Freezing chicken is a great way to save money and reduce food waste. Properly wrapped chicken can be frozen for several months with minimal impact on texture and flavor. However, it’s important to use the right wrapping materials and methods to prevent freezer burn and contamination. Tin foil (or aluminum foil) can be an effective wrapping material for freezing chicken if used properly.
Quick Overview
Yes, you can wrap chicken in tin foil and freeze it. The key is making sure the chicken is properly sealed in an airtight packet to prevent freezer burn. Here are some quick tips:
– Wrap the chicken tightly in tin foil, squeezing out as much air as possible. Make sure there are no gaps or tears in the foil.
– For extra protection, you can double wrap the chicken in two layers of foil.
– Seal the foil packet well by folding over the edges tightly. You can also tape or twist-tie the ends.
– Label the packet with the type and date of chicken and the date it was frozen.
– Frozen chicken wrapped this way will keep for 2-6 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline.
– Thaw the chicken slowly in the fridge overnight before using to prevent food safety issues.
Why Use Tin Foil for Freezing Chicken?
Tin foil works well for freezing chicken because:
– It forms an airtight, moisture-proof barrier when sealed properly. This prevents freezer burn which dries out the chicken.
– The cold temperature of the freezer means the foil will not leach chemicals into the food as much as at higher temperatures.
– It molds tightly to the shape of the chicken, minimizing air pockets. Less air means less ice crystal formation.
– The reflective surface also helps reflect cold air and maintain a constant freezing temperature.
– Foil is inexpensive, lightweight and readily available in most homes.
– It’s recyclable and more environmentally friendly than plastic wraps.
Proper Technique for Freezing Chicken in Foil
Follow these steps for best results with foil-wrapped frozen chicken:
1. Prepare the chicken
– Trim off any excess fat, rinse and pat dry. This prevents freezer burn.
– Separate chicken breasts, thighs, wings and drumsticks so they freeze evenly.
– Consider portioning the chicken into meal-sized portions before freezing.
2. Wrap in foil
– Use heavy-duty aluminum foil for durability. Regular foil tears too easily.
– Lay sheets of foil that are larger than the chicken pieces. Long sheets wrapping around the chicken work better than small squares.
– Place the chicken in the center of the foil and wrap tightly, squeezing out air.
– Make at least 2-3 complete wraps around the chicken sealing the edges thoroughly.
3. Remove air pockets
– Press down on the foil so no air pockets remain inside. Air causes freezer burn.
– Fold over small seams and corners of the foil packet and press together. Seal cracks thoroughly.
4. Seal the packet
– Finish wrapping the foil packet by folding over any open ends and pressing to seal.
– For extra protection, twist the ends tightly before folding for an airtight seal.
– Tape over the ends with freezer or duct tape if desired.
5. Label
– Label the foil packet clearly with the contents and freeze date using a permanent marker.
– Tape the label to the packet so it remains visible in the freezer.
6. Freeze properly
– Lay foil packets flat in a single layer in the freezer. Avoid overstacking.
– Freeze at 0°F or below. Use a freezer thermometer to monitor the temperature.
– Freeze chicken within 1-2 days of purchasing for best quality.
Storage Time for Frozen Chicken in Foil
Properly wrapped frozen chicken can safely last in the freezer for the following time periods:
| Chicken Type | Freezer Storage Life |
|---|---|
| Whole chicken | 12 months |
| Chicken pieces | 9 months |
| Chicken breasts | 6 months |
| Chicken thighs | 6 months |
| Chicken wings, legs | 4-6 months |
| Ground chicken | 3-4 months |
Signs of Spoilage
Discard frozen chicken if you notice:
– Ice crystals or freezer burn on the meat
– Off odors, sticky or tacky texture
– Change in color from pink to grayish or yellowish
– Unusual dryness or spongy texture
Thawing Frozen Chicken Safely
Always thaw frozen chicken properly before cooking to avoid foodborne illness:
– Thaw in the refrigerator – this takes 1-2 days for most cuts. Put the foil-wrapped chicken on a plate to catch leaks.
– Submerge foil packet in cold water – change water every 30 mins. Takes 2-6 hours.
– Thaw in the microwave if unwrapped – use the defrost setting at 30% power. Cook immediately.
– Cook frozen chicken right away until it reaches 165°F internally. This avoids partial thawing.
– Never thaw at room temperature or in hot water. This causes bacterial growth.
Cooking Preparation Tips
– Marinate the chicken in the foil packet right after thawing for added moisture and flavor.
– Pan or deep fry for best results with frozen chicken to make it crispy.
– Use foil wrapped chicken right after thawing in casseroles, stir fries, sandwiches or pasta dishes.
– Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer. Check in multiple places.
– Expect slightly longer cook times for frozen compared to fresh chicken.
Benefits of Freezing Chicken in Foil
Freezing chicken in foil has many advantages:
– Long shelf life – keeps chicken fresh for 4-12 months.
– Bulk prep – lets you buy larger packs at lower prices to freeze.
– Better texture – prevents freezer burn that dries out chicken.
– Food safety – protects against contamination during prolonged storage.
– Organization – Foil packs stack better than plastic containers in the freezer.
– Portion control – Create ready-to-use meals in individual servings.
– Saves money – Reduces food waste and the need for multiple grocery trips.
Downsides of Using Foil for Frozen Chicken
Some potential drawbacks of foil wrapped chicken include:
– Can tear easily compared to plastic freezer bags. Must handle gently.
– Metallic taste if foil touches chicken directly. Use plastic wrap as a liner.
– Not microwave safe for reheating frozen chicken. Must rewrap in plastic after thawing.
– Foil wrinkles as chicken cooks, making presentation less attractive.
– May be wasteful if freezer space is limited or frequent small portions needed instead of bulk.
– Plastic bags let you press out more air and make a thinner outline.
– Difficult to clearly see contents through foil compared to transparent plastic.
Alternatives to Freezing Chicken in Foil
Instead of foil, you can also freeze chicken in:
Plastic Freezer Bags
– Press out air and seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
– Can double bag for extra leak protection.
– Lay flat in freezer to maximize space.
– Easier to squeeze and form around chicken shape.
Vacuum Sealed Bags
– Uses vacuum to suck out air and seal bag.
– No oxygen means no freezer burn. Keeps flavor and texture intact.
– Requires a vacuum sealer machine to create the seal.
– Bags lay flatter than foil packets for efficient freezing.
Plastic Containers
– Reusable hard plastic freezer containers with airtight lids.
– Keep chicken secure from damage compared to foil.
– Can stack in freezer to save space.
– Avoid temperature fluctuations from repeatedly opening freezer door.
– Allow marinating chicken right in the container.
Freezer Paper
– Freezer paper is coated with plastic on one side to resist moisture.
– Can write directly on paper side and tape to freezer bags.
– Use plastic side facing chicken to protect from freezer burn.
– Not as durable or secure as foil or plastic wrap.
FAQs
Can you reuse foil that chicken was frozen in?
It’s not recommended to reuse foil that previously wrapped raw chicken. The foil may have bacteria present which can lead to cross-contamination. Always use new, clean foil for optimal food safety.
Should you rinse chicken before freezing?
Yes, rinsing removes any dirt, debris and microbes from the surface. Pat chicken dry before freezing so no excess moisture is trapped in the foil packet.
Can frozen chicken go bad in the freezer?
Yes, frozen chicken can go bad if stored for too long. Signs include ice crystals, strange odors, and sticky, dry or slimy texture. Discard chicken if it shows any signs of spoilage.
Can you refreeze chicken after thawing?
Previously frozen raw chicken can be safely refrozen if thawed in the refrigerator and used within 1-2 days. Chicken thawed at room temperature should not be refrozen for safety reasons.
Conclusion
Freezing chicken in foil is an effective storage method to help chicken last longer while retaining moisture, flavor and texture. Be sure to exclude air, seal foil packets tightly and maintain proper freezer temperatures. Handle foil-wrapped chicken carefully to avoid tearing. With appropriate freezing and thawing techniques, foil-wrapped chicken will keep safely in the freezer for up to a year before quality loss occurs. Taking steps to freeze chicken properly allows you to save money, reduce waste and always have chicken on hand for easy, quick meals.