Can I Freeze Rotisserie Chicken? (& How to…)

Yes, you can freeze rotisserie chicken. In fact, you can store it in the freezer for up to two months. Just make sure to shred the chicken off the bones and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or zip-top freezer bags. This will help to keep the chicken fresh and moist.

Steps to Freeze Rotisserie Chicken Perfectly

Freezing rotisserie chicken is the best way to go to prolong its shelf life. But if you do not follow the proper steps you may ruin your favorite delicious rotisserie chicken.

Step 1: Cool the Chicken Before Freezing

It is important to let the chicken cool completely before freezing it. If you put the hot chicken into the freezer, it will cause the ice crystals to form and will make the meat tough.

Letting it cool in the fridge for an hour or two should do the trick.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken Meat

Once the chicken is cooled, you can start to shred the meat. This will help it to freeze better and will also make it easier to use later on. You can use a fork or your hands to shred the meat.

Begin chopping your rotisserie chicken in the middle, where the string separates the two legs.

Take one leg apart completely, then take off the entire skin and wings. Just make sure that you remove all of the bones before freezing the chicken.

Step 3: Shredded Pieces Storage and Bagging

After you have shredded the chicken, it is time to store it in freezer bags. You can use zip-top freezer bags or you can vacuum seal the chicken.

If you are using zip-top bags, make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing them.

You will want to portion out the chicken into how much your family would typically eat in one sitting.

This will make it easier to thaw and cook later on. Once you have portioned out the chicken, label the bag with the date that you are freezing it.

You can then put all of the bags into a larger freezer bag or container. This will help to keep them organized and will also prevent them from getting freezer burn.

Step 4: Freezing the Chicken

Once you have all of the chicken stored in bags, it is time to put it into the freezer. Make sure that you put the chicken towards the back of the freezer where it is coldest. This will help to keep it fresh for longer.

If you need to freeze your chicken quickly, -10 degrees Fahrenheit will do the trick. Otherwise, a temperature of -0 Fahrenheit is good for allowing the chicken to cool slowly and evenly.

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How to Defrost the Rotisserie Chicken

When you are ready to use the chicken, you will need to thaw it first. The best way to do this is to leave it in the fridge overnight. This will help to keep the chicken moist and will also prevent it from drying out.

If you are in a hurry, you can also put the chicken into a bowl of cold water. Just make sure that you change the water every 30 minutes or so.

However, avoid using a microwave to defrost your rotisserie chicken since it will lose the even texture and quality that can be achieved by gently thawing it from the deep freezer to the refrigerator.

Another important thing to ascertain is that you never defrost your rotisserie chicken at room temperature, as this might lead to bacterial exposure, according to USDA studies. Whenever possible, use a refrigerator or a cold-water bath.

LEARN MORE: Can I Freeze Chicken Salad?

Reheating the Defrosted Chicken

Once the chicken is thawed, you can start to reheat it. You can reheat the chicken in multiple ways like in the oven stove and microwave.

In the Oven

The best way to do this is in the oven. Just preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and put the chicken on a baking sheet.

You can also add some sauce or seasonings to the chicken before you bake it. This will help to give it some extra flavor. Bake the chicken for about 20 minutes or until it is heated through.

In the Stove

You can also reheat the chicken in a skillet on the stove. Just put a little oil in the pan and heat it over medium heat. Add the chicken to the pan and cook it for about five minutes per side or until it is heated through.

Remember, whether you are reheating your rotisserie chicken in the oven or on the stove, you should always make sure that it is heated through to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to kill any bacteria that might be present.

In the Microwave

If you are in a hurry, you can also reheat your rotisserie chicken in the microwave. Just put it on a plate and heat it for about two minutes or until it is heated through.

Remember, when reheating chicken in the microwave, you should always make sure that it is covered. This will help to prevent it from drying out.

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How to Keep Frozen Rotisserie Chicken Fresh

Even though freezing your rotisserie chicken is a great way to extend its shelf life, it is important to make sure that you do it properly. Otherwise, you run the risk of the chicken going bad.

Here are a few tips to help you keep your frozen rotisserie chicken fresh:

• Only freeze the chicken if it is less than two days old. Otherwise, it might already be starting to go bad.
• Make sure that the chicken is completely cooled before freezing it.
• Wrap the chicken tightly in freezer paper or aluminum foil. This will help to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the chicken with the date that you are freezing it. This will help you keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.
• Only thaw the chicken that you are going to use. Once it is thawed, it should be used within two days. Don’t refreeze it otherwise it will dry out.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your frozen rotisserie chicken will stay fresh and delicious. So go ahead and stock up!

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Conclusion

As you can see, freezing rotisserie chicken is a great way to extend its shelf life. Just make sure that you do it properly and that you reheat it thoroughly before eating. 

Follow these above-mentioned tips to prevent your rotisserie chicken from getting spoiled.