Whether you're expecting or wanting to stock the freezer to get ahead, look no further. Here are helpful tips for the best way to freeze marinated chicken including freezing instructions and thawing directions.
Today I'm share with you my best tips how to freeze and thaw marinated chicken. It doesn't sound revolutionary, but you won't believe the confusion, mistakes and that they even could freeze marinated chicken.
Reasons Why You Should Freeze Marinated Chicken
- Saves time during busy weeks or weekends
- It will make your life easier– that's something we ALL can appreciate!
- Preparing chicken ahead of time allows for more flavor to develop
- Minimal time: 5 minutes prep and place chicken in the freezer for up to 3 months
- If buying in bulk, you can divide the chicken up in portions
- Less waste– no forgetting that you have chicken sitting in the refrigerator
Most Asked Question: Can You Freeze Marinated Chicken?
A question that I'm asked often and likely why you're here is, "Can I freeze marinated chicken?" The answer: YES! I've outlined everything you need to know about freezing marinated chicken below, including step-by-step freezing instructions and thawing instructions.
Overview: 5 Tips for Prepping Marinated Chicken For The Freezer
- Clean Out Your Freezer: Most of us don't have a spare freezer in the garage and if you do, it's likely getting full. Take inventory of items and clear out as much room as you can in your freezer.
- Get Freezer-Friendly Bags: I prefer to freeze chicken in zipped-top freezer bags (or these silicone reusable bags) so I can easily lay them flat which allows for better storage. It's important to make sure that you use freezer-friendly bags.
- Add Labels: Label everything with the marinade name, cut of chicken and the date. If the marinade is part of a recipe, I find it's helpful to include the name of the recipe or website that way you can reference it later when you need it.
- Freeze in Portions: There are times where it makes sense to freeze in large batches but for the average family, smaller portions work best.
- Don't Forget About Plain Chicken: Most people who want to meal prep or stock the freezer only focus on marinated chicken, but freezing portioned plain chicken is just as important.
Step-By-Step Instructions: How To Freeze Marinated Chicken
- Add The Label: Grab a freezer-friendly bag and label it with the marinade name, cut of chicken and the date. If needed, add the website or name of recipe you're following to reference later. For example: Chicken Thighs, March 1, 2024, Damn Delicious Lemon Garlic Marinade.
- Portion The Chicken: Begin by portioning out the chicken based on the recipe for your marinade. If needed for a specific recipe that you're following, cut into smaller pieces. For example: a recipe may call for 2 pounds of chicken cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Make The Marinade: Add the ingredients for your marinade to the freezer-friendly bag. If desired, give it a quick whisk. Make this easy on yourself and use a bag holder if you have it.
- Add The Chicken: Add the chicken into the zip-topped bag then seal the bag while trying to remove as much as air as possible.
- Massage the Chicken: Give the chicken a massage and shake allowing the marinade to coat the pieces of chicken evenly.
- Place In Freezer: For best storage, lay the zip-topped bag flat out in the freezer. Once it's completely frozen, store as desired in a drawer or stacked for up to 3 months. Remember to place towards the back or behind other items that will expire earlier. You can also place directly in your freezer without laying flat depending on the space you have.
- To Thaw: Place the frozen bag of chicken in a bowl or on a plate to prevent it from leaking (it happens once in a while) in the refrigerator the night before. The day of, set it at room temperature for 10 minutes.
You Can Freeze Marinated Chicken Thighs or Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
What I LOVE about marinating chicken ahead of time is that is so versatile– use what you have on hand or your favorite cut of chicken. I normally marinate chicken breasts, chicken thighs and chicken wings as we typically eat chicken the most, especially in the summer.
Freeze Marinated Chicken: 4 Chicken Marinades
Description
Whether you're expecting or wanting to stock the freezer to get ahead, look no further. Here are helpful tips for the best way to freeze marinated chicken including freezing instructions and thawing directions. Plus, four chicken marinades!
Ingredients
Teriyaki Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tablespoons honey
- 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Italian Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Balsamic Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon honey, or maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Lemon Rosemary Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Choose a chicken marinade from the list above. Place all the ingredients into a medium bowl or zip-topped bag and whisk/shake to combine.
- Place the chicken breasts into airtight container (or the the zip-topped bag.) Pour the marinade on top of the chicken giving it a stir making sure the chicken is coated.
- Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before cooking. Follow your favorite cooking method. The chicken is done when the internal temperature of the chicken is 165ºF. Allow the chicken breasts to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 344mg | Potassium: 663mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 73IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @SimpleEverydayRecipes or tag #simpleeverydayrecipes!
Alex says
After I marinate raw chicken should I pre-freeze it for a short time either individually or all together before I then vacuum seal it and freeze it?
If I'm just brushing with olive oil and then with dry rub same question above and should I separate with wax paper before vacuum Sealing? Asking because I don't want the oil and dry rub all sticking to the bag after it is thawed. Or maybe I should take it out of the vacuum sealed bag before thawing in refrigerator?
Christina says
This is really up to you. I just throw it all together in the bag (even when I vacuum seal it) and then toss it in the freezer. As it thaws the marinade is fine in the bag just as if it was just sitting in the refrigerator with it.
Penny Domres says
Do you throw away the marinade after thawed like you do regular marinade is it safe
Andrea says
I could be wrong, but I swear when I saved this link there used to be 4 marinade recipes. Did they get deleted or am I crazy?
Christina says
Hi Andrea,
If you scroll to the bottom of the post you should see the recipe card that includes the 4 marinades. Let me know if you can't see them for some reason and I can email them to you directly.
Thank you,
Christina
Macy Lazaro says
Is it safe to reuse the bag? Say if you are always doing the same marinade? Can it be a container instead of a ziplock back which are usually disposable.
Thanks for the tips! Learning a lot 😀
Christina says
Hi Macy! There are some that choose to wash their zipped-top bags which you can opt to do for future use, I do not. I toss them when I'm finished with them. I recommend using either silicone bags (made for the intent of being reused) or containers as they can both be easily washed.