Dinner in a Flash: 4 Quick Ways to Use Frozen Grilled Chicken Strips

Frozen Grilled Chicken Strips

I aspire to someday grow my own, food and cook everything from scratch. But let’s be honest, life gets busy, and cooking from scratch every night isn’t always realistic. That’s why I love keeping a bag of frozen grilled chicken strips on hand. They’re fully cooked, easy to heat up, and can be the foundation for a balanced, satisfying meal in minutes.

Including protein, fat, and fiber in every meal is a great way to give your body what it needs—without falling into the macro-counting rabbit hole. When we balance our meals, we don’t get hangry as often, our energy levels remain more consistent, and we avoid adding unnecessary stress (because no one needs extra stress).

This is one of my favorite products to recommend to clients who struggle to put together a balanced meal—whether life is hectic or they’re exhausted and faced with the dreaded “What’s for dinner?” question. Because let’s be honest, we’ve all had that moment of wondering, “Is wine a balanced meal?”

Here are 4 simple ways to turn those frozen chicken strips into quick, nourishing meals:

1. Grain Bowl with Frozen Veggies and Dressing

Grain bowls are endlessly customizable and a great way to build a balanced plate. Start with a base of cooked whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, or farro (you can even use frozen rice for extra convenience). Add a handful of frozen vegetables—broccoli, bell peppers, green beans, or mixed stir-fry blends all work well. Warm everything up in a skillet then top with the chicken strips.

Finish with a flavorful dressing avacado cream, Greek yogurt ranch, or a store-bought vinaigrette. Sprinkle on extras like nuts, seeds, or avocado if you have them on hand. I love a little bit of crunch.

2. Easy Stir-Fry

Stir-fries are a go-to for using up whatever veggies you have in the fridge or freezer. Heat a little oil in a pan, toss in your veggies and cook until tender-crisp. Add your frozen grilled chicken strips and stir until heated through. Pour in a quick stir-fry sauce (like soy sauce, garlic, and a dash of honey or sesame oil), and serve over rice or noodles.

Tip: Keep frozen stir-fry vegetable blends in your freezer to make this even faster.

3. Soup Shortcut

Want a hearty bowl of soup without hours at the stove? Use frozen grilled chicken to shortcut any chicken-based soup. Start with broth (chicken or veggie), add chopped frozen vegetables, a handful of greens like spinach or kale, and some whole grains or noodles. Add your chicken strips in the last few minutes and simmer until everything is warm and tender.

This works great with classics like chicken noodle soup or veggie-packed minestrone.

4. Wrap It Up

Wraps are one of the easiest ways to turn frozen chicken into a satisfying meal. Warm up your strips and roll them into a whole grain tortilla with shredded lettuce, pre-cut veggies, and your favorite spread or sauce—think hummus, tzatziki, salsa, or avocado.

Try a Mediterranean version with cucumber, tomato, and feta, or go for a southwest vibe with black beans, corn, and a drizzle of chipotle ranch.

Final Tips:
Take a peak at the labels on your dressings and sauces and try to opt for ones that have minimal added sugar and sodium.

When you’re short on time or energy, having shortcuts like frozen grilled chicken strips can help you stay nourished without overthinking dinner. These four meal ideas are flexible, flavorful, and ready in 20 minutes or less.

Want more easy meal ideas like these? Join my email list here for recipes, planning tips, and support to help you live well—without the overwhelm.

Easy Tikka Masala Your Way

When it comes to comfort food with a punch, Tikka Masala tops the chart. What if we told you it doesn't have to be a restaurant-only affair? With this easy, customizable recipe, you can bring the taste of Tikka Masala to your kitchen without breaking a sweat!

Ingredients:

Oil

1/2 diced onion

1 diced bell pepper any color

Raw chicken (if using)

Tikka masala sauce

Frozen or fresh veggies ( Mushrooms, corn, broccoli, cauliflower, peas)

Shrimp (if using)

Garnishes: cilantro, avocado, or pumpkin seeds (optional)

Naan bread or cooked rice to serve!

Instructions:

Prepare Your Base: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once warm, add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the kitchen is filled with a fragrant aroma.

If you’re opting for raw chicken, now is the time to add it to the pan. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink.

Pour in your tikka masala sauce and add your choice of frozen or fresh veggies. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Simmer to Perfection: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes, giving it a stir every now and then. This is where the flavors really start to mingle and become friends.

Final Touches:

If you’re using shrimp, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Let them simmer until they’re fully cooked and have absorbed all that delicious sauce.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro, avocado, or pumpkin seeds if you want a bit of extra flair. Serve warm with naan bread or cooked rice.

Enjoy Your Homemade Tikka Masala!

Note: Packaged sauces can have a lot of added sodium, sugar, and other additives. The one I use is Kroger Private Selection, which has only 2 grams of added sugar and 300 mg of sodium.