Make Ahead Freezer Meals for Family Road Trips

There’s nothing quite like a family road trip. Packing up the car and hitting the open road is a great way to spend quality time together and explore new places.

But, of course, any road trip comes with its share of challenges – from keeping everyone entertained to making sure you stay on schedule and on a full stomach.

The North Carolina Foodie Experience

When it comes to food, North Carolina has a little bit of everything. From Southern classics like fried chicken and barbecue to more modern fare, there’s something for everyone in the Tar Heel State.

And what better way to experience all that North Carolina has to offer than on a road trip?

Here are some of the best places to eat in North Carolina, from the mountains to the coast.

In the western part of the state, Asheville is a foodie paradise. With its many farm-to-table restaurants and craft breweries, there’s something for everyone in this city.

Asheville family activities are numerous but for that little time you get to go around without your kids, if you can, be sure to try some of the local beer—it’s some of the best in the country!

If you’re headed to the coast, make sure to stop in Wilmington. This historic city is home to some of the best seafood in the state. Be sure to try the fresh shrimp and crab—they’re caught right off the coast!

And no trip to North Carolina would be complete without a stop in Raleigh. The state’s capital city is home to a growing food scene, with plenty of great restaurants to choose from. Be sure to check out the downtown area for some of the best dining in Raleigh.

No matter where you go in North Carolina, you’re sure to find some amazing food. But what if you’re in need to bring your own kitchen along? Well, that’s where freezer meals  come in!

These make-ahead meals are perfect for road trips, as they’ll save you time and money while still allowing you to enjoy some of the best food the state has to offer.

Easy Freezer Meals for a Road Trip

If you’re planning a family road trip, make sure to have some easy and healthy freezer meals on hand. These recipes are perfect for busy families on the go!

Recipe 1: Slow Cooker Honey and Sriracha Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. In a ziplock bag, combine the honey, sriracha, garlic, soy sauce and chicken broth. Mix well.
2. Add the chicken to the bag and massage it until coated in the marinade.
3. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours.
4. When you’re ready to cook, spray your slow cooker with cooking spray and add the chicken breasts.
5. Top with sliced green onions and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Enjoy!

Recipe 2: Freezer Bag Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1. In a large freezer bag, combine the chicken, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and salt. Mix well.
2. Seal the bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
3. When you’re ready to cook, thaw the fajitas in the fridge overnight.
4. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the contents of the bag.
5. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
6. Serve on whole wheat tortillas and enjoy!

Recipe 3: Freezer Bag Veggie Burritos

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 4 whole wheat tortillas

Instructions:

1. In a large freezer bag, combine the brown rice, black beans, salsa, chili powder, cumin and garlic. Mix well.
2. Add the bell pepper and cilantro and mix again.
3. Seal the bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
4. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the burritos in the fridge overnight.
5. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the contents of the bag.
6. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the veggies are tender.
7. Wrap the burritos in the tortillas and enjoy!

Recipe 4: Freezer Bag Sausage and Pepper Subs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 4 sub rolls

Instructions:

1. In a large freezer bag, combine the sausage, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, oregano, thyme and salt. Mix well.
2. Seal the bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
3. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the sausage and peppers in the fridge overnight.
4. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the contents of the bag.
5. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
6. Serve on sub rolls and enjoy!

Recipe 5: Freezer Bag BBQ Chicken Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 whole wheat pizza crust

Instructions:

1. In a large freezer bag, combine the chicken, BBQ sauce, onion, garlic and bell pepper. Mix well.
2. Seal the bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
3. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight.
4. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chicken and veggies for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Spread the chicken and veggies on the pizza crust and top with mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Sprinkle it with cilantro and enjoy!

Conclusion

These six freezer bag recipes are perfect for anyone looking to save time in the kitchen. All of the recipes can be prepped and frozen in advance, so all you have to do is thaw them and cook them when you’re ready to eat.

These recipes are healthy, affordable and easy to make – And easy to bring along in a freezer bag!

Collaborative post contributed by Clara Carlson and Maria Foster.

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