Boiled chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes like chicken salad, soups, casseroles, and more. Many home cooks boil chicken in bulk and freeze the leftovers for convenient future use. But how long does boiled chicken actually last in the freezer? Here’s a comprehensive guide on freezing boiled chicken and how to make it last as long as possible.
Overview of Freezing Boiled Chicken
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve cooked chicken for several months while retaining its flavor and texture During freezing, the water molecules in the chicken transform into ice crystals which prevents bacterial growth However, large ice crystals can damage the cell structure leading to textural changes.
Proper freezing techniques like flash freezing can minimize this, allowing boiled chicken to be frozen for 2-6 months before noticeable decline in quality Thawing also impacts the end result Slow thawing in the fridge gives the best taste and texture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Boiled Chicken
Follow these simple steps for freezing boiled chicken correctly:
1. Let It Cool Completely
It’s crucial to cool down the cooked chicken to room temperature before freezing. Putting hot chicken directly into the freezer leads to temperature fluctuations that breed bacteria. Leave it to cool for no more than 2 hours.
2. Portion It Out
Divide the chicken into meal-sized portions based on your recipe needs. This allows you to defrost only what you need each time. Smaller portions freeze and thaw faster.
3. Use Proper Packaging
Vacuum seal or store the chicken in airtight bags or containers to prevent freezer burn. Remove excess air and seal tightly. Freezer bags designed specifically for freezing are a good option.
4. Label Properly
Clearly label each packet with the type and cut of chicken and date of freezing. This lets you use the oldest portions first and track freshness.
5. Flash Freeze For Better Texture
For best results, spread out the portions in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours before packing. Flash freezing prevents clumping.
How Long Does Boiled Chicken Last In The Freezer?
How long boiled chicken stays fresh in the freezer depends on several factors:
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Freezing Technique: Proper flash freezing and air-tight packaging help chicken last longer with minimal freezer burn.
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Freezer Temperature: A constant 0°F (-18°C) temperature preserves chicken better than fluctuations.
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Type of Chicken: Boneless pieces last longer than bone-in cuts. Chicken with skin is prone to faster freezer burn.
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Frequency of Opening: Repeatedly opening the freezer door introduces warm air that degrades quality.
Under ideal conditions, properly prepped boiled chicken can last 4-6 months in the freezer before noticeable drying or freezer burn occurs. Boneless, skinless pieces may last up to 9 months.
For best quality, use frozen boiled chicken within 4 months. Monitor for any signs of freezer burn, such as dried out patches or changes in color/odor.
How To Thaw Frozen Boiled Chicken Safely
It’s just as important to thaw boiled chicken safely. Here are some safe thawing methods:
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Refrigerator Thawing: Place frozen chicken in the fridge for 24-48 hours based on quantity. Keeps it at a safe 40°F (4°C).
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Cold Water Thawing: Submerge airtight packed chicken in cold tap water, changing water every 30 mins. Avoid hot water.
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Microwave Thawing: Use the defrost setting in short bursts and cook immediately after to avoid uneven thawing.
Don’t leave thawed chicken at room temperature for over 2 hours. Cook immediately or store back in the refrigerator. Avoid refreezing as it causes textural changes.
Tips For Using Thawed Boiled Chicken
Once thawed, boiled chicken can be used in all sorts of dishes:
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Shred or dice for chicken salads, wraps, sandwiches etc.
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Add to soups, pasta, or rice dishes for extra protein.
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Use in casseroles or bakes like chicken pot pie.
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Stuff into tacos, enchiladas, dumplings etc.
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Sauté and pair with vegetables or grains for a main meal.
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Simmer in sauces or gravies to absorb flavors.
For best results, avoid overcooking thawed chicken which can make it dry or chewy. Cook just until heated through or follow your recipe instructions. Add a bit of fresh chicken broth or sauce if reheating to keep it moist.
Common Freezing Mistakes To Avoid
Here are some common freezing mistakes that affect quality and food safety:
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Freezing warm or hot boiled chicken leads to bacteria growth.
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Using reused grocery bags or low-quality containers causes freezer burn.
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Forgetting to date packages makes it hard to track freshness.
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Refreezing thawed chicken instead of cooking it.
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Storing chicken for over 6 months diminishes texture and flavor.
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Thawing too quickly in hot water or at room temperature.
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Refreezing thawed portions instead of using immediately.
The Bottom Line
With proper freezing and thawing techniques, boiled chicken can retain its flavor and moisture in the freezer for 4-6 months. Flash freeze portioned chicken in an airtight container, allowing space for expansion. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator and use immediately. Avoid leaving the boiled chicken for longer than 6 months as quality declines over time. Following these guidelines will give you delicious frozen chicken any time.
Place the chicken in suitable containers
Seal the cooked chicken in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness. Removing excess air ensures a longer shelf life and preserves the flavour and texture of the chicken.
What’s the best way to store cooked chicken in the freezer?
Allow the cooked chicken to cool to room temperature before placing it in the freezer. Rapid temperature changes can compromise the texture of the meat as well as increasing the chance of harmful bacteria.
Divide the cooked chicken into smaller, meal-sized portions before freezing. This not only makes it easier to thaw and use only what you need, but also promotes faster and more even freezing, preserving the quality of the chicken.
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FAQ
How long does boiled chicken last in the freezer?
Can you freeze chicken after it has been boiled?
Yep. Cooked chicken freezes nicely.
Is 2 year old frozen cooked chicken still good?
Freezer Storage: Raw chicken pieces last up to 9 months in the freezer; whole chickens up to 1 year. Cooked chicken can be frozen for 2–6 months.
Can we freeze boiled chicken?
Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken for 3-4 months. Freeze the chicken as soon after cooking as possible to minimise bacterial growth. You can also store cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 2 days before freezing.
Can you freeze cooked chicken?
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: Allow your cooked chicken (whole or parts) to cool for no longer than two hours.
Can boiled chicken be frozen?
Cool chicken slightly; remove and discard skin and bones. Chop meat, and store in airtight containers in freezer up to 3 months. Strain and reserve broth to use fresh or freeze, if desired. Broth may be frozen in airtight containers. Use this basic recipe for boiled chicken breasts when you need cooked chicken for casseroles, salads, and soups.
How long can you keep boiled chicken in the freezer?
Keep boiled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days or in the freezer for up to four months in a freezer bag or airtight container. The chicken should be cooled in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before freezing. Make sure the chicken is thawed properly before boiling.
Can you freeze cooked chicken on the bone?
Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken on the bone. However, it will take up more room in the freezer, take longer to thaw, and may increase the preparation time needed once it’s defrosted. Plus it’s much easier to remove cooked chicken from the bone after it has first been cooked and cooled than after freezing and thawing.
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’s Cold 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 long does it take to boil frozen chicken?
Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves: cook 12 to 15 minutes. (That means boiling frozen chicken would take 18 to 22 minutes.) If you want poached chicken even faster, you can cut the chicken into 2-inch pieces and cook eight to 10 minutes. Test Kitchen Tip: If you’re considering boiling frozen chicken, we’d advise you to thaw the chicken first.