Freezer Bag Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs
In short: Chicken thighs frozen in a maple, Dijon and garlic marinade, then thawed and baked or air fried for an easy dinner with no extra prep. It takes about 1 h in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Resting
- 4 h
- Total
- 1 h
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 430 kcal
Freezer bag marinades solve two problems at once: the chicken seasons as it thaws, and dinner is nearly ready before you start. Here, thighs go into bags with a sweet and tangy marinade of maple syrup, Dijon mustard and garlic. On the day you want them, thaw in the fridge and roast on a tray or in the air fryer. Make two bags in one sitting and you have two future dinners ready.
Instructions
- Whisk the mustard, maple syrup, oil, vinegar, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper together in a bowl until smooth.
- Divide the thighs between two large freezer bags, 4 in each. Pour half the marinade into each bag.
- Seal the bags, pressing out as much air as you can, and massage the marinade over the chicken. Label with the date.
- Lay the bags flat on a tray and freeze for at least 4 hours until solid. Stack them once frozen and store for up to 3 months.
- To cook, thaw one bag in the fridge for 24 hours. Never thaw chicken on the counter.
- Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Lift the thighs out, shake off the excess marinade and place them skin side up on a parchment-lined tray. Discard the leftover marinade.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the skin is golden and the thickest thigh reads at least 74°C (165°F). In an air fryer at 190°C (375°F), cook for 22 to 25 minutes. Rest for 5 minutes and serve.
Tips
- Freeze the bags flat so they stack neatly and thaw faster. Put the bag on a plate in the fridge in case of leaks.
- Boneless, skinless thighs also work. Bake them for 22 to 25 minutes, or cook them for 12 to 14 minutes in an air fryer.
Questions and answers
Is it safe to marinate chicken in the freezer?
Yes. Raw chicken freezes safely with its marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge, not at room temperature.
Can I cook the chicken from frozen?
It is safer and gives better results to thaw it first. If you must, cook it from frozen at 190°C (375°F) for about 60 minutes and check it reaches 74°C (165°F).
Can I reuse the leftover marinade?
Not as it is, since it has touched raw chicken. Discard it, or boil it for 3 minutes first if you want to use it as a glaze.
How long does it take to make Freezer Bag Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs?
About 1 h in total: 15 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Freezer Bag Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs?
About 430 kcal per serving, with 31 g of protein, 12 g of carbohydrates and 29 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 430 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 31 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 29 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 11 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
