Family ideas for what to do with a whole chicken

A whole cooked chicken is a clever, wallet-friendly buy, giving you multiple meals from one ingredient while minimising waste. From a perfectly roasted centrepiece to using every last bit – this is your guide to making it go further.

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Florence Head

What to do with a whole chicken

There’s something satisfying about cooking a whole chicken – not just for the flavour, but for everything it gives you beyond the first roast. It’s a brilliantly budget-friendly choice, delivering multiple meals from one ingredient, with different cuts lending themselves to everything from comforting one-pots to fresh, lighter dishes.

Make the most of every part – from crisp-skinned roast chicken to clever ways with the leftovers, including tips on turning bones and trimmings into a rich, flavourful stock. Nothing goes to waste, and every part is put to good use, helping you create delicious meals with ease.

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Use our British Whole Roast Chicken

Succulent and great value, our £8 British Whole Roast Chicken makes it easy to get more from your shop and is the ultimate convenience hero for busy weeknights. Sourced from trusted M&S Select Farms and finished with a light, sweet marinade, it’s expertly cooked for tender, juicy meat and rich flavour without the prep.

Ready-to-eat chicken products

How to turn a whole chicken into multiple meals

Serve the legs, thighs and wings as your first meal alongside seasonal sides. You’ll have tender breast meat left for slicing, along with rich dark meat from the thighs and drumsticks that can be shredded or chopped.
Once cooled, take the time to pull every last piece of meat from the carcass and portion it up, ready to use in easy meals throughout the week. The balance of light and rich cuts gives you variety across dishes, making each one feel a little different.
Don’t let anything go to waste. The leftover bones, skin and scraps are the foundation of a deeply flavourful stock. Simmer gently with carrots, onions, celery, bay and peppercorns to create a rich, golden base that’s perfect for soups, risottos or brothy noodle bowls. Cool, then store in the fridge for a few days or freeze in portions to use whenever you need a boost of flavour.

Ways to use a rotisserie chicken Roast chicken recipes

Recipe ideas

From comforting pasta bakes to no-stress, flavour-packed traybakes, discover delicious ways to use every bit of your whole roast chicken.

Creamy one-pot chicken

Cook the sauce until smooth and bubbling, then add the chicken thighs to the pan, letting them simmer gently so they warm through and take on all that creamy flavour. The result is tender, succulent chicken coated in a rich sauce – a family-friendly dish that’s big on comfort and easy to bring to the table.

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Chicken orzo traybake

Cook the orzo and lemon as directed to build that rich, citrusy base, then finish by placing your cooked chicken on top, letting it warm through and absorb the flavours below. Serve scattered with fresh basil and an extra squeeze of lemon for a fresh, zesty finish – a simple, one-pan dinner that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to the table.

Cook this up

Chicken pepperonata

Wallet-friendly and truly tasty, this made-for-midweek chicken dinner is guaranteed to be a firm favourite. Simply crisp chicken legs in a little oil until the skin is golden and the meat is piping hot and then serve with the sweet pepper sauce detailed in the recipe.

Chicken pasta salad

Perfect for picnics and packed lunches, this pasta salad is a real winner. Simply shred the meat from your chicken legs and toss through a bowl of fusilli, ripe tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and Greek-style cheese. Add a sprinkle of Greek seasoning and coat everything in the dressing for a fresh, herby finish. Serve warm or chilled – with leftovers that work perfectly for next-day lunches.

Creamy chicken and broccoli pie

Skip the first step and instead shred the meat from your chicken leg portions, discarding the bones, then stir it through the creamy soup mixture before adding the cheesy mash for a golden, bubbling top.

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Sticky Buffalo chicken wings and rainbow slaw

Toss your cooked chicken wings in the glaze, then reheat until piping hot and crisp. For extra stickiness, pop them back into the oven or air fryer for a few minutes once coated, letting the glaze caramelise onto the skin. The result is deeply flavoured, glossy wings that are made for sharing. Finished with a crunchy topper, they bring just the right balance of heat and sweetness – perfect alongside a crisp slaw and a cooling blue cheese dip.

Make these wings

No-cook chicken tacos

If you want big flavour, but are short on time, try these fuss-free tacos. Simply load up taco shells with crunchy lettuce, sweetcorn and your cooked chicken, then spoon over your favourite fiesta dips. Finish with zingy pickled onions for a sharp bite. Fast to assemble and easy to customise, they’re a relaxed meal that’s ready in minutes.

Pesto, mozzarella chicken pasta bake

Comforting and generously layered, this pasta bake brings together tender chicken, rich tomato sauce and rigatoni, finished with molten mozzarella and vibrant basil pesto. Add your leftover chicken straight into the dish, scatter over the cheese and dollop with pesto, then bake until golden and bubbling.

Chicken and turmeric ramen

Warming and nourishing, this golden turmeric broth is an easy way to turn leftover chicken into something restorative and full of flavour. Simply shred any leftover chicken – using whatever cuts you have – and stir into the hot broth to warm through. Finish with a sprinkle of crunchy chilli topper for those who like a kick of heat.

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Jam jar salad

Fresh and vibrant, these layered salad jars are a simple way to make the most of leftover chicken. Packed with a rainbow of veg, grains and protein, they’re as satisfying as they are good-looking – perfect for prepping ahead.

Simply follow the recipe, adding your shredded cooked chicken as you layer, then build everything up in a jar with dressing at the base. When you’re ready to eat, just tip into a bowl to coat everything evenly. Easy to transport, easy to assemble and full of flavour – a colourful, feel-good lunch that’s ready when you are.

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High protein fajita chicken traybake

Shake up fajita night with this easy one-pan wonder. Simply cook the vegetables as directed, then add your cooked chicken leg portions when you toss everything with the fajita seasoning and beans. Return to the oven for a final blast so the chicken is piping hot and takes on all those smoky spices. Serve with a dollop of avocado crema and sharp pickled onions for a fresh, zesty finish.

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Published 30/06/2026