How Long Can You Leave Frozen Chicken in the Freezer?
Key Points
- Yes — from a safety perspective you have nothing to worry about
- Department of Agriculture notes, foods kept constantly frozen at 0°F or lower will keep safe indefinitely
- But bear in mind that while your frozen chicken may remain safe forever, the same can’t be said for its quality
Overview
Yes — from a safety perspective you have nothing to worry about. As the U.S. Department of Agriculture notes, foods kept constantly frozen at 0°F or lower will keep safe indefinitely. But bear in mind that while your frozen chicken may remain safe forever, the same can’t be said for its quality. Over time, all frozen foods will eventually start to go downhill when it comes to texture, flavor and taste. In the case of whole chicken, you’ll enjoy the best quality if you eat it within one year, as detailed here. Since you’ve now hit the two-year mark, you’re likely going to experience some dryness and loss of flavor. So roasting and serving the chicken whole may not be the best way to go. Instead, you might want to opt for cooking the chicken first and then using it in a soup, stew or casserole.Long-Lasting Produce Stock up and enjoy Your Questions Answered Steak that's changed color
Key Points
- Yes — from a safety perspective you have nothing to worry about
- Department of Agriculture notes, foods kept constantly frozen at 0°F or lower will keep safe indefinitely
- But bear in mind that while your frozen chicken may remain safe forever, the same can’t be said for its quality
Related Foods
This information applies to: beef, chicken, cranberry, eggs, ground beef, hamburger, pie, potatoes, salad, shrimp, steak, stuffing, turkey
Tags
cooking expiration freezing leftovers refrigeration safety storage thawing