We've got the perfect solution for your busy schedules – a fantastic Jerk Chicken freezer meal. This flavorful dish is a blend of aromatic spices, heat, and tender chicken that will delight the taste buds of both kids and adults.
We’ve got the perfect solution for your busy schedules – a fantastic Jerk Chicken freezer meal. This flavorful dish is a blend of aromatic spices, heat, and tender chicken that will delight the taste buds of both kids and adults. The best thing about it? It’s a make-ahead meal, ready to rescue you on those days when time is in short supply.
It’s a hectic Wednesday evening, your littlest kids are screaming, homework needs to be checked by your oldest, and you’re exhausted from a long day or work.
That’s where this Jerk Chicken freezer meal swoops in as your culinary superhero. With just a little prep on the weekend ahead of time, you can have a wholesome, homemade dinner on the table in no time.
To make this freezer meal, mix your chicken in a mouthwatering blend of jerk seasoning, including lime juice, vinegar, tomato paste, nutmeg, cayenne, a hint of cumin heat for that authentic Caribbean flavor, and other spices.
Then, seal it in an airtight container or freezer bag and pop it in the freezer. When dinner time arrives, simply thaw it, and grill, slow cook, or pan-sear the chicken until it’s golden brown and bursting with flavor.
Not only does this Jerk Chicken taste phenomenal, but it also saves you from resorting to takeout or processed options on those busy nights. Plus, it’s a thoughtful gesture to share with fellow parents in need of a break.
So, stock up on the ingredients, whip up a batch or two, and be the culinary hero your friends and family deserve. Your taste buds and your schedule will thank you!
Why you’ll love this Jerk Chicken Freezer Meal
Variety of Serving Options
Customizable Heat Level
Make Ahead Prep
Minimal Cleanup
Flavorful Explosion
Jerk Chicken
We've got the perfect solution for your busy schedules – a fantastic Jerk Chicken freezer meal. This flavorful dish is a blend of aromatic spices, heat, and tender chicken that will delight the taste buds of both kids and adults.
Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add sauce ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. (You may have to scrap sides once or twice).
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Slow cooker directions:
Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
Add freezer bag contents into slow cooker.
Cook on low 5-6 hours
Serve over rice and enjoy!
Notes
If desired you can use a 2 tbsp of a jerk seasoning instead of the spices listed in the ingredient list.
Use the juice of one lime, if it doesn’t come out to exactly 2 tbsp that is ok.
You can sub out the water for broth.
If you want to shred the chicken, shred chicken and stir back into the sauce in instant pot then saute for 5 minutes to incorporate chicken and thicken the sauce a bit.
Maple Syrup for Raw Honey: If you don’t have raw honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup. It adds a sweet and slightly smoky flavor that pairs well with the jerk spices.
Chicken Thighs for Tofu (Vegan Option): For a vegan twist, you can substitute chicken thighs with extra-firm tofu. Cube the tofu and marinate it in the jerk sauce for a flavorful plant-based alternative.
Tamari or Soy Sauce for Vinegar: If you’re out of vinegar, you can use tamari or soy sauce as a substitute. It will provide a rich umami flavor to the sauce.
Additions:
Mango Salsa: Prepare a fresh mango salsa by combining diced mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. This vibrant and fruity salsa is a fantastic addition to balance the heat of the jerk chicken.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Dice sweet potatoes into small cubes, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Serve them alongside the jerk chicken for a sweet and savory contrast.
Coleslaw with Pineapple: Create a refreshing coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots. Add pineapple chunks and a dressing made with mayo, lime juice, a touch of honey, and a pinch of cayenne for some extra tropical flair.
These substitutions and additions will add variety and flavor to your Jerk Chicken recipe, whether you’re looking for alternative ingredients or want to enhance the meal with complementary sides.
How to Reheat and Store Jerk Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe after Cooking
Best way to store Jerk Chicken Recipe Leftovers?
The best way to store your Jerk Chicken leftovers is to allow the recipe to cook completely to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing your leftovers.
If you plan to eat your leftovers within a few days, storing your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge would be your best option. Make sure the container is sealed well to prevent moisture loss, which can dry out your chicken. If you do not think you will consume your leftovers and want to store for a longer period of time, the freezer is a great option for this.How long will Easy Jerk Chicken Leftovers last in the fridge:
How long will Easy Jerk Chicken Leftovers last in the fridge?
With proper cooling and storing practices, your Jerk Chicken leftovers should stay fresh in the fridge for 4-5 days. Always make sure to sniff your meat leftovers to smell for spoiled food, as you go to prepare your leftovers.
Can I freeze Family-Friendly Jerk Chicken after cooking?
Absolutely, freezing is a great way to store your leftovers. If you plan to freeze your leftovers, follow the same procedures as you would for storing in the fridge, allow the leftovers too cool to room temperature, and store in an airtight freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag in order to maintain freshness and texture, then seal.
Make sure to label the container or bag with the date of preparation to help you keep track of your recipe. In the freezer, your leftovers will stay fresh for about 2-3 months.
If you want to make this recipe a raw freezer meal, simply blend up the sauce ingredients, and pour over the chicken, remove as much air from your bag or container, seal, and label.
How to Reheat Meal Prepped Jerk Chicken leftovers?
When you are reheating your leftover Jerk Chicken recipe, you have a couple options. If you are reheating from the fridge, you may use your oven, preheat your oven to around 350 degrees. Place your chicken on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Reheat for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperatures hit 165.
Another way to reheat your leftovers would be to use the microwave. Place the chicken in a safe dish, cover it with a safe lid to trap in moisture, and reheat in short bursts, generally 30 second intervals, checking and stirring chicken leftovers between intervals until heated through.
If you are looking to reheat your frozen leftovers, it is best to thaw out before reheating to ensure even heating. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as above.
Make Ahead Jerk Chicken FAQs
What is unique about Jerk Chicken?
Jerk Chicken is unique for its bold and flavor combination of spices and seasonings. It features a distinct blend of ingredients that creates a complexity and aromatic taste to our senses.
What sets it apart is the process of marinating the chicken in this flavorful “Jerk” seasoning, resulting in a dish that is both spicy and savory at the same time, with a hint of smokiness from traditional cooking methods.
How did Jerk Chicken get its name?
The name “Jerk” is believed to have originated from the Spanish word “Charqui” which referred to dried strips of meat, similar to jerky.
This cooking method was developed by the indigenous people of Jamaica, the Arawaks, and later refined by African slaves. The term “jerk” came to signify the unique process of marinating and seasoning meat with a blend of spices, herbs, and hot peppers before slow-cooking it over an open flame.
How would you describe the taste of Jerk Chicken?
Jerk Chicken boasts a bold and flavorful taste characterized by a combination of savory, sweet, and spicy notes. It offers a rich, smokey undertone from traditional cooking methods and a tantalizing blend of spices.
The result is a harmonious mix of heat, sweetness, and aromatic herbs, making it a truly unique and mouth watering dish, that just needs to be had by all.
What are the health benefits of Jerk Chicken?
Jerk chicken can be a relatively healthy choice, as it primarily features lean chicken as its protein source. It’s also packed with flavor from spices and herbs, reducing the need to add excessive salts or added fats and sugars to bring the flavor profile.
The spices in Jerk Chicken recipes may have potential health benefits as well, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, be mindful of portion size, as in every meal, as excessive eating is often what makes things unhealthy.
What culture eats jerk chicken?
Jerk Chicken is closely associated with Jamaican cuisine and culture. It has roots in indigenous Arawak and African culinary traditions, blending ingredients and cooking techniques to create this iconic dish.
While it originated in Jamaica, its popularity has spread globally, and it’s not enjoyed by people of various cultures all around the globe
Is Jerk Chicken always blackened?
No, Jerk Chicken is not always blackened. The dark, charred appearance often associated with Jerk Chicken comes from traditional cooking methods, where it’s slow-cooked over an open flame or on a grill, sometimes using pimento wood for added smokiness.
However, jerk chicken can also be prepared in the oven, on a stove, or even on a gas grill, resulting in a deliciously seasoned but not necessarily blackened dish.
Why is Jerk chicken so spicy?
Jerk chicken is spicy due to the inclusion of different peppers in its seasoning. These peppers are known for added heat, and when combined with other spices, like black pepper and cayenne, they create the fiery kick that jerk chicken is famous for.
The level of spiciness can vary depending on personal preference, of course, with some spices being milder and others being extra hot.
: Are there any specific cooking methods needed to make Jerk Chicken?
While traditional jerk chicken is cooked over an open flame or on a grill, it can also be prepared using various methods. Grilling and smoking over pimento wood or charcoal are traditional methods that impart a unique smokey flavor.
However, jerk chicken can also be roasted in the oven, pan seared, or cooked on a stovetop, or in a crockpot slow cooker, allowing for flexibility in preparing to suit your cooking equipment.
What are tips and tricks to ensure the best results?
To achieve the best results with Jerk Chicken, consider these tips: marinate the chicken for at least a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate; use fresh ingredients for the jerk seasoning; control the level of spiciness by adjusting the number of peppers, and slow cook the chicken for tender and flavorful results, whether on the grill, in the oven, crockpot, or on the stovetop.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
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