What To Know
- Shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Roasted chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, these recipes offer a solution that will streamline your meal planning and save you valuable time.
In today’s fast-paced world, meal preparation has become essential for managing busy schedules. Make ahead chicken recipes offer a convenient solution, allowing you to prepare delicious and nutritious meals in advance, saving you time and stress during the week.
Benefits of Make Ahead Chicken Recipes
- Time-saving: Prepare meals in bulk once and enjoy them throughout the week, freeing up precious time on busy days.
- Effortless meal planning: Plan meals ahead of time and have healthy options ready when you need them most.
- Cost-effective: Buying chicken in bulk is often cheaper than purchasing smaller portions.
- Versatile: Make ahead chicken can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups to casseroles.
7 Must-Try Make Ahead Chicken Recipes
1. Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
- Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 1 celery stalk, water
- Instructions: Place chicken and vegetables in a slow cooker. Cover with water. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred chicken and serve.
2. Roasted Lemon-Herb Chicken
- Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, salt and pepper
- Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken with salt and pepper. Rub with olive oil and lemon zest. Roast for 1 hour or until cooked through.
3. Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowls
- Ingredients: 1 pound cooked chicken, 1 cup cooked brown rice, 1 bell pepper, 1 onion, 1 cup black beans, 1 cup corn, salsa, guacamole
- Instructions: Combine chicken, rice, vegetables, and beans in bowls. Top with salsa and guacamole.
4. Chicken and Vegetable Soup
- Ingredients: 1 pound cooked chicken, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup egg noodles
- Instructions: In a large pot, combine chicken, vegetables, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook until tender.
5. Chicken Enchiladas
- Ingredients: 1 pound cooked chicken, 12 corn tortillas, 1 can (15 ounces) enchilada sauce, 1 cup shredded cheese
- Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine chicken and enchilada sauce. Fill tortillas with chicken mixture and roll up. Place in a baking dish and top with cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted.
6. Chicken Salad Sandwiches
- Ingredients: 1 pound cooked chicken, 1 celery stalk, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, salt and pepper
- Instructions: Combine chicken, celery, mayonnaise, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Spread on bread and enjoy.
7. Chicken Stir-Fry
- Ingredients: 1 pound cooked chicken, 1 bell pepper, 1 onion, 1 broccoli floret, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Instructions: In a large skillet, heat oil. Add chicken and vegetables. Stir-fry until cooked through. Combine soy sauce and brown sugar in a bowl and add to skillet. Cook until sauce thickens.
Tips for Make Ahead Chicken Recipes
- Use a variety of cooking methods: Slow cookers, roasting, and grilling all work well for make ahead chicken.
- Cook chicken in bulk: Cooking a whole chicken or multiple breasts at once will save time in the long run.
- Store chicken properly: Shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Roasted chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Reheat chicken safely: Reheat shredded or roasted chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Recommendations: The Power of Make Ahead Chicken
Make ahead chicken recipes are a game-changer for busy individuals and families. By preparing meals in advance, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious food without sacrificing convenience. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, these recipes offer a solution that will streamline your meal planning and save you valuable time.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Can I freeze make ahead chicken recipes?
A: Yes, most make ahead chicken recipes can be frozen for later use. Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
Q: How do I reheat make ahead chicken recipes?
A: Reheat shredded or roasted chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. For frozen dishes, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What are some other make ahead chicken dishes?
A: Other popular make ahead chicken dishes include chicken tacos, chicken quesadillas, chicken pot pie, and chicken salad.
