Chicken is the perfect protein for batch-cooking and meal-prepping, but how well does cooked chicken freeze? This guide will take you through all the best ways to freeze and thaw cooked chicken so that you can have protein ready for any meal at any time.
So, Can You Freeze Cooked Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken! In fact, cooked chicken is one of the easiest proteins to freeze. Some people worry about freezing cooked food for long periods, but when done correctly, chicken can freeze well while maintaining its texture and flavor.
The main thing to focus on when freezing chicken is to focus on its parts. Rather than placing a whole cooked chicken in the freezer, it’s better to break it down into sections (i.e. white vs. dark meat). Make sure to remove the meat from the bone as well to ensure proper freezing.
Freezing leftovers can be a great way to save money and lessen food waste. Try freezing cooked chicken to reduce waste in your household.
How To Freeze Cooked Chicken vs. Rotisserie Chicken
Buying rotisserie chickens from the store can be a game changer when it comes to saving time in the kitchen. And just like home-cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken can be easily frozen! Remove the meat from the bones and place it into airtight containers before freezing.
With both rotisserie and cooked chicken, it helps to take off the skin for easier thawing. The skin won’t be able to keep its texture after freezing, so it’s better to remove it.
Both cooked chicken and rotisserie chicken follow similar guidelines for freezing, so they can be interchanged.
Does Cooked Chicken Freeze Well?
Absolutely! That’s why it’s such a popular choice for busy meal preppers. When done properly, frozen cooked chicken thaws easily while keeping its flavor and texture. Which is quite uncommon for most frozen food.
Whether roasted, poached, or grilled, leftover cooked chicken can easily be frozen. Just ensure the chicken is cooked before throwing it in the freezer.
Freezing Tips and Methods
With the following tips and tricks, you’ll know how to store chicken in no time!
- Freeze chicken that has cooked thoroughly. The internal temperature of chicken meat should be 165F (73.9C) before cooling and storing.
- Leave cooked chicken to cool to room temperature before placing the chicken in the freezer. Freezing hot chicken can lead to harmful bacterial growth and an unpleasant texture.
- Cut the meat into smaller portions before storing. This will make it easier to thaw later on. Well-thawed cooked chicken will give you higher quality meat for dishes.
- Use the right containers to freeze chicken. An airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags are ideal for freezing shredded chicken to help prevent freezer burn.
- When storing the frozen chicken meat, write the date on the container. Cooked chicken can last in the freezer for up to three months, so it’s important to know when you first freeze it.
- Don’t refreeze previously frozen cooked chicken. Reheat your frozen chicken only once. Reheating frozen cooked chicken more than once could cause foodborne illness.
- Flash-freeze: a new way to freeze. Cut the protein into smaller pieces and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the chicken pieces for an hour. This will prevent them from sticking. This can also aid in preventing freezer burn. Take the chicken out of the freezer and place it in an airtight freezer bag or container. Freeze as usual. Some have found freezing cooked chicken this way to cause freezer burn, so test it out and see if it works for you.
How Long Can I Store Cooked Chicken?
Frozen-cooked chicken is safe to eat for up to 6 months, but it will lose its texture and flavor. It’s recommended that you eat frozen-cooked chicken within three months.
Thawing Methods and Tips
It’s important to safely freeze cooked chicken, but it’s just as important to know how to properly defrost cooked chicken safely. Harmful bacteria do not die in the freezer, so make sure to thaw carefully.
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- Defrosting in the fridge: Place the storage container or bag on a plate, then place it in the fridge. It will take a while, so it’s best to leave the frozen cooked chicken to defrost overnight.
- Microwave: To thaw chicken faster, remove the frozen meat from the packaging and place it in a container. Choose the defrost method and rotate the chicken throughout its time in the microwave. Cook the chicken immediately.
How To Know It’s Safe To Eat
How long cooked chicken is safe for consumption depends on proper storage, size, etc. As previously mentioned, freezing cooked chicken does not kill bacteria. So, if it’s not done properly, frozen cooked chicken can be unsafe to eat.
The shelf life of frozen cooked chicken is around 6 months, but for the best quality, try to enjoy it before 3 months.
The best thing to do is check the frozen or thawed cooked chicken for any odd colors, mold, and slippery textures.
Uses For Defrosted Chicken
Prepared chicken can be an amazing way to have protein ready for any meal. Use thawed chicken in any recipe where the meat is used.
Use chicken breast, leftovers, or shredded chicken in any of the following recipes! Just make sure the cooked meat is free from bones!
- Jerk Chicken Tacos
- Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup
- Chicken Cobbler
- Coronation Chicken
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
Storing and Handling: Best Practices
- When storing cooked chicken, keep it away from other frozen meats. This will prevent any cross-contamination from occurring.
- Store it in a container or wrap it in plastic wrap, then place it in a plastic bag. As long as it’s free from excess, air you should be good to go!
Common concerns about frozen cooked chicken
- Foodborne Illness: This can be easily prevented with proper cooking and storage. Cook chicken thoroughly, then let it get to room temperature first. It will still be good to eat for up to 6 months but try to eat it before 3 months.
- Thawing: Do not thaw chicken outside of the fridge. If you want to defrost faster, place the frozen food in a plastic bag, then place it in a bowl of cold water.
- Cross-Contamination: Since it’s not raw, there will be less worry for cross-contamination, but chicken should be stored away from other raw meats.
Summary
Freezing chicken can be a fantastic way to have meals ready when you have a busy schedule. It’s an easy protein to freeze and thaw, so give it a try and enjoy yummy recipes with less work!
If you enjoyed this article, check out this article on how to refreeze bacon!
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