Can you freeze chicken broth? Yes, for 2 to 3 months
Homemade chicken broth keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge and freezes for 2 to 3 months. Cool it fast, freeze it flat or in cubes, and boil it on reheating.
By Zain Nazeer, founder and editor
Photo by Karolina Kołodziejczak on Unsplash
Yes, you can freeze chicken broth. The USDA FoodKeeper gives homemade broth 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Freezing is the better choice for a big pot, because most people will not use it all inside 4 days. Cool it quickly, freeze it in portions, and use it for soups, rice and sauces.
How long does homemade chicken broth last?
In the fridge, 3 to 4 days, in a sealed container, at 40°F (4°C) or colder. In the freezer, 2 to 3 months for best quality. The same FoodKeeper time covers beef and vegetable broth you made at home. Broth from a carton or can is different: unopened, follow the date on the pack, and once opened, use the pack's own directions, because the USDA gives its own times for commercial broth. For soups made with the broth, see how long soup lasts in the fridge.
How do you freeze chicken broth?
- Cool it fast. Pour it into shallow containers rather than leaving the pot on the stove. Put it in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.
- Skim off the fat once the broth is cold. It rises and sets on top.
- Portion it. Freeze it in 1 or 2 cup containers, in flat freezer bags, or in ice cube trays, then move the cubes into a bag.
- Leave a gap at the top. Liquid expands as it freezes, and a full jar can crack.
- Label with the date. See how to label meal prep.
How do you thaw and reheat it?
Thaw it in the fridge overnight, or heat it from frozen in a pan over a low heat. Do not thaw it on the counter. When you reheat it, bring it to a rolling boil, which is the USDA advice for gravies and sauces, and the same method is sensible for any liquid. Use thawed broth within 3 to 4 days. The safe thawing methods are in how to thaw meal prep safely.
What is frozen broth good for?
- A cube or two to loosen rice or reheated meat, in place of water.
- A base for soup. The white bean and kale soup recipe starts from a broth and freezes well.
- Cooking grains, lentils and beans for more flavour. See beans and lentils meal prep guide.
Does broth lose quality in the freezer?
Slowly. After 2 to 3 months the flavour weakens, but frozen at 0°F (-18°C) it stays safe for as long as it is frozen. For the broth in cooked dishes, see freezer meal prep for beginners, and for anything that does not freeze well, see foods that do not freeze well.
Related questions
- How long does soup last in the fridge
- Can you freeze gravy
- How to prevent freezer burn
- Printable fridge and freezer storage chart
Sources
More freezer guides
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Cooked ground beef freezes for up to 3 months, and keeps 4 days in the fridge. Cool it fast, freeze it in flat portions and thaw it in the fridge.