The Endless Possibilities of Shredded Chicken
Let’s talk school lunches. This post is stemming from my frustration about them after all. I am so looking forward to school starting, but I could do without packing lunch kits each morning. Every year I promise myself that I’ll do better… I’ll plan them for the week, and make sure I have the groceries. I’ll attempt to make them the night before so the mornings aren’t so rushed but that only lasts a few days and truly - soggy sandwiches are gross. After a week or two of putting together decent lunches, everything goes downhill.
Lori and I brainstorm OFTEN about how I could up my game. Let’s be clear - I am the sister that sucks at school lunches - SHE rules at all things planning (especially if it involves a Post-It note), I’m good at other things. One thing that always comes up in our brainstorming is having fresh or frozen shredded chicken in the fridge/freezer. It is truly the most versatile protein for a quick, easy, & nutritious lunch. As part of our new lineup of lunch items at Supper Studio, called Lunch Kits, we are offering packages of seasoned, cooked, shredded chicken breast that you can do just about anything with! (Click here to check out our Lunch Kits!)
I’m going to list a few of the ways to use this in lunches, served hot in a thermos or cold. But honestly, throwing together a quick and easy supper using pre-cooked chicken is also game-changing!
Chicken Pesto Panini - recipe available in store!
Chicken Quesadillas
1.5 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozza, monterey jack)
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper
Wheat tortillas - any size
In large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place a tortilla in the pan, top half the tortilla with filling and fold over. Cook for 2 minutes, flip, and cook until golden and cheese is melted. Remove from pan, cut into wedges, and wrap in foil and a small towel to keep warm. Pack with sour cream or salsa to dip in.
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 stalk green onion
1 tsp dijon mustard
1/4 tsp salt
pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Serve as a sandwich or over lettuce for a salad. You could get really crazy and substitute half the mayo for mashed avocado.
Chicken Club Pasta Salad
3 cups dry pasta, cooked according to instructions
3/4 cup italian dressing (KRAFT brand is delicious)
1/4 cup mayo
2 cups, chopped, shredded chicken
12 slices cooked bacon, chopped (or use 1 cup bacon bits)
1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped bell pepper
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, diced
Cook pasta according to instructions, drain, and rinse with cold water. Whisk Mayonnaise and Italian dressing together in large bowl. Stir in pasta and rest of ingredients until coated with dressing. Enjoy!
Chicken Noodle Soup
2 tbsp butter
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1 tbsp garlic, minced
2 L chicken stock (you can use purchased, homemade, or use bouillion/water)
2 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste
4 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
2.5 cups egg noodles
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and garlic and cook until tender. Whisk in chicken stock, bay leaves and salt and pepper. Add chicken and pasta. Stir and cover. Cook until pasta is tender. Pack in pre-heated Thermos.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta
4 cups marinara or pasta sauce (click here for our favourite Everyday Marinara recipe)
1/2 cup grated parmesan
2 cups uncooked penne pasta (or any pasta you’ve got on hand!)
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
Cook pasta according to instructions. Drain and place back in saucepan. Turn heat to low. Add in chicken, marinara sauce, & parmesan. Heat through, stirring constantly. If using for lunches, heat the inside of your thermos with boiling water before scooping hot pasta in. Top with parmesan.
I hope this gives you a few more ideas of what you can do with school lunches! If you need help with the best ways to cook chicken so it’s not dry, reach out! We’re happy to help!
Thinking of you all as we start another year of school, we hope it goes smoothly and effortlessly!
~Leah