If you’re new here, my name is Kayla and I’m obsessed with easy weeknight meals. Hands down, my go-to lean protein for easy weeknight meals is chicken. Why? Because it’s really easy to prepare ahead of time, its so versatile and there are so many ways to cook it. You can grill it, pan fry it, air fry it, bread it or shred it! There are so many different cuts of chicken, but boneless skinless chicken breasts are my favorite. Plus, there are so many ways to save time cooking chicken, which makes it perfect for 30-minute meals and weeknight chicken recipes!
Cuts of chicken
Chicken breasts: This is the leanest cut of chicken and by far my favorite. I like to use it in salads, sandwiches, casseroles and skillet recipes. Chicken breasts can be trickier to keep moist though, so be careful not to overcook them. I like to use a meat thermometer to make sure my chicken is fully cooked before using it in my weeknight chicken recipes.
Chicken thighs: These are darker cuts of meat with more flavor than breasts. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving to cook with, making them a great option for beginners. Chicken thighs are delicious grilled, baked, or stewed. I make sure to buy boneless skinless chicken thighs so I don’t have to go through the work to clean them.
Chicken wings: These come in three parts: the drumette (the little “drumstick” at the top), the flat (the middle section), and the wingtip (the skinny piece at the end). Wings are fun to eat because I like the endless options of sauces to put on top! They’re typically baked, air fried or fried and tossed in a sauce.
Whole chicken: This is the whole chicken, not just a piece of it. It is usually sold at a good value at the grocery store. I like to roast it whole for a delicious meal, kind of like an at home rotisserie chicken! I like cooking whole chickens the best because then you will have leftover chicken to use in other dishes throughout the week.
Ways to cook chicken
Baking: This is a hands-off method that’s great for both chicken breasts and thighs. Just toss your chicken with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, throw it in the oven, and let it cook! I like to use an oven safe grill pan to get grill marks on it. This is also how I cook my chicken casserole recipes in the oven.
Pan-frying: This is a quick way to cook chicken pieces like thighs, drumsticks, or even boneless, skinless breasts. Heat up some oil in a pan, sear the chicken until golden brown, then cook it through at a lower heat. I like to use this method when adding chicken to easy pasta dishes.
Grilling: This adds a nice smoky flavor to chicken. Just make sure your grill is hot enough and watch the chicken closely so it doesn’t burn. My husband and I do this most often in the summer when we want to spend time outside!
Stir-frying: This is a great way to cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for quick and easy meals. Just cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, cook it in a hot pan with some veggies and your favorite sauce, and dinner is ready in minutes! I use this method most often when cooking easy asian inspired dishes!
Shredding chicken: This is the easiest way to cook chicken for weeknight chicken recipes. I like to cook chicken in the crock pot because it is practically mess-free! Then, using two forks, gently pull and shred the chicken directly in the crock pot. You can also shred the chicken on a cutting board if you prefer, but the crock pot method lets you shred the chicken in all the delicious cooking juices for extra flavor. This method is what I like to use for easy casserole recipes.
Ground chicken: Basically chopped-up chicken meat, similar to ground beef but leaner and with a milder flavor. It’s a versatile ingredient that’s perfect for beginner home cooks because it’s easy to work with and cooks quickly. I like to use it to make easy lean meatballs!
How to save time
Pre-cooked Chicken: Most grocery stores have a prepared food section with already grilled or rotisserie chicken. This is a great way to help me save time on cooking. Just grab what you need, shred it or chop it and portion it into containers for your meals!
Rotisserie Chicken: This is another convenient option for weeknight chicken recipes. I like to buy a rotisserie chicken, shred the meat myself, and use it in your favorite recipes throughout the week. Bonus tip: save the carcass to make homemade chicken broth!
Storage
Uncooked Chicken:
- Fridge: This is best for short-term storage. Store unopened packages of chicken in the coldest part of your fridge (usually the bottom shelf) for up to 2 days. If you’ve opened the package, transfer the chicken to an airtight container or resealable bag to prevent leaks and contamination. I like to use it within 1-2 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, I like to freeze the chicken. Wrap chicken pieces tightly in in a ziplock bag or an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Then, I place the wrapped pieces in a sealed freezer bag. Properly frozen chicken can last for up to 3 months.
Cooked Chicken:
- Fridge: I let the chicken cool completely before storing. Then I portion the cooked chicken into airtight containers or in a ziplock bag. Cooked chicken will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Freezer: Similar to uncooked chicken, frozen leftovers are a great option. Let the cooked chicken cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. Properly frozen cooked chicken can last for up to 4 months. I like this option because its super easy to pull out and use when you need it!
Bonus Tips:
- Always label your chicken with the date you bought it or cooked it. This helps you keep track of how fresh it is. You want to use the freshest chicken possible for your weeknight chicken recipes.
- Never thaw chicken at room temperature. This can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Thaw chicken in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave using the defrost setting.
- Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
What to make with chicken
Here are some weeknight chicken recipes that are made with chicken that you must add to your weeknight dinner menu!
1. Gluten Free Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
2. Baked Gluten Free Meatballs
3. Easy Sticky Chicken Recipe (Gluten Free)
4. Chicken BBQ Salad Recipe (Gluten Free)
5. Crispy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe (Gluten Free)
6. Slow Cooker Chicken Satay (Gluten free)
7. Chicken Taco Rice Casserole (Gluten free)
8. Easy Gluten Free Chicken Tikka Masala
9. Chicken Potato Curry Recipe (Gluten Free)
10. Cheesy Enchilada Potatoes with Chicken Recipe (Gluten Free)
11. One-Pan Greek Baked Chicken with Potatoes (gluten free)
12. One Pan Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet (Gluten free)
13. Easy Baked BBQ Chicken with Cheese Recipe (gluten free)
14. The Best Gluten Free Chicken Pot Pie Recipe (dairy free)
15. Lazy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Casserole (gluten free, dairy free option)
16. Bruschetta Chicken Pizza (gluten free, dairy free option)
17. Fried Chicken Tacos (gluten free, vegan option)
18. Breaded Chicken Caesar Salad (Gluten Free)
19. Singapore Chicken Curry (gluten free, dairy free)
20. Gluten Free BBQ Chicken
Leave a Reply