In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleFreezing ItStoring ItHow Long Does It Stay Good?How to Defrost ItCan You Refreeze It?Is It Still Safe to Eat?Best Ways to Use It
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
Freezing It
Storing It
How Long Does It Stay Good?
How to Defrost It
Can You Refreeze It?
Is It Still Safe to Eat?
Best Ways to Use It
Close
Photo: Getty Images
Chicken is a popular ingredient in many households due to its versatility, taste and protein content. Whether you appreciate the time-saving advantages of batch-cooking or have leftovers from arotisserie chickendinner, you can always store cooked chicken in the freezer for an extended period. Continue reading to learn the correct methods for freezing and storing cooked chicken, as well as how to thaw it when needed. Plus, we offer excellent recipes to make the most of frozen cooked chicken.
How to Prevent Freezer Burn
Can You Freeze Cooked Chicken?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze chicken that has been cooked. Freezing cooked chicken (and cooked food in general) is about convenience. When you have a busy schedule, preparing meals ahead saves time. And when you have leftovers that are frozen properly, you alsodecrease your food waste, saving money in the long run.
Can You Freeze Any Kind of Cooked Chicken?
Again, the answer is yes. Freeze cooked chicken in the form that you would like to eat it in later or in the state in which you would incorporate it into a recipe you plan on using. If you plan to eat whole cookedchicken breastsin your future meal(s), leave the cooked breasts intact when freezing.
On the other hand, if you have leftover rotisserie chicken and plan to use the meat insoups,stewsor savory piefillings, consider freezing the chicken meat shredded or cut into bite-size pieces without the skin and bones. (You can use the bones to make astock or broth.)
How Do You Store Cooked Chicken in the Freezer?
Another point to consider when freezing cooked meat is portion size. Smaller portions will be easier to manage when you thaw them in the future, and you’ll be less likely to have food waste.
To store your cooked chicken in the freezer, consider the following tips:
How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Freezer?
Cooked chicken, when stored properly, can last in the freezer for up to six months, according to the USDA’sCold Food Storage Chart. When the cooked meat is mixed in soups and stews, the storage time shortens to two to three months. After the suggested timeline, the meat’s quality may decline and it may be more susceptible to freezer burn.
How Do You Defrost Frozen Cooked Chicken?
When you’re ready to use your frozen cooked chicken, you can take it out of the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator for up to four days.
If you are in a hurry, you can also defrost the frozen cooked chicken using the microwave, although we don’t recommend it. With this method, look out for cold spots in the center of the meat. You may also notice uneven defrosting, where the meat edges may get overcooked and look dry.
Once the meat is defrosted,reheatit on the stovetop or in the oven to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (73.9°C), according to the USDA. Always use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Reheating frozen cooked chicken on a steam table or in a slow cooker or chafing dish is not a good idea because those vessels are food warmers. In other words, the food’s internal temperature will hover in thedanger zone(between 40°F and 140°F, or 4°C and 60°C), harboring the growth of bacteria and increasing the risk of food poisoning.
Can You Refreeze Previously Frozen Cooked Chicken?
Even when you made an effort to portion your frozen cooked chicken, you might still have leftovers to deal with. So, can you refreeze previously frozen cooked chicken?
When your chicken meat is cooked, frozen, thawed and reheated, it is best not to refreeze it as bacteria grow each time the food is handled. The general rule of thumb is only to cook, freeze (or refrigerate), defrost and reheat your food once. So, if you have unfinished previously frozen cooked chicken, then it is best to toss it rather than put yourself at risk of food poisoning.
Can You Refreeze Chicken?
How Can You Tell if Frozen Cooked Chicken Is Still Safe to Eat?
While frozen cooked chicken is usually safe when stored in the freezer for up to six months, it does not mean that the meat is always safe to eat once you have taken it out of the freezer. Look forsigns of spoilage: Has the cooked chicken meat changed color? Are there any visible signs of mold? When thawed, does the meat look slimy and/or give off a foul smell? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, tossing your cooked chicken meat is the best decision.
What’s the Best Way to Use Frozen Cooked Chicken?
The Bottom Line
Frozen cooked chicken is a great time-saver forquick weeknight meals, and knowing how to freeze cooked chicken safely can be a huge convenience. Take a look at our collection ofchicken recipesand consider how your thawed, cooked chicken could be used best, especially for busy days!
How to Thaw Chicken Safely, According to Our Test Kitchen
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