Here’s the step almost everyone forgets, including myself back in the day: putting the chicken to rest. When your chicken is done, it is recommended that you leave it to stand for 5-10 minutes before you start to cut it. This helps the juices redistribute and makes the chicken more juicy and flavorful. I don’t even know how many times I’ve tried to cut a juicy chicken breast only for the juice to spill over the cutting board. Yes, patience is a virtue that is often rewarded and you should give it a try.
Storing Leftovers Safely
I love meal prepping, so I usually cook chicken and keep it in the fridge to use at different times. Ensure that the chicken cools down before storing it in the refrigerator. It is best to store it in an airtight container and it will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze it—just make sure to label and date the containers.
Creative Uses for Leftover Chicken
So, what to do with the remaining food? Here are some ideas:
- Chicken Salad: Combine the shredded chicken with some mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, celery, and a little mustard. It can be served on a bed of greens or as a sandwich.
- Chicken Tacos: Season the chicken with taco seasoning, and place it in tortillas with whatever toppings you like.
- Chicken Soup: This is ideal for a night of comfort. All you need to do is throw in your chicken, broth, vegetables, and noodles.
- Stir-Fry: A convenient and healthy meal. Simply put your chicken with some vegetables and sauce in a pan and stir-fry.
Cooking chicken isn’t hard, but there are some things people overlook. People need to consider the right chicken, thaw it, cut it and cook it right. Also, you shouldn’t overeat and you should let your food settle before eating more. If ‘you’ are preparing a quick family dinner, or if ‘you’ are prepping meals ahead of time, these steps will help all cooks, every time cook delicious chicken. A little time and effort in the kitchen will enhance your meal from edible to enjoyable!
