Cooking for small crowd (17)

[The Tickle Momster]

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?

[RealLifeMama]

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.

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

[The Tickle Momster]

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

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

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

[Lady Grey]

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.

[Aerynne]

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.

[The Tickle Momster]

Originally Posted by Lady Grey

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.

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

Originally Posted by Aerynne

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.

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?