Chicken Parmesan Freezer Meal

Chicken Parmesan is a family favorite and one of the first meals I prepared for the freezer. After trying a couple different freezer cooking methods, with this recipe, I decided I prefer to have the chicken completely cooked and meal assembled prior to going into the freezer. That way, if I am not home, my husband can just stick it in the oven without too much worry or thought.

He actually made this Chicken Parmesan last week and was so proud of himself. You would have thought he slaved over a hot oven all day putting this dinner together!

This freezer meal is easy to make, healthy, and reheats perfectly. You will love having this ready for a nice weeknight meal, Sunday supper, or to impress some of your guests.

I am providing you with a very simple Chicken Parmesan recipe. However, you can use this freezer cooking method with any Chicken Parmesan recipe.

Sorry the picture is not that great. My husband was supposed to save me a nice piece for a picture but obviously that did not happen. Oh well, it still tasted yummy!

Chicken Parmesan Freezer Meal

Servings: 4

Serving Size: 1 piece of Chicken Parmesan

Approximate nutritional information:

Calories: 419 * Carbs: 36 * Fat: 13 * Protein: 42 * Fiber: 6 * Points +: 11 * Old Points: 9

Ingredients

Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon sugar

28 ounce can crushed tomatoes with basil

¼ teaspoon salt

Chicken

Cooking spray

4 4 ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to ¼ inch thick

½ cup whole grain bread crumbs

Other Ingredients

1 ½ cups part skim shredded mozzarella

Directions:

Turn oven on to 375.

Step 1. Dredge chicken in breadcrumbs and place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. The key to the chicken is to have it pounded into very thin cutlets. The thicker the chicken the longer it takes to cook.

I am just realizing it is time for a new pan

Step 2. Cook for 15 minutes and turn over. Then cook for another 15 minutes or until fully cooked and juices run clear.

Step 3. While chicken is cooking make the sauce. You can also make this sauce ahead of time. In a medium sauce pan saute onion in olive oil until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 3 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 15 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick add a little water about 1/4 cup at a time until it reaches a consistency you like. Let the sauce cool completely.

Step 4. Line a 9 x 13 casserole dish with plastic wrap. This is called the freezer cooking casserole method. Make sure it is lined good. Sometimes I need to use a few sheets. Put a layer of sauce on the bottom.

Step 5. Once the chicken has cooled slightly then you can assemble the rest of the meal. Add the chicken, remainder of the sauce, then the mozzarella cheese.

Step 6. Now you are going to put this in the freezer for a few hours or until it is frozen. Once it is frozen you will be able to pull it right out of the casserole dish. This way you can use your dish for something else if need be.

Step 7. Completely wrap the frozen chicken parmesan in a couple layers of plastic wrap. You can also use foil if you want. Label and stick back in the freezer.

Step 8. This freezer dinner can be made straight from the freezer or you can thaw it first. Either way right after you take it out of the freezer you need to immediately take off the plastic wrap. Wipe a hot wet paper towel across the bottom if you notice the plastic wrap having a hard time coming off. This will help it to peal off quite easily.

Step 9: Once you take off the plastic wrap place it back into the original casserole dish.

Step 10. If you are cooking this meal straight from the freezer cook in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour 15 minutes or until heated through. If it is thawed first then cook in a 350 oven for 45 minutes or until heated through. Enjoy!

I used the freezer cooking casserole method for this meal. However, if you don’t have casserole dishes or would like other options then check out the Glad Simply Cooking Ovenware. These pans come in sizes 8 x 8 and 9 x 12and are specifically designed for freezer cooking. They are oven-safe and freezer-ready!