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:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Trim the fat from each chicken breast.
- Cut each chicken breast in half to make smaller portions.
- 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
- Select a variety of marinades that you enjoy. You can use store-bought marinades or make your own. Some popular options include:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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!