Jerk Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
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.
A Year of Meal Plans on a Budget
Gluten Free

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
Instant Pot Jerk Chicken | Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken | Instant Pot Jerk chicken Tacos | Instant Pot Hicken | Instant Pot Chicken Thighs | Slow Cooker Shredded Jerk Chicken | Jerk Chicken Recipe | Easy Jerk Chicken Recipe
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.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 529 kcal
Equipment
  • 1 Slow Cooker
  • 1 gallon freezer bag
  • 1 High speed blender
Ingredients
 
 
  • 2-3 lbs chicken thighs boneless/skinless
Jerk Sauce (Blend Together):
  • 2 tbsp raw honey
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
For serving:
  • 2 cups uncooked rice
Instructions
 
Prep/freezer directions:
  • 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!
Instant Pot Directions
  1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add 1/2 cup water.
  2. Set to High Pressure for 20 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release. 
  3. Serve over rice and enjoy!
Dietary Adjustments
Make it Gluten-Free:
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
 
 
Make it Dairy-Free:
  • This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 529kcalCarbohydrates: 96.1gProtein: 29.8gFat: 10.4gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 9857mgPotassium: 2036mgFiber: 24.3gSugar: 35.6gCalcium: 775mgIron: 42mg
Keyword Chicken Recipes, freezer meals, Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken
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Equipment Needed to Make Easy Jerk Chicken Prep

  • 1 Slow Cooker
  • 1 gallon freezer bag
  • 1 High speed blender

Ingredients for your Jerk Chicken Recipe

  • 2 lb chicken thighs or chicken breasts

Jerk Sauce (Blend Together):

  • 2 tbsp raw honey
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tbsp lime juice juice of one lime
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp cumin

How to make a Jerk Chicken

Prep/freezer directions:

  1. Label Freezer bag with recipe name, cooking from frozen directions and expiration date (todays date plus three months).
  2. Add sauce ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. (You may have to scrap sides once or twice).
  3. Add all ingredients to labeled gallon freezer bag.
  4. Store in freezer for up to three months.

Cooking directions:

  1. Thaw overnight in fridge or in the morning in some warm water (meal may not be 100% thawed but that is ok).
  2. Add freezer bag contents into slow cooker.
  3. Cook on low 5-6 hours
  4. Serve over rice and enjoy!

What to serve with your Jerk Chicken Freezer Meal

Sides:

Desserts:

Mocktails:

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

  • 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

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    Hi! I'm Hannah

    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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