How Long Can Chicken Broth Last in the Fridge? The Complete Storage Guide

Hey there, fellow foodies! If you’re anything like me you probably have a half-used container of chicken broth sitting in your fridge right now. Maybe you made some amazing soup over the weekend or perhaps you needed just a splash to add flavor to your rice. But now you’re wondering how long can chicken broth last in the fridge before it goes bad?

Well, I’ve done some digging for ya, and I’m here to share everything you need to know about storing that liquid gold properly. Let’s dive right in!

What Exactly Is Chicken Broth?

Before we talk storage times, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what chicken broth actually is. Chicken broth is a savory liquid made by simmering water with chicken meat, usually with some aromatic veggies like onions thrown in. After straining, you get that delicious flavor base that works in practically everything from soups and stews to casseroles and jambalaya.

And just to clear up any confusion

Chicken Broth vs. Chicken Stock: There’s actually a difference! While I’ve always used the terms interchangeably (whoops!), broth is made primarily from meat, while stock comes from simmering bones (sometimes roasted first for deeper flavor). Stock tends to be thicker and more gel-like thanks to the collagen from the bones, making it great for gravies and sauces. Broth is more seasoned and works wonderfully as a soup base.

Shelf Life of Chicken Broth: The Timeline

Let’s get straight to the answer you’re looking for!

Store-Bought Unopened Broth

This is the easy one. Those boxes and cans of broth in your pantry have an impressively long shelf life:

• In the pantry: Unopened, store-bought chicken broth can last up to one year past the printed date when stored in a cool, dark place.

Opened Chicken Broth

Once you’ve cracked that seal, the clock starts ticking:

• In the refrigerator: According to the USDA, both homemade and store-bought chicken broth last 3-4 days when properly stored in the fridge.

While some sources suggest store-bought broth might last a tad longer due to higher sodium content and pasteurization, it’s safest to stick with the USDA guideline of 3-4 days.

Frozen Chicken Broth

Don’t think you’ll use it all in time? Freeze it!

• In the freezer: Chicken broth can be frozen for 2-3 months for best quality, according to the USDA.

Signs Your Chicken Broth Has Gone Bad

Nobody wants food poisoning, right? Here’s how to tell if your broth needs to take a one-way trip to the trash can:

• Smell: Trust your nose! If it smells off or funky, toss it.
• Appearance: Look for discoloration or cloudiness in the liquid.
• Texture: It shouldn’t be slimy. Eww.
• Surface: A layer of fat on top is normal, but any mold means it’s definitely spoiled.

Remember, harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning don’t always change the appearance or smell of food. So when in doubt, follow the time guidelines above and throw it out!

How to Make Your Chicken Broth Last Longer

I hate wasting food (and money!), so here are my top tips for extending your broth’s life:

Proper Storage Techniques

1. Keep it airtight: Air is the enemy! Make sure the container is sealed properly.
2. Date it: Use a marker to write the date you opened it so you don’t have to play the “how long has this been here?” guessing game later.
3. Store in the back of the fridge: The temperature is more consistent there than in the door.

Freezing Chicken Broth Like a Pro

Freezing is hands-down the best way to extend your broth’s life. Here are two great methods:

Ice Cube Method (My Favorite!)

1. Pour broth into ice cube trays
2. Freeze until solid
3. Pop out cubes and transfer to freezer bags
4. Label with the date
5. Grab just what you need when cooking!

Each cube is roughly 1-2 tablespoons, perfect for when recipes call for “just a splash” of broth.

Larger Portion Method

1. Use freezer-safe containers
2. Leave about an inch of headspace for expansion
3. Cover with plastic wrap before sealing to prevent freezer burn
4. Label with the date and amount

Pro tip: Freeze in 1-cup or 2-cup portions to match common recipe measurements!

Store-Bought vs. Homemade: Any Difference in Storage?

When it comes to refrigeration time, both homemade and store-bought broths follow the same rules: 3-4 days in the fridge, according to food safety experts.

However, there are some differences:

• Ingredient profile: Boxed broth typically has less gelatin and protein compared to homemade.
• Consistency: Homemade broth naturally thickens as it reduces, while store-bought usually stays thinner.
• Convenience: Store-bought is ready to use instantly, while homemade requires hours of preparation.

How to Make Your Own Chicken Broth

If you’ve got some time on your hands, nothing beats homemade broth! Here’s a super simple method:

1. Fill a large pot with water and add chicken meat or bones (depending on whether you want broth or stock)
2. Add aromatic veggies (onions, carrots, celery)
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low
4. Simmer for 2-3 hours (longer for stock)
5. Strain out the solids
6. Let cool for about an hour before refrigerating or freezing

Bonus tip: Save the boiled chicken meat for other recipes like chicken salad or pot pie!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken broth past its expiration date?

If it’s unopened and properly stored, boxed or canned broth is generally safe to use for up to a year past the printed date. Once opened, follow the 3-4 day refrigeration rule regardless of the date on the package.

Why did my refrigerated homemade broth turn into jelly?

That’s actually a good sign! The gelatin from the chicken has solidified when cold. It will return to liquid form when heated. That jelly-like consistency means you’ve got a rich, collagen-filled broth.

Can I refreeze chicken broth that’s been thawed?

For safety reasons, I wouldn’t recommend it. Each time you thaw and refreeze, you risk bacterial growth during the temperature changes. Instead, freeze in smaller portions so you only thaw what you need.

Can I leave chicken broth out overnight?

NO! Please don’t! Chicken broth should never sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if it’s above 90°F outside). Bacteria grow rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it! To recap the key points about how long chicken broth lasts:

• Unopened store-bought: Up to 1 year in the pantry
• Opened (all types): 3-4 days in the refrigerator
• Frozen: 2-3 months for best quality

When in doubt, remember the food safety mantra: “When in doubt, throw it out!” It’s better to waste a little broth than to risk food poisoning.

Chicken broth is such a versatile ingredient that adds amazing flavor to so many dishes. With proper storage, you’ll get the most out of every box, can, or batch you make!

Do you have any clever ways you use up leftover chicken broth? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!

Until next time, happy cooking!

P.S. – I usually freeze my homemade broth in muffin tins – each cup holds about 1/3 cup of broth, which is perfect for smaller recipes. Works like a charm every time!