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4 Ways to Use a Whole Chicken + Meal Prep Tips

A whole chicken is a versatile and economical option for any home cook, providing multiple meals in one go. With a little creativity, you can switch up flavours and styles, ensuring that your meals never get boring. In this article, we’ll explore four fantastic ways to utilise a whole chicken as well as some handy meal prep tips to save you time and effort throughout the week.

1. Roast Chicken & Vegetables

Roasting is perhaps the most traditional way to prepare a whole chicken, and it’s also one of the easiest. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C for fan ovens) and season the bird with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs such as rosemary or thyme. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs for added flavour. Surround the chicken with root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips, which will absorb the delicious juices as they roast.

Meal Prep Tip: After roasting, save any leftover meat for quick meals throughout the week. Shred the leftover chicken and store it in an airtight container in the fridge to use in salads, sandwiches, or stir-fries.

2. Chicken Stock

Once you’ve enjoyed your roast chicken, don’t discard the carcass! Use it to make a rich chicken stock. Place the bones in a large pot, add water, and throw in leftover vegetable scraps (think onion skins, carrot ends, and celery leaves). Season with salt, pepper, and herbs, then let it simmer for a few hours. You’ll end up with a flavoursome stock that can serve as a base for soups and sauces.

Meal Prep Tip: Make large batches of chicken stock and store it in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. This way, you can easily use it whenever a recipe calls for stock, without the need for last-minute preparations.

3. Chicken Curry

Transform your leftovers into a delightful curry. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan, then add spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chilli powder to create a fragrant base. Incorporate your shredded leftover chicken, add coconut milk or chopped tomatoes, and simmer. Throw in some vegetables like spinach or peas for added nutrition.

Meal Prep Tip: Curries often taste even better the next day, making them ideal for meal prep. Prepare a large batch and portion it out into containers. Pair each portion with rice or naan for a complete meal.

4. Chicken Salad

A refreshing chicken salad is a perfect way to utilise leftover chicken while maintaining a light meal option. Mix shredded chicken with a variety of ingredients such as mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and your favourite nuts or seeds. Dress it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or create a creamy dressing with Greek yoghurt and herbs.

Meal Prep Tip: You can assemble the salad ingredients in advance but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy and ensures it stays fresh for longer.

Final Meal Prep Tips

• Plan Ahead: Set aside a day for meal prep—this might be a quiet Sunday afternoon. Cooking multiple meals at once can save you time in the long run.
• Invest in Quality Containers: Use clear, stackable containers to store prepped meals, so they’re easily accessible in the fridge. This also helps reduce food waste as you can see what you have on hand.
• Label Your Meals: Use labels to note the contents and date of each meal, so you know when to use them by, preventing them from going bad.
• Diversify Flavours: Use different seasonings and sauces across your meals to ensure variety, even if you’re starting with the same core ingredient.

With these four ways to use a whole chicken and smart meal prep tips, you’ll not only save money but also enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals throughout the week. Embrace the versatility of this humble ingredient and let it take centre stage in your kitchen!

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