THe best part of this recipe is the ease of preparation an cooking. With just a few minutes you can prepare this delicious Lemon Herb Chicken, stash it away in the freezer raw, and then cook on the day it is needed. It's that easy!
It is that time of year, when my culinary adventures turn to fresh herbs and veggies, with a delicious protein, created to make dinner time stress non-existent. This Lemon Herb Chicken is the cream of the crop, seasoned perfectly with aromatic herbs that make your kitchen smell like spring is here!
The best part of this recipe is the ease of prep and cooking. With jus a few minutes you can prepare this delicious Lemon Herb Chicken, stash it away in the freezer raw, and then cook on the day that it is needed. It’s that easy! The slow cooker does the cooking, and you get to go about your day with ease knowing that your family is getting a delicious meal.
So, are you ready to engage in this raw freezer meal prep style of cooking? I guarantee you that you will find so much more time for the things you love to do while still enjoying delicious homemade meals. Let’s get cooking!!!
Why You’ll Love this Easy Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe
Flavorful: The combination of lemon and herbs creates a delicious flavor profile that appeals to many tastes.
Easy to Prepare: Freezer meal recipes often involve simple preparation steps, making them convenient for busy individuals or families.
Time-saving: With a freezer meal, you can prepare multiple servings at once and freeze them for later use, saving time on meal prep during busy weekdays.
Versatile: Lemon herb chicken can be served in various ways, such as with rice, pasta, or salad, providing versatility in meal planning.
Healthy: Chicken is a lean source of protein, and incorporating herbs and lemon adds freshness and nutrients to the dish.
Lemon Herb Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe
THe best part of this recipe is the ease of preparation an cooking. With just a few minutes you can prepare this delicious Lemon Herb Chicken, stash it away in the freezer raw, and then cook on the day it is needed. It's that easy!
Lime Herb Chicken: Substitute the lemon juice and zest with lime juice and zest for a slightly different citrus flavor.
Italian Herb Chicken: Replace the oregano and basil with Italian seasoning blend, which typically includes herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
Honey Garlic Chicken: Replace the lemon juice with equal parts honey for a sweet and tangy glaze. Adjust the amount of garlic powder to taste, and you can also add a splash of soy sauce for depth of flavor.
Additions:
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the marinade for a burst of umami flavor and a slightly chewy texture.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken: Create a pocket in each chicken thigh and stuff it with a mixture of frozen chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese.
Mediterranean Chicken: Add sliced Kalamata olives and quartered artichoke hearts to the marinade for a Mediterranean twist.
These substitutions and additions will allow you to customize your meal to your liking, while still maintaining the ability to be a perfect make-ahead meal to add to your arsenal.
How to Reheat and Store Lemon Herb Chicken Freezer Meal?
Best way yo store Best Lemon Herb Chicken Meal leftovers?
Maintaining the freshness and safety of your leftovers requires proper storage. To begin, let your leftovers cool down to room temperature on the kitchen counter. Once cooled, place them into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags, making sure to minimize air inside to prevent freezer burn or spoilage. Labeling the containers with the date is crucial for monitoring freshness.
How long will Lemon Herb Chicken Freezer Meal last in the fridge?
Leftovers can remain fresh in the fridge for about 3-5 days. After preparing your favorite dishes, it’s crucial to let them cool down to room temperature before refrigerating. This helps maintain their flavor and safety.
Can I freeze Family-Friendly Lemon Herb Chicken?
Yes! Absolutely! We recommend making this as a raw freezer meal, which means completing all the prep ahead of time, freezing, and then pulling out on the day it is needed. To prep this recipe, just add all ingredients into a labeled gallon freezer bag, then remove excess air, seal and freeze for up to three months.
If you have already cooked and are looking to freeze your leftovers, allow your chicken to cool, then place desired leftovers in a resealable bag and freeze for up to three months.
How to Reheat Make-Ahead Lemon Herb Chicken Freezer Meal?
It is best to reheat your leftovers, once they have been thawed, by using the stovetop, or microwave. To reheat your chicken on the stovetop, place a skillet over medium heat. You may want to add a splash of broth to prevent sticking. Then stir occasionally until your chicken is evenly heated through.
When using the microwave, use a safe plate, and heat in short bursts of 30-60 seconds. Stir between each interval to ensure even heating of your leftovers.
Delicious Lemon Herb Chicken Freezer Meal for Busy Parents FAQs
What is the purpose of lemon in chicken?
When you add lemon to your chicken recipe, you are adding a brightness and richness to flavor your chicken. Also, the lemon juice helps to tenderize the meat during the cooking process, making it juicer and more flavorful. For busy parents looking for quick and easy meal solutions, incorporating lemon into chicken freezer meals can add a zesty twist while keeping the dish fresh and enticing.
What is the origin of lemon chicken?
Lemon chicken has its roots in Mediterranean cuisine, where citrus fruits like lemons are in abundance. The combination of lemon and herbs has been used for centuries to add flavor to dishes while preserving meats. In today’s fast-paced world, lemon chicken freezer meals offer a super convenient option for busy individuals.
What herbs enhance chicken dishes?
Herbs have been added to chicken for centuries, this adds flavor and aesthetics to your dishes. Herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary are commonly added to add depth and complexity to the recipe, complimenting the natural taste of the chicken. Incorporating a variety of herbs can elevate the flavor profile and create a delicious and satisfying meal for all.
What if I don’t have a lemon for my chicken?
If you happen to be cooking chicken and find yourself without lemon, you can still create a flavorful chicken dish by using alternative ingredients. For instance, you can use lemon juice with vinegar or a white wine sauce for acidity, or use lemon zest substitutes like orange or lime zest for a similar citrus flavor. It’s essential to have versatile ingredients on hand to accommodate any substitutions.
How long can you leave lemon on chicken?
While marinating chicken in lemon juice can enhance its flavor and tenderness, it is essential not to marinate it for too long to prevent the meat from becoming mushy. Typically a good time frame is 2 hours before cooking.
What substitutions can make a Lemon Herb Chicken healthier?
If healthy food is on your mind, this dish is a great dish to start. Make sure to look at reducing the fat content by watching the additives like oils and butters. Use a low-sodium chicken broth instead of regular broth. For additional nutrition, consider incorporating more vegetables into the dish, such as bell peppers, broccoli or carrots. These substitutions will not only make the dish healthier but also add flavor and texture to your meal, making it more satisfying of a culinary experience.
What are some regional variations of a lemon herb chicken recipe?
Lemon Herb Chicken has many regional variations, each with its own unique twist based on local ingredients and culture. In Mediterranean cuisine, you can find additional seasonings of garlic, oregano, and thyme. In Asian cuisine, it may feature ingredients like ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. For busy parents looking to explore different flavor profiles, experimenting with regional variations of Lemon Herb Chicken can add excitement and variety to your meal prep arsenal.
What chicken should you use for a Lemon Herb Chicken?
For a flavorful and tender Lemon Herb Chicken, it is best to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thigh meat is juicer and more flavorful than chicken breasts, making it more ideal for freezer meals and crockpot dinners. Chicken thighs also tend to be a more forgiving ingredient when cooked for extended periods of time, making them perfect for slow cooking methods of cooking. Busy parents can stock up on boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a quick and easy meal prep, ensuring they have delicious dinner options on hand.
