Have you ever made a huge batch of delicious homemade chicken broth only to wonder what to do with all the leftovers? I’ve been there too! That rich, flavorful liquid gold is too precious to waste, and freezing it is the perfect solution. But the big question is how long can I freeze chicken broth before it loses its magic?
In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about freezing chicken broth from proper storage methods to thawing techniques that’ll help you make the most of your broth for months to come!
The Short Answer: Freezer Shelf Life
Let’s get right to the point – properly stored chicken broth can last in the freezer for 3-6 months while maintaining its best quality While technically it remains safe indefinitely when kept at 0°F, the flavor and quality are at their peak within this timeframe
Here’s a quick reference table for chicken broth storage:
| Storage Method | Storage Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days |
| Freezer (airtight container) | Up to 6 months |
| Freezer (ice cube trays) | 4-6 months |
| Freezer (silicone molds) | 4-6 months |
Why You Should Definitely Freeze Chicken Broth
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why freezing chicken broth makes so much sense:
- Reduces waste – Don’t pour that leftover broth down the drain!
- Saves money by preserving homemade or store-bought broth
- Super convenient for quick recipes and meal prep
- Extends shelf life from just days to several months
- Perfect for meal prep enthusiasts
The best part? Freezing doesn’t significantly affect the flavor or texture of your broth. It’ll taste almost as good as fresh when properly stored and thawed!
Best Methods for Freezing Chicken Broth
I’ve tried several different ways to freeze chicken broth over the years, and these three methods work like a charm:
1. Freezer-Safe Containers or Jars
This method is ideal for larger portions you’ll use in soups or stews.
Steps:
- Let your broth cool completely (this is super important!)
- Pour into freezer-safe containers or glass jars
- Leave about 1 inch of space at the top for expansion
- Label with the date and volume (trust me, you’ll thank me later)
- Freeze for up to 6 months
Pro tip: If using glass jars, make sure they’re labeled “freezer-safe” and leave enough headroom to prevent cracking. Nothing worse than finding shattered glass in your freezer!
2. Ice Cube Trays Method
This is my personal favorite for small amounts needed for sauces, sautéing, or cooking grains.
Steps:
- Pour cooled broth into ice cube trays
- Freeze for 4-6 hours until solid
- Transfer the cubes to a labeled freezer bag
- Use 1-2 cubes at a time when cooking
Pro tip: Each standard cube holds about 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of broth—perfect for adding quick flavor boosts to dishes!
3. Silicone Muffin Tins or Souper Cubes
Great for medium portions (½ cup to 1 cup) that are perfect for individual servings.
Steps:
- Pour broth into silicone molds
- Freeze until solid
- Pop out and store in freezer bags or containers
- Label with quantity and date
How to Make the Most of Your Frozen Chicken Broth
For the best results when freezing chicken broth, follow these simple tips:
- Cool completely before freezing to prevent bacterial growth
- Label and date everything (seriously, you won’t remember otherwise!)
- Portion it based on how you typically use broth in recipes
- Leave expansion room – liquids expand when frozen
- Consider skimming fat before freezing if desired
- Strain the broth before freezing for a smoother result
How to Properly Thaw Frozen Chicken Broth
When it’s time to use your frozen broth, you’ve got several safe options:
1. In the Refrigerator (Safest Method)
- Place container in a bowl or on a plate
- Let thaw overnight in the fridge
- Best for large portions in jars or containers
2. On the Stovetop (Quickest for Soups)
- Add frozen broth directly to a pot
- Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally
- Great for when you’re making soups or sauces
3. In the Microwave (For Smaller Portions)
- Use the defrost setting or 50% power
- Stir frequently to ensure even thawing
- Only recommended for smaller portions like ice cubes or 1-cup blocks
Important safety tip: Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth. I once left broth on the counter too long and had to throw the whole batch away—such a waste!
Using Your Frozen Chicken Broth
Once thawed, frozen broth works just like fresh! I use it for:
- Soups and stews (obvious, but classic)
- Cooking grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous
- Sautéing vegetables for extra flavor
- Deglazing pans for delicious sauces
- Thinning mashed potatoes or creamy sauces
If you’ve frozen it in smaller portions, it’s super easy to grab just what you need without thawing a whole batch.
DIY Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe
If you’re looking to make your own chicken broth to freeze, here’s a simple recipe I love:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds chicken (bone-in with skin – whole chicken, breasts, thighs, or a combo)
- 1 onion, peeled and quartered
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- 2 large carrots, cut in quarters
- 3 stalks of celery with leaves, cut in quarters
- 2-3 sprigs thyme
- 3-4 sprigs parsley
- 2 bay leaves
- 3-4 mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 12 cups water
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large stockpot
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45-60 minutes (until chicken is cooked)
- Remove chicken, cool for 10-15 minutes, then remove meat from bones
- Return bones to broth and simmer another 40-45 minutes
- Strain broth before freezing
- Freeze using one of the methods above
FAQs About Freezing Chicken Broth
Can I freeze broth in glass jars?
Yes, but only use freezer-safe jars and always leave at least 1 inch of space to prevent cracking.
Can I freeze broth with vegetables or meat in it?
Yes, though textures may change slightly. I prefer straining the broth before freezing for a cleaner result.
How do I know if frozen broth has gone bad?
Discard if it smells off, has changed color, or has freezer burn. When in doubt, toss it out!
Can I refreeze chicken broth after thawing?
It’s not recommended. Instead, portion it into smaller amounts before freezing to avoid waste.
Can I freeze store-bought chicken broth?
Absolutely! Just pour any unused broth into a freezer-safe container and follow the same steps as homemade broth.
The Bottom Line
So, can you freeze chicken broth? Absolutely! And now you know it’ll keep its best quality for 3-6 months in the freezer. Freezing chicken broth is one of the easiest ways to make your cooking more efficient and waste-free.
Whether you’re saving homemade broth or preserving what’s left in a store-bought carton, freezing keeps this flavorful staple ready for whatever dish you’re making next. Just choose the freezing method that fits your kitchen habits best, and you’ll never be without broth again!
I love having frozen chicken broth on hand – it’s seriously been a game-changer for my weeknight cooking. Do you freeze your chicken broth too? What’s your favorite way to use it? Drop me a comment below!
