How to Cook Ready Made Chicken?

Cooking ready-made chicken is a convenient option for those seeking a quick and delicious meal without the hassle of preparing a dish from scratch. Whether you’re looking to reheat leftovers or turn a pre-cooked chicken into a more elaborate meal, learning how to cook ready made chicken can help you save time while still delivering great flavors. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss different methods of reheating and enhancing ready-made chicken, ensuring that every bite is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.

Why Cook Ready Made Chicken?

Ready made chicken is a popular choice for busy individuals, parents on the go, or those who simply want to save time in the kitchen. Here are a few reasons why you might consider cooking ready-made chicken:

• Convenience: Ready-made chicken significantly reduces cooking time, making it easier to prepare meals when you’re short on time.
• Versatility: You can add ready-made chicken to a variety of dishes, including salads, pastas, soups, sandwiches, wraps, casseroles, and more.
• Reduced Food Waste: Utilizing leftover or pre-cooked chicken ensures that food is not wasted and is used in a delicious way.

Understanding Different Types of Ready Made Chicken

Before diving into cooking methods, it’s important to understand the different types of ready-made chicken available. Each type offers different textures and flavors, which can influence how you cook and use them.

Types of Ready Made Chicken Available

1. Rotisserie Chicken: Often found at grocery stores, rotisserie chicken is fully cooked and seasoned, perfect for quick meals.
2. Grilled Chicken Breast Strips: Pre-grilled chicken breast strips are convenient for adding to salads and sandwiches.
3. Frozen Chicken Nuggets/Tenders: These are often breaded and pre-cooked, making them ideal for fast snacks.
4. Shredded Chicken: Shredded, pre-cooked chicken is great for recipes that require tender, pulled pieces like soups and tacos.
5. Canned Chicken: Canned chicken is fully cooked and very versatile, ideal for salads, casseroles, and sandwiches.

Each of these options can be used in a wide variety of meals, depending on how they are cooked or reheated.

Methods of Cooking Ready Made Chicken

There are various ways to cook ready made chicken, each with its benefits and flavor profiles. Below, we’ll explore different methods to help you get the most out of your pre-cooked chicken.

1. Oven Heating

The oven is an excellent way to reheat ready-made chicken while preserving its texture and flavor.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken: Place the ready-made chicken on a baking tray. If desired, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the meat moist.
3. Cover the Chicken: Cover the tray with aluminum foil to prevent the chicken from drying out.
4. Bake: Heat in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Tips: Add fresh herbs, spices, or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavor of the ready-made chicken before reheating.

2. Stovetop Sautéing

Sautéing ready made chicken on the stovetop is a quick and efficient way to reheat and add new flavors.

Instructions:

1. Heat a Pan: Use a non-stick skillet and add a small amount of oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add Chicken: Cut the ready-made chicken into smaller pieces if necessary, and place it in the heated pan.
3. Cook: Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is heated through.

Tips: Adding sliced garlic, onions, or bell peppers during the sautéing process can elevate the dish and introduce more complexity to the flavor.

3. Microwave Heating

If you’re in a real rush, the microwave is the fastest way to cook ready made chicken.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the ready-made chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.
2. Cover the Dish: Cover with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
3. Heat: Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to stir or reposition the chicken for even heating.

Tips: Be careful not to overheat, as microwaving for too long can result in rubbery or dry chicken.

4. Air Fryer Method

An air fryer is a great option for reheating ready made chicken, as it helps maintain a crispy texture.

Instructions:

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Add Chicken: Place the ready-made chicken in the basket in a single layer.
3. Cook: Heat for 5-8 minutes, checking periodically to ensure the chicken is not overcooked.

Tips: Brush the chicken with a light layer of oil or add your favorite seasoning to add some extra crisp and flavor.

5. Slow Cooker Method

If you have some time and want to add additional flavors to your ready-made chicken, the slow cooker is an excellent choice.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Add ready-made chicken, a cup of chicken broth, and any desired vegetables or seasonings to the slow cooker.
2. Heat: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 1-2 hours until heated through.

Tips: The slow cooker allows you to infuse flavors into the chicken. Consider adding ingredients like garlic, onions, thyme, or a splash of white wine.

6. Grilling

Grilling ready-made chicken adds a smoky flavor and a nice charred texture.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Brush the Chicken: Lightly brush the ready-made chicken with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Grill: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until heated through.

Tips: Use BBQ sauce or a marinade for extra flavor, and be careful not to overcook the chicken.

Tips for Cooking Ready Made Chicken

To make the most of your ready-made chicken, follow these essential tips to ensure it stays juicy and flavorful:

• Avoid Overcooking: Ready-made chicken is already cooked, so it only needs to be reheated. Overcooking can dry it out and make it tough.
• Add Moisture: Adding a bit of broth, water, or sauce can help keep the chicken moist, especially when reheating in the oven or microwave.
• Season Before Reheating: Spices and herbs can bring out the best flavors in the chicken. Experiment with smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, or rosemary for an added kick.
• Use High-Quality Broth: When adding broth to reheat chicken, use high-quality broth for better flavor.
• Cut Chicken Evenly: For even reheating, cut larger pieces of chicken into similar sizes to ensure they heat uniformly.

Flavor Enhancements for Ready Made Chicken

Ready-made chicken can sometimes taste a bit bland if not properly seasoned. Here are a few ways to enhance its flavor:

Marinades and Sauces

• BBQ Sauce: Mix ready-made chicken with BBQ sauce for a classic smoky flavor. Works well for sandwiches or as a topping for baked potatoes.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Combine the chicken with teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory Asian-inspired meal. Serve over rice and steamed vegetables.
• Buffalo Sauce: Toss the chicken in buffalo sauce and serve with celery and blue cheese dressing for a quick buffalo chicken dish.
• Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter with minced garlic, then mix with the chicken for a rich, savory flavor. Add a sprinkle of parsley for freshness.

Spice Blends

• Taco Seasoning: Add taco seasoning to the chicken and sauté with onions and bell peppers for quick fajitas or taco fillings.
• Cajun Seasoning: Use Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick that pairs well with rice or in a wrap.
• Herbs de Provence: Sprinkle this herb blend over chicken for a French-inspired twist that goes well with roasted vegetables.

 

Additional Ingredients

• Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil just before serving can elevate the flavor profile.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: A touch of lemon zest and juice can add a refreshing brightness to the chicken.
• Cheese: Topping ready-made chicken with cheese like mozzarella or cheddar and baking until melted can transform it into a comforting dish.

Recipe Ideas for Ready Made Chicken

In addition to simple reheating methods, ready-made chicken can be used as a base for a variety of meals. Below are a few quick recipe ideas to transform your ready-made chicken into something new and exciting.

1. Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ready-made chicken, shredded
• 1 jar Alfredo sauce
• 12 oz pasta of your choice
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
2. Heat the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the Alfredo sauce over medium heat.
3. Add Chicken: Add the shredded ready-made chicken to the sauce and stir until well mixed.
4. Combine: Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken, then top with Parmesan cheese.

Tip: Add steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.

2. BBQ Chicken Tacos

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ready-made chicken, shredded
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• Small corn or flour tortillas
• Coleslaw mix
• Fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Heat the Chicken: In a skillet, mix the shredded ready-made chicken with BBQ sauce and heat over medium heat.
2. Prepare Tacos: Warm the tortillas, then add the BBQ chicken and top with coleslaw mix and fresh cilantro.

Tip: Serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.

3. Chicken Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ready-made chicken, sliced
• Romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup Caesar dressing
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Croutons

Instructions:

1. Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, ready-made chicken, and Caesar dressing.
2. Add Toppings: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and croutons before serving.

Tip: Add sliced avocado or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.

4. Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ready-made chicken, shredded
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large baking dish, combine the rice, chicken broth, mixed vegetables, and ready-made chicken.
3. Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
4. Add Cheese: Remove foil, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Tip: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

5. Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ready-made chicken, shredded
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 8 flour tortillas
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bell pepper and onion, cooking until softened.
2. Prepare Quesadillas: On one tortilla, spread ready-made chicken, sautéed vegetables, and cheese. Top with another tortilla.
3. Cook Quesadillas: Heat a skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil, and cook the quesadilla for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Tip: Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Cook a Chicken Gordon Ramsay Style?

Cooking a chicken Gordon Ramsay style typically involves roasting the bird with a blend of fresh herbs and butter under the skin to add extra moisture and flavor. Although ready-made chicken is already cooked, you can add elements of Gordon Ramsay’s style by reheating with herbs like thyme and adding a bit of butter to enhance the flavor.

How to Make Chicken Pieces Tender?

To make ready-made chicken pieces tender, avoid overheating. The key is to reheat gently using broth or sauce to add moisture. For stovetop sautéing, low and slow heating with a lid on can also help keep the chicken tender.

How to Cook Chicken in Different Styles?

Ready-made chicken is incredibly versatile and can be cooked in many styles, such as:

• BBQ Style: Mix with BBQ sauce and heat for a smoky flavor.
• Buffalo Style: Toss with buffalo sauce and bake for a spicy kick.
• Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning and sauté with onions and bell peppers for a fajita-style chicken.

How to Store Leftover Ready Made Chicken?

Store ready-made chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it is fully cooled before sealing to prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess. If you wish to store it longer, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

What is the Best Way to Reheat Ready Made Chicken Without Drying It Out?

The best way to reheat ready-made chicken without drying it out is to use the oven or stovetop with added moisture. Covering the chicken and adding a splash of broth helps retain its juiciness. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the chicken tough.

Conclusion

Learning how to cook ready made chicken effectively can save you a lot of time while still providing a delicious meal. Whether you use the oven, stovetop, microwave, slow cooker, air fryer, or even the grill, each method has its unique benefits. You can also transform ready-made chicken into a wide array of recipes, from pastas and salads to tacos, casseroles, and quesadillas. Remember to add seasonings and moisture to enhance flavor and texture. By following these methods and tips, you can enjoy a convenient and tasty meal every time.