Description
These Freezer-Friendly Chicken Breast Packs offer versatile options to keep your meals ready anytime. Whether you prefer marinated raw chicken for quick cooking later or fully cooked chicken breasts for immediate use, this recipe provides flavorful marinades and simple instructions to freeze and enjoy healthy, delicious chicken that fits perfectly into meal prep routines.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lbs)
Marinades (choose one or mix & match)
- Lemon Herb: 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- BBQ Style: 1/3 cup barbecue sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Asian-Inspired: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- Italian: 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking and Freezing Cooked Chicken
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, a little for seasoning
Instructions
- Freeze Marinated (Uncooked) Chicken: Place each chicken breast into a freezer-safe resealable bag or container. Pour about 1/4 cup of your chosen marinade over each breast. Seal bags, label with date and marinade type, then gently massage to coat the chicken evenly. Lay bags flat in the freezer. Use within 3 months for best flavor and freshness.
- Cook from Fresh or Thawed: When ready to cook, thaw chicken breasts overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, grill chicken over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Freeze Cooked Chicken: Season chicken breasts simply with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until cooked through. Let cool completely, then slice or dice the chicken. Portion into freezer-safe bags, seal, label with date, and freeze. Use within 3 months.
Notes
- Ideal for meal prep: use cooked chicken in salads, wraps, bowls, or casseroles.
- Marinated raw packs can be baked or tossed directly into a slow cooker for easy meals.
- Always label freezer bags with marinade type and date for easy identification and freshness tracking.
- Adjust seasoning and marinade ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
