Easy and Cost-Effective Marinated Chicken Breasts

Easy and Cost-Effective Marinated Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:

  • 2 packages of chicken breasts from Sam’s Club (approximately 8 breasts total)
  • Your choice of marinades (store-bought or homemade)
  • Freezer bags (gallon size)
  • Sharpie marker (for labeling)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Trim the fat from each chicken breast.
    • Cut each chicken breast in half to make smaller portions.
  2. Marinating Process:
    • Select a variety of marinades that you enjoy. You can use store-bought marinades or make your own. Some popular options include:
      • Teriyaki
      • Lemon garlic
      • BBQ
      • Italian dressing
      • Honey mustard
  3. Bagging and Labeling:
    • Prepare gallon-sized freezer bags.
    • Pour your chosen marinade into each bag, enough to thoroughly coat the chicken.
    • Place 4 pieces of chicken (2 breasts, halved) into each bag with the marinade.
    • Seal the bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
    • Write the flavor and the date on the bag using a Sharpie marker.
  4. Refrigerate Before Freezing:
    • Place the bags of marinated chicken in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the marinade.
  5. Freezing:
    • After 24 hours in the refrigerator, transfer the bags to the freezer.
    • The chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  6. Cooking the Chicken:
    • When ready to cook, remove a bag of chicken from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
    • Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Serving Suggestions:
    • Serve the chicken with your favorite vegetables and a side of rice, potatoes, or a salad.
    • Use plain marinated chicken for casseroles, shredding for sandwiches, or chunked pieces for stir fry.

Additional Tips:

  • For convenience, you can pre-chunk some of the chicken before freezing for quick stir fry or casserole preparations.
  • Always label your bags with the marinade flavor and date to keep track of freshness and variety.
  • This method typically yields about 8 bags of marinated chicken, with each bag costing less than $5. This provides an easy, flavorful, and cost-effective meal solution for busy days.

Enjoy your delicious and effortless meals!

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