How To Freeze Chicken (Cooked or Raw)

This article will teach you how to freeze chicken in easy steps

It is a good idea to have some cooked or frozen chicken on hand for those days when you're in a rush to get dinner on the table. So, if you need some help with how to freeze fresh or cooked chicken, then this article should be of use!

Can you freeze (cooked or raw) chicken

It seems like everyone is always looking for new ways to save time and money. One of the best ways to do this is by buying in bulk. If you buy chicken in bulk, you can portion it out and freeze it.

It is easy and quick to do, if you are squeamish about touching raw chicken, you may either wear gloves or portion the chicken smartly with a freezer bag.

The good thing about freezing raw chicken is that you can freeze it up until the use-by date provided it is still good and doesn't smell funky.

I love the fact that you can freeze all parts of chicken cuts, drumsticks, chicken breast, tenders, chicken wings, chicken legs (quarters) as well as a whole bird. They can be frozen individually or in bulk.

You may also marinate the chicken before freezing it, but this is not a necessity since you can marinate it from frozen.

This method can be used to freeze fresh or cooked turkey as well.

Related post: how to defrost chicken and how to cook sausages from frozen

Tools needed

Ziploc Freezer bags

Permanent markers

Parchment paper or clingfilm: this is needed to separate the poultry or individually wrap them before freezing

How to freeze chicken (the best way)

Individual method

Remove the chicken (wings, breast, thighs) from the packet and wrap it individually with a clingfilm, parchment paper, or a small-sized freezer bag.

Label your freezer bags with the freezing date and time.

Place the individually wrapped chicken in a larger freezer bag and squeeze out as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn or crystallization. Alternatively, place them on a lined baking sheet (do this if you would be flash freezing)

Place the bag flat in the freezer and freeze for 6 months or 1 year.

If you do decide to flash freeze the chicken, this is how you do it: place the chicken (raw or cooked)on a lined baking sheet making sure they are not touching, you may wrap it individually or not, and freeze for about two hours. Once frozen, move them to Ziploc freezer bags.

Remove as much air as possible from the bag and freeze for 6 months or up to 1 year. This method ensures that the chicken remains frozen separately even when you store them in a freezer bag or an airtight container.

Bulk freezing method

This is by far the easiest and also mess-free especially if there won't be a need to portion the chicken.

Freeze the chicken in its original packaging, this is perfect for whole chicken or turkey. The only downside is that it is not space-saving which might limit the amount you would be able to freeze at a time.

Alternative method

Open the package of the chicken, if it is stacked ie. more than 1 layer, remove the first layer on a dry plate.

Fold parchment paper to demarcate the chicken pieces then place parchment paper on the chicken, Repeat this process for the remaining chicken.

Finally, place another parchment paper on the last layer of the poultry then wrap the package tightly with a clingfilm.

Label the package accordingly and freeze for 6 months to 1 year.

How to freeze cooked chicken

Cooked chicken must be fully cooled before you freeze it, however, do not let it sit out longer than 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.

You can either flash freeze the chicken or simply portion it for convenience.

Label Ziploc bags with date and time and put the chicken in it removing excess air as much as possible from the bag and freeze for up to six months. You can also freeze in an airtight container.

How to thaw chicken

Thawing frozen chicken is easy, the best way of doing this is in the fridge. Just place the frozen chicken in the fridge overnight. Keep raw chicken in the bottom of the fridge or in the trays in the fridge, cooked one can be placed in the middle shelf of the fridge.

Tips

• Wash your hand thoroughly before and after handling poultry to avoid contamination and most importantly, Salmonella.

• Cut chicken breast into cubes or cutlets before freezing

• Remove the skin of chicken thighs or debone to make skinless boneless chicken thighs before freezing.

• Cut whole chicken wings into wingettes or drumettes before freezing

• It is important to label your freezer bags with the freezing date and time.

• Do not refreeze the chicken if it is already thawed.

FAQs

How long to freeze chicken

According to USDA, raw chicken can be frozen for up to 1 year and cooked chicken will be at its best for up to 4 months. It is important that you store the chicken at the right temperature. Chicken can be frozen indefinitely at 0°F

How long can you freeze rotisserie chicken

Rotisserie chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months, longer at your discretion. Make sure it is stored at the right temperature. It is also important to handle the poultry correctly before and after you store it in the freezer.

How long can cooked chicken sit out

Cooked poultry should be consumed within two hours of being removed from the heat source after which bacteria will start growing rapidly. If this happens, there might be foodborne illness involved so if you are feeling sick after eating the chicken, you should seek medical attention.

More how-to freeze recipes

How to freeze butternut squash

A simple way to freeze mashed potatoes

How to freeze Brussels sprouts

How to freeze cooked rice

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