It’s no secret that we LOVE quick & easy freezer meals around here, especially ones that use budget-friendly chicken! Believe it or not, this tender, juicy, flavor-packed Pesto Chicken might just be our easiest recipe yet. It’s got just six easy ingredients (and 2 are optional) but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s even fancy enough to serve to guests.
To make it as part of a freezer cooking day, just split the marinade & chicken into multiple bags, then throw it right into the freezer–no cooking required! Making it ahead of time is not necessary, though, as it is equally delicious just marinated at room temperature.
You can use any type of chicken but my family much prefers the boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are a darker, juicier meat and also tend to be cheaper than the boneless skinless breasts.
Here is what you need:
2 cups store bought or homemade pesto 1/2 cup cider vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil 3-4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken 2 plum tomatoes, sliced (optional; for cooking day only!) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional; for cooking day only!)Step 1: In large bowl, whisk together pesto, vinegar, & olive oil.
Step 2: Divide chicken into two gallon-size freezer bags (be sure to label bags first!) Divide sauce into bags over top of chicken. Freeze until needed.
Step 3: Thaw; Grill 5-7 minutes on one side, then turn over and grill 5-8 minutes longer. With a minute or two to go, place sliced tomato over chicken, then sprinkle with mozzarella. Close lid and let cheese melt completely. Alternate cooking directions: Arrange chicken in casserole dish; place tomato slices over chicken, then sprinkle heavily with mozzarella cheese and bake at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Serve over cooked pasta.
In large bowl whisk together pesto, vinegar and olive oil.
Divide chicken into two gallon-size freezer bags (be sure to label bags first!) Divide sauce into bags over top of chicken. Freeze until needed.
Thaw; Grill 5-7 minutes on one side, then turn over and grill 5-8 minutes longer. With a minute or two to go, place sliced tomato over chicken, then sprinkle with mozzarella. Close lid and let cheese melt completely.
OR: Arrange chicken in casserole dish; place tomato slices over chicken, then sprinkle heavily with mozzarella cheese and bake at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Serve over cooked pasta.
Chicken can be cooked 10-15 minutes on the grill or 30-40 minutes in the oven.
Have you heard the news? It’s the 12th Anniversary of our LWSL Holiday Planner! For…
LWSL & Co. Favorite 5 It seems crazy that it's fall already, but we can…
Lisa's Favorite 5 I'm a busy wife, mom, and gigi, so I'm all about finding…
Feeling like your finances are out of control can be downright scary. Don't miss these…
Amanda's Favorite 5 Do you spend so much time pouring into everyone else in your…
Danny's Favorite 5 Need some gift ideas for the Dads in your life? I've got…
Simplify your life in just 3 simple steps. Get our Living Well Starter Guide, absolutely free!
View Comments
Yum, this looks so good! I love pesto and topping with cheese is great! We will have to grill this asap!
You always have the best easy freezer meal recipes! I just added this to my "Easy Freezer Meals" Pinterest Board. I've been doing the Sunday Prep Day program and have started making my own meal plans for the week using the easy dinner programs. Thanks for the idea!