Skillet dinners are a convenient and flavorful meal option that can be easily prepared and enjoyed. However, many home cooks wonder if it is possible to freeze skillet dinners for later consumption. The answer is yes, you can freeze skillet dinners, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure the best possible results.
Preparing Skillet Dinners for Freezing
- Choose the right skillet dinner recipes: Not all skillet dinner recipes are suitable for freezing. Avoid recipes that contain dairy products, as these can separate and become watery when thawed. Also, avoid recipes that contain fresh herbs, as these can wilt and lose their flavor when frozen.
- Cook the skillet dinner completely: Before freezing, make sure to cook the skillet dinner completely. This will help to preserve the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Cool the skillet dinner completely: Once the skillet dinner is cooked, allow it to cool completely before freezing. This will help to prevent the formation of ice crystals, which can damage the texture of the food.
Freezing Skillet Dinners
- Use freezer-safe containers: When freezing skillet dinners, it is important to use freezer-safe containers. These containers will help to protect the food from freezer burn and keep it fresh for longer.
- Portion the skillet dinner: If you are freezing a large skillet dinner, consider portioning it into individual servings. This will make it easier to reheat and serve the dinner later on.
- Label the containers: Be sure to label the containers with the name of the dish and the date it was frozen. This will help you to keep track of what is in your freezer and when it was frozen.
Reheating Frozen Skillet Dinners
- Thaw the skillet dinner: Before reheating a frozen skillet dinner, it is important to thaw it completely. This can be done in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on the defrost setting.
- Reheat the skillet dinner: Once the skillet dinner is thawed, it can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. Be sure to reheat the dinner until it is heated through.
Tips for Freezing Skillet Dinners
- Use a vacuum sealer: If you have a vacuum sealer, you can use it to remove the air from the freezer-safe containers before freezing. This will help to prevent freezer burn and keep the food fresh for longer.
- Add a layer of protection: Before sealing the freezer-safe containers, add a layer of plastic wrap or foil over the top of the food. This will help to create an additional barrier against freezer burn.
- Freeze the skillet dinner quickly: Once the skillet dinner is sealed, place it in the freezer as quickly as possible. This will help to prevent the formation of ice crystals.
Freezing skillet dinners is a great way to save time and money. By following these tips, you can freeze skillet dinners that will taste just as good as when they were first made. So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, consider freezing a skillet dinner for later.
Do: freeze the right ingredients
Of course, I believe that everyone wants to freeze the appropriate ingredients. but what are they?.
Here are a few of my favorite freeze-friendly ingredients and recipes:
- stir fries (portioned with rice)
- fried rice
- curries (portioned with rice)
- lasagna (cooked or assembled and uncooked)
- soups
- stews
- quinoa
- casseroles
- cooked rice
- cooked beans
- cooked corn
- fresh berries
- chopped fresh herbs that are kept in an ice cube tray with olive oil
- muffins
- quick breads
- pesto
- pasta sauce
- chicken + marinade
- meatballs
- breakfast sandwiches
- breakfast burritos
- steel cut oats
The bag holder is shown.
Don’t: be afraid of freezing glass
It is completely safe to freeze good-quality glass meal prep containers or mason jars used for canning. You can freeze in mason jars as well!.
I just wanted to let everyone know that glass containers are completely safe to freeze (as long as it says so in the manufacturers instructions) because I detest how much disposable foil and plastic are involved in freezer meals.
- Never freeze in old pasta sauce jars or other jars not fit for canning. Save those for a pantry storage!.
- Jars should only be ¾ full, and lids should remain ajar until the product is frozen.
- Jars and other containers should never be frozen while still warm or hot.
- find more plastic-free freezer storage ideas here!
Freezer to Skillet Meals | Easy Make Ahead Dinners
FAQ
Can you freeze already cooked dinners?
Can you freeze homemade dinners?
Is it better to freeze meals cooked or uncooked?
How long do cook meals last in freezer?
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Food
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Type
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Freezer [0°F (-18°C) or below]
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Soups and stews
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Vegetable or meat added
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2 to 3 months
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Leftovers
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Cooked meat or poultry
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2 to 6 months
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Chicken nuggets or patties
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1 to 3 months
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Pizza
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1 to 2 months
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What are Skillet chicken freezer meals?
These skillet chicken freezer meals start with the same basic concept: chicken frozen with a marinade, then cooked with a vegetable or two. But each has their own blend of spices and seasonings that make it unique and give you some variety during the week.
Can you cook frozen chicken in a skillet?
Keep covered and set aside. Alternatively, the frozen rice can be added to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook the Chicken: Warm 2 teaspoons of oil in a large skillet (like a cast-iron skillet) or a wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is warm, add the frozen chicken.
Can you freeze reheated meals?
The trick is to stock your freezer with make-ahead meals that taste just as good upon reheating as they did the day they were made. The meals included in this week’s Power Hour all freeze wonderfully, so take your pick between eating them all this week or popping one (or all of them) into the freezer for future dinners.
Can you freeze stir fry?
Package the Stir-Fry Dinner Together: Place the bags of chicken, vegetables, rice, and sauce in a large plastic bag or freezer container. Print or write out the Preparation Instructions (below) and place in the bag. Press out as much air as possible before sealing. Freeze for Up to 3 Months: These freezer meals are best eaten with in a few months.