Tandoori Chicken Slow Cooker Freezer Meal Recipe

Hey there, fellow busy moms and parents! If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly convenient, let me introduce you to the wonderful world of Tandoori Chicken freezer meals. 

Imagine the rich and vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine right in your own home, with minimal effort and maximum taste. The smell, as it lingers in the kitchen, calling you forward to the dinner table. Kids rush in to sit in their chairs and ready a plate.

That’s what Tandoori Chicken is all about, and it’s a game-changer for anyone juggling a hectic schedule.

Tandoori Chicken is a masterpiece of spices, yogurt, and tender chicken, marinated to perfection. The best part? It’s a make-ahead meal, a true lifesaver for those days when you’re too tired to cook but still crave something wholesome and mouthwatering.

Whether you’re a fan of easy chicken recipes or simply seeking a stress-free dinner solution, this one’s a winner.

In this blog post, you’ll discover how to marinate, package, and store it for future use, allowing you to enjoy the incredible flavors of Tandoori Chicken whenever you desire, with minimal effort.

So, let’s dive into this culinary adventure and make dinnertime a breeze!

Why you’ll love this Freezer Friendly Tandoori Chicken Recipe

• Super Flavorful
• Family Friendly
• Versatile Dish
• Authentic Taste
• Convenient Make-Ahead Option
• Crowd Pleaser

Tandoori Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe

Hannah Stewart

Imagine the rich and vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine right in your own home, with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Indian

Servings 4 Adults

Calories 711 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Slow Cooker or Crock Pot
• 1 High speed blender or food processor
• 1 gallon freezer bag

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lb chicken thighs boneless/skinless

Tandoori Sauce (Blend together)

• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 1 Medjool date
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 14.5 oz full-fat coconut milk can

Day of Cooking

• 1 lime

Get ingredients with

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

 

Freezer Prep Directions:

• Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
• Blend sauce ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor.
• Add all ingredients, except day of cooking, to labeled freezer bag.
• Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker Directions:

• Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
• Dump contents of freezer bag into slow cooker.
• Cook on low 4-6 hours.
• Shred chicken and stir into slow cooker, until chicken is fully covered with tandoori sauce.
• Serve over basmati rice and serve with a lime wedge. Optional: top with pickled veggies.

Instant Pot Directions

1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add 1/2 cup water.
2. Set to High Pressure for 20 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release. 
3. Shred chicken and stir into instant pot, until chicken is fully covered with tandoori sauce.
4. Serve over basmati rice and serve with a lime wedge. Optional: top with pickled veggies.

Dietary Adjustments

Make it Gluten-Free:

• This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

 

 

Make it Dairy-Free:

• This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Freezer Labels

Tandoori Chicken Freezer Meal Printable Label

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 711kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 16gFat: 46gSaturated Fat: 36gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 186mgPotassium: 2007mgFiber: 35gSugar: 28gCalcium: 184mgIron: 23mg

Keyword crockpot dinners, Fast and Easy Dinner, freezer meals, Tandoori Chicken Slow Cooker

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Equipment Needed to Make this convenient Tandoori Chicken Meal

• 1 Slow Cooker or Crock Pot
• 1 High speed blender or food processor
• 1 gallon freezer bag

Ingredients for your Tandoori Chicken

• 2 lb Boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Tandoori Sauce (Blend together)
• 2 tbsp Garam masala
• 1 Medjool date
• 1 tbsp Garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Chili powder
• 1 tbsp Ground cumin
• 2 tsp Salt
• 2 tsp Tumeric
• 1/2 tsp Ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper (optional)*
• 14.5 oz can Full fat coconut milk
• Day of Cooking
• 1 Lime

How to make a Tandoori Chicken

Freezer Directions:

1. Label Freezer bag with Recipe name, cooking from freezer directions and expiration date (todays date plus three months).
2. Blend sauce ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor.
3. Add all ingredients to labeled freezer bag.
4. Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.

Cooking Directions:

• Thaw overnight in fridge or in the morning in water (meal may not be 100% thawed but that is ok).
• Dump contents of freezer bag into slow cooker.
• Cook on low 4-6 hours.
• Shred chicken, remove bones and stir back into slow cooker.
• Serve over basmati rice (cauliflower rice if paleo) and lime wedge. Optional: top with pickled veggies.

What to Serve/Pair with your Freezer Friendly Tandoori Chicken!

Sides:

• Cucumber Raita
• Garlic Naan Bread
• Vegetable Biryani

Desserts:

• Mango Lassi
• Gulab Jamun
• Kheer ( Indian Rice Pudding)

Mocktails:

• Mint and Cucumber Cooler
• Tamarind Margarita Mocktail
• Mango Mocktail

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

• Chicken Breast for Bone-In Chicken Thighs (Skinless):
  • If you prefer white meat or have boneless chicken breasts on hand, you can substitute them for bone-in chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
• Agave Nectar for Raw Honey (Vegan Option):
  • To make the recipe vegan-friendly, you can replace raw honey with agave nectar. It offers a similar sweetening effect without using honey.
• Smoked Paprika for Chili Powder (Milder Option):
  • If you want to reduce the heat level, substitute chili powder with smoked paprika. It imparts a smoky flavor without the intense heat of chili powder.

Additions:

• Yogurt Marinade:
  • Incorporate plain yogurt into the marinade to enhance the creaminess and add a tangy flavor dimension. Yogurt also helps tenderize the chicken further. Make sure to use a dairy-free alternative if needed.
• Lemon Zest and Juice:
  • To brighten up the flavors, add the zest and juice of one lemon to the marinade. It adds a refreshing citrusy note that pairs wonderfully with the spices.
• Fresh Cilantro and Mint Chutney:
  • Serve your Tandoori Chicken with a homemade cilantro and mint chutney. Blend fresh cilantro, mint leaves, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to create a vibrant and cooling condiment that complements the spiciness of the dish.

These substitutions and additions will allow you to customize your Tandoori Chicken recipe to your taste preferences while ensuring it remains freezer-friendly for convenient meal preparation.

How to Reheat and Store Tandoori Chicken after Cooking

Best way to store Tandoori Chicken Recipe leftovers?

When you are going to store your leftovers, make sure that you allow your recipe to cool down to room temperature for about 30 minutes after cooking.

If you plan to consume your leftovers within a few days, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss.

For longer storage, you can freeze your Tandoori Chicken leftovers in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out excess air to minimize freezer burn.

It’s a good idea to separate individual portions of your leftovers with parchment paper for easy positioning and reheating. 

How long will Tandoori Chicken last in the fridge?

With proper cooling and storage practices in place, your Tandoori Chicken leftovers should stay fresh in the fridge for 3-5 days. As always, best practice is to do some sniff tests before reheating to make sure your leftovers have not spoiled in the fridge.

Another tip is to label the container or bag that you put your leftovers in with the date of preparation to keep track of the freshness of your meal.

Can I freeze convenient Tandoori Chicken after cooking?

Yes, absolutely! If you do not think you will be consuming your leftovers in a short period of time, freezing them is a great option.

Place your leftovers in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out excess air to minimize the freezer burn. Make sure to label your container for freshness, and use it within 1-2 months.

If you are looking to make this a raw freezer meal. Simply add all ingredients into your freezer safe bag, label for 3-6 months from the date of prep, and remove as much air as possible from your bag.

You are then good to seal, and freeze for when you need a nice meal.

How to reheat Quick and Easy Tandoori Chicken?

Depending on the different types of storage, the reheating is slightly different as well. If you stored your leftovers in the fridge, you can use the oven or a microwave to reheat your leftovers.

If you want to use the microwave, simply place your leftovers on a safe dish, and reheat in a short burst of 30 seconds, checking and stirring between intervals until heated through.

It is also a great idea to cover your leftovers with a microwave safe lid or paper towel to trap in the moisture in order to avoid drying out your chicken.

If you have frozen your leftovers, and are looking to reheat, its best to thaw out your leftovers in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to ensure even heating.

Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated chicken. 

Make-ahead Tandoori Chicken FAQs

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Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Tandoori Chicken turned out!