Recipe: The Stretching Chicken π
Description:
Transform a single chicken into a myriad of delicious dishes with this versatile recipe! Whether you crave Mexican flavors, Asian delights, or hearty stews, this stretchy chicken has got you covered. With minimal prep and a slow cook in the crockpot, you’ll have tender, juicy meat ready to elevate your culinary creations.
- Total Time: 9 hours 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 hours
- Servings: 20
- Cuisine: Chicken
- Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Canadian, Very Low Carbs, Free Of…, Weeknight, For Large Groups
Ingredients:
- 1 stewing chicken
- 1 onion
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Water or chicken stock
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Place your whole stewing chicken in the crockpot. If needed, you can cut it to fit, but leaving it whole is preferred. Add a halved onion and bay leaves for flavor. Season generously with salt and pepper. Pour in enough water or chicken stock to cover the chicken. |
| 2 | Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 9-10 hours without opening the lid. Let the magic happen as the flavors meld together and the chicken becomes tender. |
| 3 | Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and allow it to cool slightly. |
| 4 | Strain the cooking liquid through a fine mesh strainer to separate the broth from the solids. Discard the onion and bay leaves. |
| 5 | To remove excess fat from the broth, chill it in a large flat bowl in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Skim off the solidified fat from the surface. |
| 6 | Save the jellied consommΓ©, as it will serve as a flavorful base for soups or sauces. Portion it into freezer bags for future use. |
| 7 | Strip the chicken of its skin and bones. This can be done easily as the meat will be incredibly tender. Reserve any leftover bones for making additional stock or discard them. |
| 8 | Shred or chop the chicken meat as desired. You can leave it in large chunks for certain dishes or shred it for easier incorporation into recipes. |
| 9 | Decide how much chicken you’ll need immediately and portion out the rest for freezing. Vacuum sealing is ideal to prevent freezer burn, but removing as much air as possible before sealing works well too. |
Recipe Variations:
- Chicken Enchiladas: Use shredded chicken as a filling for enchiladas along with your favorite sauce and cheese.
- Chicken Soup: Simmer the consommΓ© with vegetables and noodles for a comforting soup.
- Chicken Stew: Combine shredded chicken with vegetables and dumplings for a hearty stew.
- Chicken Γ la King: Create a creamy sauce with mushrooms and serve over rice or toast points.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 116.1
- Fat: 8.9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 31.1mg
- Sodium: 31.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 0.8g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Sugar: 0.3g
- Protein: 7.8g
Tips:
- Customize the seasoning of the chicken to match the flavor profile of your intended dishes. Consider adding garlic, herbs, or spices for extra depth.
- Don’t discard the chicken bones! They can be simmered again to make a rich and flavorful stock for future recipes.
- Get creative with your leftovers. The possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating shredded chicken into various meals.
Conclusion:
With The Stretching Chicken recipe, you’ll never view a single bird the same way again. From mouthwatering enchiladas to comforting soups, this versatile dish is a game-changer for meal planning and stretching your ingredients further. Say goodbye to bland leftovers and hello to a world of culinary possibilities!
