Make 1 Chicken, Get 3 Meals

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In this economy, we are all trying to stretch our money. One way to do that is using leftovers to make another meal or two!

A whole chicken can go a long way. I bought an entire chicken at Safeway for $5.50. Here’s how I made 3 meals out of one chicken.

Day One:

Chicken in the crockpot with carrots and sliced potatoes. I served it up with green beans and whole wheat dinner rolls. Save the broth for tomorrow’s meal.

Day Two:

I deboned the leftover chicken and split it in half. I used half of it to make Chicken and Dumplings. I put some of the leftover chicken and all the broth in a pot. I added enough water to make it the consistency we like. You can season it however you like. I used allspice, salt and pepper. Some people like to put onions, carrots and celery in their Chicken & Dumplings, we don’t, but feel free to add enough to flavor it to your taste. After the water starts boiling add the dumplings and let them cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. Enjoy!

Dumplings:
2 C All-purpose flour
1/2 t Baking soda
1/2 t Salt
3 T Shortening
3/4 C Buttermilk

Combine the flour, baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cut in the shortening with a pastry blender or two knives until mixture is consistency of coarse meal. Add the buttermilk, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead 4 or 5 times — no more.

For drop dumplings, pat the dough down to a 1/4-inch thickness, and pinch off 1-1/2-inch pieces.

For rolled dumplings, roll the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness, and cut into 3″ x 1″ strips.

Day Three:

Use the other half of the chicken for chicken alfredo. I just use our favorite store bought alfredo sauce and noodles. It’s a quick and easy dinner!

Here are some other recipes you can make with leftover chicken. Click on the title to check out the recipe.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Veggie Quesadillas

Basic Chicken Salad