By the Valet. Staff | July 21, 2015

If you're looking to save time and money when it comes to your lunch break, bringing your meal from home is the best way to do it. Of course, no one's interested in a dinky microwave burrito or limp sandwich slapped with a few slices of turkey. There's a better way to brown bag it. And it starts with a rotisserie chicken from your local deli or grocery store. Turns out, those slow-cooked, seasoned birds go a long way and make for an economical way to bring real food to your midday meal. When you get the chicken home, carve it up and store in an air-tight container (eat the wings right then and there as a reward for your hard work). Then prepare for some lunchtime deliciousness and the smug satisfaction of not having to wait in that massive line at Chipotle. Herewith, four easily-adaptable recipes for lunches that travel well and keep things interesting.

 

Banh Mi Sandwich

Sure, you could make a standard chicken sandwich. Buy why not follow the Inquiring Chef's lead and turn it up a notch with this easy-to-craft Vietnamese sandwich featuring tangy pickled vegetables and a spicy Sriracha mayo.

 

Chicken Taco Salad

Use this recipe from The Pioneer Woman as the blueprint to make your own Southwestern style salad, packed with bold flavors and crunch. Store your dressing separately (in a small container or ziplock bag) until you're ready to eat.

 

Curried Chicken Salad

As simple to whip up as your run-of-the-mill chicken salad, but this cool, curried version from DJ Foodie makes for a much more interesting lunch. Have it on bread, wrapped in traditional naan or over some salad greens.

 

Cold Peanut Soba Noodles

The ingredients for this cold noodle dish from Pinch of Yum can be prepared ahead of time, leaving nothing more to do in the morning before work than to toss the noodles and chicken with some crisp veggies and a spicy sauce.