Shredded Chicken

Do you believe in magic? Back in the Middle Ages, self-styled wizards claimed to be able to transform common materials into treasures, such as turning lead into gold. Sadly, it wasn’t true. However, I recently discovered a bit of real, simple sorcery that turns 4 pounds of chicken into a freezer full of delicious. The secret formula? Makin’ Magic Chicken Seasoning!

Okay, it’s not as dramatic as changing a rock into a gold nugget. But this shaker jar of precisely blended onion, salt, garlic and dried veggies has some impressive powers to save time and money – and these days, that makes it worth its weight in gold.

Here’s how it works: Simply combine 4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts and/or thighs, 2 cups water or no/low sodium chicken broth and 6 tablespoons of Makin’ Magic Chicken Seasoning in your electric pressure cooker. Cook for 15 minutes and then let stand 10 more minutes before releasing the pressure. Then shred with a pair of forks, divide into storage bags and pop into the freezer until needed for any recipe that calls for shredded or rotisserie chicken.

Here’s just a sampling of dishes made simple and delicious with Makin’ Magic Chicken:

1. Chicken Caprese Linguine.

You’ll feel like you’ve been magically transported to the isle of Capri with this fabulous Italian pasta dish. Features Makin’ Magic Chicken tossed with sautéed cherry tomatoes, pasta, pesto and fresh mozzarella.

2. Chicken and Biscuits.

The ultimate comfort food: Makin’ Magic Chicken in a creamy sauce topped with refrigerator biscuits.

3. Chicken Cherry Pasta Salad.

This will be your new go-to chicken salad. Made with Makin’ Magic Chicken, bowtie pasta and baby spinach leaves in a mayo dressing, it features dried cherries or cranberries to add a touch of sweetness, and walnut pieces that give it a pleasing crunch.

4. Magic Chicken & Mushroom Gallette.

Elegant enough for entertaining, yet easy enough for everyday dinner! Puff pastry sheets sandwich a savory filling of Makin’ Magic Chicken, herbed cream cheese, baby kale and baby bella mushrooms.

5. Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps.

Spread this Asian-inspired filling on a spinach tortilla wrap for a quick and flavorful lunch.

A full jar of Makin’ Magic Chicken Seasoning comes with a recipe booklet and makes five batches – that’s 20 pounds! – of perfectly seasoned chicken. It’s also available in a Single Batch Packet. But don’t let chicken have all the fun – this seasoning adds sensational flavor to so many other recipes, too. Here’s a BONUS recipe that proves the point:

Magic Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread.

A round loaf of sourdough bread sliced and seasoned with Makin’ Magic Chicken Seasoning, then stuffed with mozzarella cheese and baked to gooey perfection.

Now if THAT’s not real magic, I don’t know what is!

– kgm