Has your current chicken recipe go-to been on repeat for so long it seems tired and boring? Changing up the cooking method is an easy fix to make dinner dull no more.
Just about everyone eats chicken. However, you can get in a rut with the way you prepare it. Maybe you only know one way to cook it. Are afraid of the change up and not sure what to do with it once finished. Here are several ways to change things up and then how to use it as well in many healthy tasty ways.
Each preparation way allows for you to cook in bulk, use now and freeze some for another exciting new dish too.
Slow Cook it
Place frozen or fresh chicken breast in the slow cooker. No need to add water. The chicken will make its own broth as it cooks down. Cover and turn on Low for 6-8 hours. I mean can this get any easier? When you get home remove the chicken (it will probably already be falling apart) and place on a large cutting board or baking sheet.
Using 2 forks drag them through the tender chicken and it will shred right up. So moist and tender. You can reserve the broth to use with a nice soup but I like to add about 1/4c. of the remaining chicken broth back to the shreds and stir around to ensure it will be just as juicy when I prepare the meal.
This is the best opportunity to cook a large amount of chicken to save for meals later in the month. Separate into portions and place in large freezer bags, lay flat then freeze. Lying them flat helps for faster thawing.
Add low sugar BBQ sauce to the mix and serve on whole wheat buns with a steamed vegetable for an amazingly simple, healthy, kid friendly dinner.
Stir into the reserved broth, add a large bag of frozen mixed vegetables, some cooked rice, heat through and VOILA you now have homemade chicken and rice soup.
Mix with salsa, Roll it up with fresh taco veggies and you have a taco night in a flash
The options are endless.
Poach it
Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove. Place chicken in the water and cover. I like to add lemon slices and peppercorns to the water for a tiny bit of flavor. Boil the chicken for approximately 15-20 minutes. Remove from the water and let cool. .
Poached and baked chicken are great diced up and placed on a seasonal salad for lunch or dinner. You can even make a good chicken omelet with veggies too.
Bake it
Boneless Skinless Chicken breast place in a baking pan lined with foil. You can add lemon slices on top of each one for a little extra zing. Then Cover with parchment paper. This will allow the chicken to "baste" itself and stay moist. Place it in a 375 degree oven for about 25 minutes or until no longer pink inside.
If you want to be specifically sure it's cooked all the way use a meat thermometer and be sure it reads 165. Allow to sit covered for at least 5 minutes to cool before cutting into it. This is another way to keep it from drying out. Once cooled get ready for dinner or bag and freeze for later use. .
Sauté it
Heat a pan or skillet to medium high heat on the stove. Spray the pan lightly with non-stick spray. Chop the chicken into bite size pieces before adding it to the pre-heated pan. This way you get more surface coverage on each piece. Add them to the pan and let sit for a couple of minutes. The using a spatula stir them around making sure that all pieces get thoroughly cooked. Toss in vegetables and you’ve got stir-fry night.
Use the mixture for tasty lettuce wraps
Jasmine rice or noodles tossed together for an Asian rice or Lo-Mein bowl.
Grill it
There’s something about hot off the grill chicken. When I say grill I don't mean the indoor "George Forman" I mean head outside and enjoy some sunshine while you're cooking. Most chicken breast need to be grilled 6-10 minutes per side. Be sure to check that the chicken is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear. Allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This again, ensures the moistness remains inside.
Another GREAT option is to buy ground chicken. Patty it like a burger with your special seasonings and you've created a whole NEW meal to add to your month