Cooking for small crowd (17)
 

We are heading out on vacation with my family for 5 days, 4 nights. Those going include my parents, my brother & his family (5), my sister and her family (4) and us (6). Each couple is responsible for dinner for one night for everyone. This is 8 adults, 2 teens, 4 tweens and 3 kids.

I decided on shredded bbq chicken sandwiches. I'm hoping to pre-cook & shred the chicken and freeze it. Is this a good option? Tips to make sure it heats up okay? I'm planning to cook the chicken but save adding the sauce until heating it. I was also thinking about having sauce options of varying heat. Does 20lbs of chicken sound like enough?

Ideas for an easy veggie/side?

Re: Cooking for small crowd (17)
 

That sounds like a good option. 20lbs of chicken sounds like a lot! That is over a pound per person if there are 17 people.

Can you do it in a crock pot?

I don't know where y'all are from, but cole slaw or potato salad would be a good side. Slaw is good because a lot of people put slaw on their sandwiches. If you do slaw and not potato salad, you could do a starchy side like corn on the cob, baked beans, or even potato chips. We would eat potato chips on vacation. :yes

The thought of corn made me think of another fun large family vacation meal- a low country boil! That is a little more prep than chicken, though.

ETA: :lol I just looked and saw you were in WA. I bet no one puts slaw on their sandwiches there. LOL.

Re: Cooking for small crowd (17)
 

Costco serves it with slaw. :giggle I thought that weird. :yes Slaw is doable. And, super easy. Chips too. I do a minimum 3 breasts for my family alone. It is barely enough. :jawdrop

We'll be staying in a time share. I know they provide pots. I'm afraid they won't be big enough. :think :nails

As for the quantity, I'd rather have leftovers for lunch than rin out, iykwim. How much slaw for this size group?

Re: Cooking for small crowd (17)
 

I cook bbq chicken in the crockpot, but for reheating you might just use a big pot on the stove.

If you have Aldi where you live, their organic bbq sauce is SO GOOD.

Re: Cooking for small crowd (17)
 

If you'll have a crock pot where you are staying I wouldn't bother cooking it before you go. I also think 20 lb is a lot. Where you are having it on sandwiches I would say you could get away with half of that easily.

Slaw is a good idea, especially if you buy it pre-shredded

I might do a fruit salad, too.

Re: Cooking for small crowd (17)
 

No Aldi. :no We like Kinder organic sauce and, as much as I hate to admit it, Guy Fieri BBQ sauce it quite good. :yum

Okay, so, 10-12 lbs chicken, much better cost wise. No crock pot. I'd have to pack it, and might. Not sure of the plans that day yet. Will that much fit in my 6qt crock if I decide to take it with?

Re: Cooking for small crowd (17)
 

I really don't know; it's been so long since I made chicken. If I were you I'd probably do a test run- make some for your family (freeze it if you don't want it right away) and see how much you can make in there and how well it turns out, etc. But I like the idea of cooking it there because you can also buy it at your destination and not have to bring it with you.

Re: Cooking for small crowd (17)
 

I think your idea for feeding a crowd sounds great. Shredded chicken reheats well. I recommend thawing and then reheating in a covered dish in the oven, checking to ensure you are maintaining moisture (add a little water if needed) to ensure it's not drying out.

My crew loves baked beans and cut fruits and veggies with something like this-or a big green salad and watermelon.

Have a great trip!!

Re: Cooking for small crowd (17)
 

Thank you! I was considering reheating in the oven. I'll havento check the included list from the condo & see if theybhave what I need.

Someone up thread suggested buying food when we arrive. We talked about that. It is an 8 hour drive if we don't stop. I'm expecting it to take 12. I don't think we will want to go shopping after that. :no I'm planning to do all the shopping, and as much of the prep before we leave as I can.

Re: Cooking for small crowd (17)
 

My in-laws often pick up BBQ catering for family event. The meat is sold in large foil pans with lids for reheating, and the sauces are served on the side so people can customize. The meat is pretty simple, I suspect just smoked with salt and pepper?

Re: Cooking for small crowd (17)
 

Foil pans with lids in the oven is a great idea!

Re: Cooking for small crowd (17)
 

Yes it is! I could precook then freeze in the pans. Great for travel & much lighter than corningware. :yes

Re: Cooking for small crowd (17)
 

I bought these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
from Amazon for DD to make cinnamon rolls and freezer meals to sell. I know you don't need 30, and it looks like they are not available anyway, but they are so much nicer than the ones that I have gotten at the dollar store or grocery store. They are pretty deep, and a little smaller on the bottom than 9X13. The top measures 9X13.
Maybe you could find something similar with less pans.

Re: Cooking for small crowd (17)
 

I have a friend whondies catering. I was thinking I'd nasknher if I could buy 2 pans. :yes

Re: Cooking for small crowd (17)
 

That sounds good! I'd use a temperature probe just to check you have reheated it to the correct temperature. I don't always use one for when it is just us but it is worth it for when you are feeding others, lol.