Make-Ahead Chicken, 4 Ways: Skillet, Sheet Pan, Slow Cooker, or Instant Pot

Jan 15 2021
One of the most versatile lean proteins around? Chicken breast. It goes with everything! That's why we always make a point to have cooked chicken on hand to throw into an impromptu meal. If you have raw chicken breast in your fridge, we have four easy ways for you to cook up a big batch. Check ‘em out, and feel free to mix things up with your favorite seasonings!



Skillet-Cooked Chicken

1/4th of recipe: 136 calories, 3g total fat (0.5g sat. fat), 341mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 25.5g protein

Green Plan SmartPoints® value 2*
Blue Plan (Freestyle) SmartPoints® value 0*
Purple Plan SmartPoints® value 0*

For chicken in a hurry, this is the fastest way. Pound 1 lb. raw boneless skinless chicken breast to an even thickness with a meat mallet or heavy can. Season with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. black pepper. Bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes per side, until cooked through.

Sheet-Pan Chicken

1/4th of recipe: 136 calories, 3g total fat (0.5g sat. fat), 341mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 25.5g protein

Green Plan SmartPoints® value 2*
Blue Plan (Freestyle) SmartPoints® value 0*
Purple Plan SmartPoints® value 0*

Want a hands-off method ready in under half an hour? Preheat oven to 375 degrees, and spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray. Pound 1 lb. raw boneless skinless chicken breast to an even thickness, and season with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. black pepper. Bake for about 20 minutes, until fully cooked, flipping halfway through.

Slow-Cooker Chicken

1/4th of recipe: 139 calories, 3g total fat (0.5g sat. fat), 396mg sodium, <0.5g carbs, 0g fiber, <0.5g sugars, 25.5g protein

Green Plan SmartPoints® value 2*
Blue Plan (Freestyle) SmartPoints® value 0*
Purple Plan SmartPoints® value 0*

Here's the set-it-and-forget-it version: Place 1 lb. raw boneless skinless chicken breast in a slow cooker, and season with 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. black pepper. Add 1 cup chicken broth. Cover and cook on high for 3 - 4 hours or on low for 7 - 8 hours, until chicken is fully cooked.

Instant Pot Chicken

1/4th of recipe: 139 calories, 3g total fat (0.5g sat. fat), 396mg sodium, <0.5g carbs, 0g fiber, <0.5g sugars, 25.5g protein

Green Plan SmartPoints® value 2*
Blue Plan (Freestyle™) SmartPoints® value 0*
Purple Plan SmartPoints® value 0*

Another speedy method! Place 1 lb. raw boneless skinless chicken breast in pot, and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. black pepper. Add 1 cup chicken broth. Seal with lid. Press Manual/Pressure Cook, and set for 8 minutes. Carefully release steam.

Once cooked, press the Keep Warm/Cancel button to turn off the Instant Pot. Turn the pressure release handle to the Venting position to let out steam until the float valve drops down. (Look out for hot steam!)

Ready for Recipes?

We have you covered. Click here for 16 ways to use that precooked chicken: breakfast, lunch & beyond!



Interview with Lisa: All Things Fast & Easy!

This week’s podcast is a MUST-LISTEN: It’s the Fast & Easy Episode, all about the new cookbook! Cue it up to hear Lisa address questions like…

What makes this book different than previous HG cookbooks?
What are some go-to ingredients for fast & easy meals?
Which recipes are your personal favorites?
… and so much more!

CLICK TO LISTEN!
Anytime, anywhere. Hungry Girl: Chew the Right Thing! is also available on your phone’s podcast app.

Chew on this:

Today is January 15th, National Strawberry Ice Cream Day! We're gonna snuggle under a blanket with a pint of Enlightened Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream and celebrate.

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*The WW Points® values for these products and/or recipes were calculated by Hungry Girl and are not an endorsement or approval of the product, recipe or its manufacturer or developer by WW International, Inc., the owner of the Points® trademark.

Questions on the WW Points® values listed? Click here.

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