Guide to frozen chicken
Chicken is a firm favourite in households across the UK thanks to its versatility, cost, flavour and health benefits. If you have leftover chicken or are preparing meals for the week ahead, freezing cooked chicken is a great way to get your protein fix without scrimping on taste.
Can you freeze cooked chicken?
Freezing cooked chicken is absolutely fine if prepared correctly! If the chicken is bone-in (think drumsticks, thighs, or a whole chicken), simply remove the meat from the bones and shred it (although fillets can be left intact if that’s your preference).
Convenience is the aim of the game when it comes to freezing cooked chicken – anything for that matter. For those juggling a busy schedule, preparing meals in advance is sanity-saving. The added bonus? Freezing leftover chicken properly means less food waste and more money saved over time!
What’s the best way to store cooked chicken in the freezer?
Make sure it’s fully cool
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.
Portion it up
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.
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.
Label and date the containers
If you have bought chicken in bulk, you should clearly label each container or bag with the date of freezing and a brief description of the contents. This helps you keep track of how long the chicken has been in the freezer and ensures you use the oldest items first.
Can you freeze any type of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can freeze almost any kind of cooked chicken! Whether it’s roasted, grilled, poached, or sautéed, as long as it’s cooked thoroughly, you can preserve its flavour in the freezer.
You can freeze the whole bird – chicken thighs, breasts, wings and drumsticks.
How long is frozen cooked chicken safe for?
When stored properly in the freezer, cooked chicken can remain safe to eat for up to 6 months, however, it’s recommended to consume frozen cooked chicken within 3 to 4 months for the best quality.
Freezing cooked chicken doesn’t kill bacteria; it only puts them into a dormant state. So, while your frozen cooked chicken may be safe to eat for an extended period, it’s crucial to handle and thaw it properly to maintain food safety standards.
Can you refreeze previously frozen cooked chicken?
It’s generally not recommended to refreeze previously frozen cooked chicken – each time you freeze and thaw meat, there’s a potential for bacterial growth. The general rule of thumb is to cook, freeze, defrost, and reheat your food only once. If you have leftover cooked chicken that has been thawed out, it’s safer to eat it or find alternative uses rather than refreezing it.
How to defrost cooked chicken
Defrosting cooked chicken safely is crucial to maintain its flavour and texture while avoiding the risk of bacterial growth.
Defrosting in the fridge
- Place the cooked chicken in an airtight container or seal it in a plastic bag – this prevents cross-contamination and preserves the quality of the chicken
- Put the sealed container or bag in the fridge on a plate or tray to catch any potential drips
- Allow the cooked chicken to thaw gradually. It can take several hours or even overnight, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces
Defrosting in the microwave
We have a more in-depth guide to defrosting meat on our website, but a brief breakdown is below.
- Remove packaging and place in/on a container
- Selecting the defrost option
- Flip, rotate or split up the meat
- Cook straight away
Signs to look for when determining if the frozen cooked chicken is safe to eat
Even though frozen cooked chicken can stay safe in the freezer for up to 6 months, that doesn’t guarantee it’ll be good once defrosted. Keep an eye out for changes in colour, signs of mould, or any sliminess and foul smells after defrosting
If you spot any of these signs, it’s best to chuck it away!
Chicken recipes
Our butchers have put together some chicken recipes that will be firm favourites in your home!
- Simple and quick chicken tacos
- Spice-rubbed chicken thighs with tangy yoghurt sauce
- BBQ chicken thighs
- Easy Asian-glazed baked chicken thighs
- BBQ chicken wings
