I’m sure you’ve wondered, Can You Freeze Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken can be frozen whole, shredded, or in chunks for up to four or six months without experiencing a noticeable reduction in quality. Rotisserie chicken can be frozen to increase its shelf life and have a handy supply of protein for other meals.
Rotisserie chickens are incredibly tasty and adaptable, whether they are produced from scratch or bought from a nearby grocery store. The bones can be used to make a tasty soup broth, or they can be eaten whole and added to salads and sandwiches.
Continue reading to find out how to freeze and thaw your rotisserie chicken, as well as the answers to any other queries you may have about freezing and storing it for the highest-quality rotisserie chicken.
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How to Freeze Rotisserie Chicken
The main course of rotisserie chicken is simple to prepare. You may either make one yourself or get one at the store for a reasonable price. When you think about it, figure out how much you’ll need and select which of the two below ways is most appropriate for you. It’s freezing process is similar to freezing Cooked Sausage.
Whole chicken
It’s easiest and fastest to freeze the entire chicken as a whole if you know you’ll want to use it all once it’s defrosted.
- Prior to packaging, make sure that your chicken has cooled fully. If not, condensation will form within the package and the quality will deteriorate.
- You can skip this step if you’d like. To provide a little extra protection, cover it with a layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil if you plan to put it in the freezer for a long time.
- Place your entire chicken into a freezer bag.
- Once you have pried any air from the bag, zip it up. Next, mark the date on the exterior of your bag with a marker.
- After taking it, place your bag in the freezer.
Shredded or in pieces
It is best to freeze it shredded or in pieces if you want smaller portions when you thaw.
- Before you begin, make sure that your chicken is completely cool.
- After the chicken has thawed, decide on the desired portion sizes and carve it into those shapes. If you’d like, you can leave it on the wings, legs, or bone. Alternatively, shred everything.
- Once you have your portions, wrap each one separately in a piece of aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Once your portions are individually wrapped, place them all in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Put the airtight container’s cover on tightly. If you decide to use a freezer bag, make sure the bag is well sealed and squeeze all the air out.
- Once the date has been written on the exterior of your bag or container, place it in the freezer.
How To Properly Thaw a Rotisserie Chicken?
You must know how to properly thaw frozen rotisserie chicken in order to preserve its flavor and texture when it comes time to defrost and use it in meals.
It is simple to take the chicken out of the freezer and let it soften on the countertop for a few hours. This could be a good idea to refrigerate a frozen rotisserie chicken for a few hours before leaving it out on the tabletop for a few days.
It will take longer to defrost larger amounts of chicken. To expedite the process if you’re pressed for time, you can immerse the freezer bags in warm—not hot—water.
Compared to whole or half consumed chickens, boneless, portioned chicken in bags thaws more quickly. Use the thawed rotisserie chicken in any recipe calling for cooked chicken. It tastes well cold in wraps, salads, sandwiches, and eggs. It’s also delicious crisped and reheated in a baking pan!
Ways to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken:
Oven
Set aside 1/2 to 1 cup of chicken stock in an ovenproof dish, cover with foil, and preheat the oven to 375°F. After 20 minutes of baking, take off the foil, brush some oil on top, and roast for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to crisp the skin. Give it five minutes to rest before slicing and serving.
Air Fryer
Reheat your chicken in an air fryer for the crispiest skin and juicy flesh. Before placing the chicken in the basket or on racks, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cut it into smaller pieces if needed. Cook for three to five minutes, or until crisp, as desired.
What to Make with Your Leftover Chicken
You’re ready to make a tasty meal with your thawed out chicken.
- The Pesto Pasta Chicken is a terrific weekday meal if you have an instant pot!
- The Chicken Potato Chowder, which uses two cups of rotisserie chicken, is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes.
- One of the best ways to up the fillingness of a simple meal is to add some rotisserie chicken to a frozen meal.
These are only a few recommendations. The options are countless! Utilize any leftover chicken in wraps, salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Keeping a supply of frozen rotisserie chicken in your freezer will ensure that you always have an easy-to-make, high-protein dinner on hand.
FAQs
How should I prepare rotisserie chicken for freezing?
First, allow the chicken to cool completely. After removing the meat from the bones, throw away the skin. Place the meat in airtight containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
How long is it possible for me to freeze rotisserie chicken?
For best quality, consume frozen rotisserie chicken within 2 to 3 months. It will remain safe to eat beyond this period, but the texture and flavor may start to deteriorate.
Can I freeze rotisserie chicken with the bones and skin?
While you can freeze the chicken with bones and skin, it’s recommended to remove them first. This helps save space and makes it easier to use the chicken in future recipes.
Can I refreeze rotisserie chicken once it’s been thawed?
It is generally not recommended to refreeze chicken that has been thawed. This can affect the texture and safety of the meat. If you need to refreeze, make sure it has been thawed in the refrigerator and has not been left out at room temperature.
Final Remarks
As you can see, it’s really simple to keep a full rotisserie chicken fresh for up to four months by freezing it in an airtight freezer bag. Separating the chicken off the bone and storing it in smaller amounts makes it easy to utilize in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, wraps, and sandwiches.
An entire rotisserie-cooked chicken can be frozen and then reheated in the oven or air fryer for crispy skin and juicy, moist meat. This will result in a tasty and simple meal.