Quick & Easy: Start With Cooked Chicken

is a 25-minute, one-pan main dish.

By Vicki A. Poellnitz
William Dickey / Styling Rose Nguyen / Food Styling Rebecca Kracke Gordon

Recipes:

  1. Creamy Chicken and Noodles
  2. Chicken-and-Sausage Creole


 

Having chopped or shredded cooked chicken on hand is a lifesaver. You'll save both time and money. Watch for sales on chicken to get the lowest prices; then cook, package, and freeze bags of it. Supper will be ready to serve much faster. And don't forget, in a pinch, you can always use a rotisserie chicken from the deli. Round out either of these meals with a green vegetable, salad, or fresh fruit. Soft rolls are excellent to help savor all the richness by sopping the bowl clean.

Related: King Ranch Chicken Casserole, Chicken ‘n’ Spinach Pasta Bake Is Your Go-To Weeknight Casserole, King Ranch Chicken Casserole That's Too Good Not To Share

For three ways to cook chicken along with how-to-freeze instructions, check out Basic Baked Chicken Breasts, Grilled Chicken Breasts, and Boiled Chicken Breasts. You'll also find 25 of our readers' highest rated chicken recipes listed below.

One-Dish Wonder
We enjoy the simplicity of Creamy Chicken and Noodles, but when you have a good thing, sometimes it's hard to leave it alone. Our staff is always full of suggestions to dress up recipes with ingredients that add additional flavor. Here are a few stir-in variations to enjoy.

  1. Chopped Ham and Peas: Stir in 8 oz. diced ham and 1 cup thawed frozen peas. 
  2. Southwestern Style: Omit Italian dressing and Parmesan cheese. Stir in 1 (10-oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chiles and 1⁄2 cup (2 oz.) shredded Mexican four-cheese blend.
  3. Italian Style: Add 1⁄4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes and 1 cup turkey pepperoni slices.


 

3 Different Ways to Cook Chicken


 

25 Chicken Dinner Winners


 

"Quick & Easy: Start With Cooked Chicken" is from the February 2007 issue of Southern Living.