How to Freeze Dry Chicken at Home

Freezing drying chicken is a great way to preserve meat for long term storage It removes moisture, preventing spoilage, while retaining the flavor and nutrients. Freeze dried chicken can be stored at room temperature for up to 25 years when sealed properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to freeze dry chicken at home

Why Freeze Dry Chicken?

There are several benefits to freeze drying chicken:

• Long shelf life – Freeze dried chicken can be stored for decades when sealed in an airtight container. This makes it perfect for emergency food storage and preparedness.

• Space saving – Freeze drying removes around 90% of the water, reducing the chicken’s size and weight dramatically It takes up very little space compared to traditional frozen or canned chicken.

• Nutrient retention – Unlike canning, the low temperatures used in freeze drying preserve more nutrients. Vitamins and proteins are not damaged by high heat.

• Lightweight – The reduced weight of freeze dried foods makes them ideal for backpackers and campers who want nutritious lightweight meals.

• Taste – Freeze dried chicken retains its flavor and texture very well when rehydrated. It’s much tastier than canned chicken.

Equipment Needed

To freeze dry chicken at home you will need:

• A home freeze dryer machine – This freeze dries foods by freezing them and then reducing the pressure to allow the frozen water in food to sublime directly from solid to gas. Popular models are Harvest Right and Lem.

• Freezer for pre-freezing – A freezer to pre-freeze the chicken saves time and money in the freeze dryer. Allow 12-24 hours pre-freezing time.

• Cutting board, knife, kitchen shears – For preparing the chicken.

• Trays – Tray kits designed for your freeze dryer machine to hold the chicken.

• Food scale – To weigh chicken before and after drying.

• Storage containers – Mason jars, mylar bags, oxygen absorbers and a vacuum sealer.

How to Prepare Chicken

1. Remove skin, bones, fat and cartilage from chicken breasts, thighs etc.

2. Cut chicken into 1 inch cubes or smaller pieces. Smaller is better for freeze drying.

3. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, herbs etc if desired. Some people prefer to season after rehydrating.

4. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer on trays, not touching.

5. Weigh trays and record weights.

Freeze Drying Process

1. Place trays of chicken in freezer for 12-24 hours pre-freezing.

2. Load trays into freeze dryer. Set temperature to -30C to -50C.

3. Run initial dry cycle for 6-8 hours.

4. Weigh trays and return to machine if not fully dried.

5. Repeat drying cycles every 4-6 hours until no change in weight after a cycle.

6. Sample test some pieces after each cycle to check for dryness. Meat should be brittle with no cold or wet spots.

7. Expect the chicken to take around 24-36 hours total to fully freeze dry depending on amounts.

Storing Freeze Dried Chicken

Proper storage is vital for long term shelf life of up to 25 years.

• Allow chicken to come to room temperature before sealing. Never seal warm or cold food.

• Place chicken in mason jars or mylar bags. Add oxygen absorbers to bags.

• Seal using a vacuum sealer or jar sealer attachment.

• Label with contents and date. Store in cool, dark place.

• Use within 1 year for best quality and nutrition but it will remain safe for decades.

Rehydrating Freeze Dried Chicken

Freeze dried chicken rehydrates quickly for use in recipes.

• For stews, chili etc just add pieces to the cooking liquid.

• For casseroles or salads, soak in hot or cold water for 15-20 minutes until rehydrated.

• Use within 1 week of rehydrating for food safety. Discard any unused portions.

Tips for Successful Chicken Freeze Drying

Follow these tips to get the best results from your home freeze dried chicken:

• Trim all visible fat from chicken. Fat turns rancid quickly.

• Cut meat into small, uniform pieces so it dries evenly.

• Weigh trays before and after drying to confirm complete drying.

• Allow chicken to fully cool before sealing for storage.

• Use oxygen absorbers in bags or jars for longest shelf life.

• Handle freeze dried chicken like raw chicken for food safety. Rehydrate fully before eating.

• Store in cool area around 60F to maximize shelf life. Avoid temperature extremes.

The Benefits of Freeze Dried Chicken

Freeze drying chicken at home gives you nutritious meat that can be stored for decades without refrigeration or freezing. Compared to canning or freezing, freeze drying better preserves flavors, nutrients and textures. With the right equipment and technique, you can stock your pantry with delicious freeze dried chicken perfect for everyday meals or emergency use.

To freeze-dry chicken at home without a machine, you can use your freezer and potentially dry ice.

Yes, you can freeze dry meat at home. You can either use a home freeze-drying machine or, with some limitations, a freezer and dry ice.