Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that is beloved by many. It’s a hearty dish that consists of chicken, vegetables, and doughy dumplings cooked in a flavorful broth. While best when freshly made, there are times when you may want to prepare chicken and dumplings in advance and freeze it for later. So can you safely freeze leftover chicken and dumplings?
The Short Answer
Yes, you can freeze chicken and dumplings after cooking. This allows you to enjoy this warming dish later by simply reheating it until hot and bubbly.
Freezing the Full Recipe
One of the easiest ways to freeze chicken and dumplings is to freeze the entire pot after it has finished cooking and cooled. Here are some tips for freezing the full recipe:
- Make sure the chicken and dumplings have cooled completely before freezing. Putting hot food straight into the freezer can cause unsafe temperature fluctuations.
- Transfer the chicken and dumplings to an airtight freezer-safe container. Plastic containers or ziplock bags work well.
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the contents and freezing date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the frozen chicken and dumplings overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Freezing the Components Separately
You can also choose to freeze the chicken, vegetables, broth, and dumplings separately for more flexibility later on. Here’s how:
Chicken
- Shred or cube the cooked chicken.
- Portion into freezer bags or containers, removing excess air.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Vegetables
- Drain any excess broth from the vegetables.
- Spread in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze until solid.
- Transfer to bags or containers, label, and return to freezer.
Broth
- Let broth cool completely after cooking.
- Pour into freezer bags or containers, leaving about 1 inch of headspace.
- Lay bags flat in the freezer to preserve space.
- Frozen broth will last up to 6 months.
Dumplings
- Allow dumplings to cool fully on a baking sheet.
- Layer dumplings in a container or bag with parchment between layers.
- Press out excess air and seal.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Freezing the components separately gives you flexibility. You can take out just what you need and make as many or as few servings as desired. It also helps ensure high quality since you aren’t repeatedly freezing and thawing the dish.
Tips for Freezing Chicken and Dumplings
Follow these tips to successfully freeze chicken and dumplings:
- Use freezer-safe containers. Opt for rigid plastic containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Portion into smaller amounts. Smaller portions will freeze and reheat more evenly.
- Protect against freezer burn. Use airtight containers and remove excess air.
- Avoid overfilling containers. Leave about 1 inch of headspace for expansion.
- Use good quality freezer wraps. Choose aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper.
- Label everything. Include contents and freeze date on labels.
- Rotate frozen goods. Use older frozen items sooner for best quality.
- Store at 0°F or below. Colder temperatures preserve quality better.
Following proper freezing procedures will help retain the flavor, texture, and safety of your frozen chicken and dumplings.
How to Thaw Frozen Chicken and Dumplings
Once frozen chicken and dumplings are ready to be eaten, they’ll need to be thawed. Here are some safe ways to thaw:
Refrigerator Thawing
- Place frozen chicken and dumplings in the refrigerator in a container to catch drips.
- Allow about 8-10 hours for a full pot.
- For separate components, thaw time varies from a few hours for dumplings to 1-2 days for a full container of broth.
Cold Water Thawing
- Seal frozen chicken and dumplings in a leak-proof bag.
- Submerge in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes.
- Thaw time is about 1-2 hours for a full pot.
Microwave Thawing
- Microwave frozen chicken and dumplings using the defrost setting if available.
- For a full pot, allow 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Microwave components separately for 5-10 minutes, checking often.
Avoid thawing chicken and dumplings at room temperature or in hot water to prevent bacterial growth. Refrigerator thawing is ideal, but cold water and microwave defrosting work well for quicker thawing when needed.
How to Reheat Chicken and Dumplings
Once thawed, there are several good options for reheating your frozen chicken and dumplings to serving temperature (165°F).
On the Stove
- For the full pot, heat over medium-low in a pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
In the Microwave
- Transfer thawed chicken and dumplings to a microwave-safe dish.
- Microwave on 60% power, covered, in 3-5 minute intervals.
- Stir between intervals and continue heating until hot.
In the Oven
- Pour thawed chicken and dumplings into a baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F, covered, for 30 minutes, or until bubbly.
Bring broth to a gentle simmer when reheating to prevent dumplings from getting gummy. Check temperature with a food thermometer for food safety.
Can You Re-Freeze Chicken and Dumplings?
It’s best not to refreeze any leftovers of thawed chicken and dumplings. Refreezing can lead to loss of quality. The chicken may become drier and stringy. Dumplings and vegetables are likely to become mushy. Broth can also separate and taste diluted after thawing and refreezing.
For optimal taste and texture, enjoy leftovers refrigerated within 3-4 days. You can also portion leftovers into single servings and freeze those for longer storage. Just make sure not to refreeze anything more than once.
Reasons to Freeze Chicken and Dumplings
Freezing chicken and dumplings offers several benefits:
- Make-ahead meals – Prepare in advance for quick weeknight dinners.
- Cost savings – Buy ingredients in bulk when on sale.
- Food waste reduction – Freeze leftovers instead of throwing excess away.
- Variety – Pull from freezer for an easy change of pace from routine dishes.
- Convenience – Thaw and reheat for meals ready in minutes.
Storage Chart for Frozen Chicken and Dumplings
Use this chart as a reference for how long you can freeze chicken and dumpling components:
| Item | Freezer Storage Life |
|---|---|
| Full Recipe | 3 months |
| Chicken | 3 months |
| Vegetables | 8-12 months |
| Broth | 6 months |
| Dumplings | 3 months |
Store frozen chicken and dumplings at 0°F or colder for maximum shelf life. Use freezer-safe packaging and minimize air exposure.
Signs Chicken and Dumplings Have Gone Bad When Frozen
Check for these signs that frozen chicken and dumplings may have spoiled and should be thrown out:
- Ice crystals or frozen liquid on food surfaces – indicates freezer burn
- Off odor, colors, or textures – should smell, look, and feel normal
- Expiration date passed – follow recommended storage times
- Thawed and refrozen – do not refreeze after thawing
- Container opened or damaged – protects against contamination
- Freezer temperature above 0°F – higher temps accelerate spoilage
- Power outage for extended time – foods may have thawed and refrozen
When in doubt, remember the saying “If in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t risk foodborne illness from eating unsafe frozen foods.
Food Safety with Frozen Chicken and Dumplings
Practice food safety when freezing, thawing, and reheating chicken and dumplings:
- Chill fully before freezing – don’t freeze hot food directly
- Thaw using safe methods – refrigerator, cold water, microwave
- Cook and reheat thoroughly to 165°F minimum internal temperature
- Avoid the danger zone between 40-140°F when thawing and reheating
- Use thawed chicken and dumplings within 3-4 days for best quality and safety
- When reheating, bring broth to a simmer and stir gently to maintain texture
Handling frozen chicken and dumplings properly reduces your risk of foodborne illnesses. Monitor temperatures, storage times, and product conditions closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze chicken and dumplings with cream?
It’s best not to freeze cream-based chicken and dumplings. Heavy cream has a tendency to separate and curdle when frozen and thawed. For freezable cream soup-style chicken and dumplings, use evaporated milk or condensed soup instead of heavy cream.
Should chicken and dumplings be frozen separately?
Chicken and dumplings can be frozen together or separately. Freezing the components like chicken, vegetables, broth, and dumplings individually gives you more flexibility. But freezing the combined dish works well too. Both methods allow you to enjoy chicken and dumplings from frozen.
Can frozen chicken and dumplings be cooked in a slow cooker?
Yes, frozen chicken and dumplings can go straight into the slow cooker to reheat and finish cooking. Add the frozen contents to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for about 8 hours. The extended cooking allows the dish to defrost and come up to temperature gently for tender dumplings.
How long is frozen chicken broth good for?
Properly frozen homemade chicken broth can last up to 6 months in the freezer. Commercially packaged chicken broth or stock purchased frozen usually has a freezer shelf life of 9-12 months if kept frozen solid at 0°F.
Can you freeze cooked chicken dumplings by themselves?
It’s fine to freeze just the cooked dumplings themselves, either mixed into the chicken and dumplings or separately. Allow dumplings to cool fully then place in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze solid. Transfer to an airtight container, removing as much air as possible. Frozen dumplings will keep for 2-3 months.
Conclusion
Chicken and dumplings freezes extremely well for make-ahead comfort food meals any time. Freeze the entire recipe or in individual components. Thaw using the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave. Reheat gently on the stove, in the microwave, or oven until piping hot. Follow proper food safety guidelines and recommended freezer storage times. With the right freezing, thawing, and reheating methods, you can enjoy delicious chicken and dumplings even when frozen.