Quick Answer
Yes, chicken piccata can be frozen after cooking. Chicken piccata is a dish made of chicken cutlets cooked in a lemon, butter and wine sauce. It freezes well for up to 3 months. To freeze cooked chicken piccata, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to portion it out into meal-sized amounts and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the oven. Add a splash of sauce or chicken broth when reheating if needed.
Can You Freeze Chicken Piccata?
Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish that consists of pan-fried chicken cutlets cooked in a rich, lemony sauce. The sauce is made with butter, lemon juice, white wine, capers and parsley. This bright, fresh sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken cutlets.
Chicken piccata can absolutely be frozen after cooking. Freezing is actually a great way to have quick access to this tasty dish without having to bread and cook the chicken each time.
Here are some tips for successfully freezing chicken piccata:
Allow it to Cool
It’s important that the chicken piccata is completely cooled before freezing. This prevents large ice crystals from forming which can damage the texture of the dish. Allow the piccata to come to room temperature, then refrigerate until completely chilled, about 2-3 hours.
Portion it Out
Divide the piccata into individual or family-sized portions in freezer bags or airtight containers. This makes for easy thawing and reheating. Make sure to label the containers with the contents and date.
Protect Against Freezer Burn
To prevent freezer burn, it’s important to remove as much air from the containers or bags as possible. You can use a straw to suck out excess air before sealing. Freezer burn can negatively impact the taste and texture.
Use Proper Freezer Wraps
Be sure to use only freezer-safe storage materials like heavy-duty aluminum foil, freezer bags or airtight freezer-safe containers. Regular plastic containers or bags can crack or warp in the freezer.
Freeze Safely
Freeze chicken piccata immediately at 0°F or below. Do not allow it to sit at room temperature before freezing. Quick freezing helps maintain quality.
Label Properly
Make sure to label all frozen containers with the contents and freeze date. Chicken piccata will last 2-3 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline. Proper labeling ensures you use the oldest packages first.
How to Thaw and Reheat Chicken Piccata
Thawing and reheating chicken piccata is easy. Here are some tips:
– Thaw frozen chicken piccata overnight in the refrigerator. Do not thaw at room temperature.
– Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
– You can also reheat in a 350°F oven until hot, about 15-20 minutes.
– Add a splash of lemon juice or chicken broth to the piccata before reheating if it seems dry.
– Do not microwave chicken piccata to reheat. This can make the sauce separate and taste grainy.
– Only reheat what you plan to eat. Do not reheat chicken piccata more than once.
With proper freezing techniques, chicken piccata retains its flavorful lemon sauce and tender chicken texture even after freezing. It’s a great make-ahead meal option for busy weeks!
Tips for Freezing Chicken Piccata
Freezing cooked chicken piccata allows you to enjoy this flavorful dish later with minimal effort. Follow these tips for best results:
Use High-Quality Ingredients
Start with fresh, high-quality chicken and produce. Low-quality ingredients will become even more noticeable after freezing.
Undercook the Chicken Slightly
Cook the chicken about 1 minute less than normal before freezing. This prevents it from becoming tough or dry when reheated later.
Cool Piccata Completely Before Freezing
Let the piccata cool at room temperature then chill in the fridge before freezing. Hot food freezing can cause bacteria growth.
Freeze in Single Portions
Divide into individual servings in bags or containers before freezing. This allows easy reheating of just what you need.
Exclude Extra Air
Remove as much air as possible from bags and containers before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Use Freezer-Safe Materials
Store chicken piccata in high-quality bags or containers meant for freezing temperatures.
Label Everything
Clearly label each bag or container with contents and freeze date. This ensures you use the oldest portions first.
Freeze Quickly
Get chilled piccata into the freezer immediately, at 0°F if possible. Quick freezing maintains quality.
Thaw Safely in Fridge
Always thaw frozen chicken piccata overnight in the refrigerator, never on the counter.
Chicken Piccata Storage Chart
Here are the recommended storage times for chicken piccata:
| Storage Method | Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days |
| Freezer | 2-3 months |
Key Tips
- Refrigerate cooked chicken piccata within 2 hours
- Store chicken piccata in airtight shallow containers in the fridge
- Freeze chicken piccata in freezer-safe bags or containers
- Always thaw frozen chicken piccata in the refrigerator
Following proper storage methods will keep chicken piccata fresh and safe to eat. Freeze any leftovers promptly for enjoying later.
Conclusion
Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish that can easily be frozen after cooking for quick meals later. To freeze, allow the cooked piccata to cool fully, then portion into freezer bags or airtight containers, removing excess air. Store chicken piccata in the freezer for 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stove or in the oven. Add a little lemon juice or broth if the sauce seems dry. With proper freezing and reheating techniques, you can enjoy fresh-tasting chicken piccata even months after initially preparing it. Freezing is a great way to cut down on food waste while always having a home-cooked meal handy.
