Finding a time-saving solution can be daunting when a recipe calls for cooked chicken.
Rotisserie chickens are an easy go-to choice, but one may not always be available at your local grocery store.
That’s why it’s important to have other quick and easy options to substitute for rotisserie chicken ready in your kitchen arsenal.
Here, we’ll provide some innovative solutions so that you never have to worry about not being able to make that delicious meal fast enough!
What Is Rotisserie Chicken?
Rotisserie chicken (or rotisserie-style chicken) is a whole chicken roasted on a rotisserie, also known as a spit or rod.
Slowly roasting the bird over an open flame produces tender, juicy meat with crispy skin.
Rotisserie chickens are widely available in supermarkets and restaurants and can be served hot, cold, or reheated.
Often rotisserie chickens come pre-seasoned with herbs and spices and are ready to eat immediately.
Rotisserie chicken can also be used in various recipes, including salads, casseroles, pasta, soups, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, and more.
Additionally, rotisserie chicken is a great option for meal prepping due to its convenience and delicious taste.
Substitutes For Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken is a popular convenience food used in many recipes.
Unfortunately, for some people, it may not always be available, or they may be unable to purchase it.
Fortunately, there are several options to substitute for rotisserie chicken that can provide the same flavor and texture.
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is a popular alternative to rotisserie chicken.
It has a slightly smoky flavor and can be cooked in several different ways, such as on a grill, over an open flame, or in the oven.
The chicken can be seasoned with herbs and spices, marinated with sauces for extra flavor, or cooked plain to keep it simple.
Grilled chicken can also be served hot or cold, making it versatile as an ingredient in recipes.
It is often the main protein source in salads, sandwiches, wraps, and other meals.
Grilled chicken is a great option for those looking for a lighter alternative to rotisserie chicken.
It can provide a delicious and flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Poached Chicken
Poached chicken is a healthy and delicious alternative to rotisserie chicken.
Poached chicken is made by simmering it in water or stock, not boiling it.
This cooking method keeps the meat moist and tender without adding fats or calories.
The flavor of poached chicken can be enhanced with herbs, spices, onions, garlic, or other vegetables.
Poached chicken can be used in many recipes, from salads to sandwiches and soups.
Poached chicken is much easier to prepare as it requires far less attention than a rotisserie chicken.
Therefore, it’s a great choice for busy cooks looking for something quick and healthy.
Roasted Chicken
Roasted chicken is a chicken dish prepared by roasting the whole bird in an oven.
Roasting is a dry-heat cooking method so that the finished dish will have a crisp exterior and tender interior.
Roasted chickens are often seasoned with herbs or spices before they are cooked to add flavor.
The result is a flavorful and juicy dish that can substitute for rotisserie chicken.
Roasted chicken can be served as an entrée, used in salads or sandwiches, or even carved up and added to casseroles.
Roasting is a simple way to enjoy the flavor of chicken without having to stand in line at the grocery store waiting for a rotisserie bird.
Roasted chickens are also much easier to customize than pre-cooked rotisserie birds, so you can select herbs and spices to make a unique dish.
Sauteed Chicken
Sauteed Chicken is a dry-heat cooking method that involves frying chicken in oil or butter.
This method allows the chicken’s outermost layer to become crispy while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Sauteed Chicken can be used as an alternative to rotisserie chicken.
It can be used in various dishes, such as stir-fries, salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups, stews and casseroles.
It is typically lower in fat than rotisserie chicken due to the lack of added oils or butter.
Additionally, sauteed chicken can be cooked less quickly than rotisserie chicken and is often more affordable.
Sous Vide Chicken
Sous vide chicken is a cooking method that uses precise temperature control to cook food in a sealed pouch or container.
This type of cooking creates incredibly tender and juicy chicken, as the chicken is cooked slowly and evenly at a low temperature for several hours.
Unlike rotisserie chicken, sous vide chicken does not require you to turn the chicken over and baste it with butter or oil.
Instead, sous vide chicken is cooked in a temperature-controlled water bath where the heat circulates evenly around the chicken, resulting in juicy, tender meat.
Seitan
Seitan, sometimes called wheat gluten, is a chewy, protein-rich vegan meat substitute made from vital wheat gluten.
It’s often used as an alternative to rotisserie chicken because it has a similar texture and can be flavored similarly with herbs, spices and marinades.
It can also be made from scratch in your kitchen with vital wheat gluten and various flavorful ingredients such as soy sauce, garlic powder, nutritional yeast and spices.
Seitan is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it a great option for anyone following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Seitan can be enjoyed in various ways, including sautéed, baked or grilled.
It’s often used as an ingredient in stir-fries, curries and pasta dishes. It also makes a great addition to salads and sandwiches.
Canned Chicken
Canned chicken is a convenient form of cooked, shredded chicken that can be used as an alternative to rotisserie chicken in many recipes.
The canned version is already cooked and goes through pasteurization to help preserve it.
It contains all the flavors and nutrients of freshly cooked chicken but with the added convenience of being available anytime you need it.
This makes it a great substitute for rotisserie chicken when you don’t have the time to prepare and cook a fresh bird.
Canned chicken can be used in salads, tacos, soups, casseroles, and other dishes.
It’s easy to use because all you need to do is open the can and drain off any excess liquid before adding it into your recipe.
FAQs
Can Canned Chicken Replace Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes, canned chicken can be used as a replacement for rotisserie chicken in many recipes.
Canned chicken is pre-cooked and processed to reduce fat and sodium content.
However, it does not have the same flavor or texture as rotisserie chicken.
Is Regular Chicken Similar To Rotisserie Chicken?
Regular chicken and rotisserie chicken are cooked using the same ingredients, but cooking them can greatly differ.
Regular chicken is typically roasted in an oven, while rotisserie chicken is cooked on a spit or rotating rod over an open flame.
As a result, rotisserie chickens tend to be juicier and have more flavor than regular roasted chicken.
Is Grilled Chicken Better Than Rotisserie Chicken?
The answer to this question is subjective and depends on personal preference.
Grilled chicken has a smokier, more flavorful taste due to the grill’s direct heat, while rotisserie chicken has a slightly juicier, less charred flavor.
Conclusion
Rotisserie chicken is a popular and convenient way to enjoy the flavor of chicken without having to cook it from scratch.
However, there are many other delicious ways to enjoy chicken, such as poached, roasted, sautéed, sous vide, and canned chicken.
Each method offers unique flavors and textures that can be used as an alternative to rotisserie chicken.
You can also choose seitan as a vegan substitute for rotisserie chicken.
No matter which you choose, adding chicken to your meals is a great way to enjoy the flavor of this versatile ingredient.
