Whenever you’re craving chicken noodle soup but want to switch things up a bit, Chicken and Orzo Soup is there. With the use of leftover rotisserie chicken, you can easily turn these scraps into a pot of soup simmering with delicious herbs. We also take inspiration from Rachael Ray to make sure it’s simple to make but carries big flavor.
What is Orzo?
This noodle comes from a mix of durum wheat semolina flour and water. Whether it’s in soup or pasta dishes, orzo finds its place as an accompaniment with its small, long shape that’s almost like rice. You can use orzo almost as if it’s risotto, surrounding it with a broth that it can absorb the flavor of. In our Chicken and Orzo Soup, feel free to switch things up with other tiny pasta types like pastina or stelline that have small star shapes.
Deeply rich and flavorful soup adapted from Rachael Ray to feature rotisserie chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups water
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp fresh garlic
1 onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 cup mushrooms, halved (cremini or button work well)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
⅔ cup orzo pasta
2 cups arugula, chopped
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1 tsp grated lemon zest
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for topping
Instructions
First, you’ll want to combine the chicken stock and water in a medium pot. Bring these two to a gentle simmer as you continue with the recipe.
Using a large soup pot, add in the extra-virgin olive oil and heat it over a medium-high heat. Stir in the chicken, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, garlic, onion, carrot, and mushrooms. Add salt and pepper as you like then cook covered for 6-7 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
Next, pour your stock from earlier into the large pot and bring everything to a boil. At this point, you can add the orzo past and cook by your instructions, usually around 8 minutes while stirring occasionally.
After the orzo is cooked, you can remove the pot from the heat and then stir in the arugula and basil. To finish things off, add the lemon zest and discard the bay leaf.
To enjoy, we recommend a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano, parsley, and dill on top.
Looking for more ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken? Check out our article for leftover chicken recipes featuring stocks, casseroles, pastas, and more.
Recipe by Mark Chutko, Adapted from Rachael Ray Photo Courtesy of You Le
The one appetizer that is always at our tables during game day, birthday parties, family gatherings, the Fourth of July, and so many other times, is Buffalo Chicken Dip. The combination of juicy chicken with just enough heat and a creamy, cheesy finish is truly addictive. Once you’ve dipped a chip in, it’s hard to stop yourself from consuming the entire bowl. This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe uses leftover rotisserie chicken to make it as simple as adding your ingredients to a pan and allowing it to cook.
A go-to for if you have guests over or a party coming up.
Ingredients
Scale
1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 cup ranch dressing
3/4 cup hot sauce
2 packs (8 oz each) cream cheese
1–2 cups shredded cheese (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
Add ranch dressing, hot sauce, cream cheese, and shredded cheese to the bowl.
Mix everything together until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into a baking pan and spread evenly.
Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top.
Bake in the oven until the dip is hot and bubbly.
Looking for more ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken? Check out our article for leftover chicken recipes featuring stocks, casseroles, pastas, and more.
Recipe by Dominique Clark-Enos Styling by Star Laliberte Photo by Kylie Thomas
Cooking a rotisserie chicken, or picking one up at the store, can last you a whole week as you create various meals around this ingredient. One of our favorite ways of using leftover rotisserie chicken is through a Chicken Taco Bar. It’s so easy to cook up your chicken with some spices and build yourself your dream taco high with cheese, sour cream, salsa, peppers, lettuce, onion, and of course, guac. We even provide you with a few ways of making your own salsa, guac, sauces, and topping at home to add a distinctive touch.
Can I Make a Taquito Bar Instead?
If you’d prefer taquitos over a Chicken Taco Bar, simply roll the cheese and chicken into a tortilla and fry in oil or in the air fryer for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Be sure to turn the taquito halfway through cooking. Once done, top with queso, hot sauce, sour cream, and whatever else your heart desires. This style is not for hand-holding. Instead, they’re made for devouring messily on a plate.
Heat up the shredded rotisserie chicken in a frying pan with some oil.
Add in taco seasoning packet, garlic salt, and hot sauce to your liking. I recommend adding a little water to the pan to mix in the seasoning packet.
While chicken heats for about 5 minutes, heat up your taco shells or tortillas in the oven.
To make your taco bar a breeze, leave out small bowls of each topping above.
Looking for more ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken? Check out our article for leftover chicken recipes featuring stocks, casseroles, pastas, and more.
Recipe by Kylie Thomas Styling by Anna Franklin Photography by Dave Bryce
This High-Protein Chicken Salad is a lighter, smarter take on the classic lunch. We make this recipe creamy and tangy with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. The final product packs in lean chicken, protein-abundant Greek yogurt, onion, celery, cucumber, and pumpkin seeds to deliver the same comforting flavor and satisfying texture without the heaviness. The best part is that we’re using leftover rotisserie chicken to make sure no food goes to waste.
Is Greek Yogurt Rich in Protein?
Greek yogurt is rich in protein, which is one of the main reasons it’s such a popular choice for healthy eating. Since it’s strained to remove much of the liquid whey, Greek yogurt has a thicker texture and a higher protein concentration than regular yogurt. A single serving typically has around 15–20 grams of protein. Overall, this protein helps support muscle repair, keeps you feeling fuller longer, and stabilizes your energy.
Skip the mayo and try this Greek yogurt dressing in your chicken salad instead.
Ingredients
Scale
For the dressing:
1/3 cup Greek yogurt
2 tsp curry Powder
1 tsp garlic, minced or finely grated
4 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
2 tsp agave
Salt & pepper, to taste
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
For the chicken salad:
2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or cut into small cubes
¼ cup red onion, chopped
2 stalks of celery, sliced
1/2 english cucumber, diced small
1 tbsp pepitas, don’t mix-in, sprinkle on top
1/2 green apple cut into small pieces
1/8 cup golden raisins (optional)
Instructions
Mix all the dressing ingredients together until smooth.
Mix chicken, red onion, celery, cucumber, apple, and optional raisins into the dressing.
Top with pepitas seeds.
Enjoy with crackers, chips, or on its own!
Looking for more ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken? Check out our article for leftover chicken recipes featuring stocks, casseroles, pastas, and more.
Recipe by Stephanie Cravotta Styling by Anna Franklin Photography by Dave Bryce
Dieting can be hard. Whatever the reason for restricting your diet, it’s not easy to form your world around a specific set of ingredients. But we’re here to show you that following a diet, whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, or keto, can be easy and delicious too. All you need is the right guide. We’ve made breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert just a click away for all types of diets. Each recipe encourages you to fill your table with nutritious foods that aren’t too out of reach either. So, feel free to start your dieting journey in 2026 with a helping hand. It’ll make your ease into your new lifestyle that much simpler.
Foster Your Dietary Health with These Recipe Guides
Wanting to dive deeper into veganism and vegetarianism but not rule out meat completely? Being a flexitarian encourages a mostly vegetable and fruit filled diet that allows for occasion, small amounts of meats. This means incorporating meats in healthy ways such as in our Beef Bulgogi Bowls that place it beside large portions of radishes, carrots, cucumbers, and kimchi. Or, try a Seafood Escabeche Salad that incorporates lean seafood like calamari, shrimp, and mussels with other plant-based ingredients.
The Mediterranean diet is one of the most popular in recent years and can make it feel as if you’re living along the coast of some of the most beautiful countries of Europe. It consists of focusing on heart-healthy ingredients to help low cholesterol and blood pressure. These recipes tend to include vegetables, whole grains, seafood, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. As you stray away from red meats and processed sugars, you can look forward to meals like Salmon Poke with Yuzu, Wonton Noodle-Wrapped Prawn Lettuce Wrap, and Seafood Stuffed Poblano Peppers.
Everyone’s heard about keto, and for good reason. A ketogenic diet means cutting out sugar, high-carb foods, beans, and more starchy vegetables. Instead, you want your plate to center on high fats for weight loss and increased energy. Think high protein, nutritious vegetables, and full fat dairy. For a keto diet, you’re going to want to stick to meals like Martha Stewart-Inspired Keto Chicken Roll Ups and Santa Maria-Style Dry Rub Lamb. But, there are ways to tweak recipes so you can still enjoy your favorite tastes. Try our Low Carb Keto Lemon Cranberry Quick Bread and Keto Pumpkin Donuts!
Even though you’re on a diet, you still deserve to have your dessert and eat it too! Did you know there are desserts out there for those needing gluten-free, keto, and vegan options? Or, if you just want to take a small healthy step forward, there are recipes for that too. We’ve got a little something for everyone here and we cover as many categories as we can to bring you tarts, cheesecakes, cakes, pies, cookies, and much more. Bake up a Gluten-Free Whole Grain Apple Cider Layer Cake. Or, try your hand at whipping up a Vegan Berry Macadamia Cheesecake. The options are endless.
Any artist who can surpass Taylor Swift in listening stats more than deserves a spot on the Super Bowl LX stage. So, to celebrate Bad Bunny’s time in the spotlight, we’re sipping on a Hot Bunny Rum Smash during his halftime show appearance. Inspired by his Puerto Rican roots, this cocktail keeps your night spicy with a habanero, hot honey, and white rum smash. The use of Don Q Cristal Rum here showcases the best Puerto Rico has to offer while lime and orange juice highlight the natural accents. Finish it off with a Tajín rim that leaves you feeling just like Bad Bunny’s music does: hot, hot, hot!
When is Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show?
Bad Bunny headlines the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in California. While there is no specific time for the performance, halftime usually begins somewhere around 8 to 8:30 p.m so you’ll want to be to your TV and ready with your Hot Bunny Smash before then. You won’t want to miss his set as he is expected to perform popular songs like EoO or Callaita. Since Bad Bunny has also collab-ed with artists like Cardi B, Marc Anthony, Daddy Yankee, and Ozuna, we’re sure to see some famous faces hit the stage alongside him. All we know so far is he is requiring his field cast to be between 5 feet, 10 inches and 6 feet, 1 inch tall and also must be able to wear a costume weighing up to 40 pounds. Talk about specific…
Explore a Bakery Square home project motivated by a desire to upgrade its original builder-specified finishes and grounded by a seamless user experience.
After relocating to Pittsburgh from the West Coast, the owners of this new-build condo in Bakery Square came to find it was the just-right location to put down permanent roots in Pittsburgh.
They called on Studio Lithe to elevate the space and make it increasingly their own. “We were able to come in and say, ‘We can jump this up a level. It can be even more bespoke. It can be more custom,’” says Principal/Designer Morgan Stewart. She saw a major opportunity to improve its builder-grade finishes and details.
Studio Lithe’s Modern and ProductiveInspiration
In all aspects of the design, Stewart led with the question: How can we make this space really fit your needs, day in and day out? This approach aligned with the homeowners’ professional values. They work in tech, where that connection to User Experience (UX) design and research informed many of their conversations with Stewart.
Her goal? To make the experience of living there as frictionless, beautiful, and functional as possible.
With the build being so new, Stewart likens the project to a “blank slate.” “That gave us a bigger opportunity to dream up what it could be. The homeowners were looking for something that was a retreat for their family. This means harmonious, beautiful and serene, with thoughtful use of color and art. Everything feels pretty neutral, but then there are these fun pops of color throughout.”
Right off the bat, replacing builder-grade fixtures was a must. “Redoing them to make the things that you actually touch and feel much more elevated and elegant.”
Additionally, there are new solid doors, a refreshed, sculptural handrail leading the way up to all four floors. We see carefully chosen hardware, plumbing and lighting fixtures that make “a world of difference.”
The welcoming kitchen is now home to custom, whitewashed red oak kitchen cabinetry, a dining bench, and bar by Drury Cabinetry. “I love doing this because I feel the actual experience, the user experience, in the end is exponentially better when we do something like build custom cabinets,” says Stewart. “We are very obsessed with hospitality. And so, we tend to talk a lot about where the center of the home is, how people use it, how people entertain.”
Connecting Minimalism and Creativity
Not only that, but the office suite-slash-creative zone invites the user to settle in, ideate, and focus, with custom built-ins. These include a hidden desk, cabinets, shelving and worktable. The master bedroom is home to a custom walnut bed with built-in side tables and a walnut wardrobe cabinet. These elements were crafted in collaboration with local designer and fabricator, Bones & All.
How about a moment for the big, beautiful bathroom tile? “When we pitched it, we were like, “This is a little bit of a reach, and it’s a little bit weird,” says Stewart. The risk paid off. The clients immediately said yes. The strong pattern, just like the geometric-print fabric bench in the kitchen and the graphic artwork in the office, flows with the modern, minimalist elements throughout.
Overall, the aesthetic calls back to the couple’s time in San Francisco, their personal style, their love of art (Stewart pulled from their existing collection to create focal points throughout), and their penchant for Scandinavian design. Other essential requirements: clean lines and keeping areas clear of clutter.
Now, what was once a basic yet beautiful condo is a living space that’s durable, long-lasting, practical, and pleasing to live in. “The space felt fully transformed by the time we were done with it,” says Stewart. In other words, good design makes life better.
To explore more of Studio Lithe’s work, read here.
Story by Nicole Barley Interior Design and Photography by Studio Lithe
As temperatures drop to freezing and below, there’s nothing quite like making a warm, comfort food recipe that reminds you of home. Whether you’re craving hearty soups, scrumptious pizza, cozy dinners, or indulgent desserts, there are plenty of abundant ingredients to satisfy your cravings. Explore our collection of recipes that will keep smiles on your family’s faces throughout the season, even as snow coats the ground.
Comfort Food and 2026 Food Trends
As 2026 kicks into gear, there are rising tensions in just about every part of the world. Whether it’s in your own life or something the whole country is facing, concern and stress stay in our bodies, leaving us unrested and frustrated. While prices continue to rise and political leaders divulge into larger fights, you need a way to relax and discover a safe space in the food you eat. Comfort food can be a way to experience nostalgia and remind you of the good in life. The warm temperature and flavors that are familiar are everything to a stressed brain and body. This year, comfort food is more crucial than ever.
An essential comfort food, Mac and Cheese is a dish loved by all ages. This classically baked version ensures a crispy, cheesy crust with a gooey, warm inside. The best part is the short ingredient list means you probably have most of the basics already in your pantry and fridge.
A red, meaty ragù sauce is just the thing you need on a cold, gloomy day. This Stanley Tucci Inspired Tagliatelle al Ragù will take you back to Sundays at grandma’s house. If you want the ultimate comfort meal, serve it with a soup or salad and fresh baked loaf of bread.
A casserole reminds us of family. It takes us back to gatherings with aunts, uncles, cousins, and so many others. Take yourself to that happy place with our Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole. It’s got a bit of a kick from the green chile with layers of cheese, chicken, tortilla pieces, onion, and a delicious broth.
Who doesn’t love a bowl of chili when they’re in need of something comforting? Even better than your regular chili recipe, this one is made with Wendy’s chili in mind. It’s got chunks of peppers, plenty of beans, ground beef, and stewed tomatoes with green chilies. You can also get creative with your toppings though we opt for sour cream, cheese, and scallions.
Making this Beer Brat Stew in advance means you can come home from a hard day and immediately find comfort in a bowl. Fingerling potatoes and beer brats soak in a bath of stout-infused stew. It’s hearty and great alongside a slice of country bread.
Looking for a recipe that doesn’t require too much prep? These Pumpkin Pancakes are a breakfast, lunch, or dinner option thanks to pumpkin puree and an apple compote. You’ll be taken back to your childhood when a stack of pancakes on your plate was one of the best meals.
We’re elevating the Southern comfort of Chicken and Dumplings with butternut and acorn squash. These two additions add a little sweetness to this bowl full of farm-fresh ingredients. Plus, learning to make dumplings from scratch comes in handy for other recipes too like soups.
You cannot indulge in comfort food without having a Homemade Tomato Soup next to your favorite type of grilled cheese. For this soup recipe you can use canned tomatoes for ease or make use of tomatoes from your garden. Either way, the creamy, savory broth will have you licking the bowl completely clean.
The cushiony dough and warm filling of a pierogi makes it undeniably a comfort food. These Carrot Pierogis use a veggie and ground pork filling that’s full of flavors like garlic, ginger, and soy.
You could order a pizza out… or you could customize your own Pesto Veggie Flatbread Pizza at home. By utilizing ready-to-use ingredients like store bought pesto, a flavored olive oil, and premade flatbreads, this recipe is a breeze and visually stunning.
If you’re choosing a burger for lunch or dinner then you might as well go all-out with it. This Hawaiian Burger starts with a perfectly cooked patty then piles it high with bacon, tomato lettuce, your choice of cheese, as well as a homemade pineapple and red onion jam.
Looking for a comfort meal that’s elegant too? Making Orecchiette Pasta from scratch takes some patience but is well worth the result. In this recipe, we’re mixing this pasta with a sauce made from foraged mushrooms, pork, vegetables, and cream.
If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s more on the classic side, this Stanley Tucci Inspired Pasta alla Norma is for you. Here we pull together lightly fried eggplant and rigatoni pasta in a simple red sauce. Serve with cheese on top and bread for sopping up the sauce.
Mashed potatoes are the holy grail of comfort foods. In order to warm your body at the same time, we’ve made Green Chile and Cheddar Mashed Potatoes that add a kick of heat. The Hatch green chiles and red chiles creates a spicy base but the cheddar and creamy potatoes cool things down. Plus, you can check out our Celebrity Mashed Potato Taste Test to find out what the all-time best recipe is.
Everyone needs a dessert for the best way to end a comfort meal. Our Mocha Chocolate Brownies take cocoa to the extreme with an espresso-chocolate frosting on top. Nothing calms the soul quite like a dose of chocolate.
Possibly one of the most loved desserts, Chocolate Chip Cookies are a snack for anytime. When you’re sad, bite into these gooey rounds of rich chocolate. When you’re happy, bake up a tray to put a smile on those around you.
Whether it’s served on its own or à la mode with a scoop of ice cream on top, a slice of Apple Pie is like a warm hug. This recipe will teach you to make your own flakey crust and includes a crunchy sugar topping.
Hey Steelers fans, are you ready for today’s playoff game of touchdowns, somewhat-questionable coaching (at least according to the armchair coaches at home), and delicious game day recipes? Well, we sure are! While you wait on the edge of your seat, you’ll want game day bites handy to get you through the stress of the game… and a cocktail or two would probably help too. Below you’ll find all the fixings to make sure your table is full of something for everyone, even if they’re rooting for the other team. Just make sure you give them a hard time about it, as good friends do… or set them up with a tv in another room, we won’t judge.
Make up a surf and turf platter with the addition of Zesty Shrimp Rolls. These small, individual servings ensure that everyone gets a bite of shrimp in a tangy dressing. Feel free to substitute the shrimp for crab if you really want to make a good impression.
You see pretzels and other dip-able appetizers at just about every game day and tailgate party. Why not dress them up with Ultimate Beer Cheese and Easy Honey Mustard? These two dips are not just limited to appetizers either, try them on top of burgers, hot dogs, or other grilling favorites.
It’s great to have a vegetarian option available when most game day menus are full of meat. Our Crispy Mushroom Bundles use seafood mushrooms for a unique taste and crunchy texture. The side of Spicy Mayo also complements the umami-type flavor and takes the heat up a notch with sriracha.
We’re sure Pigs in a Blanket were already on your menu but let us offer a version with 3 upgraded, party-perfect dips. The first is a Harissa and Chili Mayo for those who prefer a bit of spice. Then there’s a Horseradish and Cream Cheese Dip that’s a little zesty and a whole lot of creamy. Lastly, for the mustard-lovers out there, we have a Jalapeño Mustard Dip using as many jalapeño peppers as your heart desires.
Handheld and deliciously delightful, these Sloppy Joe Hand Pies are a no-mess way to serve one of your favorite gathering foods. Plus, they’re easy to make with sheets of store-bought pie crust and fresh-chopped veggies in the savory mixture.
If you’re looking for something you can make (and serve) in one pot, our Wendy’s Copycat Chili Recipe makes sure everyone gets a bowl of something warming for the cold winter game. Plus, it’s based on Wendy’s chili so you know this recipe becomes a comforting pot of love and nostalgia.
If you’re feeling ambitious, this gold Pineapple Habanero Margarita with a black Hawaiian salt rim is the perfect ode to the Steelers’ famous colors. Not to mention, the habanero kick will have you on your feet and ready for kick-off before the coin toss is even done.
Have a group of beer drinkers attending your Steelers game day party? Our Game Day Spritz combines the joy of a cocktail with the comfort of a beer. Just take your favorite brand, add some Campari and gin to your glass, and you’ve got a boozy cocktail that’ll keep you entertained all game long.
This last cocktail is for the friend who won’t stop coaching the team from their living room. The Armchair Quarterback Cocktail is made to be delicious enough to keep your friends’ opinions from erupting out every minute. Plus, it’s made with Pittsburgh local ingredients like Red Ribbon Mint Ginger Ale and the Dubliner Steelers Select Irish Whiskey for the ultimate Steelers cocktail.
Dry January is officially at the halfway mark and if your usual go-to drinks are starting to feel a little uninspiring, this is your sign to shake things up. Chef Richard Sandoval’s Art of Zero-Proof collection proves that going alcohol-free doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, ritual, or creativity. He designs each recipe with the same care as a craft cocktail, making eight refreshing mocktails to carry you through the rest of the month and maybe even after.
Who is Chef Richard Sandoval?
Chef Richard Sandoval is an international restaurateur and staple chef of modern Latin cuisine. He is known for blending traditional Latin flavors as well as contemporary culinary techniques to make his unique creations. A four-time James Beard Award nominee, he has built a global restaurant portfolio spanning more than 60 concepts across the the world and continues to innovate the beverage space, with his zero-proof and cocktail programs.
N/A bourbon, homemade bitters, and then a final aromatic veil of smoke make this mocktail feel straight out of a fantasy novel. A bit of vanilla as well as agave take this recipe a long way.
This isn’t your usual Penicillin. Lapsang souchong tea creates a vibrant base for this beverage before layering a ginger-honey shrub, N/A bourbon, and a blackberry jam swirl.
Fresh aloe vera and a tart apple shrub are the answers to a delicious mocktail. In this No-Groni, Chef Richard swaps gin for Seedlip Garden 108 which adds herbal notes.
Those straying away from alcohol can still enjoy a highball. This particular recipe focuses on the flavors of yuzu and crisp cucumber then uplifts them with hints of bergamot and cedar.
Allow Chef Richard to take you to the tropics with this silky-smooth mocktail. The use of whole milk and coconut water blends with pineapple juice, lime juice, and mango puree for something much better than sparkling water.
Hibiscus tea doesn’t have to be served in a mug. Giffard Non-Alcoholic Grapefruit Liqueur is the star of the show here as elements of the tea, hazelnut, as well as fresh citrus balance out the bitter liqueur.
A cozy Espresso Martini is just the thing for a cold winter night and this recipe is also an easy one to follow. It uses cold brew coffee, butter-flavored popcorn infused coffee liqueur, as well as a clove and cinnamon cold foam for something different.
A margarita that’s just tequila is boring. But this Margarita Verde mocktail engages every one of your senses with Pandan and jalapeño syrup, Hoja Santa and pink pepper oil, and oolong salt for the rim. Then, a smoking palo santo stick on top makes the perfect garnish.
