Bone-in chicken breasts are not only an economical form in which to purchase breast meat, but they are also more moist and flavorful than the more commonly used boneless skinless chicken breasts. Here are instructions for preparing a pack with about two large split breasts (4 breast pieces) into three paleo, AIP-friendly meals for 2-4 people (depending on appetites!). A key ingredient is the salt - I nearly always use himalayan pink salt. When your flavor options are limited, a quality salt makes a big difference. It's healthier too!
Cook the chicken:
Place chicken pieces in a large pot and cover with 4-6 cups water. Add 1 tsp. salt, cover and bring to simmer on stove over medium heat. Check for doneness by pricking to see if juices run clear. When just done, remove from heat immediately. Let sit, covered for 10 minutes, then remove chicken to platter, reserving broth. When just cool enough to handle, but still warm, remove skin and bones. Place skin back into broth on stove. Discard bones (or add to your bag of bones for stock in the freezer).
Now you have 4 large, peeled chicken breasts. Using a sharp, serrated knife, cut each breast into 1/2 inch slices and sprinkle the cut surface with sea salt immediately. Put salted pieces into a covered dish. Spoon over a little broth, to moisten.
Meal #1: Creamy Broccoli Chicken Soup
Remove 2 cups of broth from the pot, and reserve for other use.
Return remaining broth with skins in it to medium-high heat.
Add 1 bag of frozen broccoli, 1 cup frozen peas (optional), 1-2 peeled and chopped turnips, and 1 Tbsp minced dry onion.
Cook until vegetables are tender.
Add a handful of fresh parsley or other herbs of choice.
Puree - an immersion blender is your best friend here, but adding to a regular blender by batches if you don't have one - until smooth. The fatty chicken skin is key to creating creaminess.
Take a third of the reserved chicken, chop into smaller pieces and add into pureed soup. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve topped with butter, chopped walnuts, and fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Meal #2: Chicken Salad
While soup is cooking, take another third of the chicken, chop it finely and add in red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, dijon mustard and chopped fresh herbs. (Or your own home made vinaigrette recipe - enough to thoroughly moisten all the meat). Pack into a covered glass container tightly and refrigerate overnight. Serve on top of salad greens with tomatoes, grated carrot, olives or other favorite salad toppings and additional vinaigrette.
Meal #3: Spaghetti Squash Alfredo
Place 1/4 cup of raw cashews into a blender jar. Cover with 1 1/4 cup of boiling water and let sit 20-30 minutes. Add 1/4 tsp salt, dash of pepper and 2 Tbsp. butter. Puree until smooth. This can be done ahead of time and refrigerated for a day or so.
Cook a spaghetti squash according to typical directions. Remove 'noodles' and toss with butter and salt and dried basil. Set aside.
Place leftover chopped chicken in pan coated with olive oil. Cook on medium heat til warm and sizzling. Add cashew cream sauce and cook til bubbly. Serve over spaghetti squash.
A side dish of spinach salad with vinaigrette or cooked green beans or asparagus rounds out the meal nicely.
