A whole chicken is a cheap and flexible source of protein that can be used to make a lot of different tasty dishes, not just roast chicken. Even though cooking a chicken is delicious, this versatile bird can be used in a lot of other ways as well.
There are many things you can do with a chicken, whether you want to try out new tastes, save time making meals, or use every part of the bird. This article, will explain what to do with a whole chicken besides roasting.
What To Do With A Whole Chicken Besides Roasting?
1. Slow-Cook It
When you cook a whole chicken in a slow cooker, you don’t have to do anything. The meat is juicy, soft, and falls off the bone. You won’t get the dark, crisp skin you get from the oven’s dry heat, but the meat is so juicy and tasty that you’ll never regret using this method.
2. Braise It
Do not reserve braising for large beef and pork portions. Lean whole chicken is another excellent option for this low and slow cooking technique.
Although you could use any liquid to braise chicken, milk or coconut milk are the best options. It makes for a super-flavorful entrée with succulent, fall-off-the-bone meat.
3. Cook It In An Instant Pot
If you haven’t heard the good news yet, know that an Instant Pot can cook a whole chicken. And yes, it really is as crazy as it sounds.
With the sauté function, the skin gets a nice sear, but it’s not quite as crisp as it would be in the oven. However, this way makes insanely juicy meat in a lot less time.
4. Simmer It Into A Soup
Whole-chicken chicken soup is one of the coziest and most comforting dishes ever. You’ll want to save it for a day when you have plenty of free time, because while it’s not particularly challenging, it does take some time.
Whether on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, the chicken is first simmered with aromatics to create a flavorful broth; the flesh is then removed from the bones to complete the soup.
5. Cut It Up And Cook The Pieces
purchasing a whole chicken offers great versatility and can be less expensive than purchasing individual pieces.
Instead of cooking the chicken whole, cut it into parts (each chicken will yield two breasts, wings, thighs, and drumsticks) and cook each portion separately.
6. Chicken Stir-Fry
Cut the chicken into bite-sized segments and stir-fry with colorful vegetables in a hot wok or skillet.
Season with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and any desired seasonings for a rapid and flavorful stir-fry.
7. Chicken Curry
You can make a tasty chicken curry by browning chicken pieces and then simmering them in a fragrant sauce made with spices, coconut milk, or tomatoes. You can eat it with rice or naan.
8. Chicken Tacos Or Fajitas
The chicken is seasoned with Mexican seasonings and then grilled or sautéed. For a delicious taco or fajita night, serve in tortillas with garnishes such as salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
9. Chicken Salad
Poach or roast the chicken until it is fully cooked, and then mince or shred it. Mix with mayonnaise, diced celery, scallions, and your preferred seasonings.
Serve the chicken salad on fresh greens, in sandwiches, or rolls.
10. Chicken Pot Pie
Create a filling of stewed chicken, vegetables (carrots and peas), and a thick sauce. For a comforting pot pie, top the filling with flaky pastry and bake until golden.
11. Chicken Casserole
Combine chicken with prepared pasta, rice, or a vegetable mixture. Combine ingredients with a creamy sauce or cheese sauce for a hearty casserole, garnish with breadcrumbs or cheese, and bake.
Ways To Use Leftover Chicken
After savoring one of those delicious whole chicken recipes mentioned above, you will likely have leftovers. Chicken leftovers can be utilized in a variety of methods.
- Use the chicken carcass and other vegetable scraps to create your broth. Here are my broth-making instructions.
- Create chicken shredded sandwiches with the leftover chicken, homemade barbecue sauce, and hamburger rolls.
- Make a handmade pizza with shredded chicken (here is my favorite recipe for pizza dough)!
- Use the chicken for tacos, enchiladas, and burritos, garnished with roasted poblano salsa.
- Utilize the surplus chicken in your preferred soups (chicken noodle is a classic!).
- With the extra chicken, you can make chicken pot pie, soups, chicken chili, and so much more. Remember that most recipes that call for cubed chicken breast can be made with dark meat instead.
A whole chicken can create everything from hearty soups and stews to flavorful stir-fries and delectable casseroles, expanding your culinary repertoire. By considering beyond roasting, you can unlock a world of culinary possibilities and create diverse and satisfying chicken dishes, whether for a family meal or a special occasion.