Freezing Cooked Chicken: Best Practices for Optimal Safety
– It is suggested to freeze cooked chicken in a single bag for convenience and portion control.
– The recommended method for thawing cooked chicken is to place it (in the plastic freezer bag) in the refrigerator overnight.
– As per the USDA, frozen cooked chicken (as well as meat) can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
– It is advised to mark the use-by date on the bag using a freezer-proof marker.
– Raw chicken should be wrapped in heavy-duty aluminum foil or placed in ziplock plastic freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
– Raw chicken can last indefinitely in the freezer if stored properly.
– USDA suggests using whole raw chicken within a year, and cut chicken within nine months.
– Thaw frozen raw chicken in the refrigerator by placing it in a rimmed container or bowl for at least 24 hours.
– Clean surfaces thoroughly with hot soapy water if raw chicken juices drip in the refrigerator.
– Use the cold-water method for same-day defrosting by placing frozen chicken in a leak-proof plastic bag submerged in cold water, replacing the water every 30 minutes.
– Be cautious when using the microwave method to defrost raw chicken as it may create hot spots and uneven thawing.
– Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, after which it’s best to freeze it.
– Shredded chicken defrosts faster than whole pieces, but both can be frozen by placing them in zip-top plastic freezer bags and removing air before sealing.