The Ultimate Guide to Freezing Chicken

Chicken is a versatile and affordable protein that works well in a variety of dishes. When chicken goes on sale at the grocery store or you’ve cooked more than you need for dinner freezing the extra chicken allows you to save money and avoid food waste. But what’s the best way to freeze chicken? This definitive guide will teach you everything you need to know from how to freeze raw chicken to how long frozen chicken lasts.

Freezing Raw Chicken

Raw chicken can be frozen in a few different ways

• Leave it in its original packaging. Vacuum-sealed packages are ideal for freezing raw chicken without any additional preparation. For non-vacuum packaging, wrap the entire package in aluminum foil as an extra barrier against freezer burn.

• Portion it out. Remove raw chicken pieces from the packaging and place in freezer bags or airtight containers. Try to remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. It’s often easier to defrost a few pieces at a time versus a huge package.

• Marinate it first. You can marinate raw chicken in freezer bags up to 24 hours before freezing. The acidic marinade helps tenderize the meat. Just be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before freezing.

No matter which freezing method you choose, raw chicken can be frozen indefinitely according to food safety standards. However, for best quality, the USDA recommends using frozen raw chicken within these time frames:

• Whole chicken: 12 months
• Chicken pieces/cutlets: 9 months
• Ground chicken: 3-4 months

Pro tip: Label your frozen chicken with the date and contents before freezing so you know how long it’s been stored. Follow the FIFO (first in, first out) method when using frozen chicken.

Preventing Freezer Burn

Freezer burn occurs when frozen chicken is exposed to air, causing it to dry out. Signs of freezer burn include discoloration, dry spots, and ice crystals. While it’s still safe to eat chicken with freezer burn, the texture and taste suffer. Here are some tips to avoid freezer burn:

• Use airtight packaging like freezer bags and containers. Vacuum sealing is ideal.

• Before sealing bags, press out as much air as possible. You can also use the water immersion method.

• Make sure to seal bags and containers tightly. Check periodically for leaks or tears.

• Avoid opening the freezer frequently. This introduces warm air and moisture.

• Store chicken toward the back of the freezer, away from the door. The back stays colder.

Freezing Cooked Chicken

Cooked chicken can also be frozen for later use. Here are some tips:

• Let cooked chicken cool completely before freezing, about 2 hours. Freeze it in shallow containers so it chills quickly.

• Portion chicken into freezer bags or containers. Aim for 1-2 cup portions. Flatten bags to remove air.

• Avoid freezing large amounts of chicken in one bag. Thaw only what you’ll use.

• For easier defrosting, shred or chop chicken before freezing.

• Label bags with contents and freeze date. Cooked chicken lasts 2-6 months in the freezer.

Frozen cooked chicken is great to have on hand for quick weeknight meals. Try it in soups, salads, casseroles, pastas, and more!

Thawing Frozen Chicken

Always thaw frozen chicken slowly and safely using one of these methods:

• Refrigerator: Thaw overnight (or up to 2 days) in the fridge in a container to catch drips. Defrosting can take 24 hours or more depending on the size.

• Cold water: Submerge a sealed bag of chicken in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Thaw just until ready to use.

• Microwave: Use the defrost setting to thaw chicken in microwave-safe containers. Cook immediately after thawing.

Do not thaw chicken at room temperature or in hot water. This encourages bacterial growth. And never refreeze thawed raw chicken without cooking it first.

Check chicken as it defrosts. If it has an off smell or appearance, err on the side of caution and throw it away.

Tips for Freezing Chicken

Follow these best practices when freezing chicken:

• Freeze fresh chicken before the use-by date for best quality.

• Use chicken within recommended time limits (12 months for raw chicken parts).

• Portion into usable amounts so you can thaw only what you need.

• Use airtight packaging and remove air to prevent freezer burn.

• Label with contents and freeze date using permanent marker.

• Place chicken in coldest part of freezer (toward the back).

• Defrost chicken slowly in the refrigerator. Don’t refreeze raw chicken once thawed.

The Takeaway

Freezing is a safe, convenient way to preserve chicken and avoid waste. Raw chicken can be frozen indefinitely but maintains best quality for 9-12 months. Cooked chicken keeps 2-6 months in the freezer. Prevent freezer burn by using airtight packaging with no air pockets. Thaw frozen chicken gradually in the refrigerator before use. Following proper freezing and thawing methods allows you to enjoy delicious chicken even when you stock up on deals or have leftovers.

To freeze chicken properly, ensure it’s fresh and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, freezer paper, or foil, followed by a freezer bag or container to prevent freezer burn. Label packages with the date for easy tracking.

Yes, you can freeze chicken in Ziploc bags, but it’s best to use freezer bags for longer storage and to prevent freezer burn.