Today, I’ve got an absolute must have recipe for your kitchen arsenal: Whole Chicken Freezer Meals. Deliciously seasoned, and simply made, makes the best recipe you will find available.

If you’re like me, you’re all about convenience without sacrificing flavor. That’s where freezer meals come to the rescue. Picture this: a delicious, succulent whole chicken, perfectly seasoned, and ready to be transformed into countless mouthwatering dishes. And the best part? You can prepare it all in advance!

Whole Roasted chicken freezer meals are the superheroes of make-ahead meals. They save you time, they save you effort, and they definitely save dinner when you’re too busy or too tired to cook from scratch. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can customize the seasoning and cooking style to suit your taste buds or the recipe you have in mind.

So, whether you’re a meal prep enthusiast or just someone looking to simplify weekday dinners, get ready to fall in love with the magic of Whole Chicken Freezer Meals. Stay tuned for some mouthwatering recipes and tips that’ll make your kitchen life a whole lot easier!

Why you’ll love this Whole Roasted Chicken Freezer Meal

Budget friendly
Flavor
Meal Prep
Kid-friendly
Homemade Stock
Customization

Whole Roasted Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe

Hannah Stewart

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings Adults

Calories 377 kcal

Equipment

1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients

4-6 lb whole chicken thawed
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 tsp dried thyme
4 tsp salt
2 tsp onion powder
3 tsp paprika
1 tsp celery seed

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Freezer prep directions:

Place whole chicken from grocery store into freezer.

Slow Cooking directions:

Ensure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking. It may take up to 24 hours in the fridge, so plan accordingly.
Mix together the seasonings in small bowl and set aside.
Pat chicken dry and then set aside. (You may be tempted to skip this step but it helps the chicken immensely in the slow cooker.)
Rub spice mixture all over chicken, including beneath the skin. (The skin will remain on the whole chicken but can be easily separated to create space for the seasoning if you slide your fingers between the skin and breasts).
Place chicken breast side up into a slow cookers and cook on low for 6-8 hours. (Timing will depend on the size of your chicken. a 4 lb chicken will be closer to 6 while a 6 lb chicken will be closer to 8 hours. Be sure chicken is cooked to an internal temp of 165 degrees).
Ready to serve! Chicken should break apart easily and be juicy and tender!

Get creative with different spice blends to create your own flavored roasted chicken.

Do not cook a whole chicken from frozen. Be sure to thaw your whole chicken for 24-48 hours in the fridge and then follow directions above. It is not reccommended to place a frozen whole chicken in the slow cooker or crockpot for safety reasons.

Instant Pot Directions

Ensure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking. It may take up to 24 hours in the fridge, so plan accordingly.
Mix together the seasonings in small bowl and set aside.
Pat chicken dry and then set aside. (You may be tempted to skip this step but it helps the chicken immensely in the instant pot.)
Rub spice mixture all over chicken, including beneath the skin. (The skin will remain on the whole chicken but can be easily separated to create space for the seasoning if you slide your fingers between the skin and breasts).
Place the trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. This will create the steam necessary for pressure cooking.
Put the seasoned chicken breast side up on the trivet in the Instant Pot.
Set to High Pressure for 6 minutes per pound, then allow a 15-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
Note: Be sure chicken is cooked to an internal temp of 165 degrees.
Ready to serve! Chicken should break apart easily and be juicy and tender!

Dietary Adjustments

Make it Gluten-Free:

This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Make it Dairy-Free:

This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Freezer Labels

Whole Roasted Chicken Freezer Meal Printable Label

Notes

Get creative with different spice blends to create your own flavored roasted chicken.
TIP: Set whole chicken atop foil balls so the drippings fall down below chicken while cooking. (This step is optional but ends up with a great result).

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 377kcalProtein: 54gFat: 14.6gSaturated Fat: 3.8gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 3891mgPotassium: 586mgFiber: 1.2gSugar: 1.1gCalcium: 77mgIron: 4mg

Keyword Whole Roasted Chicken

Equipment Needed to make Freezer Recipe Whole Chicken

Slow cooker

Ingredients for your Whole Roasted Chicken Recipe

1 tbsp garlic powder
1 whole chicken, thawed (4-6 lbs)
1 tsp crushed black pepper
1 1/2 tsp dried thyme
4 tsp salt
2 tsp onion powder
3 tsp paprika
1 tsp celery seed

How to make a Roasted Whole Chicken Freezer Recipe

Prep/freezer directions:

Place whole chicken from grocery store into freezer.

Cooking directions:

TIP: If frozen, be sure chicken is fully thawed. It may take 24 hours to fully thaw so take it out of freezer and set into the fridge a day or two before you plan on cooking it.
Mix together the seasonings in small bowl and set aside.
Pat chicken dry and then set aside. (You may be tempted to skip this step but it helps the chicken immensely in the slow cooker so I would not suggest skipping this step.)
Rub spice mixture all over chicken, including beneath the skin. (The skin will remain on the whole chicken but can be easily separated to create space for the seasoning if you slide your fingers between the skin and breasts).
Place chicken breast side up into a slow cookers and cook on low for 6-8 hours. (Timing will depend on the size of your chicken. a 4 lb chicken will be closer to 6 while a 6 lb chicken will be closer to 8 hours. Be sure chicken is cooked to an internal temp of 165 degrees).
Ready to serve! Chicken should break apart easily and be juicy and tender!

What to pair with your Freezer Meal Whole Roasted Chicken

Sides:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Vegetables
Quinoa Salad

Desserts:

Apple Pie
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Mixed Berry Parfait

Mocktails:

Cucumber Cooler
Virgin Mojito
Pineapple Ginger Fizz

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

Fresh Garlic: Swap the garlic powder for minced fresh garlic cloves for a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor.
Fresh Onion: Replace the onion powder with finely chopped fresh onion or shallots for a sweeter and milder onion essence.
Smoked Paprika: Substituting regular paprika with smoked paprika can lend a smoky and robust flavor profile to your chicken.

Additions:

Fresh Herbs: Add fresh rosemary, sage, or parsley sprigs to the chicken cavity before roasting for an extra layer of flavor and aroma.
Lemon or Citrus: Place lemon or orange slices, along with a few cloves of garlic, inside the chicken cavity to infuse it with a bright and citrusy fragrance.
Root Vegetables: Arrange carrots, potatoes, and onions in the roasting pan around the chicken to create a delicious one-pan meal as they absorb the chicken’s juices and seasoning

How to Reheat and Store Whole Roasted Chicken Freezer Meal after cooking

Best way to store Whole Roasted Chicken Recipe leftovers?

The best way to store your whole chicken leftovers is to allow the whole chicken to cool down for about 30 minutes at room temperature before storing . IF you are not planning on using the whole chicken at once, consider carving it into smaller portions like breast, thighs, and such. This not only makes it easier to store but simplifies the reheating process.

Make sure that you are storing your leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent moisture loss and freezer burn. If your recipe includes gravy or sauce, consider storing it separately from the chicken to maintain its wonderful texture.

How long will a Roasted Chicken Freezer Meal last in the fridge?

With proper storage, using airtight containers, separating portions and cooling down, your leftover whole chicken should be able to last for 4-5 days in the fridge. Make sure the temperature on your fridge is set to 40 degrees or lower.

Can I freeze Whole Chicken after cooking?

If you want to store the chicken for an extended period, up to 2-3 months, freezing is a suitable option. Use freezer safe containers or heavy duty freezer bags. Label them with the date and recipe for reference. If you are planning to use this recipe as a raw freezer meal, simply throw your chicken in the freezer and store for 3-4 months. Then allow to completely thaw, add your spices, and cook!

How to Reheat Make Ahead Whole Chicken?

When you are ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheat them in the oven, microwave or stovetop. Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees to ensure its safe to eat. If you are using a portion of the leftovers, only reheat the portion that you are planning to eat and avoid reheating over and over again.

Whole Chicken Recipe FAQs

What should I look for in a whole chicken?

When selecting a whole chicken for your chicken recipes, look for a bird that is plump and moist with smooth, unblemished skin. The flesh should have a pinkish color, and it should not have any off-putting odors.

Additionally, check for a well-sealed, unbroken packaging to ensure freshness. The greatest whole chicken recipes can be made with a 4-7 lb bird.

What are 2 benefits of buying a whole chicken?

Buying a whole chicken offers several benefits. First, it’s often more economical than purchasing individual chicken cuts, making it a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Second, a whole chicken provides versatility as you can use various parts for different recipes, such as breasts for grilling, thighs for braising, and carcass for making homemade stock or broth. Always save your leftover chickens to make your own homemade stock.

What does a whole chicken consist of?

A whole chicken is a versatile poultry option that offers a variety of components suitable for different culinary purposes. When you purchase a whole chicken for your chicken recipes, you’re acquiring a bird that includes the following parts:
Breasts: Chicken breasts are commonly used for grilling, roasting, or sautéing.
Thighs:They are darker meat and have a richer flavor compared to chicken breasts.
Wings: The wings are small, flavorful portions and are frequently enjoyed as finger food, especially when coated in sauces or seasonings.
Drumsticks: They are known for their meatiness and are often used in fried chicken recipes, barbecue dishes, and as a popular choice for kids.
Then there are organs that are sometimes used for cooking, and bones, not consumed directly, but is essential for making a delicious chicken broth.

Why should you buy a whole chicken?

A whole chicken consists of several parts, including the breasts, thighs, wings, drumsticks, and various organs. It also includes the bones, which can be used to make stock or broth.

Is it healthy to eat a whole chicken everyday?

While eating a whole chicken every day may not be recommended due to dietary variety, consuming chicken as part of a balanced diet can be healthy. Chicken is a good source of lean protein, essential nutrients, and can be prepared in various ways to suit different dietary preferences.

Is it more sustainable to buy a whole chicken?

Buying a whole chicken can be more sustainable as it reduces food waste. By utilizing all parts of the bird, you minimize the environmental impact associated with food disposal.

Why is it cheaper to buy a whole chicken?

Whole chickens are often cheaper per pound compared to pre-cut chicken pieces because you are buying in bulk. Additionally, the packaging and processing costs for whole chickens tend to be lower, contributing to their affordability.

How do you not waste a whole chicken?

To minimize waste when cooking a whole chicken, consider using every part of the bird. Roast or grill the breasts and thighs, simmer the carcass to make chicken stock or broth, and use any leftover meat in soups, salads, or sandwiches.

How much meat do you get from a whole chicken?

The amount of meat you can get from a whole chicken can vary depending on its size, but on average, a 4-5 pound whole chicken can yield approximately 3-4 pounds of meat once it’s cooked and the bones are removed. This can provide several meals and leftovers for various chicken recipes.

Other Chicken Recipes you’ll love

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

Order Food Online says:

4 years ago

I liked this recipe I love it keep sharing these kind of recipes
- Reply
Jean E Stewart says:

5 years ago

This is probably a silly question but is a foil ball just foil rolled up into a ball? ???? Had never heard of it before. Going to try the recipe.
- Reply
YtheWait says:

5 years ago

This is one of my go-to dishes in restaurants, can’t believe it’s so simple to make, thanks for sharing!
- Reply

Hannah Stewart says:

5 years ago

So glad you like it!!
- Reply