When life gets busy, having a “go-to” ingredient list is the secret to staying on track with your health and your budget. Today, we’re highlighting the ultimate trifecta of meal prep: Chicken, Rice, and Dandy® Celery.

While chicken and rice provide the protein and energy you need, Dandy® Celery is the MVP that adds the essential “crunch,” hydration, and flavor without the stringy texture found in other brands. Using these three simple staples, you can create a variety of globally-inspired bowls that keep your lunch rotation anything but boring.

This post is sponsored by Duda Farm Fresh Foods.

Mastering your knife skills can elevate your meal prep from basic to gourmet. In our guide, How To Cut Celery: 7 Different Ways, we show you how to customize your Dandy® Celery for every dish. Try it shaved for an elegant Oyakodon, julienned matchsticks for a crunchy peanut bowl, or a fine dice for the perfect Egg Roll in a Bowl. Whether you’re shaving it thin for a garnish or slicing “C” shapes for soup, the right cut ensures the perfect texture in every bite.

Here are three ways to transform your meal prep using Dandy® Celery as your secret weapon.

How To Make Shredded Chicken

To get your meal prep started, here are the most effective ways to prepare a large batch of shredded chicken using your preferred kitchen tools. Each method focuses on achieving a tender texture that is easy to pull apart.

1. Stovetop (Boiling/Poaching)

This is the fastest traditional method and keeps the chicken very moist.

• Process: Place your chicken breasts or thighs in a large pot and cover them with water or chicken broth by at least an inch.
• Timing: Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes (or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F).
• Shredding: Remove from the liquid and let rest for 5 minutes before shredding.

2. Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot)

Ideal for a “set it and forget it” approach while you go about your day.

• Process: Place the chicken in the slow cooker with about a $1/2$ cup of water or broth to provide steam and prevent sticking.
• Timing: Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
• Shredding: The chicken will be so tender it will likely fall apart with just a gentle stir of a fork.

3. Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)

The best method for those in a time crunch.

• Process: Add the chicken to the inner pot with 1 cup of water or broth (essential for the pot to reach pressure).
• Timing: Seal the lid and set to Manual/High Pressure for 8–10 minutes (depending on the thickness of the meat).
• Shredding: Allow a 5-minute natural pressure release, then vent the remaining steam. The pressure breaks down the fibers quickly for easy shredding.

4. Oven (Baking/Roasting)

Roasting the chicken can provide a slightly firmer texture that holds up well in stir-fries.

• Process: Place chicken in a baking dish and add a small amount of liquid to the bottom, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam.
• Timing: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.
• Shredding: Keep the foil on for a few minutes after removing from the oven to let the juices redistribute before shredding.

Simultaneously, cook a large pot of your favorite rice—brown rice offers a nutty chew while jasmine provides a fragrant, fluffy base. Once cooled, store the rice and shredded chicken in airtight containers; this duo acts as your “meal prep foundation,” allowing you to grab a handful of fresh, crisp celery and assemble any of these delicious recipes in 10 minutes or less.

Japanese Oyakodon (Chicken, Mushroom & Celery Rice Bowl)

Tradition meets crunch in this comforting Japanese classic. “Oyako” means “parent and child,” referring to the chicken and egg. By adding sliced Dandy® Celery and mushrooms, you elevate the texture and nutrition of this savory-sweet bowl.

• Meal Prep Tip: Sauté your chicken, onions, mushrooms, and Dandy® Celery in a dashi and soy sauce broth ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat and swirl in a fresh egg for that authentic, silky finish over a bed of fluffy rice.
• Why Celery Works: The celery absorbs the umami-rich broth while maintaining a light, refreshing snap that balances the richness of the egg.

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Easy 15-Minute Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Skip the deep-fryer and the wrapper! This “inside-out” egg roll is a fan favorite for low-carb seekers or anyone craving Asian flavors in record time.

• Dandy® Celery: For the ultimate shortcut, use Dandy® pre-washed celery sticks. Simply dice them up and toss them into the skillet with ground chicken and ginger. They provide that classic “egg roll crunch” alongside the shredded cabbage.
• The Build: Serve this savory mixture over jasmine rice to soak up the sesame oil and soy sauce flavors. It’s a 15-minute masterpiece that tastes even better the next day.

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Fresh Chicken Peanut Sauce Rice Bowl

If you love Thai-inspired flavors, this bowl is for you. It’s a vibrant, colorful meal that relies on fresh produce to provide a “snap” in every bite.

• The Secret Sauce: A creamy peanut dressing ties everything together.
• Meal Prep Strategy: Roast or stir-fry your chicken and cook your rice in bulk. Keep your Dandy® Celery and sliced carrots raw in a separate container to preserve their maximum crispness. Combine them just before serving with a generous drizzle of peanut sauce.
• Crunch Factor: Because Dandy® Celery is naturally sweeter and crispier, it stands up perfectly to the bold, nutty flavors of the peanut sauce.

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Celery: The Key Ingredient

Don’t let a single stalk go to waste! If you’re looking for even more ways to use your Dandy® Celery, you have to try these Produce Moms favorites:

• Slow Cooker Chicken, Rice, and Celery Soup: The ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort meal.
• Ants on a Log 2.0: A nostalgic snack made modern with fun new toppings.
• Homemade Celery Hair Mask: Because celery isn’t just for your plate—it’s a secret for natural shine, too!

Related: Celery: An Affordable Ingredient to Stretch Your Family’s Food Budget.

Why Dandy® Celery is a Meal Prep Essential

When you’re prepping for the week, you need ingredients that stay fresh. Dandy® Celery is specifically grown to be less stringy and more flavorful, meaning it won’t get tough or “woody” in your fridge.

Ready to start your prep? Pick up a pack of Dandy® Celery sticks this week and see how easy it is to turn simple chicken and rice into an “Unlimited” variety of delicious, healthy meals.