Chicken broth is a popular dish in most households. Chicken broth is made by cooking chicken bones and vegetables in water until it becomes a fragrant, savory concoction. Some take their chicken broth to the next level and make it into a delicious soup by adding rice, noodles, or even potatoes.
If you enjoy using chicken broth in your cooking, it’s a good idea to prepare them beforehand. This will save you time when preparing your meal. After it’s made, would it be possible to freeze chicken broth?
Yes, you can freeze chicken broth. Due to its high water content, it will freeze without any issues. The broth will need to be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag when stored in the freezer. Properly stored, chicken broth will last for up to 1 year in the freezer.
Does Chicken Broth Freeze Well?
Chicken broth freezes extremely well. This is due to the high water content that the broth has.
Make sure the broth is kept sealed in either a freezer bag or an airtight container. This will prevent air from leaking in and causing freezer burn to the chicken broth.
Freeze chicken broth to keep it fresh for longer periods of time, use it as a base for soups or sauces, or use it as the liquid in your favorite recipe.
How To Freeze Chicken Broth
When it comes to chicken broth, you either freeze it as large portions using an airtight container.
For smaller portions, you can freeze the broth as ice cubes.
Freezing Chicken Broth In Large Portions
Step 1: With an airtight container, pour the chicken broth into it. Leave about half an inch of space at the top of the container. This will allow the broth to expand during freezing.
Step 2: Secure the lid to the container tightly.
Step 3: Label the container with the date of freezing and place it into the freezer.
Freezing Chicken Broth As Ice Cubes
Step 1: Get out the ice cube tray and clean them thoroughly.
Alternatively, you can use a muffin tray as well to freeze chicken broth. This will all depend on how much of the broth you’ll need to prepare the dish.
Step 2: Pour the chicken broth into the ice tray. Leave a small amount of space at the top of each slot to allow the broth to expand during freezing.
Step 3: Cover the entire ice cube tray with plastic wrap.
Step 4: Put into the freezer and let it sit for about 1-2 hours to the freezer.
Step 5: Once completely frozen, remove the tray from the freezer.
Step 6: Immediately transfer the broth cubes to the freezer bag.
Step 7: Press on the bag to remove any excess air before sealing.
Step 8: Label the bag with the date of freezing and place it into the freezer.
How Long Can You Freeze Chicken Broth?
Chicken broth can be kept in the freezer for about 9-12 months. After that time, you can expect the quality of the broth to decrease. The longer it’s been in the freezer, the more changes in texture and taste there will be.
However, the chicken broth will still be safe to consume, but you won’t enjoy the taste of it very much.
How Do You Defrost Chicken Broth?
Depending on how to you froze the chicken broth, you have several options.
The first option is if you have chicken broth frozen as ice cubes, there’s no need to thaw them. Simply pop the number of chicken broth cubes from the freezer and place them directly into the meal while it’s cooking.
The second option is if the chicken broth is frozen in large amounts using an airtight container, you can defrost them in the refrigerator.
Using Chicken Broth After Freezing
Chicken broth can be used in many different dishes as a base, or it can be kept in the freezer for when you need to cook in a rush. Here are some of the best ways to use frozen chicken broth.
The first is to make easy soup. Use frozen chicken broth and vegetables to cook up a pot of delicious soup in just 10 minutes. This will give you time to prepare the rest of your meal for when hunger strikes again!
Some other uses for chicken broth after freezing are adding it into the pasta as an added flavor boost, making a comforting casserole with it, and even using it as an ingredient in some baked goods.
It’s also important not to forget about its ability to thicken sauces and gravies!
Can You Refreeze Chicken Broth?
When it comes to chicken broth, you can refreeze it without any issues.
The only thing to be careful with is to not leave the broth out at room temperature for too long.
If it’s been more than 2 hours, you should not refreeze it. After that time, the broth will most likely be contaminated with bacteria.
If the chicken broth is stored in the fridge after freezing, make sure it has not been more than 2 days.
Other Questions about Chicken Broth
Can you freeze chicken broth in mason jars?
Freezing chicken broth in mason jars is an excellent way to preserve the flavor while keeping it fresh for a long time. It will easily fit in your freezer and stay fresh longer than just freezing it in a bag or pot.
Can you freeze gelatinous chicken stock?
The answer is yes, as long as you make sure that the gelatinous chicken stock freezes before it starts to set. When the liquid in a can of chicken broth starts to solidify, it’s time to throw it out and start again.