One of my family favorites is my crockpot chicken, and it's the easiest thing ever. In the morning, I put a whole frozen chicken in the crockpot and cook it on the low setting for 8-10 hours. That's it! I don't add anything to it or do anything special other than remove the giblets if necessary after about an hour once the chicken has thawed Typically, I'll start a loaf of bread during nap time to serve with it. Then just add a vegetable side such as green beans and dinner's done.
After dinner, I remove the leftover chicken from the bone, cut it up in small pieces, put it in a glass storage container, and drain all of the juices from the crockpot over it to save for another dinner. With these leftovers, I typically make either a Chicken Risotto or Chicken and Rice Noodles.
Chicken Risotto
Leftover chicken and juices (You can substitute prepared chicken broth/stock if you don't have chicken juices on hand. Just fill the rice cooker with broth and omit water.)
2 cups brown rice
1 Small Chopped Onion
Approximately 1/2 cup carrot shreds (Or chopped baby carrots)
Approximately 1/2 cup frozen peas
Microwave the leftovers for a minute or two to melt the chicken juices/fat. Add the desired amount of rice, chicken juices/fat, enough water to fill the rice cooker up to the 3 cups of rice cook line, a small chopped onion, and carrots. Then add the chopped up chicken. Turn on the rice cooker and let it do it's magic. Once the rice cooker switches to warm, I stir in some frozen peas. Leave it in the rice cooker on warm for a few minutes, and then it's ready to serve just salt and pepper to taste.
Chicken and Rice Noodles
Leftover chicken and juices (You can cook noodles in prepared chicken broth/stock if you don't havethe juices on hand.)
Approximately 2 cups of water
1 box Pad Thai rice noodles (I use Annie Chun's)
Frozen Peas
Dump the leftover chicken and juices in a large pan and add a couple of cups of water. Bring water, chicken mixture to boil. I typically break the rice noodles in half first to make them a little bit easier for little ones to eat and then add them to the boiling broth. Add more water to cover the noodles if necessary. Cook 4-5 minutes until noddles are tender, stirring occasionally. I add some frozen peas in with the chicken and noodles before serving to my children. You can also add some salt and pepper to taste if desired.
