Meal prep with rotisserie chicken

Meal prep with rotisserie chicken is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 40 calories per serving. Recipe by acooknamedMatt on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 2 hrs | Total: 2 hrs 35 min

Cost: $7.15 total, $0.89 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 piece Rotisserie Chicken Carcass (bones, skin, and any leftover meat; reserve meat for other meals)
  • 2 large Carrots (peeled and cut into 2‑inch pieces)
  • 2 stalks Celery Stalks (cut into 2‑inch pieces)
  • 1 medium Onion (quartered, skin left on for color)
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (crushed)
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves
  • 5 grams Whole Black Peppercorns (about 5‑10 peppercorns)
  • 1 tsp Salt (optional, adjust to taste after straining)
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Parsley (optional, adds bright flavor)
  • 8 cups Cold Water (enough to fully cover the carcass and vegetables)

Instructions

  1. Remove Meat from Carcass

    Pull off any remaining chicken meat from the rotisserie carcass and set aside for salads, sandwiches, or other meals.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prep Aromatics

    Peel and chop carrots, celery, and onion; crush garlic cloves.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Combine Ingredients in Pot

    Place the carcass, chopped vegetables, bay leaves, peppercorns, and parsley into the stockpot. Add cold water until everything is fully submerged.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Bring to a Boil and Simmer

    Heat over medium‑high until a rapid boil appears, then immediately reduce to a low simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: Low simmer

  5. Strain and Cool

    After 2 hours, turn off the heat. Use a ladle to remove the fat layer that rises to the top, then pour the stock through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes to allow the remaining fat to solidify on the surface.

    Time: PT15M

  6. Portion and Freeze

    Discard the solid fat or keep it for later use. Transfer the cooled stock into freezer‑safe containers or ice‑cube trays (about 1‑cup portions). Label with date and freeze.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
40
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
2 g
Fat
2 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo, Keto-Friendly

Allergens: Chicken

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Meal prep with rotisserie chicken

Recipe by acooknamedMatt

Turn a store‑bought rotisserie chicken into a flavorful homemade chicken stock that lasts a whole week. This step‑by‑step guide shows how to strip the meat, simmer the carcass with aromatics, skim the fat for longer freshness, and freeze the stock in handy portions for soups, sauces, and more.

EasyAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
45m
Prep
2h
Cook
20m
Cleanup
3h 5m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.15
Total cost
$0.89
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Removing all usable meat from the carcass before simmering.
  • Maintaining a gentle simmer; avoid a hard boil.
  • Skimming foam and fat for a clear, longer‑lasting stock.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot stock with oven mitts; it can cause severe burns.
  • Do not cover the pot while the stock is still hot to avoid bacterial growth.
  • Wash hands after handling raw chicken carcass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance of homemade chicken stock in American cooking?

A

In American home cooking, chicken stock is a foundational pantry staple that dates back to the early 20th century when families used leftover bones to stretch meals and add flavor without waste.

cultural
Q

How does the tradition of using rotisserie chicken carcasses for stock differ from classic bone‑stock methods?

A

Rotisserie chicken carcasses are already seasoned and roasted, giving the stock a richer, slightly smoky flavor compared to raw bones, which require longer roasting for depth.

cultural
Q

What regional variations exist for chicken stock in the United States?

A

Southern cooks often add ham hocks or smoked turkey, while New England versions may include thyme and seaweed for a briny note; the basic technique remains the same.

cultural
Q

When is chicken stock traditionally served in American cuisine?

A

Chicken stock is most commonly used as a base for soups, gravies, and sauces, especially during colder months and holiday meals when comforting dishes are favored.

cultural
Q

What occasions are best suited for using this rotisserie chicken stock?

A

Use it for quick weeknight soups, batch‑cook stews for family gatherings, or as a flavor booster for sauces on special occasions like Thanksgiving or birthday dinners.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic ingredients for traditional chicken stock versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional stock uses raw chicken bones, mirepoix (carrot, celery, onion), herbs, and peppercorns. Substitutes include rotisserie carcasses, chicken backs, or even turkey bones; vegetables can be swapped with parsnips or leeks.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with this rotisserie chicken stock?

A

It pairs perfectly with classic chicken noodle soup, creamy chicken and rice, country gravy for biscuits, and as the liquid in cornbread stuffing.

cultural
Q

What common mistakes should I avoid when making this rotisserie chicken stock?

A

Avoid covering the pot while the stock is hot, do not let it boil vigorously, and be sure to skim off foam and excess fat for a clear, longer‑lasting broth.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe call for a gentle simmer instead of a rapid boil?

A

A gentle simmer extracts gelatin and flavor without emulsifying fats into the liquid, resulting in a clear stock that stores better and has a cleaner taste.

technical
Q

Can I make this rotisserie chicken stock ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, cool the stock quickly, then refrigerate for up to four days or freeze in 1‑cup portions for up to three months. Label each container with the date.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel acooknamedMatt specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel acooknamedMatt focuses on practical, week‑long meal‑prep tutorials, quick kitchen hacks, and budget‑friendly recipes for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel acooknamedMatt's approach to stock making differ from other cooking channels?

A

acooknamedMatt emphasizes using store‑bought rotisserie chicken to save time, highlights food‑safety tips like never covering hot stock, and shows how to portion and freeze stock for everyday use, which is less common on more traditional technique‑focused channels.

channel

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