Same chicken, endless flavors! These 6 chicken freezer marinades are easy meals made simple — prep today, delicious meals tomorrow. Good food, happier you!
Browse the Recipes
Bold and Smoky MarinadesSweet • Spicy • Crowd Pleasers
Honey Mustard Chicken
Sweet + Tangy + Family Favorite
Golden honey mustard marinade that grills up sweet, tangy and juicy.
You need: 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
Make it: Whisk all ingredients, coat the chicken in a freezer bag, and freeze flat. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then grill or bake.
Smoky BBQ Chicken
Smoky + Sticky + Grill Night Star
Dark, smoky BBQ marinade with a hint of sweetness.
You need: 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp brown sugar
Make it: Whisk all ingredients, coat the chicken in a freezer bag, and freeze flat. Thaw overnight, then grill for sticky, caramelized edges.
Chicken Fajita
Spicy + Zesty + Tex-Mex Night
Chili and paprika marinade that turns chicken into perfect fajita strips.
You need: 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, juice of 1 lemon, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp black pepper
Make it: Whisk all ingredients, coat the chicken in a freezer bag, and freeze flat. Thaw overnight, then slice and sear with peppers and onions.
Fresh and Herby MarinadesBright • Garlicky • Healthy and Delicious
Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken
Creamy + Herby + Tender Every Time
Yogurt-based garlic herb marinade that makes chicken incredibly tender.
You need: 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
Make it: Whisk all ingredients, coat the chicken in a freezer bag, and freeze flat. Thaw overnight, then grill or pan-sear.
Cilantro Lemon Chicken
Bright + Fresh + Zesty
Bright cilantro and lemon marinade for a fresh, zesty dinner.
You need: 3 tbsp olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tsp cilantro (chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
Make it: Whisk all ingredients, coat the chicken in a freezer bag, and freeze flat. Thaw overnight, then grill and serve with lime wedges.
Garlic Lemon Chicken
Simple + Classic + Always Good
A simple, timeless garlic and lemon marinade that never disappoints.
You need: 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
Make it: Whisk all ingredients, coat the chicken in a freezer bag, and freeze flat. Thaw overnight, then bake or grill until golden.
Freezer Marinade Success Tips
- Freeze flat. Lay bags flat to freeze — they stack neatly, thaw faster and marinate evenly.
- Label everything. Write the name, date and cooking method on each bag before it goes in the freezer.
- Thaw in the fridge. Move the bag to the fridge the night before — never thaw chicken on the counter.
- Marinate while it thaws. The chicken keeps absorbing flavor as it thaws, so it is ready to cook.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. All six marinades keep beautifully frozen for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze chicken in marinade?
Yes — it is one of the best meal prep tricks. The chicken marinates as it thaws, so it is ready to cook with deep flavor.
How long does marinated chicken last in the freezer?
Up to 3 months in a well-sealed freezer bag with the air pressed out.
How do I thaw frozen marinated chicken?
Move the bag to the fridge the night before cooking. Thawing usually takes 12-24 hours depending on thickness.
Can I cook the chicken from frozen?
It is safest and tastiest to thaw first. Thawed chicken cooks evenly and browns much better.
Can I reuse the marinade from the bag?
No — marinade that touched raw chicken should be discarded. Make a fresh batch if you want a sauce for serving.