5 Freezer-Friendly Chicken Marinades

Marinating and freezing chicken is a convenient and efficient method for meal preparation. When you’re ready to use the marinated chicken, proper thawing is essential to maintain its texture and flavor. The safest and recommended method is to transfer the frozen chicken from the freezer to the refrigerator. Allow it to thaw overnight or for about 24 hours, depending on the size of the portions. This method keeps the chicken at a safe temperature throughout the thawing process.

Coconut Curry Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs)

• 1 cup coconut milk

• 2 tablespoons curry powder

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, curry powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, brown sugar, and salt.

2. Place the chicken in a large freezer-safe zip-top bag.

3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and massage the marinade into the chicken.

4. Lay the bag flat in the freezer. Label and date the bag.

Preparation Suggestion: Slow-cooked

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy over rice with a veggie of choice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs)

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1/4 cup pineapple juice

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.

2. Place the chicken in a large freezer-safe zip-top bag.

3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and massage the marinade into the chicken.

4. Lay the bag flat in the freezer. Label and date the bag.

Preparation Suggestion: Grilled, sautéed or air-fried

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy over rice with a veggie of choice like green beans, broccoli, or cucumber and garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds.

Honey Mustard Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs)

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

• 1/4 cup honey

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.

2. Place the chicken in a large freezer-safe zip-top bag.

3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and massage the marinade into the chicken.

4. Lay the bag flat in the freezer. Label and date the bag.

Preparation Suggestion: Grilled, sautéed, air-fried, or baked

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy with rice, roasted potatoes, or mashed potatoes along with a side salad or veggie of choice.

Honey Soy Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs)

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1/4 cup honey

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes.

2. Place the chicken in a large freezer-safe zip-top bag.

3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and massage the marinade into the chicken.

4. Lay the bag flat in the freezer. Label and date the bag.

Preparation Suggestion: Grilled, sautéed or air-fried

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy with rice and veggie of choice, garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds.

Spicy Chipotle Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs)

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, adobo sauce, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

2. Place the chicken in a large freezer-safe zip-top bag.

3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and massage the marinade into the chicken.

4. Lay the bag flat in the freezer. Label and date the bag.

Preparation Suggestion: Grilled, sautéed or slow-cooked

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy on a burrito bowl, a quesadilla, or on tacos.

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