Freezer Cooking for May Part 2

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My second freezer cooking session was chicken. I bought 2 large chickens from Costco (total weight 10lbs). I put these chickens in my large 14qt stock pot, added 2 gallons of water and 2T salt. I let this simmer for about 30 hours. When it was done I strained the chicken from the broth. After it cooled I bagged about 8 quarts of stock..



I deboned and cut up the chicken meat and had 12 cups of meat…



While my stock and chicken where cooling down I made a double batch of brown rice. You can see my directions for making brown rice here: http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/cookingwithbrownrice.htm  . ..



The first recipe I put together was Mexican Chicken & Rice. This is basically similar to my Mexican Hamburger and Rice recipe: http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/mexicanhamburgerrice.htm  For this version I used 5 cups cooked rice, 2 cups (1 pint) salsa, 3 cups cooked chicken meat. I mixed it altogether and put it in a gallon zip lock bag..



On cooking day I will defrost it, put it in a 9x13 pan, top with cheddar cheese and bake at 350 until it is hot and cheese is melted.

The second meal was chicken burrito filling (could be used in tacos as well). I mixed together 4 cups cooked rice, 3 cups cooked chicken, and 2 cups cooked beans (I used a pint jar of my canned beans.. you can use store bought canned beans or your own cooked beans). I also added 1T chili powder and 1t cumin. I mixed it well and put it in a gallon size zip bag.. On serving day, defrost, and reheat for burritos that are served with all the trimmings (lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, etc..)



With the remaining cooked chicken I divided it between to quart size bags (3 cups in each bag). This will be used for soup or chicken casseroles. ..



I still had brown rice left and used it to make brown rice Florentine (pilaf w/spinach added): http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/brownriceflorentine.htm  I figured it would be nice to have a couple of side dishes in the freezer. I made 2 batches of this and put into zip bags..



More to come....
 

 

Comments

  1. Felecia CofieldMay 7, 2012 at 6:34 AM

    Hi Crystal! Thanks for sharing these recipes! I would like to do chicken in the freezer, but we don't like the taste of leftover chicken. Does it taste leftover, or maybe you don't mind that flavor. Blessings from Bama!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CrystalMay 8, 2012 at 11:30 AM

      Bama Girl.. I have not noticed that leftover chicken flavor in these meals. You might want to experiment with one of them to see what your family thinks of it. Crystal :)

      Delete
  2. VickieMay 8, 2012 at 6:46 AM

    I seem to be in a rut lately with cooking. Your freezer recipes have inspired me to get back at it again. I'll be making some of these over the weekend. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CrystalMay 8, 2012 at 11:30 AM

      You're welcome! Hope you enjoy the recipes! Crystal :)

      Delete
  3. CarrieMay 8, 2012 at 11:23 AM

    These sound fantastic! I've been wanting to do freezer cooking, but I just don't have a lot of leftover freezer space. This post shows me how I could do it a week at a time. And your instructions are so simply - I think because this IS simple! I just hadn't taken that leap to try anything yet, but now I think I will copy down these exact instructions and put it in my recipe folder for an upcoming week. Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CrystalMay 8, 2012 at 11:32 AM

      You're welcome Carrie.. There are a lot of freezer meals and starters that can be put in zip lock bags and laid flat and stacked in the freezer to save space.. and yes, a week at a time works great.. you will appreciate the convenience throughout the week! Crystal :)

      Delete
  4. emmCOMay 9, 2012 at 8:09 AM

    I love the idea of doing the burrito filling mix and freezing it. I've never frozen beans before. I assume they do okay in the freezer?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousMay 15, 2012 at 7:55 PM

    I can not believe how tasty this simple receipe is and so easy to prepare...thanks so much for posting,

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2016 at 3:45 PM

    You store everything in gallon bags, what size would you recommend for making 5 burritos from this mix? One adult and two light eating children. TIA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CrystalJanuary 24, 2016 at 10:46 AM

      I'm not quite sure as my expertise seems to be with feeding an army! LOL... :) but I'm thinking maybe dividing it into quart size bags would give you enough for one meal.

      Delete

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