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rotisserie chicken and rice salad

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4.50 from 2 votes
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Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Salad (Viral Bag Salad Meal Prep)

If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen the viral rotisserie chicken bag salad trend—where a full salad is mixed right inside the rotisserie chicken bag for the ultimate no-mess, no-bowl dinner hack. And honestly? It’s genius. This Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Salad puts a fresh, flavorful twist on that trend by adding fluffy rice, crunchy coleslaw mix, and a savory sesame-soy dressing with a hint of heat. The result is a high-protein, crave-worthy meal that’s perfect for easy weeknight dinners and meal prep.

This recipe is one of those throw-it-together meals that feels effortless but tastes like something you ordered from a trendy lunch spot. You mix everything right in the chicken bag, portion it into containers, and suddenly you have four days of lunches ready to go.

Why This Chicken and Rice Salad Is So Popular

This recipe hits all the boxes:

  • High-protein and filling

  • Crunchy, fresh, and satisfying

  • No cooking required (if your rice is already cooked)

  • Perfect for meal prep

  • Minimal dishes

It’s the kind of recipe that makes healthy eating feel ridiculously easy.

Why This Is the Ultimate Meal Prep Salad

Because this salad contains protein, carbs, and veggies all in one, it keeps you full for hours. The flavors also improve as it sits, making it even better on day two and three. It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to four days and works great eaten cold or slightly warmed.

This Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Salad proves that viral food trends can actually be practical, healthy, and delicious. With crunchy coleslaw, fluffy rice, savory chicken, and bold sesame-soy flavor, it’s a meal you’ll genuinely look forward to eating.

Whether you mix it right in the chicken bag or in a big bowl, this recipe is about simplicity, flavor, and real-life convenience—and that’s what makes it a keeper. It’s so perfect for lunches. You can eat them cold or I’d recommend heating them up in the microwave for 1 minute until they are warm. The coleslaw adds extra nutrients and crunch. So good!

How To Make rotisserie chicken and rice salad

The Ingredients

Rotisserie Chicken

Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds tons of flavor. It’s already seasoned and juicy, making it ideal for salads and bowls. Costco has the best price for Rotisserie chicken but I also like to get mine at Wholefoods if you’re more sensitive to the ingredients. Another option is to simply make your own or just cook 3 chicken breasts and shred them.
Substitutes: Cooked chicken breast or thighs, leftover grilled chicken, or even shredded turkey.

Cooked Rice

Rice adds heartiness and makes this salad feel like a complete meal rather than just a side. If you’re short on time I’d recommend getting frozen or microwavable rice which is ready in minutes!
Substitutes: Quinoa, brown rice, jasmine rice, cauliflower rice (for low-carb), or farro.

Scallions 

Scallions bring a mild onion flavor and freshness without overpowering the salad.
Substitutes: Red onion, shallots, chives, or sweet onion.

Coleslaw Mix 

This blend of shredded cabbage and carrots adds crunch, fiber, and a refreshing texture.
Substitutes: Shredded green cabbage, Napa cabbage, kale slaw, or romaine lettuce.

Sesame Seeds 

Sesame seeds give a nutty flavor and extra texture that makes the salad feel special.
Substitutes: Toasted almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, or omit.

Soy Sauce 

Soy sauce is the base of the dressing, giving salty, umami-rich depth.
Substitutes: Tamari, coconut aminos, or low-sodium soy sauce.

Chili Oil 

Chili oil adds heat and richness that balances the fresh veggies. My favorite chili oil is from Trader Joe’s
Substitutes: Sriracha, sambal oelek, red pepper flakes, or omit for mild.

This makes it a balanced, high-protein meal that supports energy, fullness, and muscle recovery—perfect for busy weeks, gym days, or healthy lunches.

What You Need

The Steps

  • Remove rotisserie chicken from package and remove meat off the bones (I like to remove the skin as well)
  • Dice or shred chicken
  • Add 3 cups of the chicken back to the rotisserie bag (I emptied mine first)
  • Add 2 cups of cooked rice (I used microwavable rice)
  • Add bag of coleslaw mix & green onions
  • Add soy sauce, chili oil and sesame seeds
  • Close bag and toss well or use tongs
  • Divide into 4 glass containers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days

Recipe Tips

  • I stored the remainder of chicken in a different container and used it throughout the week to make chicken quesadillas, chicken salad and/or chicken noodle soup.
  • You don't have to use the bag, in fact it's probably easier to add all the ingredients to a large bowl and toss with tongs.
  • I recommend reheating in the microwave for 1 minute until the dish is slightly warm. But you can definitely eat it cold or at room temp.
  • Option to add more soy sauce or chili oil as needed. 

 

rotisserie chicken and rice salad

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 430

Ingredients

  • 2-3 cups diced rotisserie chicken
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 4 scallions diced
  • 1 bag of coleslaw mix
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1-2 tbsp chili oil

Instructions

  • Remove rotisserie chicken from package and remove meat off the bones (I like to remove the skin as well)
  • Dice or shred chicken
  • Add 3 cups of the chicken back to the rotisserie bag (I emptied mine first)
  • Add 2 cups of cooked rice (I used microwavable rice)
  • Add bag of coleslaw mix & green onions
  • Add soy sauce, chili oil and sesame seeds
  • Close bag and toss well or use tongs
  • Divide into 4 glass containers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days

Notes

  • I stored the remainder of chicken in a different container and used it throughout the week to make chicken quesadillas, chicken salad and/or chicken noodle soup.
  • You don't have to use the bag, in fact it's probably easier to add all the ingredients to a large bowl and toss with tongs.
  • I recommend reheating in the microwave for 1 minute until the dish is slightly warm. But you can definitely eat it cold or at room temp.
  • Option to add more soy sauce or chili oil as needed. 

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 35gFat: 18gFiber: 4g

3 Reviews

  1. Jonette Brown
    Jonette Brown on January 16, 2026 at 9:47 am

    4 stars
    Wow I love this recipe can’t wait to make it. Thank you.

    Reply
  2. Jeri
    Jeri on February 17, 2026 at 7:02 pm

    5 stars
    Love this! It’s a staple now. I always have a container in the fridge. Delicious and healthy.

    Reply
    • Ivanka Hanley
      Ivanka Hanley on February 18, 2026 at 10:11 am

      I’m so glad! Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply

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Meet Ivanka

Recipe creator, toddler mama & wellness enthusiast. Happy&Full is a blog all about quick and easy recipes for every day living! Eating well (and feeling well) doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

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