🍗 5 Freezer-Friendly Chicken Marinades for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Welcome to Week 7 of our 10 Weeks of Freezer-Friendly Meals series! This week, we’re switching things up with FIVE chicken marinades you can prep ahead, freeze, and toss straight into your Instant Pot when life gets busy.

These marinades are made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home, and they're designed to make your weeknight dinners faster, easier, and full of flavor. Whether you're meal prepping for your family or just want to make healthier choices, these chicken recipes are a great go-to.

🛒 How It Works:

1. Combine all ingredients in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag.

2. Label and freeze flat for easy stacking.

3. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge or in a bowl of cold water.

4. Dump into an Instant Pot with 1 cup of chicken broth.

5. Cook on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release.

6. Pair with your favorite carb and veggie for a balanced, no-stress meal.

🌿 1. Cilantro Lime Chicken

Bright and zesty with a touch of sweetness!

Ingredients:

• 2–3 chicken breasts

• ½ cup fresh cilantro

• 1 tsp garlic

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp salt

🌱 2. Basil Pesto Chicken

Simple, savory, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2–3 chicken breasts

• ½ cup basil pesto

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

🧄 3. Honey Garlic Chicken

A classic combo of sweet and savory.

Ingredients:

• 2–3 chicken breasts

• ¼ cup honey

• 2 tsp garlic

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp water

🌶 4. Jerk Chicken

Warm spices with a subtle kick—Jamaican-inspired and super flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 2–3 chicken breasts

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp lime juice

• 2 tbsp honey

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp ground thyme

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp salt

🍅 5. Creamy Salsa Chicken

Tangy salsa meets creamy comfort. This one's great for tacos or burrito bowls!

Ingredients:

• 2–3 chicken breasts

• 16 oz salsa

• 1 block cream cheese (8 oz)

🍽️ Meal Tips:

• Pair any of these with rice, quinoa, potatoes, or tortillas, plus a side of your favorite veggies.

• Easily double or triple these recipes to stock your freezer for the month!

• Make it kid-friendly by adjusting spice levels or swapping out ingredients.

💡 Why Freezer Meals Work:

• Perfect for busy weeknights, postpartum recovery, or just keeping things simple.

• Helps reduce food waste and save time on cooking.

• You’ll always have a protein option ready to go—just thaw, cook, and serve.

Ready to make your freezer your best friend? Try these five chicken marinades and tag us on Instagram when you cook them up! 🍽️✨

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