Microwave on high for 10 minutes? Why not just use a George Foreman grill so it's actually tasty? They're under $20:
http://www.amazon.com/George-Foreman...dp/B00CMQSZ0W/
You could also steam the chicken, which is a little nicer for using in different dishes (like cutting up soft strips for salads): (under $30 for a big steamer)
http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach...dp/B002SB8LPA/
We boil them as well, either in the crockpot or on the stovetop. You can find cheap slow cookers at yard sales; even an expensive digital one with a huge 6-quart capacity is only like $50: (I have this one & use it for doing make-ahead meals all the time)
http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach.../dp/B00EZI26GO
Similar idea to steaming, but it makes the chicken shred easily with forks. Since I tend to do a few at a time (usually 4 to 6 frozen chicken breasts & then season with garlic salt), I use Bear Paws for shredding them: ($15)
http://www.amazon.com/Bear-Paw-Meat-...dp/B003IWI66W/
Fork method works just as well: (I got the Bear Paws because I do pulled pork too)
http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/slow-cooker-chicken-recipe/
Then I throw the shredded chicken in a Ziploc bag & use it all week. From there, you can make all kinds of stuff:
1. Chicken tacos: Use soft corn or wheat or flax burrito wraps with some salsa, guac, beans, etc. When you're hungry in a pinch, just pull a wrap out of the fridge, top with chicken, microwave for 45 seconds, and add any toppings you want. I keep a bottle of salsa in the fridge as well for adding quick flavor.
2. Chicken salad: Mayo, mustard, and Season-all (seasoned salt) - just throw on a sandwich.
3. Veggie bowls: I like to do mashed sweet potato & shredded chicken with some garlic salt & coconut oil. Or just microwave up some frozen mixed veggies in water, drain the water, add the chicken, season it up with some salsa or spices. I have some cheap plastic screw-together soup bowls that I use when I don't really feel like cooking up a meal.
4. BBQ chicken: Just mix in with some BBQ sauce & throw on a roll, just like pulled pork.
5. Protein nachos: Melt some shredded cheese on top of tortilla chips & top with shredded chicken & a bit of salsa, then microwave til the cheese melts.
Lots more ideas here:
http://momfabulous.com/2013/08/50-recipes-with-shredded-chicken/
Chicken FTW!
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