Are you considering stocking up on chicken during a grocery sale? Buying extra chicken can be a smart way to save money and ensure you have a convenient protein source readily available. However, understanding how to properly freeze and store chicken is crucial to maintain its quality and safety. If you’re wondering “How Long Can Chicken Last In The Freezer?”, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information. We’ll explore the recommended freezer times for different types of chicken, proper freezing techniques, tips to prevent freezer burn, and how to identify if your frozen chicken is still safe to eat.
How Long Can You Freeze Raw Chicken?
You might be surprised to learn that, according to the USDA, raw chicken can technically be stored in the freezer indefinitely and remain safe to eat. Even if frozen chicken surpasses the “best-by” date printed on its packaging, it doesn’t mean it’s unsafe.
However, while safety isn’t a concern for chicken frozen for an extended period, quality certainly is. According to FoodSafety.gov, a consumer food safety resource from the USDA, frozen chicken stored beyond recommended durations may experience a decline in both texture and flavor.
The duration that raw chicken maintains its best quality in the freezer depends on the form of the chicken – whether it’s a whole bird, individual pieces, ground, or cooked:
- Whole chicken: Up to 1 year
- Chicken pieces (like cutlets): Up to 9 months
- Ground chicken: 3 to 4 months
- Fully cooked chicken sausage: 1 to 2 months
- Chicken sausage (purchased frozen): 1 to 2 months
- Cooked chicken: 2 to 6 months
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How to Freeze Raw Chicken
Proper freezing techniques are essential to preserve the quality of your raw chicken. Here are several effective methods for freezing chicken:
Store It in Its Original Packaging
For unopened chicken that is vacuum-sealed in its original packaging, you can freeze it directly as is. The vacuum seal provides an excellent barrier against air exposure.
If the unopened chicken is not vacuum-sealed in its original packaging, it can still be frozen in this packaging. However, the plastic wrap used is often air-permeable. This permeability can make the chicken more susceptible to freezer burn over time, which degrades its quality. To enhance protection and maintain freshness, add an extra layer of wrapping around the original packaging, such as heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap.
Place Pieces of Chicken in Airtight Containers
Alternatively, you can remove the chicken from its original packaging before freezing. This method is particularly useful if you plan to marinate your chicken before freezing, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat as it thaws.
Place the chicken pieces, with or without marinade, into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Freezer bags are especially effective for preserving quality, especially if you vacuum-seal them. Vacuum-sealing removes excess air before sealing, significantly reducing the risk of freezer burn.
When removing chicken from its original packaging, it’s crucial to label your containers clearly with the contents and date of freezing. Implement the FIFO (First In, First Out) method to ensure you use the oldest chicken first, maximizing quality and minimizing waste.
For optimal preservation, store raw chicken in the deepest part of your freezer, away from the door. This area experiences the least temperature fluctuation, helping to maintain a consistent freezing environment.
How to Prevent Freezer Burn
Freezer burn is a common issue that can affect the quality of frozen chicken. It occurs when poultry is exposed to air, leading to dehydration on the surface. While freezer-burned chicken is still safe to eat, its texture and flavor can be significantly compromised, becoming dry and less palatable.
Proper storage is key to prevent freezer burn. Vacuum-sealing is one of the most effective ways to prevent freezer burn, and you can achieve a near-vacuum seal using a couple of methods:
- Manual Air Removal: For freezer bags, you can manually push out as much air as possible before sealing the bag tightly.
- Water Displacement Method: This method is particularly effective for removing air. Place the chicken in a freezer bag and gently submerge the bag in a bowl of water, leaving only the top opening above the water line. The water pressure forces the air out of the bag. Once most of the air is expelled, seal the bag just above the waterline.
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How to Tell If Your Frozen Chicken Is Still Safe to Eat
If you froze your raw chicken while it was fresh and have stored it according to the guidelines, it should maintain good quality within the recommended timeframes mentioned earlier.
However, it’s always important to check for signs of spoilage when you thaw the chicken. As you defrost the chicken, look for signs of spoilage that indicate it may no longer be safe to eat. These signs include:
- Color Change: A shift in color from the typical pinkish hue to a greenish-gray color.
- Unpleasant Odor: A sour or off-putting smell. Fresh chicken should have a very mild or almost imperceptible odor.
- Slimy Texture: A sticky or slimy surface.
If you observe any of these spoilage signs, it is crucial to prioritize food safety and discard the chicken. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to foodborne illnesses.
The Bottom Line
Raw chicken can be kept in the freezer for an extended period, even indefinitely according to USDA guidelines, but for optimal quality, it’s best to adhere to recommended freezer times. Depending on the type of chicken and proper storage methods, you can maintain its quality for a significant duration. For instance, a whole, raw chicken stored in an airtight container or freezer bag can remain at its best quality for up to one year without freezer burn, while cooked chicken will last for about 2 to 6 months.
Regardless of storage duration, it’s always a wise practice to inspect the chicken for signs of spoilage before cooking, even after thawing. Frozen chicken, once thawed safely, is incredibly versatile for cooking a variety of dishes like hearty casseroles, comforting soups, and flavorful stews. Explore our recipe collections for inspiration on using frozen chicken throughout the year!
How Long Can Raw Chicken Stay in the Fridge?
