Lemon Herb Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
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!
Gluten Free

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!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Equipment
  • 1 gallon freezer bag
  • 1 Slow Cooker
Ingredients
  
  • 4 Chicken thighs – Large boneless/skinless
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Lemon zest
  • 2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried basil
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
 
Prep/Freezer Directions:
  • Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
  • Add all ingredients to the freezer bag.
  • Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker Directions:
  • Thaw freezer bag in fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking.
  • Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker.
  • Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
  • Shred chicken and serve.
Instant Pot Directions:
  1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus ½ cup water, into the Instant Pot. 
  2. Set to High Pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release. 
  3. Shred chicken and serve.
Dietary Adjustments
Make it Gluten Free: 
  • Recipe is naturally Gluten free
 
Make it Dairy Free: 
  • Recipe is naturally Dairy Free 
Keyword Chicken Freezer Meals, Easy crockpot recipes, Lemon Herb Chicken, Slow cooker Chicken Recipe
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Equipment Needed to make Quick Lemon Herb Chicken Freezer Meal

  • 1 gallon freezer bag
  • 1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients for your Lemon Herb Chicken Freezer Meal

  • 4 Chicken thighs, Large boneless/skinless
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Lemon zest
  • 2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried basil
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper

How to Make a Lemon Herb Chicken Freezer Meal

Prep/Freezer Directions:

  1. Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
  2. Add all ingredients to the freezer bag.
  3. Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker Directions:

  1. Thaw freezer bag in fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking.
  2. Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker.
  3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
  4. Shred chicken and serve.

What to Pair with your Healthy Lemon Herb Chicken Freezer Meal

Sides:

Desserts:

Mocktails:

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

  • 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

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Comments

  1. Jennifer Argo says:

    This chicken was yummy! Everyone liked it!

    • Hannah Stewart says:

      I am so happy that your family enjoyed this recipe! Its a good one!

  2. Coq Au Vin Freezer Meal Recipe – My Family Dinner says:

    […] May 8, 2024 […]

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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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