Help - dissected chicken in the freezer!

Alfietinker

Since getting my own chooks, I can only bring myself to buy free range chicken - and not very often at that. I went into a new butchers and the only FR chicken he had was frozen. I'd actually wanted one cut-up (jointed) so I could freeze the portions which he said he could do whilst frozen. What I actually ended up with is a whole chicken, sawn into 4 quarters! Not quite what I'd had in mind as I'm a little squeamish! Especially as the giblet bag is still in there! :rotfl: But he was so nice I didn't have the heart to say anything.

So. What on earth can I do with it now? There's only 2 of us so I'd like to make each 1/4 last for 2 meals (not much money left until next month). We don't like 'recognisable' parts on the plate :eek: so I thought I could do some kind of casserole. But do I defrost the 1/4 then cut meat off, then casserole? Or cook it whole and then cut-up?

I don't have a slow cooker.

Any ideas much appreciated!

Queenie

Alfietinker wrote:

.... We don't like 'recognisable' parts on the plate :eek: so I thought I could do some kind of casserole. But do I defrost the 1/4 then cut meat off, then casserole? Or cook it whole and then cut-up?

Yes, cook first, then the bones will be far easier to remove = less waste.

HTH

Alfietinker

Sorry, being thick. Do I cook it on it's own in a little water, then cut up and add to a casserole? Or cook it from the outset with the rest of the casserole goodies?

patgc

Make sure you defrost the quarter completely. If you are making a casserole, seal each side of the piece in a hot pan for a couple of minutes each side, then just put it in a ovenproof dish with all the veggies and some stock then cook slowly gas 3 for about 3 hours. You should then be able to just take the meat off the bones then thicken the juices and hey presto, a nice meaty casserole.

Alfietinker

Thanks both!!!