Freezer Meal Teriyaki Chicken in 5 Easy Steps

Name: Freezer Meal Teriyaki Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1/4 cup mirin; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; Sesame seeds; Sliced green onions; Steamed rice; Steamed broccoli

Rachael

November 24, 2025

This Freezer Meal Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate game-changer for anyone looking to simplify their dinner routine without sacrificing flavor. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing a delicious, home-cooked meal is just minutes away. That’s the magic of freezer meal prepping. The core concept is simple: do the prep work now to save a mountain of time later.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

And yes, you can absolutely freeze chicken raw in teriyaki sauce! In fact, it’s the best way to do it. As the chicken freezes and later thaws, it soaks up every bit of the savory, sweet, and garlicky marinade, resulting in exceptionally tender and flavorful meat once cooked. This recipe guides you through creating a simple yet incredibly tasty homemade teriyaki sauce that blows store-bought versions out of the water. It’s perfect for families, busy professionals, or anyone who wants to eat well with minimal daily effort.

I first discovered the sheer brilliance of freezer meals during a particularly hectic period in my life. Juggling work deadlines and family commitments left me with little energy for cooking, and we were ordering takeout more often than I’d like to admit. I needed a sustainable solution. I started experimenting, and this Freezer Meal Teriyaki Chicken quickly became the star of our rotation. The first time I pulled a pre-made bag out of the freezer on a Tuesday night, thawed it, and had a delicious, steaming meal on the table in under 20 minutes, I felt like a superhero.

It was the perfect blend of convenience and wholesome, home-cooked goodness. It not only saved us money but also brought back the joy of a shared family dinner, even on the most chaotic days. Now, I always have a few of these meals stocked, ready to save the day.

Why You’ll Love This

Time-Saving Champion: Spend 15 minutes prepping now to have a ready-to-cook meal for a busy night.
Packed with Flavor: A homemade teriyaki sauce with fresh ginger and garlic delivers authentic, robust flavor.
Incredibly Versatile: This Freezer Meal Teriyaki Chicken can be cooked in a skillet, baked in the oven, or even thrown in a slow cooker.
Budget-Friendly: Making meals at home is more cost-effective than takeout, and this recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients.

What Makes This Freezer Meal Teriyaki Chicken Special

What truly sets this recipe apart is the homemade teriyaki sauce. While bottled sauces are convenient, they often contain high levels of sodium, preservatives, and high-fructose corn syrup. Crafting your own sauce takes only five extra minutes and gives you complete control over the ingredients. The combination of low-sodium soy sauce, mirin (a sweet Japanese rice wine), fresh ginger, and garlic creates a perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavor profile that is both authentic and vibrant. This sauce doesn’t just coat the chicken; it permeates the meat during the freezing and thawing process, ensuring every single bite is juicy and packed with umami goodness. It’s this simple, fresh-tasting sauce that elevates a simple freezer meal into a truly restaurant-worthy dish.

Key Ingredients for Freezer Meal Teriyaki Chicken

Chicken Thighs: What is the best cut of chicken for freezer meals? Without a doubt, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the superior choice. They have a slightly higher fat content than breasts, which keeps them incredibly moist and tender through the freezing and cooking process. They are very forgiving and resistant to drying out.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: The backbone of our sauce. Using a low-sodium version helps control the saltiness, allowing the other flavors to shine. For a gluten-free option, tamari is a perfect substitute.
Mirin: This sweet Japanese rice wine adds a unique tangy sweetness and authentic flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute dry sherry or rice vinegar with an extra pinch of sugar.
Fresh Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics are non-negotiable for the best flavor. They provide a fresh, zesty kick that you simply can’t get from powders.

How to Make Freezer Meal Teriyaki Chicken: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Mix the Marinade: Start by whisking all your sauce ingredients together in a bowl. This simple step combines the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger into a cohesive, flavorful marinade.
Step 2: Bag the Chicken: Cut your chicken thighs into uniform, bite-sized pieces and place them in a labeled, freezer-safe bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the top.
Step 3: Freeze It Flat: Squeeze all the air out of the bag, seal it tightly, and squish the contents to coat the chicken evenly. Lay the bag flat in your freezer for easy stacking and faster thawing.
Step 4: Thaw and Cook: Should I thaw frozen teriyaki chicken before cooking? For best results, yes. Thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, simply empty the bag into a hot skillet and cook until the chicken is done and the sauce has thickened beautifully.

Storing Your Freezer Meal Teriyaki Chicken

Proper storage is key to a successful freezer meal. Always use high-quality, durable freezer-safe zip-top bags. How do you prevent freezer burn on chicken? The trick is to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing. Air is the enemy and causes ice crystals to form. For extra protection, you can even double-bag it. Make sure to label each bag with the contents and the date it was prepared.

So, how long can you freeze teriyaki chicken? When stored correctly, this meal will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months in the freezer. It will remain safe to eat beyond that, but for optimal flavor and texture, it’s best to enjoy it within that timeframe. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it safely in the refrigerator overnight.

For more quick recipes, check out our fast meals page: Steak Bites: The Best 10 Minute Recipe

Freezer Meal Teriyaki Chicken Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. For a touch of sweetness and tropical flavor, add some pineapple chunks to the freezer bag along with the chicken. If you prefer a different sweetener, honey or maple syrup can be used in place of brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile. To turn up the heat, add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.

You can also make this recipe gluten-free by simply substituting the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Don’t have mirin? A dry sherry or rice wine vinegar with a bit of extra sugar will work in a pinch. Feel free to experiment with different additions to make this freezer meal your own.

Serving Suggestions for Freezer Meal Teriyaki Chicken

The classic way to serve this delicious teriyaki chicken is over a bed of fluffy steamed white or brown rice to soak up all the savory sauce. To make it a complete meal, pair it with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables. Broccoli, bok choy, or a medley of stir-fried bell peppers and snap peas are excellent choices. For a lower-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or quinoa. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color, texture, and fresh flavor right before serving.

The History of Teriyaki

While our freezer meal is a modern convenience, the technique of ‘teriyaki’ has roots in Japanese culinary tradition. The word itself is a combination of ‘teri,’ which means ‘luster’ or ‘glaze,’ and ‘yaki,’ which means ‘to grill’ or ‘to broil.’ Traditionally, it referred to a method of cooking where fish or meat was grilled and basted with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. This method created a beautiful, shiny finish and a deep, savory-sweet flavor.

Japanese immigrants brought this cooking style to Hawaii, where it evolved, often incorporating local ingredients like pineapple juice and fresh ginger. Our homemade sauce pays homage to this delicious history, creating that signature sweet and savory glaze that makes teriyaki a global favorite.

With this Freezer Meal Teriyaki Chicken recipe in your arsenal, you’re always just one step away from a fantastic dinner. It’s the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and wholesome ingredients that proves meal prepping can be both easy and delicious. Give it a try and transform your busy weeknights!

Pro Tips

Double the Batch: Since you’re already doing the prep work, make two or three batches at once to stock your freezer for the month.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking, make sure your skillet is large enough to hold the chicken in a single layer. This ensures the chicken sears nicely rather than just steaming.
Freeze Flat: Freezing the meal in a flat layer not only saves freezer space but also significantly cuts down on thawing time.

Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce for a freezer meal?

Yes, you can absolutely use bottled teriyaki sauce to save time. Look for a high-quality, thick sauce, as some thinner marinades can become watery after freezing and thawing. Keep in mind that homemade sauce allows you to control the sugar and sodium content, but for convenience, a store-bought version works perfectly well in this Freezer Meal Teriyaki Chicken recipe.

What vegetables can I add to my teriyaki chicken freezer meal?

You can add hearty vegetables that freeze well. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, onions, and snap peas are excellent choices. It’s best to add them to the freezer bag raw with the chicken and marinade. Softer vegetables like mushrooms can release a lot of water, so consider sautéing them separately and adding them during the last few minutes of cooking.

How can I make my teriyaki sauce thicker after cooking?

If your sauce is thinner than you’d like after cooking the chicken, you can easily thicken it. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan. In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce in the pan and cook for another minute or two until it has thickened to your desired consistency.

Is it better to freeze the chicken cooked or raw?

For this Freezer Meal Teriyaki Chicken, it’s significantly better to freeze the chicken raw in the marinade. This allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors as it freezes and thaws, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. Freezing cooked chicken can sometimes lead to a drier, tougher texture upon reheating, whereas freezing it raw ensures a perfectly cooked meal every time.

What’s the best way to cook teriyaki chicken from the freezer?

The best method depends on your timeline. For the best texture, thaw the meal in the refrigerator overnight and pan-fry it in a skillet for 10-15 minutes. You can also bake it in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. If you’re short on time, the slow cooker is a great option; simply place the frozen contents in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours for a hassle-free meal.