Cooking chicken breast in bulk can seem like a daunting task But with the right tips and techniques, you can easily cook juicy, delicious chicken breasts in large batches for easy meals all week long. As a busy mom and recipe developer, I’ve perfected my method for cooking chicken in bulk Read on for everything you need to know to meal prep chicken like a boss!
Why Bulk Cook Chicken Breasts?
There are many great reasons to cook chicken breasts in bulk:
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Save time – Make a big batch of chicken at once instead of cooking a few pieces nightly Perfect for meal prepping!
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Money saver – Buying chicken in bulk quantities saves money compared to smaller packages
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Healthy protein – Chicken breast is a lean, versatile protein to build meals around.
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Variety – Cook different marinades and flavors to keep things interesting.
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Grab & go meals – Keep cooked chicken on hand for quick lunches, salads, wraps, bowls and more!
So if you want to spend less time cooking but still eat healthy home-cooked meals, batch cooking chicken is definitely the way to go.
Tips for Cooking Chicken Breasts in Bulk
Follow these simple tips for tender, juicy chicken breasts every time you cook them in bulk:
1. Calculate How Much You Need
First, figure out how much chicken you need to cook. A good starting point is 1⁄2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast per person per day.
So for a family of four for one week (7 days), you’ll need about 14 pounds of chicken breast. Adjust to your needs.
2. Mix Up the Flavors
To avoid taste bud boredom, divide your chicken into a few separate bags or bowls and add different marinades or spice rubs.
Suggestions: Lemon-herb, BBQ, cajun, salsa, teriyaki, garlic parmesan, etc. The options are endless!
3. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before cooking the chicken. This temperature prevents overcooking.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet
Lay chicken breasts in a single layer on sheet pans, without overcrowding.
Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking. Better to use multiple pans.
5. Check Temperature
Use a food thermometer to check doneness, not color. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Let It Rest
After baking, let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before cutting. This helps lock in the juices.
Chicken breasts baking in the oven
Chicken breasts baking in the oven
Step-by-Step Guide for Oven Baked Chicken
This easy method shows you exactly how to cook juicy, flavorful chicken breasts in the oven.
Ingredients:
- 3-5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, etc.
Instructions:
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Rinse chicken breasts and pat dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat.
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Divide chicken evenly between 2-3 zip top bags or bowls.
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In each bag/bowl, add 2-3 Tbsp olive oil and toss to coat. Then sprinkle on your choice of seasonings and toss again. Seal bags.
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Marinate chicken for 10-30 minutes on the counter or in the fridge up to overnight.
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line 1-2 baking sheets with parchment paper or foil.
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Arrange chicken on sheets in a single layer without overcrowding.
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Bake for 18-22 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
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Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
That’s it! Now you have a batch of juicy, tender oven baked chicken breasts to use in meals, salads, sandwiches and more all week long.
Flavorful Marinade Ideas
Chicken can taste bland without the right marinade or seasoning blend. Here are some delicious flavor ideas to spice up your batch cooked chicken:
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Italian – Olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, lemon, parsley
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Southwest – Lime juice, cumin, chili powder, cilantro
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Asian – Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic
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Jamaican Jerk – Spicy jerk seasoning, lime juice, brown sugar
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Mediterranean – Olive oil, lemon, oregano, garlic, rosemary
Get creative with spices, herbs and sauces! The options for seasoning chicken are limitless.
Cook Chicken Breasts with Alternative Methods
While oven baking may be the easiest for large batches, you can also cook bulk chicken breasts using other methods:
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Stovetop – Quickly sear chicken in a skillet for a crispy exterior.
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Grill – For smoky backyard flavor. Grill on medium high.
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Slow Cooker – Combine chicken with broth, sautéed aromatics and seasonings. Cook 4-6 hours on low.
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Instant Pot – Pressure cook seasoned chicken breasts for juicy, tender meat in minutes.
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Air Fryer – Air fry small batches of chicken for quick crispiness sans oil.
Chicken breasts cooked by different methods
Chicken breasts cooked by different methods
Storing and Freezing Cooked Chicken
Proper storage is key to keep cooked chicken from spoiling. Follow these guidelines:
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Let chicken cool completely before storing.
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Store cooked chicken in airtight containers or bags.
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Refrigerate for 3-4 days.
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Freeze for 2-3 months.
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Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge before using.
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Reheat chicken thoroughly to 165°F before eating.
Meal Prep Ideas with Chicken
The possibilities are endless when it comes to using cooked chicken breasts in meals!
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Chicken salad – Shred chicken, dice celery and mix with mayo.
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Wraps/sandwiches – Chicken, veggies, cheese and sauce wrapped in a tortilla or sandwich bread.
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Buddha bowls – Chicken over greens, grains, roasted veggies and dressing.
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Chicken pasta – Toss with broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, basil and olive oil.
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Fajitas – Sauté chicken with bell peppers and onion. Wrap in tortillas.
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Chicken pizza – Top a pre-baked crust with chicken, cheese, veggies and pizza sauce.
Get creative and try new flavor combinations to take your meal prep to the next level!
FAQs About Cooking Chicken Breasts in Bulk
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
Cooked chicken lasts 3-4 days in the fridge when stored in airtight containers. Discard if there are any signs of spoilage.
Can you freeze cooked chicken breasts?
Yes! Freeze cooked chicken in freezer bags or airtight containers for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
What temperature should cooked chicken be?
Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a food thermometer to check doneness.
How do you reheat cooked chicken?
Reheat chicken to 165°F. Options: skillet, oven, microwave, or simmer in broth or sauce.
How much chicken should I cook per person?
Plan for 1⁄2 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast per person per day as a starting point. Adjust up or down to your needs.
Get Meal Prepping!
Now you’re armed with all the knowledge to start batch cooking chicken breasts like a pro! With a little planning and these simple techniques, you’ll have tender, delicious chicken ready for easy meals any night of the week.
What are you waiting for? Get prepping! Try out different seasonings, experiment with cooking methods, and explore creative ways to use your chicken in lunches, dinners, salads and more. Your tastebuds will thank you.
Here’s to spending less time cooking and more time enjoying delicious home cooked meals! What’s your best chicken meal prep recipe? Share in the comments below!
How to Use Batch Cooked Chicken Breasts
Now that you’ve batch cooked your chicken breasts, let’s talk about all the delicious ways you can use meal prepped chicken! Cooked chicken breasts is a super popular meal prep ingredient that can be used in so many different dishes! Here are some of my favorite chicken meal prep ideas:
- Salads: Add cooked chicken to your salads for a boost of protein and make your salad more filling. Combine it with greens, veggies, and a healthy dressing for a nutritious and delicious lunch.
- Stir-fries: Cooked chicken is perfect for stir-fries. They’re a quick and easy meals. Combine your chicken with your favorite vegetables and a healthy sauce, and BAM, you have a balanced meal in no time.
- Soups: Use your cooked chicken to make a healthy and comforting soup. Try a classic chicken noodle soup, or mix it up with a spicy chicken tortilla soup or a hearty chicken and vegetable soup.
- Wraps: Make a healthy wrap by stuffing a whole-wheat tortilla with cooked chicken, veggies, and a healthy sauce or hummus.
- Bowls: Make a healthy and filling bowl by combining cooked chicken with your favorite grains (like quinoa or brown rice), vegetables, and a healthy dressing or sauce.
When it comes to portioning and freezing your cooked chicken, it’s important to do it right so it stays fresh and safe to eat. I like to portion my chicken into meal prep containers and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat to 165°F before eating. Super easy.
Still unsure about cooking meal prep chicken in bulk? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with these frequently asked questions and helpful tips.
How Long Can You Keep Cooked Chicken in the Refridgerator?
Cooked chicken can last up to four days in the refrigerator. BUT… if you notice any changes in color, texture, or smell, it’s best to throw it out. To store cooked chicken, use an airtight container.