What To Know
- When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken alfredo over medium heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a kick.
- Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just looking for a quick and easy dinner, chicken alfredo is a great option.
If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy chicken alfredo, you’ll be thrilled to know that you can make it ahead of time and enjoy it later. This makes it a perfect meal for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook.
Benefits of Making Chicken Alfredo Ahead of Time
- Saves time: You can prepare the dish in advance and have it ready to eat when you need it.
- Less stress: Knowing that you have a delicious meal ready to go can reduce stress during busy times.
- Meal prep friendly: It’s easy to incorporate chicken alfredo into your meal prep routine for healthy and convenient meals.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Ahead of Time
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook them in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through.
2. Make the sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in the heavy cream until smooth.
3. Add the cheese: Stir in the Parmesan and Romano cheeses until melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Combine the chicken and sauce: Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir until well combined.
5. Cool and store: Let the chicken alfredo cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating Chicken Alfredo
When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken alfredo over medium heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
Variations on the Basic Recipe
- Add vegetables: Stir in your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms, to the sauce before adding the chicken.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a kick.
- Top with fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, basil, or oregano over the chicken alfredo before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Alfredo Ahead of Time
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the dish will taste.
- Cook the chicken thoroughly: Undercooked chicken can be dangerous to eat.
- Make the sauce thick enough: The sauce should coat the chicken and pasta without being too runny.
- Let the dish cool completely before storing: This will help prevent bacteria from growing.
- Reheat the dish thoroughly before eating: This will ensure that the dish is safe to eat.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know how to make chicken alfredo ahead of time, you can enjoy this delicious and convenient meal whenever you want. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just looking for a quick and easy dinner, chicken alfredo is a great option.
Questions You May Have
Q: How long can I store chicken alfredo in the refrigerator?
A: Chicken alfredo can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze chicken alfredo?
A: Yes, you can freeze chicken alfredo for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What type of pasta is best for chicken alfredo?
A: Any type of pasta can be used, but fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti are popular choices.
