Have you got a bag of frozen breaded chicken in the freezer? Here are 5 easy and creative ways to turn breaded chicken into dinner!.
As we round the corner on our third month of social distancing, quick and easy meals are becoming more and more necessary. Some of you are still making Cottage Cheese Lasagna, and for that, I applaud you.
You might cry if you have to wash one more dish, though. This post is for you.
You guys, I’m a FOOD blogger. I cook FOR A LIVING. And even I’m getting sick of being in the kitchen.
I mean “phoning it in” when I use a ready-made ingredient to make dinner faster. Maybe it’s a rotisserie chicken. Maybe it’s a bagged salad. Maybe it’s frozen meatballs.
We’re going to make 5 quick and easy recipes with frozen breaded chicken today, so you can phone it in like a boss.
So, let’s get to it. Phone it in HARD, relax HARD. That’s what I just started saying.
Frozen chicken patties are a pantry staple for many home cooks. They are convenient, budget-friendly, and easy to keep on hand. But it’s easy to fall into a rut of serving them the same way over and over again. Chicken patties on a bun or with some fries can get boring fast.
The good news is that humble frozen chicken patties can be used in many delicious and unexpected ways. With a little creativity, you can take this freezer staple from bland to grand. Here are 10 creative recipes and serving suggestions to help you get more mileage out of frozen chicken patties.
1. Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Add marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to chicken patties to make sliders that people will want to eat. The classic Italian flavors pair perfectly with the chicken. Cut the cooked patties in half or four to make them even bigger like sliders. Put them on mini buns for a quick and easy appetizer or a fun dinner during the week.
2. Buffalo Chicken Tacos
To spice up taco night, break up cooked chicken patties and mix them with Buffalo sauce. Fill the tortillas with crunchy slaw, blue cheese crumbles, and ranch dressing. Then add the buffalo chicken. Food that tastes like Buffalo wings but is in the form of tacos is fun and tasty.
3. Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps
The chicken patties really stand out in this simple wrap that is full of fresh salad flavors. Cut the cooked chicken into small pieces or shred it, then mix it with romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan. Put it in a tortilla and wrap it up for a light lunch or dinner. The chicken patty gives it substance, and the salad makes it feel light.
4. Chicken Pot Pie
For ultimate comfort food, use chicken patties in homemade or store-bought chicken pot pies. Dice and mix the cooked chicken with frozen mixed veggies, cream of chicken soup, and seasonings. Top with pie crust and bake until golden. Enjoy this hearty, nostalgic dish on chilly nights.
5. Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta
Chicken patties give this creamy pasta dish a new twist that tastes just like Chicken Cordon Bleu. Dice cooked chicken patties and simmer them in an Alfredo sauce with ham and spinach. Toss the chicken patties with pasta for an easy one-pan meal that still feels fancy.
6. Chicken “Fried Rice”
When you need a quick fix for fried rice cravings, chicken patties can fit the bill. Dice them up and sauté with frozen stir-fry veggies, soy sauce, sesame oil, and eggs. Serve over instant rice for an almost-instant meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
7. Chicken Pizza Pockets
For an easy homemade “Hot Pocket,” cut a slit in pitas and stuff with diced chicken patties, pizza sauce, cheese and whatever other pizza toppings sound good Seal and bake or toast until the pita is crispy and the cheese is melty. Customize them to please any pizza lover
8. Chicken Tender Salad
Chicken patties can stand in for chicken tenders in this family favorite salad. Dice or shred them and mix with greens, cheese, tomatoes, bacon, croutons, and ranch or honey mustard dressing. Getting your salad fix has never been easier thanks to the quick protein boost from chicken patties.
9. Chicken Patty Subs
Make quick chicken parm subs by topping chicken patties with marinara, melting mozzarella on top, and sticking them in a sub roll. Or go buffalo-style with hot sauce, blue cheese, lettuce, and tomato. The possibilities are endless for customizing tasty chicken patty subs.
10. Chicken & Waffle Bites
Channel the flavor of fried chicken and waffles in easy bite-sized appetizers. Cut cooked patties into cubes and serve on top of mini waffles. Drizzle with maple syrup and add a dollop of butter for an irresistible sweet and savory combo.
With a little imagination, the humble frozen chicken patty can be so much more than a boring burger or nuggets. These recipes prove that chicken patties offer convenience without sacrificing flavor or creativity. Next time you grab a box of chicken patties at the store, try whipping up one of these fun dishes for a meal that feels like a special treat.
Crispy Chicken Ranch Wraps
Who doesn’t love a good crispy chicken wrap for a quick lunch or dinner?
Cook the chicken, grab your favorite wrap, and then load it up with lettuce, tomato, and Ranch dressing.
Larger sized wraps work best for this so you can actually wrap it around all the fillings.
You can also add shredded cheese or switch up the sauce with Italian dressing or honey mustard. And of course, you could add bacon and turn these into a Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap. That decision is very much approved.
Frozen Breaded Chicken: What Kind and Where to Buy?
Before we get started, a note about the chicken. You can find frozen breaded chicken breasts at almost any grocery store. We’ve tried a few, and we’re partial to the ones pictured below, which you can find at Aldi. Many people who shop at Aldi are crazy about this chicken. Fans have given it the name “Aldi Red Bag Chicken.”
That said, almost any breaded chicken breast will work. Frozen breaded chicken tenders are also a great option for a few of the recipes, including the wraps, salad, and chicken and waffles.
Using frozen chicken patties gives you this!
FAQ
How do you use frozen chicken patties?
Deep-fry frozen patties 2 to 4 minutes or until heated through. For the microwave, place frozen patty on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave uncovered on HIGH 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. Add an extra minute for each additional patty.
What pairs well with chicken patties?
Ketchup: Its sweet and tangy profile adds a necessary zing to the savory patties. BBQ Sauce: Thick and rich, this sauce introduces a smoky sweetness that pairs well with the chicken’s umami. Honey Mustard: This tasty sauce is a good balance of sweet honey and spicy mustard. It can be used as a dressing or a dipping sauce.
What are chicken patties good for?
Is a chicken patty healthy? Ground chicken burgers are a better choice than regular beef burgers because they have fewer calories and less saturated fat, but they still have a lot of protein. This makes them an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a juicy burger without compromising on nutrition.