Weeknight meal planning and cooking can really be a challenge…we’re all busy, everyone is hungry and time is of the essence. There are days when I really have to dig deep to figure out what we’re having for dinner! And more often than I’d like to admit we turn to take out. But if I plan properly, and bake and cook in big batches I can avoid all that dinner planning stress.
One of my go-to big batch meals is roasted chicken, either roasting them at home, our purchasing rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. I know that when we have roasted chicken for dinner one night, I can get several meals (and lunches) out of that roasted chicken for the next few days. I love this because not only is this a convenient and inexpensive way to meal plan, but I like knowing that we are enjoying nutritious, high quality and affordable meals.
A single chicken can be turned into a number of different meals: from roasted chicken one night, to soups, to stews, to stocks that are used as a base for other dishes for other nights. I’ve always done this type of meal planning with roasted chicken, so when I was challenged by the Chicken Farmers of Canada to take 2 roasted chickens and make 7 meals for the week out of them, I actually couldn’t wait to see what meals we could enjoy over the next 7 days. This challenge was surprisingly a lot easier than I thought it would be.
So the next time you’re serving roasted chicken for dinner, you can feel good knowing that you are already halfway to having dinner plans for the next few days!
2 roasted chickens, 7 meals
For the first night we enjoyed Oven Roasted Chicken with mashed potatoes, roasted squash, green peas and a salad. Just a simple and classic meal…a perfect Sunday dinner to set up the week.
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For the second day, I made Homemade Chicken Broth, which is the easiest thing in the world to make, and so convenient to have around (it freezes great too). This recipe makes a large batch of broth that can be used for 2 soup recipes. So for day #2 I used half of the broth for this Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup.
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For day #3 I made this Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake. My kids LOVED this dish. All you have to do is boil enough spaghetti noodles for your family (I used leftover spaghetti noodles), add the cooked noodles to a baking dish, pour in a jar of spaghetti sauce, sprinkle on 1 cup of shredded left over chicken, sprinkle on 1 – 2 cups of shredded cheese and bake in a 350 degree oven for 35 – 40 minutes. Yum.
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For day #4 I served this warm & hearty Cheddar & Ale Chicken Chowder. The original recipe is made in a crockpot, but it can also be made directly on the stove. Just follow the recipe, adding all of the ingredients to a pot on the stove, and substitute the raw chicken for 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken. This soup recipe also makes a large batch so it’s great for sending with the kids for school lunches the next day.
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For day #5 we enjoyed this Easy Chicken Chilaquiles dinner. This is a family favourite and SO easy to make…this recipe is ready in less than one hour too, making it a perfect weeknight meal!
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Chicken is a great protein for lunches too! My kids have been packing chicken sandwiches with BBQ sauce and cheese in their lunches for school, and I enjoyed these Chicken and Apple Tortilla Melts at home. (Recipe and image from Chicken.ca)
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And for the final recipe, I made this 30-Minute Chicken & Rice Soup. As I was making this soup I remarked at how good my home smelled…there’s something so delicious and nostalgic about the smells of carrots, celery and onions cooking on the stove. These are the smells of childhood and holidays and the anticipation of something delicious coming! And they can be the smells of everyday life too…simple 30 minute dinners that make everyone come running to the table.
30 Minute Chicken & Rice Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 – 3 carrots (chopped)
- 2 celery sticks (chopped)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1/2 green pepper (chopped)
- 4 cups of home made chicken stock
- salt (if necessary (adjust to taste))
- fresh ground pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 cup cooked (shredded chicken)
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- In a saucepan saute the carrots, celery, onion and green pepper in the butter for about 3 minutes.
- Sprinkle on some salt & pepper to taste.
- Add the thyme and cook for about 2 more minutes. Set aside.
- Bring your stock to a low boil, then add the rice, cooked chicken and carrot mixture.
- Lower the heat to low-medium and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the frozen peas, simmer for about 5 more minutes.
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Isn’t it amazing how many delicious (and uncomplicated) meals you can get out of 2 roasted chickens? Not to mention healthy and easy on the wallet too! I hope you got some ideas here for your next meal plan! Enjoy!
Have a delicious day!
Disclosure: I am participating in the Chicken Farmers of Canada campaign managed by SJ Consulting. I received compensation in exchange for my participation in this campaign. The opinions on this blog are my own.
86 Comments
Judy Cowan
November 21, 2014 at 7:57 AMThis time of the year I love make Chicken and Dumplings! Chicken Parmesan is another family favourite. We eat chicken several times a week!
Katrina Brady
November 21, 2014 at 8:26 AMLove o good chicken pot pie
michelle tremblett
November 21, 2014 at 10:01 AMI love Cajun roasted chicken breast with mashed potatoes, the kids go crazy for it as well 🙂
Lori Jackson
November 21, 2014 at 10:23 AMI am famous for my chicken cassarole…White meat chicken with dressing and a cream sauce in the middle! Family request them for Christmas!
ceecee
November 21, 2014 at 10:30 AMI love being able to create so many meals from one beginning!
ceecee
November 21, 2014 at 10:30 AMMy fave chicken meal is a chiciken enchiladoa casserole.
TragicWardrobe
November 21, 2014 at 10:32 AMI love making Chicken Alfredo! It’s so yummy!
colleen
November 21, 2014 at 10:38 AMI love to make chicken, pasta and broccoli bake, with dome cheese and stuffing for the topping! My kids love it.
Esther Abel
November 21, 2014 at 11:42 AMWe love chicken it seems I’m always using chicken. Our favourite is Chicken Parmesan! We love a stuffing on the side!
Kevin
November 21, 2014 at 11:56 AMChicken, ale and cheddar? Sold!
Suzie M
November 21, 2014 at 12:20 PMWe love chicken but our fave is Chicken Pot Pie
Bette @ Somerset Lane
November 21, 2014 at 12:23 PMChicken faiths and chicken enchiladas are our favourite.
La Cuisine d'Helene
November 21, 2014 at 12:27 PMYou have inspired me to make so many new recipes now. Looks delicious!
Darrah Bailey
November 21, 2014 at 12:50 PMI LOVE Chicken Lasagna
Sarah | (Cooking for) Kiwi & Bean
November 21, 2014 at 1:16 PMYou are speaking my language, sister! Love making a chicken or two on a Sunday and then turning it into other stuff during the week. These recipes all look great. I’m a big fan of chicken enchiladas :-).
seham merzib
November 21, 2014 at 1:44 PMChicken Alfredo
Lori
November 21, 2014 at 1:54 PMSalsa chicken
Nadine Ursuliak
November 21, 2014 at 2:01 PMchicken and dumpling stew….my fav and my comfort food!
Anna (Hidden Ponies)
November 21, 2014 at 2:06 PMWe eat chicken more than any other meat…I’d say stuffed chicken with spinach, cheese and sundried tomato is my favourite, with a nice alfredo sauce! Love this post!
Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen
November 21, 2014 at 2:43 PMI love roasted chickens for the same reason – all the leftovers! And there’s nothing like homemade chicken broth. I’m the weirdo who finds herself up to her elbows in chicken meat and bones while making broth at 5:30 in the morning lol.
This soup looks fantastic. 🙂
Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen
November 21, 2014 at 2:46 PMMy favourite chicken recipe is probably chicken piccata – it’s so easy and delicious!
Shareba @ In Search Of Yummy-ness
November 21, 2014 at 4:31 PMThere are so many great uses for roast chicken here! Your chicken and rice soup looks delicious!
Jennifer Andrews
November 21, 2014 at 4:51 PMGreat ideas! Buying a chicken and then stretching it across several meals helps keep me sane during busy times!
Monique L.S.
November 21, 2014 at 7:21 PMChicken Enchilada Pasta is one of our favourite recipes.
Jess Meddows
November 21, 2014 at 7:39 PMThese are great recipes, and so economical. You know what’s funny? Chicken, cheese and BBQ sauce sandwiches were one of my school favourites when I was a kid, too. 🙂
Jen Conlin
November 21, 2014 at 8:32 PMI Love a Thai Coconut Curry Chicken Soup!!
Fareen
November 21, 2014 at 9:19 PMI love how one chicken can go so far. Great post!
Lana Hood
November 22, 2014 at 10:32 AMMy favorite chicken recipe is roasted chicken parts that have been marinated in rosemary, lemon juice and olive oil.
Eva Mitton-Urban
November 22, 2014 at 2:59 PMSoft Tortillas shells wrapped with grilled chicken breast – topped with cheese/tomatoes/ranch dressing and the piece de resistance a dollop of *red hot chili flakes* …..*HEAT*…Comfort food.
Eva Mitton-Urban
linda
November 22, 2014 at 4:24 PMMy favourite recipe is Easy Chicken Chilaquiles…hmmmmmmm!!
Julie Bolduc
November 22, 2014 at 4:32 PMI love making creamy chicken alfrado in my slow cooker
missbobloblaw
November 22, 2014 at 6:36 PMI love roasted chicken, and homemade chicken noodle soup!
Bree
November 23, 2014 at 4:57 PMI love cheesy fried chicken! Mix bread crumbs and crushed up cheese crackers. Top with more cheddar cheese and bake – huge hit at my house!
Jenny
November 24, 2014 at 8:19 PMMy favourite chicken recipe is probably Chicken Piccata.
Merry120
November 24, 2014 at 8:20 PMMy favorite chicken recipe is Chicken and Dumplings. YUM!
Tiffany @ MyDirt
November 24, 2014 at 8:21 PMI love homemade chicken soup with rice. Yum! Comfort food.
Dana
November 24, 2014 at 8:28 PMI like a nice chicken curry
Alisha
November 24, 2014 at 8:33 PMGrowing up chicken Caesar was always on the table!
Alayne Langford
November 24, 2014 at 8:50 PMMy Mom’s Chicken Rice Soup is where I learned how far you can go with a couple of roasted chickens!! Wonderful recipes!!
Tyler Ennis
November 24, 2014 at 8:55 PMEspecially over the fall and winter my favourite meal to cook (and eat) at home is a savoury Butter Chicken. Mmmmm!
@myblocktyler
Lisa
November 24, 2014 at 9:16 PMlove roasted chicken…. We did that at thanksgiving this year instead of Turkey 🙂
Leslie
November 24, 2014 at 10:06 PMLet over roasted chicken roughly chopped and put in pitas with tzatziki, cucumbers and tomato and feta cheese
Kristina Vanderwater
November 24, 2014 at 10:26 PMI LOVE this week of recipes. Fantastic! I would need to roast 4 of them to get all the recipes though as my family pick the bones clean with no left overs! Thanks for this lovely little meal planning!
Brooke
November 24, 2014 at 10:43 PMI want to print out every one of these. I hate thinking about what to make for dinner. I love that chicken spagetti cheesy goodness for day 2.
heidi c.
November 24, 2014 at 10:51 PMChicken Pot Pie is one of my favourite comfort foods.
Kathleen Shaver
November 24, 2014 at 11:15 PMChicken pot pie of course, but I also make a mean pasta dish I call Pasta Antonio. Chicken, sundried tomato pesto, basil, roasted red peppers, portobello mushrooms all together in a cream sauce… Yum!
Michelle James
November 24, 2014 at 11:38 PMI like Classy Chicken & my kids like it too!
Judy King
November 24, 2014 at 11:50 PMThis is great! So handy for a busy life!
Misty
November 25, 2014 at 12:02 AMI love everything with chicken but I especially love Tostadas de Tinga de Pollo.
Voula Martin
November 25, 2014 at 12:06 AMChicken Legs or wings – I zest a lime, and combine it with montreal steak spice, then squeeze the juice over the chicken and season it with lime zesty spice. Bake at 400 for about an hour. Yum.
Kim McDonald
November 25, 2014 at 8:44 AMBuffalo chicken dip!
Nicki
November 25, 2014 at 9:41 AMWe always make Chicken Noodle Soup and Classy Chicken from the Best of Bridge with our leftover roast chicken. Right now I am using one for salads and the leftovers will get made into soup stock. I love Chicken 😀
Erin
November 25, 2014 at 11:10 AMI love a chicken pot pie. My MIL made the most amazing ones, and I sadly cannot replicate them at all.
Erin
November 25, 2014 at 12:27 PMI love making a modified chicken pot pie with biscuits or dumplings on top instead of a traditional pie crust. And our go-to weeknight/lazy meal is chicken thighs with a sticky-sweet glaze that I found in a old copy of Canadian Living.
Jessica C
November 25, 2014 at 8:11 PMChicken Fajitas are a fave in our house. We’ve used everything from ground, shredded, cubed and left over chicken. So delish!
Sharlene
November 25, 2014 at 10:02 PMJerk bbq chicken with rice & peas.
Jennifer Rayment
November 25, 2014 at 11:39 PMCrockpot Chicken Fajitas – Easy to make and delish – Just Chicken and Salsa and a couple of hours later – yumminess
Ayngelina
November 27, 2014 at 8:50 AMI’m a sucker for a classic, I love coq au vin.
Asiya @ Chocolate & Chillies
November 27, 2014 at 9:09 AMMy favourite chicken dish is Chicken Tikka Masala!
dani@lifeovereasy
November 27, 2014 at 9:22 AMMy favourite recipes are the soups – any soup with chicken in it is a winner for me!
Laureen Fox
November 27, 2014 at 9:36 AMOne of my favourite chicken dishes is a Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Julie Dyer
November 27, 2014 at 9:56 AMI love this recipe for Easy Skillet Chicken Parmesan: http://www.cookwithcampbells.ca/en-ca/Recipes/easyskilletchickenparmesan.aspx
Mama B @ My Edible Journey
November 27, 2014 at 10:26 AMBeyond simple roast chicken, I love browning chicken parts and popping them into a crockpot with sausages, aromatics and a bottle of beer.
Isabelle @ Crumb
November 27, 2014 at 11:57 AMRotisserie chickens are a life-saver after a crazy busy day at the office, though I usually can’t be bothered to do much besides cutting the chicken up into portions and then shoving it in my mouth. 🙂
When life isn’t so hectic, I make a pretty killer chicken tagine with bone-in chicken thighs, green olives, almonds and cranberries in a saffron sauce. I make an extra-large batch sometimes so that I can get two or three meals out of one pot!
Julia
November 27, 2014 at 1:30 PMChicken fajitas are one of my favourite meals.
Shauna
November 27, 2014 at 1:50 PMGood old chicken and dumplings is always good!
Angie
November 27, 2014 at 2:51 PMChicken noodle soup is still my favorite!
Luc
November 27, 2014 at 5:19 PMChicken broth. It’s just so versatile.
Linda Matarasso
November 27, 2014 at 6:39 PMChicken soup is a great starter recipe.
Kim Teasdale
November 27, 2014 at 9:25 PMI love a great roasted chicken sliced up and served in tortillas for mid-week.
Then using the bones for a homemade chicken noodle soup for the lunch on the weekend.
Kim
Cindy Nguyen
November 28, 2014 at 12:25 AM“Bun Thang”, a Vietnamese noodle soup dish with a chicken based broth and shredded chicken, eggs, and Vietnamese sausage on top!
Christine
November 28, 2014 at 5:16 AMI love Chicken Parm, but I have to say my grandfather’s Chicken Adobo has always been a fave!
Jana Kendall
November 28, 2014 at 5:28 AMRoasted chicken with salt meat and veggies! Hands down!
Melissa Beynon
November 28, 2014 at 5:31 AMThis is exactly what we do when we have chicken, buy it whole and roast it, maybe a pasta or pot pie, then soup (curried chicken and rice soup is our favourite!)
Sharon
November 28, 2014 at 5:48 AMall the recipes look so good, can’t wait to try them
Susan Spidle
November 28, 2014 at 5:53 AMCheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake
Alex
November 28, 2014 at 8:06 AMI am a big believer in old fashioned home made chicken broth. It’s the one thing I really enjoy making!
Jen
November 28, 2014 at 8:20 AMI love a good old fashioned lemon and thyme roasted chicken. I love the leftovers one simple dish can generate.
Thalita @ The Learner Observer
November 28, 2014 at 10:00 AMHonestly, my favourite is a simple roasted chicken. The crispy skin gets me every time! But chicken noodle soup is a close second 🙂
gemma@thesweetestdigs
November 28, 2014 at 10:23 AMI love BBQ chicken in the slow cooker…. soooooo delish!
Your meal ideas look great!! Going to try a few for sure…
Tara
November 28, 2014 at 12:26 PMI call it “Cinnamon Chicken”. It’s actually really good.
Great giveaway, lady!
Elnaz S
November 28, 2014 at 12:42 PMLove the 30 Minute Chicken & Rice Soup you posted and will definitely be trying it out!
Sara Rai
November 30, 2014 at 10:28 PMLove chicken wings..bbq and chicken soup.
Kayla Gilbert
December 2, 2014 at 6:32 PMI love chicken pot pie!
Andrea B.
December 4, 2014 at 8:28 PMMy favorite recipe is Double Crunch Honey Garlic Fried Chicken Breasts.
Michelle H
December 5, 2014 at 9:28 PMMy fave recipe is Jamie Oliver’s Hit ‘n’ run panbaked chicken:
https://www.sobeys.com/en/recipes/hit-n-run-panbaked-chicken
Thanks so much for this chance to win!