Thai Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
A symphony of Thai flavors featuring a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and a hint of heat, all expertly combined to create a delicious taste right in your own kitchen.
Gluten Free

Hello, wonderful friends and fellow parents on the go!  I’m thrilled to introduce you to a Thai Chicken freezer meal that will forever change your meal prep game.

Imagine the aroma of succulent chicken pieces, marinated in a symphony of Thai flavors that’s nothing short of magical – a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and a hint of heat, all expertly combined to create a taste of Thailand right in your own kitchen.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its incredible convenience. With our make-ahead meals, you can enjoy the rich, complex flavors of this Thai Chicken dish without the usual time and effort it demands to make.

Picture this: on a busy weekday evening when you’re juggling work, school pickups, and after-school activities, you can simply reach into your freezer, pull out a container of this Thai Chicken, and during the busyness of the day, your meal is cooking for you in your crockpot. 

But it’s not just about the convenience; it’s about savoring each bite with the knowledge that you’ve prepared something special for your family. It’s about creating moments around the dinner table, where the enticing aroma and flavors of Thailand transport you to a faraway place, even on the most hectic of days.

Why you’ll love this Make Ahead Thai Chicken Recipe

  • Healthy Ingredients
  • You can (and should) make it in advance
  • Social Sharing- Large Gathering Recommended. 
  • Quick and Easy
  • Cultural Appeal
  • Versatility
Thai Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe
A symphony of Thai flavors featuring a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and a hint of heat, all expertly combined to create a delicious taste right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Thai
Calories 450 kcal
Equipment
  • 1 Slow Cooker
  • 1 gallon freezer bag
  • 1 Quart freezer bag
Ingredients
 
 
Main
  • 2-3 lbs Chicken thighs Boneless/Skinless
  • 1 1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper diced
  • 1 1/2 cup onion diced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
Sauce: (whisk together)
  • 1 tbsp Cumin
  • 1 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp tapioca starch
  • 2/3 cup Peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup Lime juice requires
For serving:
  • 1 bunch Green onion diced
  • 14 oz Rice noodles or rice
Instructions
 
Freezer prep directions:
  • Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
  • Whisk sauce ingredients together and place in a small snack bag, then place snack bag into quart sized freezer bag, seal, and set aside.
  • Add remaining ingredients, except for serving, to the freezer bag. Place sealed quart bag into gallon freezer bag.
  • Seal gallon freezer 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 the slow cooker (set sauce in quart size bag aside)
  • Cook on low 4-6 hours
  • With 1 hour cook time remaining, mix sauce packet into the slow cooker.
  • Shred the chicken directly in the pot with two forks and stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
  • Optional: serve the Thai chicken over rice or rice noodles, complementing the dish with your choice of garnishes, such as fresh herbs or lime wedges.
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. Use the “Sauté” function to bring the mixture to a simmer, stir in the sauce packet, allowing the sauce to heat through and thicken slightly, usually about 5 minutes.
  4. Shred the chicken directly in the pot with two forks and stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
  5. Optional: serve the Thai chicken over rice or rice noodles, complementing the dish with your choice of garnishes, such as fresh herbs or lime wedges.
Dietary Adjustments
Make it Gluten-Free:
  • Use coconut aminos or tamari, not soy sauce.
  • If serving with rice noodles, ensure they are gluten-free.
 
Make it Dairy-Free:
  • This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 41.3gProtein: 22.4gFat: 25.5gSaturated Fat: 5.8gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 4847mgPotassium: 662mgFiber: 7.7gSugar: 8.6gCalcium: 73mgIron: 4mg
Keyword Chicken Recipes, freezer meals, Slow Cooker Recipes, Thai Chicken
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Equipment needed to make an Authentic Thai Chicken recipe

  • 1 Slow Cooker
  • 1 gallon freezer bag
  • 1 Quart freezer bag

Ingredients for your Thai Chicken Recipe

  • 2-3 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper diced
  • 1 1/2 cup Onion diced(may use frozen diced onions)
  • 1/2 cup Chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Coconut aminos for Paleo friendly
  • Sauce: (whisk together)
  • 1 tbsp Cumin
  • 1 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Tapioca starch
  • 2/3 cup Peanut butter Almond butter for Paleo
  • 1 tbsp Soy sauce Coconut aminos for Paleo
  • 1/3 cup Lime juice Fresh squeezed
  • For serving:
  • 1 bunch Green onion diced
  • 14 oz Box Rice noodles

How to make a Thai Chicken Recipe

Prep/freezer directions:

  1. Label gallon freezer bag with recipe name, cooking from freezer directions and expiration date (today’s date plus three months).
  2. Add all main ingredients to the labeled gallon freezer bag.
  3. Add all sauce ingredients into a quart freezer bag.
  4. Set a sealed quart bag into a gallon freezer bag and seal. (Remove as much air from the gallon bag as possible).
  5. Store in the freezer for up to three months.

Cooking directions:

  1. If desired, thaw overnight in the fridge or in the morning in water.( Meal may not be 100% thawed but that is ok)
  2. Add freezer bag contents into the slow cooker (set sauce in quart size bag aside)
  3. Cook on low 4-6 hours
  4. When there is 1 hour cook time remaining, whisk sauce ingredients and stir into slow cooker.
  5. Shred chicken and stir back into sauce. Add rice noodles, and serve.

What to pair with your Quick and Healthy Thai Chicken

Sides:

Desserts:

Mocktails:

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

  • Protein Substitute (Chicken Thighs): Substitute the bone-in chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option. Ensure you adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
  • Nut Butter Substitute (Peanut Butter): Swap peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter for a nuttier flavor. This substitution works well for those with peanut allergies or following a paleo diet.
  • Citrus Substitute (Lime Juice): Replace fresh lime juice with frozen lime juice concentrate. This allows you to have the citrusy flavor without worrying about the lime juice going bad in the freezer.

Additions:

  • Veggies (Bell Peppers and Onions): Add a medley of frozen vegetables like snap peas, broccoli florets, or sliced carrots to enhance the nutritional value and create a more colorful and balanced meal.
  • Herb Freshness (Cilantro): After reheating the dish, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. It adds a burst of freshness and a lovely herbal aroma to the Thai Chicken.
  • Crunchy Texture (Crushed Peanuts): To provide a delightful contrast in texture, include crushed peanuts as a topping just before serving. This addition adds a satisfying crunch to your Thai Chicken.

With these substitutions and additions, you can customize your Thai Chicken freezer meal to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs while maintaining the convenience of a make-ahead dish that can be frozen for later use.

How to Reheat and Store Thai Chicken after cooking

Best way to store Thai Chicken Recipe for Dinner leftovers?

The best way to store your Thai Chicken leftovers is to follow these steps to ensure your leftovers remain safe to eat and maintain their quality. First, allow the Thai Chicken to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.

If you plan to consume the leftovers within a few days, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture loss and the absorption of odors from other foods. Clearly label the container or bag with the date of preparation to keep track of freshness.

How long will Thai Chicken last in the fridge?

In order to maintain quality and flavor, it is recommended to follow the proper cooling and storing procedures. With these procedures being followed, your leftover Thai Chicken recipe will stay fresh in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Can I freeze homemade Thai Chicken after cooking?

Yes, Absolutely. When you are preparing to freeze your leftover Thai Chicken, allow the recipe to cool completely to room temperature. After cooling has occurred, properly seal your leftovers using a resealable freezer bag. It is a good idea to divide your leftovers into smaller portions for easier reheating. When ready to seal, remove as much air as possible from your freezer bags.

If you are planning to use this recipe as a raw freezer meal, gather a gallon freezer bag, and a quart freezer bag. Add all main ingredients into the labeled gallon freezer bag. Add all sauce ingredients into a quart sized freezer bag. Set a sealed quart bag into a gallon freezer bag and seal. Remove as much air as possible from the gallon freezer bag. Store in the freezer for 3-6 months. When ready to cook, allow recipe to thaw. Add main ingredients into slow cooker whisk together thawed sauce ingredients, add over chicken in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How to reheat Easy Thai Chicken Recipe?

Reheating your Thai Chicken can help restore its flavors and make it enjoyable once again. Here are several methods you can use to reheat your leftovers of Thai Chicken. Microwave: Place your Thai Chicken in a microwave-safe container. Heat it on medium to prevent overcooking or overheating. Stir the Thai Chicken in between each interval to ensure even heating. Continue to microwave in short intervals until it reaches the desired temperature.

The next method of reheating is using the Stovetop. For larger portions, consider reheating on the stovetop. Use a non-stick skillet or pan over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of oil or broth to the pan to prevent sticking and maintaining moisture. Place the Thai Chicken in a pan and cover it with a lid. Stir occasionally to evenly distribute heat and prevent sticking. Reheat until the chicken reaches a desired temperature. 

Authentic Thai Chicken Recipe FAQs

Other Chicken recipes you’ll love

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Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Thai Chicken turned out!

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