Let’s face it, sometimes you need quick and easy meals to get you through the week. The thought of starting from scratch after a long day is enough to compound stress levels. If only there was an easy meal that could be purchased from the supermarket with leftovers that will jump-start lunches and dinners for the rest of the week. Cue: Reggae Jammin’ rotisserie chicken.

Thursday Food is a fan of the juicy rotisserie chickens from Reggae Jammin’ and decided to camp out in Mega Mart at the weekend to meet other like-minded folks. Across the board, everyone praised the taste and versatility of rotisserie chicken, and this got us thinking of how we could use one bird, three times.

A simple Google search revealed a plethora of recipes that begin with a cooked rotisserie chicken. We have our faves here on The Rock from using it with cabbage, in soup, or to make sandwiches. However, here are three recipes that you can easily make by stretching one Reggae Jammin’ rotisserie chicken. We decided to use the spicy jerk flavour, as its our favourite, but feel free to use whatever flavour you and your family like best.

Jerk Chicken Fried Rice

Skip the takeout and make this version of fried rice that’s sure to please even the pickest of eaters.

Ingredients:

½ spicy jerk Reggae Jammin’ rotisserie chicken, shredded

3 cups cooked rice

2 tbs sesame oil

1 small white onion, chopped

1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed

2-3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 tbsp chopped green onions

Method:

Preheat a large skillet or wok to medium heat. Pour sesame oil in the bottom. Add white onion and peas and carrots and fry until tender.

Slide the onion, peas and carrots to the side, and pour the beaten eggs onto the other side. Using a spatula, scramble the eggs. Once cooked, mix the eggs with the vegetable mix.

Add the rice and chicken to the veggie and egg mixture. Pour the soy sauce on top. Stir and fry the rice and veggie mixture until heated through and combined. Add chopped green onions before serving.

Mini Chicken and Cheese Pies

Great for lunchboxes or snacking on the weekend, who knew that rotisserie chicken and store-bought pancake mix could be so delish?

Ingredients:

¼ spicy jerk Reggae Jammin’ rotisserie chicken, shredded

1 ½ cups shredded pepperjack cheese

¼ cup sour cream

¼ cup cilantro, plus more for garnish

½ cup pancake mix

½ cup milk

2 eggs

Method:

Preheat oven to 375°F

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, sour cream and cilantro. Mix until well combined.

In another smaller bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk and eggs.

Lightly coat a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or grease with butter.

Pour a tablespoon of the pancake mixture into each muffin cup. Then place about two tablespoon of the chicken mixture on top of the baking mixture. Then spoon over one more tablespoon of the pancake mixture on top of the chicken. Continue for the remaining 11 muffin cups.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick is clean when inserted.

Jerk Bar-B-Que Chicken Pizza

Friday nights will never be the same once you start making this pizza at home.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium red onion, sliced

½ medium red onion, chopped

1 frozen pizza crust or dough

3/4 cup barbecue sauce

¼ spicy jerk Reggae Jammin’ rotisserie chicken, shredded

6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled (optional)

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Method:

Preheat oven to 425°F.

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the whole sliced onion and caremelise by occassionally stirring for 20-25 minutes or until deep golden brown.

Thaw and press pizza dough onto bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of a greased baking pan. Bake 8 minutes. If using frozen crust proceed to step four.

Spread barbecue sauce over dough; top with chicken, caramelised onions, bacon, blue cheese, and ½ chopped red onion. Sprinkle with paprika and garlic powder; top with mozzarella cheese. Bake pizza eight to 10 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is melted.