Chicken thighs are an extremely budget friendly way to make savory chicken dinners. You can make chicken thighs instant pot or in the slow cooker.
This herb chicken thighs freezer meal is great because you can follow the recipe and add whatever seasoning you love!
Chicken freezer meals commonly use chicken breast. But using chicken thighs is the secret to affordable flavorful chicken dinners! Make-ahead chicken recipes should be fast and easy.
This recipe can be prepped in minutes!
Healthy chicken freezer meals are great to have because it saves time, money and gets ride of the stress of cooking! I love to double a recipe to make sure there is always at least one chicken freezer dump meals ready to go!
- Slow Cooker or Crock Pot
- Instant Pot
- 2-3 lb chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 gallon freezer bag
- Rub chicken thighs with seasonings.
- Put onions in slow cooker and set seasoned chicken on top.
- Cook on low 4-6 hours or high 2-3 hours.
- Serve over onions and top with sauce and onions.
- Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
- Add all ingredients to labeled freezer bag, shake to fully combine.
- Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
- Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
- Add freezer bag contents into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low 4-6 hours.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Add 1 cup water into base of your instant pot.
- Place a trivet or steamer basket on top of the water. Then add the seasoned chicken thighs.
- Seal your instant pot making sure the valve is sealed.
- Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. The NPR for 5 minutes. Quick release the remaining pressure.
- Remove chicken thighs, serve, and enjoy!
- Recipe is naturally gluten free
- Recipe is naturally dairy free
Nutrition
As a mom I understand the stress of running a household, raising kids and keeping an eye on the husband lol stress in the kitchen seems to be constantly hovering but it doesn’t have to!
Make ahead meals especially using chicken thighs makes life so much easier!
You can use your chicken cut of preference in this recipe and it will be just as delicious! To learn more about different cuts of chicken check out this post.
Why you will love this savory chicken thighs recipe.
- 10 Minutes to Prep
- Super Easy
- Extremely Tasty
- Healthy (Soy Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Preservative Free)
- Family Friendly
The Best Chicken Thighs Instant Pot Recipe!
Your kids will love it and its great to customize with any veggies to have laying around.
Its a basic healthy chicken freezer meal that really you can make whatever you like. Don’t have the right spices or any onion, don’t worry just through in your favorite spices and veg, cook and enjoy!
Not only are bone-in chicken thighs more budget friendly but cooking with a bone-in add tons of extra flavor to your dish!
Ingredients you will need for this healthy savory chicken thighs recipe.
- bone-in chicken thighs (or boneless)
- onion (optional)
- chili powder
- paprika
- garlic powder
- salt
- black pepper
How many chicken thighs are in a pound?
I used to only use chicken breasts but then I got hit with a food budget. Chicken thighs are way more budget friendly and so much more flavorful!
One thing I love about chicken thighs is that you can buy a higher quality chicken with a lower budget. But how many thighs for your family?
I use about 2 lbs for our family of 5 which is about 6 large chicken thighs. So 1 pound of chicken thighs is made up of about 3-4 chicken thighs depending on their size.
How to make the chicken thigh seasoning?
SUPER EASY! In the past I only used prepackage spice mixes. But homemade is so amazing!
Not only is it a great way to eat clean and preservative free but you can make exactly what your family loves. Simple mix all your seasonings together in a small bowl and use as directed or needed.
How to make this savory chicken thigh recipe in the slow cooker?
Just throw everything into a slow cooker and let it cook for you. No mess, no fuss and a delicious home-cooked dinner!
Whether you make instant pot chicken thighs or slow cooker chicken thighs this recipe is easy, fast, healthy and tasty!
What kind of meat can I use?
Chicken thighs are highly recommended for this recipe because the cook time is calculated for the thigh (dark meat). You could also use this recipe for breasts just be sure to adjust your timing and cook a bit less so that your chicken breasts do not dry out.
What to serve with savory chicken thighs recipe?
Serve with any of your favorite sides. I love serving with a potato salad and fresh slaw.
Fresh fruit is also a favorite dinner side of ours. Getting different textures on the plate makes for an interesting and delicious dinner every time!
How to store this savory chicken thighs recipe?
After cooking store in fridge in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
How freezer meals will change your life.
Makes homecooking Easy
Only spend one hour in the kitchen for a whole week of dinners. Day of, throw your freezer meal in the slow cooker or instant pot and enjoy dinner!
feel confident
Knowing you have a fool proof systen for something that is easy and works gives you confidence in the kitchen. So wether you’re a seasoned chef or occational home cook the method of freezer cooking will work for you!
Eat Healthier
Because you’re prepping the freezer meals with fresh foods you’re eating healthier. Anytime you cook at home instead of eating out you get the benefits of healthier food.
Enjoy less stress
Have you ever felt the pressure of forgetting about dinner, or having to cook at the end of a long day?! No more, just grab something out of the freezer and you’re good to go.
Frequently asked questions
I forgot to thaw my freezer meal, now what?
No problem! Just throw the freezer meal in your slow cooker and you’re all set. If it doesn’t fit thaw it for a few minutes in warm water. (You may need to add an extra 30 minutes cook time if completely frozen when cooking).
How do you freeze chicken thighs?
Freeze this chicken thighs recipe by setting all ingredients into a gallon freezer bag (ziplock is my favorite!), remove as much air as possible and seal bag. Chicken will freeze well this way for up to 3 months.
I love using bags for my freezer meal because they are affordable and space friendly!
Can you freeze cooked chicken thighs?
Yes you can but I would recommend cutting or shredding the chicken into individual portions so you can thaw and enjoy whenever you want.
How many calories are in a serving?
A serving size assumes 1 chicken thigh at 223 kcal per serving.
Can I use this recipe in my instant pot?
Absolutely. Instant pot chicken thighs are super delicious and amazing!
You may have to play around with cook times if you are using chicken breasts instead of thighs.
What setting do you cook chicken on in an instant pot?
Cook chicken thighs on high pressure in the instant pot. Be sure your vent is in the sealed position so the instant pot can come to pressure