Sophie Bennett
Chicken meat is often used to make stock, but what can be done with the meat after? It is possible to shred the chicken and use it in dishes such as enchiladas, chicken tacos, chicken salad, or casserole dishes. The meat can also be used in a curry chicken salad, chicken stroganoff, or chicken pot pie. It is important to note that white meat may become dry and flavorless after being used for stock, so it is best to use dark meat or chicken wings for chicken salads or similar dishes.
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What You'll Learn
Use it in a chicken pot pie
Chicken pot pie is a great way to use up leftover chicken meat from stock. The process is simple and allows you to create a delicious, comforting meal.
Firstly, it is important to note that the chicken meat you use should be tender and flavourful. If your meat has become dry and flavourless from the stock-making process, it may not be suitable for this recipe. However, if you removed the meat early on in the stock-making process, it should be good to go.
To make the pot pie, you can use either shredded or diced leftover chicken. Prepare a filling of chicken, vegetables, and gravy. You can use a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, mushrooms, and celery. You can also add additional flavour to the filling by using some of the chicken stock. Once your filling is ready, pour it into a medium saucepan and heat it thoroughly for around 5-6 minutes.
Next, you will need to prepare your pie crust. You can either make your own pastry or use a store-bought option. Roll out the pastry and place it in a pie dish, ensuring it covers the base and sides. Pour the heated filling into the pie crust and then top it with another layer of pastry.
Finally, bake your pie in the oven according to the pastry instructions, or until the crust is golden and flaky. Your chicken pot pie will be ready to serve! This recipe is a great way to transform your leftover chicken into a comforting and tasty meal.
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Make chicken tacos
If you're looking for a simple and reliable weeknight dinner, chicken tacos are a great option to use up leftover chicken. They are the perfect base to add all of your favourite toppings. Here's a recipe for leftover chicken tacos that is quick, customizable, and packed with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- Leftover cooked chicken (chopped into pieces or shredded)
- Olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- Tomato puree
- Taco seasoning (cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chilli powder, salt, and pepper)
- Corn taco shells or soft flour tortillas
- Grated cheese
- Toppings of your choice (e.g. sour cream, chilli sauce, avocado, red onion, black beans, coriander, pico de gallo, lime juice)
Method
Start by heating some olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Then, add the leftover chicken and let it warm through, stirring occasionally. You can also add some tomato puree and taco seasoning to the chicken for extra flavour.
Next, prepare your taco shells by placing them in a baking dish. Spoon the chicken into the shells and top with grated cheese. Place the tacos in the oven or under the grill for a few minutes until the cheese has melted.
Finally, add your desired toppings and serve immediately. You can prepare all of the topping ingredients the night before to save time and make this a speedy meal.
Tips and Variations
- If you're using raw chicken, cut it into small pieces and cook it in a pan with garlic and your choice of seasonings. You can also marinate the chicken beforehand in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, chilli powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- For a crispy chipotle version, try using a cheesy "taco shell" for a flavour-packed bite.
- Chicken tacos are best eaten fresh, but you can freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and use it later for tacos.
- If you're looking for a low-carb option, serve the tacos in a bowl over lettuce or cauliflower rice instead of using taco shells.
- To make it a proper taco night feast, serve the tacos with spicy rice, salad, corn on the cob, and garlic bread.
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Make chicken salad
Chicken salad is a great way to use up leftover chicken. You can use any leftover chicken you have, even if it was originally made in a sauce or seasoned. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken, shredding the meat into thin chunks.
If you want to cook fresh chicken to make a salad, season both sides of two chicken breasts and fry each side in a large pot. Pour in water or chicken stock, put the lid on, and simmer/poach until cooked through (approximately 8-12 minutes depending on size). Then, shred the chicken with two forks.
To make a simple chicken salad, shred the chicken and combine it with diced onion and thinly sliced celery. You can also add mayonnaise, vegetables such as carrots, peas, and bell peppers, and seasonings like salt and pepper. For a Thai-inspired twist, try a peanut butter and coconut milk dressing.
If you're feeling more adventurous, try a chicken salad with pecans, dried cranberries, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing. You can serve this by itself, in a sandwich or wrap, or as part of a leafy salad.
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Use in a curry chicken salad
If you're looking for a way to use up leftover chicken meat from stock, why not try a curry chicken salad? This delicious and versatile dish is a fun twist on the classic chicken salad and can be made in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your own mouthwatering curry chicken salad using leftover chicken:
Prepare the Chicken
Start by shredding or dicing your leftover chicken into bite-sized pieces. If your leftover chicken is unseasoned and bland, you may want to consider adding some extra flavour by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper before cooking them in the oven or on the stovetop. However, if your leftover chicken is already tender and flavourful, you can simply shred it and proceed to the next step.
Combine Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken with mayonnaise, onion, celery, curry powder, honey, lemon juice, mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the proportions of these ingredients to suit your personal preference. For a healthier option, consider replacing half of the mayonnaise with low-fat or nonfat plain Greek yogurt, or even use plant-based or vegan mayo if you prefer.
Optional Add-Ins
Feel free to get creative and add some extra ingredients to give your curry chicken salad a unique twist. You can try adding some fruit, such as diced grapes, apples, or raisins, for a touch of sweetness. If you enjoy a crunchier texture, you can also toss in some chopped cashews or almonds. For a more savoury flavour profile, consider adding scallions, sliced mushrooms, or even some wine and chutney to the mix.
Serving Suggestions
Once you've combined all your desired ingredients, your curry chicken salad is ready to serve! This dish is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. You can serve it on a freshly baked sub roll, in a lettuce wrap, or simply on a bed of greens. If you're looking for a heartier option, you can even use it as a filling for a chicken salad sandwich or a chicken salad sub.
Storage Tips
Curry chicken salad is a great make-ahead option and stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply place it in an airtight container and enjoy it as a quick and convenient meal throughout the week. If you'd like to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 4 months.
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Use in a chicken stroganoff
Chicken stroganoff is a great way to use up leftover chicken meat. This dish is a comfort food classic with a tangy sour cream sauce, plenty of mushrooms, and tender chicken pieces. It's also ready in just 30 minutes!
To make chicken stroganoff, you'll want to cut your leftover chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use chicken breast, thigh, or tenderloin. If you're using chicken breast, it may be a good idea to cut the chicken into slightly smaller pieces, as they can be dry and less juicy than thigh meat. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and coat each piece in flour.
Heat up a deep skillet on medium-high heat and add some oil. Cook the chicken in batches so that the pan isn't overcrowded, and the chicken browns evenly. You want the chicken to be cooked through and lightly browned, which should take around 3 minutes per side. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Next, add some butter to the skillet and throw in the mushrooms, onions, and thyme. Cook this mixture until the onions are nicely browned. Return the chicken to the skillet, along with any juices that have collected on the plate. Stir everything together and heat through. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream, mustard, chives, and parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve your chicken stroganoff over buttered egg noodles, with a sprinkle of parsley for freshness and colour. Enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
The meat will be rather dry and flavourless, but it can still be used in other dishes. For example, you could use it in a chicken salad, enchiladas, chicken tacos, risotto, curry chicken salad, or chicken stroganoff.
If you use bones with meat on them, pull the meat out after 45-60 minutes. Let it cool, then remove the meat. Put the bones back in the stock to continue cooking.
You can use leftover chicken stock to cook rice, veggies, mashed potatoes, or pasta. You can also use it as a base for chicken soup.
You can freeze leftover chicken stock in ice cube trays for later use.
Chicken stock is traditionally made with the excess chicken parts like bones, cartilage, and the carcass. White meat does not add much flavour to the broth, and it can get ruined by boiling. Dark meat, such as chicken legs and wings, will retain a better texture.
