How to make multiple meals from one whole chicken

Buying a whole chicken, especially a larger one around 3 to 4 pounds, is a great, budget-friendly way to create multiple meals for your family. With a little planning, a single bird can provide 4 to 6 meals, or even more, depending on portion sizes and appetites!

Here’s how to make the most out of a whole free-range chicken from Beech Ridge Farm:

1. Start with a roast:
Begin by roasting the chicken and serving it as a centrepiece meal alongside your favourite sides. It’s a comforting classic and sets the stage for what’s to come.

2. Get creative with leftovers:
Once you’ve enjoyed the roast, use the leftover meat in various dishes. Think chicken sandwiches, hearty salads, stir-fries, or quick soups. The versatility of cooked chicken makes meal planning a breeze.

3. Make homemade stock:
Don’t throw out the carcass! Simmer it with vegetables and herbs to create a rich, homemade chicken stock. It’s perfect for soups, stews, and sauces—and adds incredible flavour.

4. Portion strategically:
Break down the chicken into parts—breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings. Use each cut to create a different meal. For instance, save the breasts for a protein-packed salad, turn the drumsticks into a kid-friendly dinner, and serve the wings as a tasty appetiser.

5. Try new recipes:
Leftover chicken is the perfect base for countless meals. Explore comforting dishes like chicken pot pie, flavorful chicken tacos, or cheesy chicken enchiladas to keep things interesting.

By thoughtfully using each part of the bird, you can turn one whole chicken into a week’s worth of delicious, varied meals—saving time, money, and effort.