Can you freeze cooked chicken? Yes, for 4 to 6 months
Yes. Cooked chicken keeps 4 to 6 months frozen, rotisserie chicken about 4 months, chicken in gravy 1 to 2 months. How to freeze it, thaw it and reheat it safely.
By Zain Nazeer, founder and editor
Photo by Anastase Maragos on Unsplash
Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken. Cooked chicken dishes keep their best quality for 4 to 6 months in the freezer, according to the USDA FoodKeeper, and they stay safe for longer at 0°F (-18°C). Freeze it within 3 to 4 days of cooking, which is how long it keeps in the fridge. The sooner you freeze it, the better it tastes.
How long does cooked chicken last in the freezer?
- Cooked chicken dishes: 4 to 6 months.
- Rotisserie chicken: about 4 months.
- Fried chicken: about 4 months.
- Chicken covered in gravy or broth: 1 to 2 months.
- Chicken salad: the USDA does not recommend freezing it.
How do you freeze cooked chicken?
- Cool it and get it into the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.
- Take rotisserie or roast chicken off the bone and shred or slice it.
- Freeze it in meal-sized portions, in freezer bags with the air pressed out or in containers.
- A spoonful of sauce or broth keeps breast meat from drying out.
- Label each bag with the date.
See how to prevent freezer burn.
How do you thaw frozen cooked chicken?
Overnight in the fridge, then eat it within 3 to 4 days. For faster thawing, use a sealed bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes, or the microwave's defrost setting; then reheat it straight away. Never thaw it on the counter. More in how to thaw meal prep safely.
How do you reheat it safely?
Until it is steaming hot all the way through, 165°F (74°C). Shredded chicken and chicken in sauce can be reheated from frozen in a covered pan with a splash of water. See how to reheat meal prep.
Can you refreeze cooked chicken?
Chicken thawed in the fridge can be refrozen, though it loses moisture each time. Chicken thawed in cold water or the microwave should be reheated and eaten, not refrozen.
Which chicken meal prep recipes freeze best?
Chicken in sauce freezes best: chicken tikka with rice and peas and the chicken enchilada bake. For fridge times, see how long cooked chicken lasts, and for the cut, chicken breast or thigh.
Sources
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Can you freeze sour cream? Only for cooking
You can, but it separates and turns watery, so the USDA does not recommend freezing it. Thawed sour cream works in soups, sauces and bakes, not as a topping.
Can you freeze milk? Yes, for up to 3 months
Yes. Milk keeps about 3 months in the freezer. It can separate when thawed, so shake it well. How to freeze it without bursting the carton and thaw it safely.
Can you freeze cream cheese? Yes, but only for cooking
You can, but it turns crumbly, so the USDA does not recommend it for spreading. Frozen cream cheese is fine in sauces, bakes and dips. How to freeze and thaw it.