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Easy Breezy Summer|summer
Prep Ahead + Freeze – Summer Chicken Marinades {printable recipe}
May 31, 2013
One of my favorite ways to make summer easy and breezy is to prep ahead food and to make marinades. I combine these two loves and I’m left with prep and freeze ahead marinades. Today I’m going to show you two easy ways that you can prep ahead some chicken for summer when all you want to do is throw some chicken on the grill.
Think about what kinds of summer meals you want to make and plan your marinades around that. I love this Fresh Herb Chicken Marinade and use it in salads and plain – the marinade liquid can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can be used to marinade veggies, chicken, pork, and beef. I like to combine tasks, so I also prepped a Mexican marinade and took the easy way out with a bottle of Chimichurri. We eat a lot of fajitas and quesadillas in the summer so this bottle of Chimichurri marinade is perfect! You could marinade with barbecue sauce, oil and vinegar based dressing, teriyaki sauce…..
Here’s the simple how-to:
gather ingredients and label freezer bags
use a kitchen shears to cut chicken into tenderloins (smaller pieces = shorter cook times)
Mix marinade in an easy-to-pour container
This is one of my favorite Easy Breezy Summer ideas! You can go here to grab the recipe!
Tiffany @ No Ordinary Homestead Says...
I love this idea, Becky. Putting the chicken in the bag with the marinade for the freezer is total genius. Definitely going to have to do this! Thanks & I shared this on my blog too: http://www.noordinaryhomestead.com/6-clean-quick-recipes-to-curb-the-hunger-recipe-roundup-1/
Becky Says...
Post authorThanks Tiffany!
xo, Becky
Melanie Says...
Where did you buy your Chimichurri sauce?
Thanks!
Becky Says...
Post authorFresh Market!
Lauren @momhomeguide Says...
Sounds great! What herbs do you use in your marinade. I have to do this and prep some easy summer meals — thanks for sharing!
Becky Says...
Post authorI use basil, thyme, rosemary, sage – anything that I have in my garden. And for dried herbs I use the same and parsley for color.
xo, Becky
Kristen Says...
Love the planning ahead factor!
Ellie Says...
This is a great way to prep my meals for after my baby is born.
Does freezing the chicken/meat in marinade effect the flavor at all once it’s cooked later?
Becky Says...
Post authorNot at all!
xo, Becky
Ellie Says...
Great, thanks! Will do.
Adri Says...
How and how long do you defrost it?
Becky Says...
Post authorOvernight, in the refrigerator 🙂
pt Says...
Great tip! We often freeze chicken marinated in italian dressing-and thaw overnight as you suggest. Quick and easy!!
Praline Says...
I love this and definitely plan to do this this summer!! How long can you freeze the chicken in the marinade?
Becky Says...
Post author1-2 months 🙂