Chicken Stock Recipe: How Long Does it Last in the Freezer
Do you love the flavor of homemade chicken stock but don't have the time to make it? Do you have a stash of chicken stock in your freezer and wonder how long it will last? If so, then this blog post is for you! We'll provide a delicious recipe for making your own chicken stock as well as tips on how long it can last in the freezer. Read on to find out more!
Introduction
There is nothing like a homemade broth. It's actually a lot healthier and taste better than store-bought chicken broth. We will discuss the differences between chicken broth and stock, provide a recipe for homemade chicken stock, and explain how to store it correctly. We will also cover how long cooked chicken stock can last in the refrigerator and freezer so you can make the most of your homemade stock. Whether you are a beginner or experienced cook, this blog has something for everyone. So get ready to learn all about this delicious ingredient and make your own batch of chicken stock today!
What is Chicken Stock?
Chicken stock is a savory liquid made from simmering chicken bones, vegetables, herbs, and spices in water. It is different from chicken broth which typically involves simmering meat instead of bones. This liquid can be strained and used in many recipes to add flavor and richness. Homemade chicken stock is easy to make and has a much more intense flavor than store-bought stock. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months. Making your own homemade stock requires some effort but the results are definitely worth it! Shelf life of chicken broth also has a shelf life about 5 days. If it smells funny, has a sour smell or has a funky taste, that is signs of spoilage and should be discarded at once. We used to use chicken bullion granules but this type of stock is so much better. Also homemade chicken broth recipes won't have as much sodium as store bought.
The same time frame would apply to broth being stored in the freezer, so you can use this guide when determining how long does chicken stock last in the freezer with your broth if you choose to make broth instead of stock.
What is the difference between chicken broth and chicken stock?
In the previous sections, we discussed chicken stock and how to make homemade chicken stock. Now, let's take a look at the differences between chicken broth and chicken stock. Chicken broth is made with small pieces of chicken and vegetables cooked in water. It's typically saltier than stock and thinner in texture. On the other hand, chicken stock is made with bones and large pieces of vegetables cooked for a longer period of time than broth. This creates a more flavorful and thicker liquid than broth thank making your own chicken broth. You can also make your own homemade bone broth.
Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Stock
Making your own homemade chicken stock is a great way to save money and ensure you have the freshest ingredients possible. To make your own stock, you’ll need some basic ingredients such as chicken, onion, celery, carrots, fresh herbs, garlic cloves, and a bay leaf. For the best flavor, use organic ingredients whenever possible. Be sure to choose a whole chicken or chicken parts with bones to get the most flavor and nutrition out of your stock. To add even more flavor and nutrients, you can also add mushrooms, root vegetables such as parsnips or turnips, and other aromatics like leeks or fennel. Once you’ve gathered all of your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking!
What We Used:
How to Make Homemade Chicken Stock
Making your own homemade chicken stock is easier than you think! All you need is a few basic ingredients, a stock pot, and about an hour of time. Begin by washing and chopping up your chicken pieces. Add the chicken to a large stockpot along with cold water, vegetables, herbs and spices. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 30 minutes. Once the stock is finished cooking, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining solids. Finally, allow the stock to cool completely to room temperature before storing in the refrigerator or freezer. With this simple recipe, you can create delicious homemade chicken stock that will last in the freezer for up to 6 months.
How Long Does Cooked Chicken Stock Last in the Refrigerator?
Cooked chicken stock can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It is important to store it properly in an air-tight container like glass jars (we use mason jars) or a Ziploc freezer bag, and to consume it within 3-4 days for the best quality and flavor. You do not want to get food poisoning from rancid stock. If you find that you have more chicken stock than you can use in a week, it is best to freeze it for later use. Freezing your chicken stock will also help ensure its freshness and flavor. Homemade chicken broth can last up to three months in the freezer, so you can enjoy your homemade stock all summer long!
How to Freeze Chicken Stock?
Once you've made your homemade chicken stock, it's time to freeze it! To avoid freezer burn, allow the stock to cool before placing it in an airtight container. You can freeze the stock in ice cube trays or silicon muffin tins for individual portions, or in sealable tubs for larger amounts. I am actually not a fan of using plastic containers. But if that's all you have make sure it's BPA-free plastic. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a sealable container and store for up to three months. This way, you can take out as many cubes as you need and reseal the tub. With this method, you'll always have a delicious and nutritious stock on hand for soups and other recipes!
What we like to do is freeze is ours in these silicone molds from Souper Cubes. They are the perfect size for warming up for pots of soup. Once we freeze them in the molds we pop them out and use our Foodsaver machine to freeze them. You can use ziploc bags but we find this keeps them much fresher and less freezer burnt. We always make sure we put the printed date on the outside of the bag so we know how long it's been in the freezer. You could also just put a best-by date if you like. You don't want to use past it's expiration date. Freezing it will help it last a long time.
If you want to use bags you can pop the frozen cubes out of the silicone mold, or you can place your stock in a bag, and lay it flat on a cookie sheet to freeze. Once it is frozen they can be stacked up flat to save space. Keeping it thin and flat also means it will thaw faster. The most important thing is that your sealed container is tight. You can also use silicone molds that are muffin pans so you are freezing in one cup portions so you can pull out to thaw just 4 or 8 at a time based on the recipe you are preparing, or if you just want small portions for making lunches.
Marking the date is so important since we are talking about how long does chicken stock last in the freezer.
How Long Does Chicken Stock Last in the Freezer?
Homemade chicken stock can be frozen for up to 6 months, making it a great option for those who want to make a large batch and store it for later use. The best way to ensure a good quality product is to freeze the chicken stock in air-tight containers or freezer bags as soon as possible after cooking. Freezing chicken stock is a great way to have a ready supply of flavorful, nutritious stock on hand for your favorite recipes.
I hope you enjoyed this guide on how long chicken stock lasts in the freezer and the delicious recipe. When I make stock I like to make a big batch, cool it down and store it in small batches so I can enjoy it without having to do all the work so often. Just make sure you don't make more than can be used before three months, since you are prepared now and know how long does chicken stock last in the freezer. When you mark the date, try and find ways to use it up so it doesn't go to waste. We have lots of recipes you can try. If you have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Until then, happy cooking with chicken stock!
Chicken Stock Recipe
Freezing Homemade Chicken Broth is a great way to have broth all year long and keep it fresh.
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken
- 2 carrots cut in half
- 2 celery sticks cut in half
- 1 head of garlic cut in half
- 1 large onion quartered
- 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Whole black peppercorns 1 tbsp
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Get all the meat off the rotisserie chicken and put it to the side. We won’t be using it for the broth. I like to use my biggest pot to make my broth in.
Once the meat is off the bone, place chicken carcass in the pot. Add all your ingredients and add water. It takes about 9 cups of water to fill my pot.
Turn heat to high and once it starts to boil turn down to a simmer. Let it simmer for 3 hours stirring periodically.
Once the 3 hours is up. It’s time to strain it. I have a fine mesh strainer I use. I start by getting all the big pieces of stuff out first and using the strainer and a wooden spoon to gently squeeze the liquid out the veggies. Same with chicken. Then all you have to do is strain the remaining liquid to catch any other solids you might have missed.
This usually yields me around 8 cups of broth. I will freeze the broth and this way I have homemade broth whenever I need it!
