lemon juice all over the chicken.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until heated through and slightly crisp.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Add fresh rosemary or thyme before baking for extra aroma.
Use smoked paprika and za’atar for a Mediterranean twist.
Shred leftovers for tacos, wraps, or chicken salad.
Broil in the last 2–3 minutes for crispier skin.
Adjust seasoning to taste with cayenne or red pepper flakes.