Shredded chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes like tacos, sandwiches, casseroles, soups and more. It’s convenient to have shredded chicken on hand, so you may wonder if it’s safe to freeze it for later use. The good news is that freezing shredded chicken is perfectly fine!
Can you freeze shredded chicken?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to freeze shredded cooked chicken. Freezing is an effective way to store shredded chicken for several months while preserving its texture and flavor.
Some key points about freezing shredded chicken:
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding and freezing.
- Allow the shredded chicken to cool completely before freezing, as freezing it when still warm can cause it to become soggy.
- Portion the chicken into freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Put date labels on your frozen shredded chicken bags or containers.
- Frozen shredded chicken maintains optimal quality for 2-3 months in the freezer but can last up to 6 months frozen before drying out.
Following proper storage methods, frozen shredded chicken will be safe to use directly in recipes after thawing. The texture may become slightly softer but the chicken will still have good flavor.
How to freeze shredded chicken
Freezing shredded chicken is easy to do at home with just a few simple steps:
- Start with cooked, shredded chicken. You can shred a whole cooked chicken or use leftover cooked chicken.
- Allow the shredded chicken to fully cool to room temperature.
- Portion the chicken into freezer bags or airtight containers. Try flattening the chicken in the bag or container to freeze it into thin sheets for easier thawing.
- Remove as much air as possible from the containers before sealing. You can use a straw to suck out excess air.
- Label the bags or containers with the contents and freeze-by date.
- Freeze the chicken for up to 3 months at 0°F or below.
Helpful tips:
- Lay bags flat in a single layer in the freezer until fully frozen, then you can stack them.
- You can freeze in marinades or sauces for added flavor. Leave 1⁄2 inch room at the top for expansion.
- For longer storage, you can double wrap the bags or place the sealed bags/containers inside large freezer bags.
How long does shredded chicken last in the freezer?
Properly stored, frozen shredded chicken will maintain best quality for:
- 2-3 months in a regular freezer at 0°F or below
- 6-12 months in a deep freezer at -4°F or below
The freezer time shown is for best quality. Frozen shredded chicken remains safe beyond the recommended freezer time, but the texture and flavor will start to degrade.
Signs your frozen shredded chicken may be past its prime:
- Dull color vs. white or pink when fresh
- Freezer burn with dry, brown spots
- Off odors, sour smell
- Dry, mushy texture
As long as it has been stored properly in the freezer and shows no signs of spoilage, frozen shredded chicken should be safe to cook and eat even after the recommended freezer times. However, the quality will not be as good.
How to thaw and use frozen shredded chicken
Thawing and using frozen shredded chicken is simple:
- Refrigerator thawing: For best results, move frozen chicken to the refrigerator 12-24 hours before planned use. Thaw in a bowl or on a plate to catch any liquid runoff.
- Cold water thawing: For faster thawing, you can submerge the frozen chicken (sealed bag or container) in a bowl of cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Thaw less than 2 hours.
- Microwave thawing: Thaw shredded chicken sealed in a freezer bag by microwaving on the defrost setting or at 30% power. Use short 30 second bursts, checking often. Do not thaw more than what you plan to use immediately.
- Cook or use the thawed shredded chicken within 1-2 days. It’s best not to refreeze thawed shredded chicken.
The thawed chicken may have a softer texture than fresh. But it will be perfectly safe and still has great uses, like:
- Tacos, burritos, enchiladas
- Casseroles, pot pies
- Sandwiches, wraps
- Chicken salads
- Soups and chicken broth
You can also use frozen shredded chicken directly in cooking without thawing first. Add a bit more liquid and cook time. For example, toss frozen chicken right into soups, chili, casseroles or slow cooker recipes.
Is it better to freeze shredded or whole chicken?
Freezing chicken either shredded or whole are both good options. Here is a comparison:
Shredded chicken pros:
- Ready to use, thaws quickly
- Versatile for recipes
- Takes up less freezer space
Whole chicken pros:
- Better texture – can shred fresh
- More meal options like roasting
- Cheaper than pre-shredded chicken
In summary:
- Shredded chicken – best for convenience, weeknight recipes, smaller portions
- Whole chicken – best for larger meals, flexibility in cooking methods, maximizing value
You may want to utilize both methods. Freeze leftover cooked chicken shredded while also freezing some whole chickens when you find a good sale!
What containers are best for freezing shredded chicken?
The best containers for freezing shredded chicken are:
- Freezer bags – Lay flat to freeze, then stack. Leak-proof but can be prone to freezer burn if not well-sealed.
- Plastic freezer containers – Airtight lids prevent freezer burn. Can take up more space.
- Mason jars – Durable, airtight option. Glass so won’t hold odors. Can break if dropped when frozen.
- Vacuum seal pouches – Removes air and prevents freezer burn very effectively.
- Aluminum foil – Fold tightly for air removal. Can tear and won’t prevent all freezer burn.
No matter the container, the keys are keeping air exposure low and using high quality freezer materials.
What seasonings are best for freezing with shredded chicken?
Some great seasoning flavors to mix in before freezing shredded chicken include:
- Lemon pepper – brightens flavor
- Onion and garlic powder – adds savory depth
- Paprika or smoked paprika – warm spice
- Chili powder – mild heat
- Cumin – warm, earthy flavor
- Oregano or basil – fresh herbal notes
- Barbecue spice rub – nice with shredded chicken
- Teriyaki or soy sauce – Asian inspired
Avoid freezing shredded chicken in sauces with dairy, flour or high water content. These can cause undesirable texture changes when frozen.
Start with about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs or spices per 1 pound of shredded chicken. Adjust to taste preferences.
Pre-seasoned chicken saves time and adds flavor variety for later recipe uses. But you can also freeze plain and season as needed when using.
How much shredded chicken fits in one freezer bag?
As a guideline, here is approximately how much shredded chicken fits into different size freezer bags:
- Quart size freezer bag – 2 cups shredded chicken
- Gallon size freezer bag – 4-6 cups shredded chicken
- 2 gallon freezer bag – 8-10 cups shredded chicken
It’s helpful to portion shredded chicken into amounts you’re likely to use at one time for a recipe. Flatten the bags to about 1 inch thickness for quicker thawing.
Consider how many servings you need and the recipes you plan to use the frozen chicken in. Quart or gallon portions are handy for most households.
Can you refreeze thawed shredded chicken?
It is best not to refreeze thawed shredded chicken if possible. Refreezing introduces higher risk of bacterial contamination.
If thawed shredded chicken is not used within 1-2 days in the refrigerator, there are a couple safe ways to refreeze it:
- Cook into a recipe then refreeze – casseroles or soups are a good choice
- Bring to a boil on the stove before refreezing
These methods reduce the risk from harmful bacteria when refreezing thawed meat.
For highest quality and food safety, try to thaw only what you will use within a couple days. But if necessary, use one of the safe refreezing methods.
Conclusion
Freezing extra shredded chicken is an easy way to save time and have a versatile ingredient ready to go. Follow proper methods for maximum freshness and freezer shelf life. Thaw in the refrigerator, cold water or microwave for use. With some simple planning, frozen shredded chicken can be a worthwhile addition to your freezer meals routine.