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What’s the best way to freeze smoked chicken?

Can you freeze smoked chicken?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze smoked chicken. Smoking imparts flavor into the meat while also cooking it. Freezing smoked chicken allows you to preserve the delicious smoky flavor so you can enjoy it at a later date.

When properly frozen, smoked chicken can last 3-4 months in the freezer. Make sure to wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn which can cause dryness.

Tips for freezing smoked chicken

Here are some tips for successfully freezing smoked chicken:

– Let the chicken cool completely before freezing. You want it to reach room temperature. Warm chicken will cause moisture and ice crystals to form.

– Portion the chicken into usable sizes if freezing large pieces like whole chickens or chicken quarters. Breaking it down makes it easier to thaw just what you need later.

– Use freezer bags, plastic wrap or aluminum foil to wrap the chicken. Make sure it is air tight with no openings.

– Label the packages with the type and date of freezing. This lets you know how long it has been stored.

– Freeze chicken within 2 hours of smoking for food safety. Don’t let it sit out too long.

– Place chicken in a single layer in the freezer until completely frozen, then stack. This prevents freezer burn.

– For best quality, use smoked chicken within 2-3 months. It remains safe indefinitely but the texture declines over time.

Can you refreeze thawed smoked chicken?

Previously frozen smoked chicken that has been thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen safely. However, the texture and moisture will decline after each thaw. For best results, only refreeze once.

Be sure to thaw smoked chicken in the fridge, not at room temperature where bacteria can multiply quickly. And refreeze within 1-2 days.

If you thawed the chicken in the microwave or cold water, it is best not to refreeze for safety reasons. Only refreeze chicken thawed in the refrigerator.

How to freeze smoked chicken pieces

Smoked chicken pieces like breasts, thighs, legs and wings freeze very well. Here are some tips:

– Cool the chicken to room temperature before freezing.

– Place chicken pieces in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Freeze until completely firm, about 2 hours.

– Transfer the frozen chicken pieces to freezer bags or plastic wrap. Squeeze out all air and seal tightly.

– Label with type and freeze date. Store in freezer for up to 4 months.

– For the juiciest results, thaw chicken pieces in the fridge overnight before using.

– Use thawed chicken within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze pieces that have been thawed.

Freezing bone-in smoked chicken

Chicken that is smoked bone-in like drumsticks, thighs or whole chickens can also be frozen:

– Allow chicken to cool fully before freezing for at least 2 hours.

– Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, foil or bags. Make sure to remove any air pockets.

– Place wrapped chicken flat in a single layer in the freezer until solidly frozen, then stack.

– Label bags with the cut, date and “smoked”. Store up to 4 months.

– Thaw bone-in chicken for 24-48 hours in the refrigerator before using for food safety.

– Bone-in pieces may take longer to thaw than boneless. Plan ahead when meal prepping.

Freezing ground smoked chicken

Ground smoked chicken like sausage or chopped meat holds up well in the freezer:

– Cook ground chicken fully to 165F internal temperature before freezing.

– Spread in a thin single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm.

– Transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers, removing air. Flatten bags to remove air pockets.

– Label with contents and freeze date. Use within 4 months for best quality.

– Thaw ground smoked chicken overnight in the refrigerator before use in recipes.

– Cook thawed ground chicken within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze after thawing.

How to freeze smoked chicken broth or stock

The flavorful broth made from smoking a whole chicken makes a delicious base for soups, stews and more. Here are tips for freezing:

– Let chicken broth cool fully before freezing. Divide into usable portions.

– Pour broth into freezer safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace for expansion.

– Seal lids tightly then label with contents and freeze date.

– Flat containers like freezer bags freeze quickly and stack efficiently. Remove air first.

– Round containers like mason jars may crack due to expansion. Leave headspace.

– For quick use, pour broth into ice cube trays, cover tightly and freeze. Pop out cubes.

– Broth can be kept frozen for 4-6 months.

– Thaw frozen broth overnight in the fridge before use.

Can you freeze smoked turkey?

Yes, smoked turkey can be frozen successfully to enjoy later. Follow similar guidelines:

– Chill smoked turkey fully before freezing, at least 2 hours.

– Cut into smaller portions if freezing a whole turkey to allow easier thawing.

– Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, foil or bags, removing air.

– Flatten packages for efficient stacking and freeze in a single layer initially.

– Label with contents and freeze date. Use within 4-6 months for best quality.

– Thaw turkey in the refrigerator 24 hours before planned use.

– Cook thawed turkey within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze after thawing.

Conclusion

Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of smoked chicken, turkey and other meats so you can enjoy the delicious flavor longer. Follow proper cooling, wrapping and thawing methods to get the best results. With proper freezing technique, smoked poultry will keep for 3-6 months in the freezer before quality declines. Thaw in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.