Italian Chicken Freezer Meal
This dump-and-go freezer meal features tender chicken simmered in spaghetti sauce with Italian herbs and garlic. Serve it over pasta, rice, or tucked into sub rolls with melted cheese for a hearty dinner.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 24 oz jar spaghetti sauce (any kind you love)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
- Optional: ½ onion sliced or chopped
- Optional: 1 bell pepper sliced
Instructions
Freezer Prep Instructions
- Label a gallon-size freezer bag with the recipe name, date, and cooking instructions.
- Add all ingredients to the bag. Seal, press out excess air, and gently mix to coat chicken.
- Lay flat to freeze. Use within 3–4 months.
Cooking Instructions
Slow Cooker:
- Thaw overnight in fridge and place in slow cooker.
- Cook on low 5–6 hours or high 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Shred or slice and stir into the sauce.
Instant Pot:
- Add frozen or thawed contents to pot.
- Cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes + quick release.
- Shred chicken and switch to sauté mode to thicken sauce if needed.
Oven-Baked:
- Thaw overnight in fridge.
- Dump into a baking dish, cover with foil.
- Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
Notes
Serve It With:
Spaghetti, penne, or egg noodles Over rice or polenta On toasted hoagie rolls with mozzarella for chicken parm subs With a side of garlic bread and salad for a no-fuss Italian dinner 🧀 Bonus Add-In Ideas:
A sprinkle of Parmesan or shredded mozzarella after cooking A splash of cream for a rosé-style sauce Fresh basil or chopped spinach stirred in before serving
Spaghetti, penne, or egg noodles Over rice or polenta On toasted hoagie rolls with mozzarella for chicken parm subs With a side of garlic bread and salad for a no-fuss Italian dinner 🧀 Bonus Add-In Ideas:
A sprinkle of Parmesan or shredded mozzarella after cooking A splash of cream for a rosé-style sauce Fresh basil or chopped spinach stirred in before serving
Nutrition
Calories: 291kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 51gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 136mgSodium: 123mgPotassium: 868mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.03gVitamin A: 9IUVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 2mg