The ultimate guide to meal prep chicken: How long will it last in the fridge?

The concept of meal prep has been around for quite some time, going back to the great bodybuilders who paved the way for the well known bodybuilders in 2023. History lesson aside, when it comes to meal prep, chicken is one of the most common and versatile protein sources. Although there has been a great increase and evolution of meal prep, the classic "chicken, rice, and broccoli" still comes to mind for some when they think about meal prep.

In this blog post, we will explore creative ways to meal prep with chicken, and how long it really lasts in the fridge. 

Chicken breast is a great option for meal prep as it is lean, high in protein, and can be used in a variety of dishes. 

To begin meal prepping chicken breast, start by selecting high-quality, fresh chicken breast from a trusted source. You can either buy it fresh or frozen and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

One creative way to meal prep chicken breast is to marinate it before cooking. Marinating chicken breast adds flavor and moisture to the meat, making it more enjoyable to eat throughout the week. You can make your own marinade using ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs or use a store-bought marinade for convenience. Simply place the chicken breast in a resealable bag with the marinade, and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before cooking. 

Chef's tip: be mindful with how much lemon juice you use in your marinades. The lemon juice is very acidic and with the correct amount, can be used to tenderize the chicken, giving it a nice texture once it's cooked.

If you're looking to same more time with your meal prep, another way to meal prep chicken breast is to cook it in bulk and use it throughout the week in different dishes. You can cook the chicken breast in a variety of ways, such as grilling, baking, or sautéing. Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool before portioning it out into containers for the week. You can use the cooked chicken breast in salads, wraps, stir-fries, and more. Nutrimeals offers a wide variety of different protein options that you can order in bulk quantities, including chicken. It's a great convenient and cost-effective way to get creative with dishes throughout the week. 

Choose your favourite recipe and combine ingredients into a bowl. Mix well and use to season the chicken. 

Greek Spice Blend:

• 1 tbsp: garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp: salt, pepper, dried parsley, dried rosemary, dried thyme
• 3/4 tsp: ground nutmeg 

Taco Seasoning:

• 2 tbsp: chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp: cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, oregano

Curry Blend:

• 2 tbsp: cumin powder, ground coriander, turmeric, cardamom
• 1/2 tsp: cinnamon, cayenne pepper

Lemon Pepper:

• Fresh lemon zest from 2 lemons
• 2 tbsp salt & pepper

You've come to the right place to find the answer to this question! At Nutrimeals we take pride in our food safety standards, and we cook a lot of chicken for our meal prep clients!

First thing to remember is that it's so important to store cooked chicken properly in the fridge to prevent foodborne illness. The first step is to let the chicken cool down to room temperature before storing it in the fridge. This will prevent moisture from building up in the container, which can lead to bacterial growth. Be very careful to not let the chicken sit at room temperature for too long, or else bacteria can also grow.

Once the chicken has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Label the container with the date of preparation so you know how long it has been stored in the fridge.

Cooked chicken can be safely stored in the fridge for up to four days. It is important to consume the chicken within this timeframe to prevent the risk of foodborne illness. If you are unable to eat the chicken within four days, you can freeze it for up to three months. When reheating cooked chicken, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any bacteria that may have grown during storage.

In conclusion, meal prepping with chicken is a great way to save time and money while still enjoying a healthy and delicious meal. Whether you are meal prepping for yourself, or a large family, these tips and tricks will help you make the best chicken for your meal prep! Another great way to take care of your meal prep is to order from a local meal prep company. Nutrimeals is located in Calgary, Alberta and offers a wide variety of meals including prepped chicken in bulk quantities. Nutrimeals is a great meal prep company that you can trust to take care of you and your meal prep needs!