Chicken broth is a kitchen essential. It adds flavor and depth to soups, stews, grains, sauces, and more. But if you’ve made a big batch or opened a container and don’t plan to use it all, you might be wondering: Can you freeze chicken broth?
Good news—yes, you can absolutely freeze chicken broth, and it’s a great way to reduce waste and always have homemade (or store-bought) broth on hand when you need it.
Let’s look at the best methods for freezing chicken broth, how to portion it, and how long it lasts in the freezer.
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Why Freeze Chicken Broth?
Freezing chicken broth is practical, simple, and economical. Whether it’s leftover from a homemade batch or the rest of a store-bought carton, freezing keeps it from spoiling in the fridge.
Benefits of freezing chicken broth include:
- Reduces waste
- Saves money by preserving leftovers
- Convenient for quick recipes and cooking prep
- Extends shelf life up to several months
- Perfect for meal prep
And don’t worry—freezing doesn’t significantly affect its flavor or texture.
How to Freeze Chicken Broth
There are a few different ways to freeze broth, depending on how you plan to use it later.
1. In Freezer-Safe Containers or Jars
Best for: Large portions for soups or stews
Steps:
- Let broth cool completely before freezing
- Pour into freezer-safe containers or glass jars (leave 1 inch of space for expansion)
- Label with date and volume
- Freeze for up to 6 months
Tip: Use mason jars labeled “freezer-safe” and leave enough headroom to prevent cracking.
2. In Ice Cube Trays
Best for: Small amounts for sauces, sautéing, and rice
Steps:
- Pour cooled broth into ice cube trays
- Freeze for 4–6 hours
- Transfer cubes to a labeled freezer bag
- Use 1–2 cubes at a time when cooking
Tip: Each standard cube is about 1 ounce (2 tablespoons)—perfect for quick flavor boosts.
3. In Silicone Muffin Tins or Souper Cubes
Best for: Medium portions (½ cup to 1 cup)
Steps:
- Pour broth into silicone molds
- Freeze solid
- Pop out and store in freezer bags or containers
- Label with quantity and date
Tip: These are great for pre-portioning soup bases or for single servings of broth.
How Long Does Frozen Chicken Broth Last?
| Storage Method | Freezer Life |
| Airtight container | Up to 6 months |
| Ice cube trays | 4–6 months |
| Silicone molds | 4–6 months |
While frozen broth is safe to eat indefinitely, its flavor is best within 3–6 months. Always use airtight containers to avoid freezer burn.
How to Thaw Chicken Broth
There are several ways to thaw frozen chicken broth safely:
1. In the Refrigerator
- Place in a bowl or on a plate
- Let thaw overnight
- Best for large portions in jars or containers
2. On the Stove
- Add frozen broth directly to a pot
- Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally
- Great for soups or sauces
3. In the Microwave
- Use the defrost setting or 50% power
- Stir frequently
- Only for smaller portions (ice cubes or 1-cup blocks)
Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
Tips for Freezing Chicken Broth Successfully
- Cool completely before freezing
- Label and date everything
- Portion it based on how you use broth most often
- Avoid overfilling containers—leave expansion room
- Skim fat before freezing if desired (or remove after thawing)
You can also strain broth before freezing to remove bits of meat or vegetables, depending on how smooth you want it.
Using Frozen Chicken Broth in Recipes
Frozen broth works just like fresh once thawed. Use it in:
- Soups and stews
- Cooking grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous
- Sautéing vegetables for added flavor
- Deglazing pans for sauces
- Thinning mashed potatoes or creamy sauces
If you freeze it in smaller portions, it’s easy to toss a few cubes into the pan without needing to thaw a whole batch.
FAQs About Freezing Chicken Broth
1. Can you freeze broth in glass jars?
Yes, but only in freezer-safe jars. Always leave at least 1 inch of space to prevent cracking.
2. Can you freeze broth with vegetables or meat in it?
Yes, though textures may change slightly. Straining the broth before freezing gives a cleaner result.
3. 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.
4. Can I refreeze chicken broth after thawing?
It’s not recommended. Instead, portion it into smaller amounts to avoid waste.
5. Can I freeze boxed or canned broth?
Yes! Just pour any unused broth into a freezer-safe container and follow the same steps as homemade broth.
So, can you freeze chicken broth? Absolutely! It’s 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 method that fits your kitchen habits best, and you’ll never be without broth again.
