The shredded meat of a store-bought rotisserie chicken can be used to create a number of quick, wholesome meals. The key to keeping it healthy is to always remove the skin, which contains large amounts of fat.

LARRY CROWE/The Associated Press

Buy rotisserie chickens from a store that sells a lot of them and marks them with the time they were prepared. This way you will be sure to get a chicken that hasn't been sitting under warming lights for a long time, which can dry it out.

Here are some easy uses for the pulled meat of a rotisserie chicken:

Use to top a salad of prewashed mixed greens, cherry tomatoes and bagged shredded carrots.

Create quick burritos by mixing shredded chicken with salsa and wrapping it in flour tortillas along with some prewashed and chopped lettuce, plus some canned refried beans.

Make a curried chicken salad by mixing the meat with reduced-fat mayonnaise, curry powder, halved grapes and chopped walnuts.

One drawback to rotisserie chickens is that they often are high in sodium. If you are watching your salt intake you might consider using a home-roasted chicken that you have prepared ahead of time. SPICY

Remove and discard the skin from the chicken. Remove the meat from the bones and place it in a large microwave-safe bowl. Using your fingers or 2 forks, shred and pull apart the chicken meat.

Add the barbecue sauce, vinegar and hot sauce. Mix well, cover and heat on high for about 2 1/2 minutes. Stir the chicken, then cover and heat for another 2 1/2 minutes, or until hot (time will vary by microwave).

Place a quarter of the mixture on each bun. Makes 4 servings.

PER SERVING: Calories 426 Fat 11 g (3 g sat) Cholesterol 115 mg Sodium 1,310 mg Fiber 1 g Carbohydrates 50g Protein 29 g

In a large bowl, combine slaw mix, dressing and black pepper. Toss to coat. Makes 4 servings.

PER SERVING: Calories 70 Fat 3 g (1 g sat) No cholesterol Sodium 407 mg Fiber 4g Carbohydrates 9 g Protein 4 g