Have you ever found yourself staring at a package of frozen chicken breasts in your freezer wondering – how long has this been in here? Freezing chicken is a great way to save money and always have a quick protein on hand but it can be tricky to know just how long it will stay fresh.
I used to just toss frozen chicken in my freezer and forget about it until I was ready to cook. But after getting burned with freezer-burned chicken a few too many times I decided to do some research on how long frozen chicken actually lasts.
In this complete guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about maximizing the shelf life of frozen chicken breast and avoiding wasting your money on spoiled poultry. Let’s dive in!
How Long Does Raw Frozen Chicken Last?
According to the USDA, raw chicken pieces like breasts, thighs, drumsticks, etc. will last 9 months in the freezer. A whole frozen chicken can last up to a year. However, for best quality and taste, experts recommend using frozen chicken within 2-3 months.
After 6 months, the texture and flavor of the chicken really starts to degrade. Freezer burn can become an issue around 9 months. And while technically safe, chicken stored for over a year often lacks in quality.
So while the USDA says 9-12 months, stick to 3 months or less for optimal freshness and taste.
Proper Storage for Maximum Freshness
To get the most mileage out of your frozen chicken, proper storage is crucial. Here are some tips:
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Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap first, then foil, to prevent freezer burn. Remove as much air as possible.
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Place wrapped chicken in freezer bags or airtight containers. Make sure to label with the date.
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Maintain a constant freezer temperature of 0°F or below. Use a thermometer to monitor.
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Avoid overcrowding the freezer. Cold air needs to properly circulate.
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Once thawed, refrigerate chicken within 1-2 days and cook within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze thawed chicken.
Following proper freezing protocol will keep your chicken tasting fresh for 2-3 months and edible for up to 9 months.
Signs Your Frozen Chicken Has Gone Bad
Freezing stops bacteria growth, but doesn’t kill bacteria already present before freezing. Always start with fresh, properly handled chicken. Here are signs your frozen chicken has spoiled:
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Unpleasant odor when raw. Should smell fresh, not sour or sulfurous.
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Change in color or texture. Should be firm and pink/white, not gray or mushy.
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Visible freezer burn. Dry, brownish patches mean the chicken is dehydrated.
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Sliminess. This indicates bacterial growth.
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Outdated by more than 9-12 months. Quality declines after this time frame.
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Stored improperly, e.g. temperature fluctuations.
When in doubt, remember the old adage – “When frozen in doubt, throw it out!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s review some common questions on just how long you can keep that frozen bird:
How can you prevent freezer burn on chicken breasts?
Double wrap chicken in plastic wrap and foil. Remove air from packaging. Maintain constant 0°F freezer temp. Avoid overcrowding freezer.
Can you cook frozen chicken breasts without thawing?
Yes, but increase cook time. Always cook to an internal temp of 165°F.
Is it safe to eat frozen chicken after a year?
While technically safe if stored properly, the taste and texture quality declines after 9-12 months. Not recommended.
Can you refreeze thawed frozen chicken?
Only refreeze if thawed in the refrigerator. Do not refreeze chicken left out at room temp. Cook before refreezing chicken thawed outside of fridge.
Do chicken tenders last as long as breasts in the freezer?
Yes, all raw chicken pieces like tenders, breasts, thighs etc. will last 9 months in the freezer before quality loss.
Can you get sick from eating freezer burned chicken?
No, it is safe to eat freezer burned chicken. The texture and taste will be lower quality but it won’t make you sick.
Can frozen chicken be cooked from frozen?
Yes, frozen chicken can go directly into the oven or pan. Just increase cook time and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Does freezing chicken kill bacteria?
Freezing stops bacteria from growing but does not kill bacteria already present before freezing. Always start with fresh chicken.
The Takeaway
Hopefully this guide gave you a good idea of just how long you can keep frozen chicken breasts while maintaining both quality and safety. While the USDA says 9 months for chicken pieces, for best results, plan to cook frozen chicken within 1-3 months.
Follow proper freezing and thawing protocol, monitor for signs of spoilage, and your chicken breasts should last 3+ months in the freezer without issue. Avoid keeping frozen chicken for over a year for guaranteed freshness.
With the right storage, you can enjoy delicious frozen chicken for months to come! Just remember – when in doubt, toss it out. Happy meal prepping!
How long can you freeze chicken for?
If you’ve bought fresh chicken and want to freeze it, make sure you do so before the use-by date on the pack and use a sealed container. It’s best to use it up within 3-6 months (according to the NHS), or depending on the pack instructions. We have a guide on how long food can be frozen for if you’re not 100% sure.
Birds Eye chicken products have a use-by date on the front of the pack – as long as they’re tucked away safely in your freezer, they’ll be at their best until then.
How to cook Chicken the Birds Eye way
1. Pre-heat the oven to the temperature printed on the pack instructions – usually around 200°C (180°C for a fan oven, or Gas Mark 6) 2. Pop the chicken on a baking tray in the middle of the oven 3. Cook until piping hot; some products might need turning over part-way through 4. Read the pack instructions to check how long you’ve got to build an appetite – most of our tasty chicken takes around 20-25 minutes You’ll know our breaded and battered chicken is ready to eat when the outside becomes mouth-wateringly crisp and golden. Try serving with colourful Steam Fresh vegetables for a healthy balanced meal.