How many of you have noticed the cost of beef getting so expensive? So beef isn't only more expensive than chicken and pork but it it has always been one of the more fatty meats to eat.
Given these two facts my family has been eating more chicken. I don't prefer to eat chicken. I love beef. One reason I'm not as thrilled with chicken for dinner is growing up we only ate chicken whole pieces. There was too little variety in chicken. I am learning to use chicken in more ways. The up side of that is I've learned chicken is really versatile.
Shredded: Mexican dishes, soups, Hawaiian Haystacks, bbq, sandwiches
An advantage of shredded chicken is that it can be used in any recipe that required any other shredded meat (beef or pork). It also does not require as much chicken as other dishes when using large pieces of meat. Shredded meats also complement beans and rice mixed into the dish well, its a tip
chopped up and stove top grilled or boiled: stir fry, pastas, baked dishes, salads
Grilled or baked whole: salads, traditional chicken meals.
Ground Chicken: any recipe you'd use other ground meats. Meatloaf, meatballs, pasta, sausage, tacos, Stroganoffs. Ground chicken can be really expensive to purchase.
We recently purchased a Kitchen Aid meat grinder attachment. Its about $60. There are sales every once in a while on amazon or Macy's. It is so worth the cost. Then when boneless, skinless, chicken breasts are crazy cheap. I buy as much as the limit will let me.
Then I bring it home and cut it in strips.
I grind it right then and there before putting it in the fridge or freezer.
I then weigh it out in half pound amounts.
Then bag each 1/2 pound and double bag a few together.
All ready to go for making those ground meat meals.
Make sure that you clean the your grinder as soon as you're done, do not let the meat sit on it.
Again I want to say it can be used in anything you'd use the ground beef, turkey, or pork.
Add the right seasonings and it tastes the same in the recipe as the beef, and it has the same texture.
Also if you're a lentil adder to make your meat go further, its easier to add lentils and hide them in ground meats over shredded or other.
