Can you Freeze Chicken Stock?: If you are a person who loves to use plenty of chicken stock in your recipes. Then you would know how an essential component is chicken stock.
But, If you are wondering if it is likely to cook some chicken stock beforehand of time and store it for later? Do not worry, I will let you know the directions on How to Freeze Chicken Stock to use it for later.
Also, in this article, I will explain two different freezing methods for the leftover chicken stock and an easy thawing procedure that you can follow when using it later in your recipes.
- Can You Freeze Chicken Stock?
- Methods To Freeze Chicken Stock
- Using Ice Cube Trays to Freeze Chicken Stock
- Chill the Chicken Stock
- Using Freezer Bags to Freeze Chicken Stock
- Tips to Freeze Chicken Stock
- How to Thaw your Frozen Stock?
- Can You Refreeze The Chicken Stock?
- Can You Freeze Chicken Stock using a Box?
- How Long Can You Freeze Chicken Stock?
- What is the best way to freeze chicken stock?
- How Long Can Chicken Stock Be In the refrigerator?
- Can I freeze leftover chicken stock?
Can You Freeze Chicken Stock?
Yes, chicken stock can be frozen for up to 4 months. Let your chicken stock cool down to room temperature before determining which method to use for how freezing it. Depending on your preferred portion measures, you can either keep the chicken stock in an airtight container or store it stock using an ice cube tray.
Methods To Freeze Chicken Stock
The best method to freeze your chicken stock settles on how you want to use it. There are two different methods that you can use to freeze your chicken stock.
You can decrease your chicken stock, as it becomes nicely thick. This concentrated chicken stock can be frozen using ice cube trays and can be added to your dishes later.
If you do not like to reduce your chicken stock, then you can freeze it using freezer bags. Ensure each bag equals one portion size so it can defrost quickly when needed in time.
Both steps are easy and they help you have control over the amount of chicken stock that you use for later. Here are the two methods that you can follow:
- Using Ice Cube Trays to Freeze Chicken Stock
- Using Freezer Bags to Freeze Chicken Stock
Using Ice Cube Trays to Freeze Chicken Stock
Using the ice cube trays, you can make the make chicken stock into cubes.
Coll down the stock to room temperature. Never put the hot chicken stock into ice cube trays as it is very dangerous and might crack your tray.
Set the ice cube tray on a paper towel, take a cup of chicken stock, and pour the chicken stock into the tray. Always mix the chicken stock and then scoop it.
When you have topped up the tray, set the ice cube tray in the freezer. Make sure to freeze them for at least 4 hours, so that it is completely frozen and not soft or sticky on the inside. As they might freeze together making it hard to split later.
Once the chicken stock is frozen, remove them from the ice cube tray and put them into a freezer-safe bag. Seal it and set the bag into the freezer instantly.
After transferring the chicken stock, label the bag with the number of cubes the date, and the contents. As this will aid you to maintain track of the dates and the measurements needed for your recipes.
Use the frozen chicken stock cubes, by simply taking the required amount and adding it to your dish.
Using Freezer Bags to Freeze Chicken Stock
Here are the steps to follow when freezing your chicken stock using a freezing bag.
Before pouring the chicken stock into the freezing bag use a marker to label the bags with the contents, date, and measurement.
Coll down the chicken stock to room temperature. Never put the hot chicken stock into a freezing bag as it is very dangerous and might melt your bag.
Take a cup of chicken stock and pour it into a freezer bag. Use a funnel to avoid spillage.
Make sure to seal the Freezing bag thoroughly so there is no extra air entrapped inside.
Store the sealed bags lying flat on cookie sheets to place them in the freezer until frozen completely.
Use the frozen chicken stock cubes, by simply taking the required amount and adding it to your dish.
Tips to Freeze Chicken Stock
Now that you have learned to freeze your chicken stock, I have got you a few tips that I firmly suggest observing when freezing stock to obtain the finest outcomes:
If you are looking to access the chicken stock in fewer portions for your recipes, then use an ice cube tray to freeze your stock.
When completely frozen, then, empty the chicken stock from the ice cube tray into an airtight bag and effortlessly use the needed stock for your forthcoming dishes.
Chicken stock can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week without even having to freeze it. Ensure it is nicely covered, so that you can use it for a week if you are playing to make several dishes that need its inclusion.
When you want to add chicken stock to dishes like soup, you need not bother about thawing your stock cubes beforehand. Just add the needed portion directly to the pan, as it will thaw quickly, and mix with the further ingredients. But, if you like to thaw the chicken stock beforehand, then you can follow that procedure explained in detail down below.
How to Thaw your Frozen Stock?
As mentioned above, if you do not have time to defrost your chicken stock then simply put the chicken broth cubes into a pan and turn on the heat on a low flame so that it can slowly melt down.
But, if you have frozen your chicken stock using a freezer bag, then the best method to thaw the stock is to place the freezer bag in the refrigerator.
You can either use a bowl or slide it into a bigger freezer bag to put it in the refrigerator or on the countertop, depending on how fast you want it to thaw.
As it begins to thaw, you can smash it apart into chunks, then put the chucks into a pot on a lower flame to complete the thawing procedure.
Also, If you do not have enough time to stay for the many hours that it bears to thaw. Then, simply place the chicken stock in a microwave to defrost it before you add it to your desired recipe.
Can You Refreeze The Chicken Stock?
Chicken stock should be frozen only once. If you are bothered about it being wasted as you normally make more stock than you require at any time. Then, you must think about lowering your chicken stock portion measures before freezing it.
As mentioned above, freeze your chicken stock using an ice cube tray as it is a very convenient method to lower the portion measure and easily access lesser chicken stock servings when required.
Can You Freeze Chicken Stock Using a Box?
No, you must never freeze your chicken broth using a box as the liquids will expand when frozen and will lead the box to crack. The chicken stock will possibly explode and cause chaos in your freezer which can be difficult to wash up.
Also, opening your boxed broth more often to use it in your dishes can make the broth go bad. The untouched chicken stock has a significant shelf life.
FAQs on Can You Freeze Chicken Stock
1. How Long Can You Freeze Chicken Stock?
Chicken stock can be frozen for about 4 months. It can be safe to keep it a little longer, but I e would recommend using the chicken stock within this time to get get the tasty dish that you are looking for.
2. What is the best way to freeze chicken stock?
Transfer the chicken stock into freezer bags and place the bags in the freezer.
3. How Long Can Chicken Stock Be In the Refrigerator?
Chicken stock can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 days. However, it must be kept in a bowl wrapped in foil or a bowl.
4. Can I freeze leftover chicken stock?
Yes, you can freeze leftover chick stock for 3 months.
Conclusion
As seen above chicken stock freezes extremely well. As it is mainly using water, it will also freeze like all the other water-based substances. You can add chicken stock to all your dishes which calls for a simple lunch the following day.
Also, the fact that you need not necessarily be required to thaw your chicken stock before adding it to your dish is what benefits you as it saves more time and hassle in the kitchen.