Chopped Cooked Chicken Recipe 3

When it comes to preparing meals at home, having pre-cooked chicken on hand can be a real time-saver. Whether you want to whip up a quick salad, toss it in a stir-fry, or load it into a sandwich, having chopped cooked chicken in your fridge makes meal prep a breeze. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to cook and chop chicken ahead of time so you can easily incorporate it into various dishes throughout the week. Let’s get started with our Chopped Cooked Chicken Recipe 3.

**Chopped Cooked Chicken Recipe 3**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning

**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. **Prepare the Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere better to the meat.

3. **Season the Chicken:** Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts, then season them liberally with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer. Rub the seasonings into the meat to ensure even coverage.

4. **Bake the Chicken:** Transfer the seasoned chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. **Check Doneness:** To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. It should read 165°F (74°C) when done.

6. **Cool and Chop:** Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This step makes the chicken easier to handle. Then, using a sharp knife, chop the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.

7. **Storage:** Once chopped, store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 2-3 months. Make sure to label the container with the date for easy reference.

8. **Usage:** Use your chopped cooked chicken in salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, pasta dishes, or as a protein topping for your favorite grain bowl. Its versatility makes it a convenient ingredient to have on hand for quick and delicious meals.

By preparing a batch of chopped cooked chicken in advance, you’ll streamline your meal prep and have a versatile ingredient ready to go whenever hunger strikes. Experiment with different seasonings and flavor profiles to customize your chopped cooked chicken based on the recipes you plan to use it in. Enjoy the convenience of having this staple ingredient at your fingertips and elevate your home-cooked meals with ease!