Can you freeze rotisserie chicken? The best rotisserie chicken freezer tips

When it comes to quick and easy meal solutions, rotisserie chickens are a popular choice for many home cooks. Because it is so convenient and makes for a quick dinner, rotisserie chicken has become one of Americans’ favorite foods.

But after you bring home your juicy bird from the store or supermarket, do you know, “Can you freeze rotisserie chicken?” We’ll answer all of your questions about freezing and thawing this versatile meat. Chris Novakovic will also provide the best rotisserie chicken freezer tips so that you can enjoy delicious rotisserie chicken.

Can you freeze rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely, you can freeze rotisserie chicken for up to 3 months. Anyone can do it as long as they have a freezer. All you have to do is take the bones off and shred them into smaller bits. Afterward, store them in freezer bags that are well-sealed and labeled with the date. Make sure they’re cooled down before putting them in your freezer. Then, enjoy delicious meals throughout the winter!

Is it possible to freeze store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Store-bought rotisserie chicken can be frozen within two days of cooking. Frozen rotisserie chickens from the grocery store are delicious! We usually buy several at a time to ensure we have enough for dinner and leftovers. Whatever is not consumed can be stored in the freezer for later use.

After reaching room temperature, freeze bulk $4.99 Costco rotisserie chickens on the same day.

If kept frozen continuously, chicken will be safe indefinitely, so after freezing, it’s not important if any package dates expire. For best quality, taste and texture, keep whole raw chicken in the freezer up to one year; parts, 9 months; and giblets or ground chicken, 3 to 4 months. Cooked chicken will taste best if kept frozen up to 4 months; cooked poultry casseroles or pieces covered with broth or gravy, 6 months; and chicken nuggets or patties, 1 to 3 months.

As cited in ask.usda.gov

Is it possible to freeze rotisserie chicken on the bone?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken can easily be stored in the freezer on the bone.

Is it possible to preserve a whole Costco rotisserie chicken by freezing it?

An absolute bargain, the incredibly popular Costco rotisserie chicken for only $4.99 is as iconic as it gets! Believe it or not, you can’t buy an uncooked version at such a low rate.

Investing in a Costco rotisserie chicken is worth every penny – and it’s easy to freeze too! Start by refrigerating the entire bird, then seal it with a vacuum for long-term storage. This will help keep your bird fresh for up to two years!

For short-term freezing, cut off the meat from the bones and wrap them securely in plastic wrap before transferring them into freezer bags. Enjoy frozen rotisserie chicken anytime by removing the air and labeling!

The proper method for freezing rotisserie chicken

To make the most of your rotisserie chicken, either prepare it yourself or purchase a freshly cooked one. Delaying cooking and then leaving it in the fridge is not advised, as you won’t be able to fully enjoy its delicious flavors!

With your freshly cooked rotisserie chicken ready to store, here’s what you need to do next:

Cool off the chicken.

To freeze a whole rotisserie chicken, allow it to cool completely.
Let the chicken cool off to room temperature before storing it in containers or a freezer. Doing so prevents the growth of bacteria that can be caused by warm temperatures.

Break down the chicken.

Now, it’s time to break down the chicken – disengaging the bones is paramount. As you’ll be shredding up this bird, perfection isn’t necessary; a few mistakes won’t matter when your dish has been cooked and shredded.

Segment

Once you’ve removed the bones from the chicken, some of it may already be shredded. Cut up the remaining pieces of chicken on your counter until you have a pile of tasty shredded chicken that is ready to be frozen.

Divide into containers.

Split the diced chicken into freezable compartments, making sure you have apportioned it correctly. There’s no need for a family of three to freeze enough chicken for double that amount!

Seal your chicken

Once the chicken is portioned out and cooled down, press all of the air from the bags before labeling them with today’s date.

Freeze your chicken.

To preserve their freshness and flavor, transfer the bags to the freezer, where they can be kept for a maximum of three months.

Comparing airtight containers and ziploc bags

Use airtight containers when:

It may be best to freeze whole or half rotisserie chickens in an airtight container.

Using a sharpie, write the date the chicken was cooked on the container or use a label.

Use Ziploc bags when:

It can be very practical to freeze rotisserie chicken in Ziploc bags. Chicken should be divided into smaller portions and frozen in little Ziploc bags.

Opt for shredding your rotisserie chicken and dividing the pieces into tiny, freezer-friendly bags. This allows you to have ready-to-go protein portions anytime a meal needs an extra boost!

The best rotisserie chicken freezer tips

Now that you know how to freeze it, here are our top 3 recommendations for getting the best results from freezing rotisserie chicken:

Allow cooling before preparing.

It will be much simpler to break down the chicken if you make sure it is as cool as possible before you begin working with it. On the other hand, if the chicken is left out to cool for an excessive amount of time, bacteria may start to grow.

Do not freeze the bones.

Any potential choking hazards in the chicken itself can be eliminated by removing all of the bones. By doing this, you’ll be able to guarantee that the food you’re giving your family is as secure as possible. Additionally, it will save you a ton of time down the road because there’s no point in freezing bones you can’t eat.

Eliminate extra air.

It’s crucial to empty the freezer bags of extra air. This is necessary because too much air will cause a freezer burn, which will ruin the flavor and texture of the meat you’re working with.

How long can rotisserie chicken be frozen?

It all depends on how it is kept. Vacuum sealed, it has a long shelf life. The chicken will remain vacuum-sealed for two to three years, according to Food Saver. Most meat, in our experience, lasts about 18 months. Regular freezer bags should keep chicken fresh for around four months.

Advantages of Freezing Rotisserie Chicken

Rotisserie chickens are the perfect remedy when time is of the essence and you’re short on cash. They provide an easy solution to get dinner ready in minutes! Not only that, but these succulent birds can also be frozen for later – making them a mealtime essential.

To maintain the freshness and flavor of a rotisserie chicken, there are multiple freezing techniques that you can choose from. The most suitable method for you depends on how long you plan to keep it in storage.

What time of day is best for freezing rotisserie chicken?

It’s best to freeze a rotisserie chicken the same day you buy it to preserve its maximum freshness, though it might not always be possible.

According to the USDA, you can freeze chicken for four days after purchase. The chicken will keep in the freezer for four days after being purchased. However, you should always trust your instincts. Tossing is preferable if something doesn’t taste, look, or smell right.

How to cook rotisserie chicken from the freezer?

How to cook a frozen rotisserie chicken? Rotisserie chicken is one of the best meats to freeze because it is already cooked and has hardly any fat attached. Simply stir the chicken into your favorite pasta dish or reheat it in the microwave once it has completely defrosted.

Place a whole rotisserie chicken in an oven-safe dish, add some chicken stock or brine to the bottom, and bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes. The chicken will taste as though it was freshly prepared.

How do you thaw rotisserie chicken?

A whole chicken should be taken out of the freezer and left in the fridge overnight to thaw. The airtight container can also be submerged in cold water in the sink, where it will thaw in 3 to 4 hours.

For chicken shreds or chicken parts, put your Ziploc bag in the fridge overnight or submerge it in ice water.

How should rotisserie chicken be warmed up?

How to reheat frozen rotisserie chicken? Reheat your whole rotisserie chicken to perfection in the oven! To keep it from drying out, bake it at 350°F for 20–25 minutes with 1 cup of savory chicken broth. Enjoy a juicy and succulent dish that will entice all your senses!

After thawing, mix the shredded chicken with pasta or microwave it for a quick meal.

Can rotisserie chicken be refrozen?

It is essential to avoid refreezing rotisserie chicken or any other kind of meat since it can put your health in danger. These foods should not be refrozen because bacteria multiply quickly after thawing. Be sure to follow this rule when storing or preparing poultry products so that you stay safe and healthy!

Ideas for serving your leftover chicken

Transform your leftover rotisserie chicken into a delectable dish! Whether it’s tossed in soups and chili, served up on wraps or salads, mixed with pesto pasta or rice bowls, or used as a pizza topping – the options are endless. Reheat that deliciousness and enjoy it as is, too!

FAQs Can you freeze rotisserie chicken?

Is it possible to freeze a rotisserie chicken and thaw it later to eat?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze a rotisserie chicken. It freezes well, and when properly thawed, it keeps its freshness and is ready for use in any recipe. Your chicken will be safe in the freezer for a really long time insofar as you can eat it despite the package expiration.

After 4 days, can I freeze rotisserie chicken?

For up to three months, keep in the freezer in an airtight container. It’s best to freeze a cooked rotisserie chicken the same day, though it can be chilled for 1-2 days first. The longer you wait, the worse the quality and flavor will be.

After 3 days, can you freeze rotisserie chicken?

It’s best to freeze a cooked rotisserie chicken the same day, though it can be chilled for 1-2 days first. The longer you wait, the worse the quality and flavor will be.

Why shouldn’t cooked chicken be frozen?

In the freezer, the cooked chicken should keep for three months. It might be able to last longer in some circumstances. But by doing so, you put your chicken at risk of freezer burn. Because the chicken has been frozen for too long, the flavor is released at this point.

Conclusion

Can you freeze rotisserie chicken? The answer from referend-erm.com is yes. Rotisserie chicken can be a great time saver when it comes to cooking, but sometimes we don’t finish the whole thing in one sitting.

To keep your leftover rotisserie chicken fresh, simply place it in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to four months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. And there you have it—now you can enjoy delicious rotisserie chicken any time of year!