Best Ways To Freeze Chicken

While you think about freezing chicken and using it later, you should keep in mind that the chicken lasts for several months without getting spoiled. For that, you can consider the following things that help you select the best chicken:

1. Fresh Chicken

Results have shown that fresh chicken works best for freezing purposes rather than using frozen ones. When we use frozen chicken it doesn't contain moisture and also tastes bad in comparison to fresh one. 

You can also check the expiry date and labeling details, to get an idea about the freshness.

2. Packaging Styles

While buying chicken you need to examine whether its packaging is completely airtight or not. Airtight packaging helps keep this food fresh and also prevents freeze burn later. 

Also, it is better not to use chicken that is packed with excess water or brine because this can lead to ice crystals during freezing and affect the texture.

3. Pick Large Cuts

You should always pick large cuts as small pieces are more likely to dry out faster. Hence, it is better to go for large cuts especially large pieces with bones. Such cuts get better when frozen.

4. Inspect The Chicken

Though you pick fresh chicken by its labeling details, you also need to know to inspect the freshness by color, order, and texture. Fresh chicken is often odorless, has a firm texture, is pinkish in color, and has a slimy nature while touching. 

5. Bulk Portion

If you are buying chicken in bulk for freezing then you should have a plan to portion it properly before freezing. Also, you may find it economical while buying in bulk.

Among many ways to freeze chicken, freezing it raw is definitely the best option. With this option, you can not only keep your food fresh and healthy for a long time but also you can retain its original taste. This is the most effective method of freezing which is quite easy and can be done in a few simple steps. 

Anyone without much kitchen skills can freeze chicken by this method if they get the right guidelines. Another amazing thing about this method is you do not require many tools and ingredients. Here are the step-by-step guidelines for freezing raw chicken:

Tools

• Plastic bag or Aluminum foil
• Freezer Bags
• Skinner (to remove skin and fat)

Instruction

Step-1 Prepare The Chicken

First of all, you should start by preparing the chicken. Kindly divide it into meal-sized portions which makes it easy to thaw only the required portion at the time of use. You can also remove the fat and skin before freezing however this step is optional.

Step-2 Wrapping

After that, you should wrap the chicken portion in a plastic bag or aluminum foil. The bags should be airtight so that it helps in freezing burn later. You can also use a double wrap for extra protection for your food. However, the wrappers you use must be freezing-friendly and airtight. 

Once you have wrapped it, you need to place it inside airtight plastic bags. You can also use container bags that are freezing-friendly. 

Step-3 Label

Now, it's time to label the date and details on the bags. This helps you consume the chicken within a bad-before date. 

Step-4 Freezing At Right Temperature

Then, you should lay the bags in the freezer, however, you should keep one thing in mind there is good space between the bags and they are not placed tightly to one another.

Also, you need to make sure your freezer is set at the right temperature. The ideal temperature for freezing is often 0°F (-18°C) or lower.

Vacuum Sealing

Vacuum Sealing is an effective method of freezing raw chicken which is absolutely easy and can be done in a few simple steps. Interestingly, this method works best for keeping foods safe and fresh by removing all the air. You can try this method with other foods also.

Tools

• Skinner
• Baking Sheet
• Vacuum sealer
• Freezer bags

Instructions

1. First, you should divide the chicken into meal-sized portions based on your cooking needs. Then, you need to remove excess fats and skin for a better taste and texture.
2. If the chicken is very moist, you can pre-freeze it for about 1-2 hours on a baking sheet. This is necessary to do as it helps the food maintain its shape and prevents juices from being sucked out during vacuum sealing.
3. Now, it's time to prepare a vacuum seal. Gently, plug in the vacuum sealer and make sure it is ready to use. Also, make arrangements for vacuum sealer bags or rolls that are compatible with the machine. If you are using a roll, kindly cut the bag to the desired size, allowing enough space to fit the chicken, and leave a couple of extra inches at the top for sealing.
4. After that, you should arrange the chicken flat in the vacuum sealer bags and place them in the freezer. For the best result, you need to avoid overcrowding.
5. Finally, it's time to place the open end of the bag into the vacuum sealer’s sealing area, ensuring it’s properly aligned. Then, close the machine and start the vacuum process. You should activate the vacuum and then double-check the seal.
6. After that, label the date and details on the bags and lay the bags flat in the freezer.
7. With the use of this method, you can consume this chicken for up to 9 months. However, you need to thaw them in the refrigerator for some hours or overnight at the time of use.

Freezing cooked chicken helps you prevent leftovers as well as helps you save time for cooking. This is a convenient and quick process that will keep your cooked chicken fresh and tasty even after a long time.

Just follow the instructions below and get the best result for your cooked chicken:

Tools

• Baking sheet or shallow pan
• Plastic wrapper of foil
• Freezer bags

Instructions

Step-1 Cool at Room Temperature

To start this method, you should let the chicken cool at room temperature. This can prevent condensation, which can create ice crystals and affect the texture of the chicken. You can also spread the chicken out on a baking sheet or shallow pan which helps speed up the cooling process.

After that, you should portion the chicken for meal-sized. Also, you should separate the cuts (such as breasts, and thighs) for easy use while consuming later. 

Step-2 Wrap and Place In Container Bags

Now, you should wrap the chicken in a plastic wrap or aluminum foil. However, you need to choose wrappers that are airtight and freezing-friendly. You can also use the double wrap as per your desire.

Then, you should put the wrapped chicken in plastic bags or container bags. The bags you use should be airtight and freezing-friendly to avoid freeze-burn. 

Step-3 Label

After that, you should label the bags with the date and other details. This will help you consume chicken at the right time.

Step-4 Place in Freezer

Now, place the container bags flat in the freezer leaving some space between the bags. 

You can use it within 4 months. While using it later, you should thaw the chicken in the refrigerator or use the microwave’s defrost setting. It is better not to thaw at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

Freezing chicken after marinating it properly is also another best way. This method also helps you directly cook the frozen chicken without the need for many spices and ingredients later. However, you should have the proper knowledge to do that. 

Tools Required

• Knife
• Plastic bags or container bags

Instruction

1. First of all you should marinate the chicken by using ingredients such as oil, vinegar, lemon juice, herbs, spices, and seasonings. If you are thinking about using dairy products such as buttermilk or yogurt, then it is better to use them after thawing as such products have a higher chance of getting separated during freezing.
2. It is always better to portion the meal size and cut types for quick and easy use later. So, make a small portion and cut size as per your need.
3. Now, you should place the marinated chicken inside the container bags or plastic bags. The bags should be airtight to prevent freeze-burn and possible bacterial growth. 
4. Then, label the date and details in the bags and lay them in the freezer leaving some spaces in between the bags. 
5. You can use them within 3 months for the better taste and texture. 
6. While using them, thaw them in the refrigerator over the night. After being thawed properly, they will be enhanced in flavor and you can use them accordingly. 

Another best way to freeze chicken is freezing them in broth and stock. This method will help you enjoy chicken in the future time helping you with your busy schedule. Also, there will be no change in taste and texture even after a long time of deep freezing, so why not choose this method, right? 

Following this method is not that difficult if you have the right instructions to do so.

Tools

• Pot
• Ice Container
• Container Bags
• Marker

Instructions

1. First of all, you can let the chicken broth or stock cool to room temperature. It helps prevent condensation in the containers that form ice crystals and lowers the quality. If you want to speed up the cooling process, then it is better to place the pot in an ice bath or divide the broth into smaller containers.
2. Then, you should remove the fats on the top of the broth. To do this just refrigerate the broth and remove the fats accumulated at the top.
3. Now, it's time to choose the right container bags for the broth. If you want a small portion of broth for the recipe, transfer them to an ice cube tray and later put the cubes in freezer bags. For larger portions, you can use heavy-duty freezer bags. Also, you can use airtight plastic bags to put cool broth or stock. Just make sure little space is there in bags for expansion later.
4. After that, label the bags and place them in the freezer. They remain totally healthy and fresh for up to 6 months. 
5. When your food is ready to use, you should thaw it in the refrigerator before using it.

Following the above instructions may help you get the right result on freezing chicken. However, you should know about several freezing tips to have the best and most effective results.

Just keep in mind the following things:

• To prevent the chicken from bacterial growth, you should use airtight wrappers and container bags. this also helps in freezer burn.
• With the use of a marker, you should label the date and details on the container bags. This helps you track the bad before date and prevent wastage.
• You should portion the chicken as per your meal size. Choosing as per your meal size will help you cook the right amount preventing wastage.
• While using freezer bags, you should know that the bags are completely air-free. So, try to remove all the air inside the bags.
• You should make sure the freezer is set to 0°F (-18°C) or lower to keep the chicken frozen safely.
• Also, you should keep the space between the bags as overcrowding can lead to spoilage and doesn't allow proper freezing.