Between soccer practice, homework and errands, weeknights can be very busy... and the last thing you want to do (or have time to do) is cook. The solution? These make-ahead chicken freezer meals. You'll have dinner on the table in no time.
44 Chicken Freezer Meals
Updated on May 03, 2024
1/43
Stuffed Chicken Rolls
Total Time
4 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Just thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside are a tasty surprise. Leftovers reheat well and make a perfect lunch with a green salad. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth City, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed chicken breast half: 525 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 167mg cholesterol, 914mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 60g protein.
2/43
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll please everyone in the family with this inviting and filling chicken Tater Tot casserole. It tastes like a chicken potpie topped with Tater Tots. —Fran Allen, St Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 374 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 925mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
3/43
Baked Chicken Burritos
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This mouthwatering southwestern burrito recipe makes enough for two casseroles, so you can enjoy one today and freeze the other for a busy weeknight. They're super to have on hand for quick meals or to take to potlucks. —Sonya Nightingale, Burley, Idaho.
Nutrition Facts:
2 burritos: 760 calories, 44g fat (23g saturated fat), 177mg cholesterol, 1608mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 51g protein.
4/43
Chicken & Cheese Noodle Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the recipe my daughters and I often make for new parents when they come home from the hospital. With its creamy spaghetti filling and melted cheese topping, this casserole holds a nice cut and comforts hungry tummies. —Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 509 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
5/43
Simple Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 casseroles (5 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken enchilada recipe is one of the first dishes I created and cooked for my husband right after we got married. He was so impressed! We fix these creamy enchiladas for friends regularly. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 828 calories, 40g fat (17g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 1738mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 42g protein.
6/43
Hearty Jambalaya
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mel Miller of Perkins, Oklahoma shares this meaty and satisfying jambalaya.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 220 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 675mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
7/43
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish always gets rave reviews! Using rotisserie chicken makes it super easy to assemble and gives it an extra boost in flavor. Sometimes I like to add smoked paprika to the sauce and a little seasoned salt to the bread crumbs. —Mary Brehm, Cape Coral, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 489 calories, 29g fat (15g saturated fat), 156mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
8/43
Asian Chicken Thighs
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The thick, tangy sauce makes this dish one of my favorite Chinese chicken recipes. Serve the chicken over long grain rice or with ramen noodle slaw. —Dave Farrington, Midwest City, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh: 291 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 382mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.
9/43
Barbecue Chicken Sandwich
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With four small children at home, I need quick yet filling meals. This family-favorite BBQ chicken sandwich filling is a cinch to make. For a spicier taste, eliminate the ketchup and increase the amount of salsa to 1 cup. —Leticia Lewis, Kennewick, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 284 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
10/43
Chicken Aloha
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken is a welcome way to cook a quick, delicious meal. —Beth Corbin, Sarasota, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 288 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 992mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
11/43
Baked Egg Rolls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These egg rolls are low in fat but the crispiness from baking will fool you into thinking they were fried! —Barbara Lierman, Lyons, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 egg roll: 146 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
12/43
Chicken Florentine Meatballs
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Served over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 272 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 0.500 fat.
13/43
Green Chicken Chili
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
10 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
The prep work for this chili is easy thanks to several pantry staples. It’s loaded with shredded chicken and beans. The spicy heat can be tamed a bit with cool sour cream. —Fred Lockwood, Plano, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 320 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1187mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 32g protein.
14/43
Saucy Chicken & Tortellini
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This heartwarming dish is something I threw together years ago for my oldest daughter. When she's having a rough day, I put on the slow cooker and prepare this special recipe. —Mary Morgan, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 437 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 922mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein.
15/43
Slow-Cooked Chicken Enchilada Soup
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings (3-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup delivers a big bowl of fresh comfort—just ask my husband. Toppings like avocado, sour cream and tortilla strips are a must. —Heather Sewell, Harrisonville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without optional toppings): 125 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1102mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
16/43
Buffalo Chicken Calzones
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 calzones
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always looking for creative ways to jazz up pizza. I created this pizza turnover to incorporate my love of Buffalo chicken wings. —Ruth Ann Riendeau, Twin Mountain, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 calzone: 516 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
17/43
Slow-Simmered Meat Ragu
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After a day of simmering in the slow-cooker, this ragu is not your typical spaghetti sauce. It's almost like a stew, so feel free to skip the pasta. —Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 341 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1294mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
18/43
Balsamic Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our kitchen is tiny and cramped, so we try to grill simple (but tasty) meals outside as often as possible during the summer months. Dried herbs work as well, but during the summer use fresh herbs for the best taste. —Kelly Evans, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 teaspoons sauce: 245 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
19/43
Potato Chip Chicken Strips
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This novel recipe is a fast and tasty change from fried chicken.—Sister Judith LaBrozzi, Canton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 625 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 664mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
20/43
Chicken and Andouille Gumbo
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
9 servings (3-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Gumbo goes back to 1700s Louisiana; today's version is just as hearty using andouille sausage. Serve with cornbread or crusty French bread. —Billy Hensley, Mount Carmel, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without rice): 544 calories, 39g fat (9g saturated fat), 175mg cholesterol, 1514mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.
21/43
Harvesttime Chicken with Couscous
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even on busy days, I can start this chicken in the slow cooker and still get to work on time. When I come home, I whip up a spinach salad and crescent rolls to round out the menu. —Heidi Rudolph, Oregon, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups chicken mixture with 1/2 cup couscous: 351 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 699mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 7g fiber), 30g protein.
22/43
Spicy Peanut Chicken Chili
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
While spending time in the Southwest, I discovered Mexican peanut chicken and thought it would be fun to make it into a chili. Chipotle peppers give it a nice spice that's extra warming on a cold day. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups chili with 1 tablespoon sour cream: 368 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein.
23/43
Chicken with Garlic Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken with garlic sauce is a popular dish on Chinese takeout menus. This version is so easy you can have it ready on your dinner table in less time than it takes for delivery. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 339 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1008mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.
24/43
Chipotle Pulled Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house, low-and-slow recipes have to have kid and husband appeal, plus good marks for nutrition. This chipotle chicken wins in both categories. Use leftovers for zippy barbecue pizzas or burritos. —Tamra Parker, Manlius, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 298 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 1031mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
25/43
Chicken Florentine Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy and comforting, this chicken and spinach bake is sure to be a hit at dinnertime. The toasty bread crumb topping delivers a bit of a crunch. —Dori Jackson, Gulf Breeze, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 539 calories, 36g fat (13g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 1006mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
26/43
Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a rich and surprisingly tasty rendition of a number of Tex-Mex dishes molded into one packed, beautiful casserole. Best of all, it’s ready in hardly any time! —Janet McCormick, Proctorville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 400 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 637mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
27/43
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy, cheesy casserole is so hearty that second helpings are a must! —Lynne German, Buford, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 549 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 957mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.
28/43
Chicken Pasta Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my family’s favorite every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can put it together and relax while it bakes. —Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 579 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 47g protein.
29/43
Chicken Tortilla Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mother frequently made this comforting chicken tortilla casserole when I was growing up. Our family would scrape the pan clean. Chicken, cheese and zippy green chiles are a mouthwatering mix. —Jerri Moror, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 359 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1007mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
30/43
Apple Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'd just been apple picking and wanted to bake something new with the bounty. I decided on apple chicken by throwing them in the slow cooker with some barbecue sauce. The dish fills my whole house with the most delicious smell. —Caitlyn Hauser, Brookline, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/2 cup apple mixture: 333 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.
31/43
Chicken Cacciatore
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken cacciatore recipe makes a good Sunday dinner, since the recipe is so simple to prepare. It's inexpensive besides and loaded with lots of vegetables. —Barbara Roberts, Courtenay, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 517 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 790mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.
32/43
Cranberry Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't have to wait until the fall to enjoy delicious cranberry flavor. By using a canned sauce, you can get the flavor in this cranberry chicken recipe no matter what time of year.—Kay Simpson, Hull, Quebec
Nutrition Facts:
12 ounce-weight: 425 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 675mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
33/43
Chicken & Vegetable Fettuccine
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is very simple to make when you have cooked a whole chicken and have leftovers. My boys always loved this comfort food, especially after a busy day of hockey! It's nice with a side salad and breadsticks.—Andrea Bergen, Altona, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup pasta with 3/4 cup chicken mixture: 565 calories, 29g fat (17g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 954mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein.
34/43
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got the idea for these sliders from my mom and dad, who’d made a similar recipe for a family get-together. To make it special, I sometimes use several types of Buffalo sauce and let my guests mix and match their favorites. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 sliders: 396 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 873mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
35/43
Parmesan Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My 3-year-old went through a chicken-nuggets-and-french-fries-only stage, so I made these golden nuggets for him. Even the grown-ups like them! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
6 nuggets (calculated without marinara): 191 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 309mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.
36/43
Spicy Shredded Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Mexican food, but not the high calorie count that often comes with it. This easy dish is healthy, delicious and a definite crowd pleaser! I like to serve the chicken with warm tortillas, rice, beans and salsa. For an equally awesome dish, you can substitute beef or pork for the chicken. —Heather Walker, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 202 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 436mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
37/43
Chicken Butternut Chili
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house, we just love a good comforting, hearty, tomato-based chili with bold flavors! This unique chili is loaded with veggies and flavor. You can also prepare the recipe in the slow cooker. Just add ingredients to the crock and cook over high heat for about 4 hours. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 201 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
38/43
Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Melts
Total Time
4 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After tasting a similar recipe at a sandwich shop, I knew I had to try my own version at home. Personally, I like mine even more! I like to mix equal parts salsa and ranch dressing to make a tasty sauce for these sandwiches. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2 open-faced sandwiches: 377 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1082mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
39/43
Loaded Chicken & Gouda Calzones
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I had my daughter, I tried to have a lot of meals in the freezer to make those first few weeks easier. These calzones were one of our favorites! We loved being able to pull them out and have dinner in minutes. I've dipped these in spaghetti sauce, pesto and ranch dressing, and they were all delicious! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 calzone: 528 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 1156mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 8g fiber), 33g protein.
40/43
Chicken & Blue Cheese Pizza
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The blue cheese in place of the expected mozzarella gives this pizza a surprising and sophisticated taste. It's excellent as an entree or appetizer—it can be prepared in a round pizza pan as well. —Beverly Lynch, Sugar Grove, Illinois
41/43
Chicken Marsala Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love chicken marsala, but most recipes do not serve a crowd. So I invented this chicken marsala lasagna. It makes enough for 12 people. —Debbie Shannon, Ringgold, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 388 calories, 20 g fat (12 g saturated fat), 107 mg cholesterol, 749 mg sodium, 27 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 24 g protein.
42/43
Chicken Fajita Soup
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings (about 3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This south-of-the-border chowder is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes, and it's a winner at family dinners and potlucks alike. We like ours topped with fresh avocado, shredded cheddar cheese and chili cheese corn chips. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 269 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1069mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
43/43
Chicken Broccoli Shells
Total Time
45 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy entree is a make-ahead dream. Just assemble it ahead of time and put it in the oven when company arrives. I round out the meal with a tossed salad and warm bread. —Karen Jagger, Columbia City, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3 shells: 355 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 453mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
