In this guide on how to freeze raw chicken the right way, you will learn the right way to freeze chicken to maintain its freshness and ensure it’s safe when it comes time to cook it up for dinner.

This method works great for freezing chicken thighs as well as chicken breasts, drumsticks, cutlets, tenderloin, or whatever part of the bird you want to freeze.

Why freeze chicken?

Freezing chicken is an excellent way to extend its shelf life, ensuring you always have a protein source on hand.

It preserves freshness, flavor, and nutritional value by slowing down bacterial growth. This method of storage helps reduce food waste, allowing you to buy in bulk and save money.

Additionally, having frozen chicken provides convenience for meal planning and emergency situations.

Properly frozen chicken can last for several months, making it a practical option for busy households.

How to prepare and freeze raw chicken

Separate all the pieces
Separate all the chicken thighs (or whatever type of chicken pieces you are freezing). Pat the pieces dry with a pieces of paper towel.
Do some trimming
Do your future self a favor and make future prep quicker by trimming off the extra fat and/or skin from the chicken pieces. You can use a sharp paring knife or a pair of kitchen scissors to get the job done.
Label freezer bags
Before placing the chicken inside the bags, label freezer bags with the date you are freezing the chicken, the type of chicken, and the date by which you should use the chicken (chicken pieces last 9 months in the freezer according to the USDA).
Wrap it tight
To help keep the chicken pieces from freezing together as well as to prevent freezer burn, wrap each piece tightly in a fold-top sandwich bag or wrap each in plastic wrap.
Portion out the chicken
Weigh out 1 – 2 pound portions and place in the freezer bags. Portioning it out into 1 – 2 pounds makes it easier to defrost later. You can do larger amounts if you prefer.
Remove all the air
To easily remove all the air from the freezer bags, seal the top of the chicken filled freezer bag until there’s only about 1” still open. Place the bag into a bowl of water, leaving the very top of the bag out of the water (being super careful not to let any water in). The water surrounding the bag presses all the air out from around the chicken. Carefully seal the bag without letting any water in.
Freeze
Place the bags of chicken pieces into the freezer. Make sure that the freezer is at the correct temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. Flatten the bags down so they freeze flat.

What is freezer burn?

Freezer burn is a dehydrated patch (or patches) on your improperly stored food in the freezer.

When meat, poultry, vegetables, etc. are exposed to air in the freezer, the moisture in the food evaporates from the surface of the food and then it gets dehydrated. The moisture that evaporates makes it so ice crystals form, and those ice crystals change the taste and texture of the food.

Freezer burn occurs when food is improperly stored in the freezer for an extended period. Freezer burn primarily affects the quality and texture of the food.

Chicken affected by freezer burn often appears discolored, with white or grayish patches, and feels dry and tough to the touch.

In terms of taste, freezer burn can impart a stale or off-flavor to chicken, making it less juicy when you cook it (because the moisture has already evaporated out!).

While freezer burn itself is not harmful to eat, it significantly impacts the quality of the food, making the meat and/or poultry less enjoyable and less appetizing.

Follow the above steps on how to freeze raw chicken the right way so you can avoid freezer burn and keep that chicken nice and tasty so it’s ready for you when you need it.

How to defrost chicken

Here are three different ways to defrost frozen chicken.

The refrigerator: This method takes the longest, taking 8 – 24 hours to thaw chicken. To defrost chicken thighs in the refrigerator, you need to remove the chicken from the freezer at least the night before you want to cook it. Keep the chicken in the bag or container you froze it in, place it on a large plate, and leave it in the fridge overnight to thaw.
Bowl of cold water: This method takes 1 – 3 hours depending on the amount of chicken being thawed. Make sure the chicken is in a leak-proof bag to prevent water from getting in with the chicken. Fill a large bowl with cold water and submerge the chicken. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it stays cold.
Microwave: This is the fastest method by far, taking only about 5 – 10 minutes. Remove the chicken from it’s packaging or container and place it on a microwave safe plate. Use the microwave’s defrost setting, which usually involves entering the weight of the chicken. Check on it often while it’s defrosting, rotating and separating pieces often to help it thaw evenly. Cook the chicken immediately after it’s thawed.

How long do you have before you need to freeze chicken?

When you buy chicken from the grocery store, the packaging will usually have a use or freeze by date clearly labeled on it. That’s the date you should have the chicken cooked or frozen by.

The use or freeze by date is usually within 4 – 5 days of when you have purchased the chicken.

If for some reason the chicken you have does not have a freeze or use by date on it, a good rule of thumb is to freeze or cook the chicken within 1 – 2 days.

How long is chicken good in the freezer?

According to the USDA, chicken in it’s various forms can be frozen for the following lengths of time:

Whole Chicken: 1 year
Chicken Parts (breast, thighs, drumsticks, etc.): 9 months
Giblets or Ground Chicken: 3 – 4 months
Cooked Chicken: 4 months tops
Cooked poultry casseroles or pieces in gravy: 6 months
Chicken nuggets or patties: 1 – 3 months

Properly freezing raw chicken is essential for maintaining it’s quality and to prevent food-borne illness.

By following the correct steps, such as wrapping the chicken tightly, labeling the bag with the needed dates, removing all the air from the freezer bag, and storing at 0°F (-18°C) or below, you can ensure the safety and freshness of your chicken so it’ll be safe for you to use in the future.

Taking the time to freeze raw chicken thighs the right way will not only save you money but it also helps you easily cook delicious and safe meals for you and your family.

Facebook Pin Email