There are plenty of freeze-friendly make ahead chicken recipes but you wouldn’t know about them unless you do a little research.
The most common way to prepare a chicken meal in advance is to use leftover chicken and make a simple pasta bake or a casserole.
However, you can also make enchiladas, chicken wings and even breaded chicken with little to no effort.
Since these freezer foods have a dozen of different variations, I decided to compile the best ones in a list that you can check when you’re out of ideas.
13 Make Ahead Chicken Recipes
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Wings
Chicken wings probably aren’t the first meal that pops into your mind when you think about a make ahead dish.
However, my experience has taught me that they’re actually one of the easiest ones to prepare them this way.
In order to make these Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Wings in advance you’ll simply need to apply the dry rub and refrigerate them.
I recommend serving them with some homemade Mild Buffalo Wild Wings Sauce or a Garlic Parmesan dip.
Get the recipe: Dry Rub Chicken Wings
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This casserole recipe courtesy of The Cozy Cook, features chicken, broccoli and rice baked in a creamy cheddar sauce.
It can be assembled up to two days in advance or freezed for 3 months after it’s baked.
If you choose the first option, you’ll need to let all of the ingredients sit for half an hour and increase the baking time by 15 minutes.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it works equally well with other sources of protein such as ham and ground beef.
Get the recipe at: The Cozy Cook
Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
With this chicken pot pie recipe you’ll be able to cook a comforting meal for your family and loved ones at any given moment.
You can prep it ahead of time by storing the filling in an airtight container and assembling the pie in the following three days.
You can also store the entire pie in the fridge the day before you plan to bake it. This however might make the crust a bit soggy.
Get the recipe at: Meal Planning Magic
Make Ahead Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas are one of the easiest meals you can make in advance. You simply need to cook the chicken and mix it with the rest of the ingredients.
The filling for these enchiladas is made from shredded chicken, cheddar, chopped cilantro, spring onions and a spicy adobo sauce.
Get the recipe at: The Frugal Girl
Chicken Alfredo Bake
This Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake from Spend with Pennies requires low effort and is ideal for busy weekdays.
It’s made with chopped chicken breasts, short pasta and a homemade alfredo sauce.
The best part is that you don’t need to cook the chicken so you can use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken.
Get the recipe at: Spend With Pennies
Also check out our: Recipe Ideas Crockpot for Chicken Pasta Recipes
Make Ahead Chicken Piccata
This chicken piccata recipe is perfect if you’re looking for a dish that’s made with a few simple ingredients.
In order to make it, you’ll need to bread the chicken, brown it in a skillet and bake it along with some gravy.
Related: Ways to Bread Chicken Without Using Flour
The entire recipe takes about half an hour to fully make which is another huge plus.
Get the recipe at: Key Ingredient
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole features crispy breaded chicken with rigatoni baked in a savory marinara sauce.
Making it can require a bit of effort but that’s only if you choose to use freshly made breaded chicken.
Other than that, you simply need to combine the pasta, marinara and chicken, and bake them in the oven.
Get the recipe at: The Cozy Cook
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
These Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas are jam-packed with green chilis, pepper jack cheese and sour cream.
They’re typically made with leftover shredded chicken, but you can also use shredded turkey or pulled pork.
Related Read: Can I Cook Turkey The Day Before And The Reheat it?
Serve them with a side of rice and beans or with a simple garnish of chopped tomatoes, spring onions and lime.
Get the recipe at: Butter Your Biscuit
Baked Crack Chicken Breasts
Tender mouth watering chicken topped off with cream cheese, cheddar and crunchy bits of bacon.
If this description sounds enticing, then you’ll love these Baked Crack Chicken Breasts.
To make it ahead of time, you’ll simply need to assemble the chicken and toppings a day or two in advance.
Get the recipe at: Diethood
Baked Chicken Ricotta Balls
A well-balanced sauce is one of the most important parts of a great make ahead meal.
And these Baked Chicken Ricotta Balls certainly meet this criteria. They’re made with a rich Alfredo spinach sauce which complements the taste of the chicken.
Get the recipe at: Chef Jar
Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole
This Chicken Noodle Casserole is one of easiest meals you can set and forget.
Preparing it in advance simply requires you to boil the chicken and pasta and whip up a shortcut sauce.
Once done, you simply stash all of the ingredients for the casserole until you’re ready to bake it.
Get the recipe at: Spend With Pennies
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic pasta bake casserole made with linguini, diced up chicken, mushrooms and a buttery cream sauce.
This rendition also adds a bit of peas to the mix along with a combo of mozzarella, cheddar and parmesan.
You can serve it with a side of glazed carrots or some homemade garlic bread.
Get the recipe at: BellyFull
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a twist on the popular French appetizer.
It’s made with shredded chicken, chopped ham, hash browns and loads of cream cheese sauce.
It’s also quite easy to prepare and make ahead friendly.
Get the recipe at: Carl’s Bad Cravings
Wrap Up
The hardest part in preparing chicken ahead of time is deciding what type of meal you’re going to make.
Once you figure this out, the rest becomes a child’s play. And hopefully, this list has provided you with plenty of options to choose from.
Next, you can check out my post on how to make smoothies the night before if you’re planning for a camping trip or just won’t have the time.