Can You Freeze Chicken Broth?
Chicken broth can be frozen for later use.
You will want to freeze it in tightly sealed freezer bags so that the freezer doesn’t get any moisture from the air.
Freezing chicken broth is a great way to have a ready-made stock.
It is easy to make and can be made with just about anything.
The best thing about making your chicken soup is controlling what goes into it.
What is a Chicken Broth?
Chicken broth is a basic ingredient in Asian cuisine. It is an aromatic blend of stock, herbs, spices, vegetables, and a bit of water that typically contains little or no meat.
It is made by simmering the flavor enhancers for at least an hour. It is strained and then either used immediately or frozen for later use.
A cup of chicken broth is a flavorful base that adds protein to your smoothies, soup, and other dishes. You can make your chicken broth at home and use it to season dishes or drink it straight up as a nutritious meal replacement.
Does Freezing Broth Ruin it?
There are many different brands of chicken broth available on the market today. Some are better than others when it comes to freezing.
Some brands may contain additives that could affect how well they freeze. If you choose to buy a brand with additives, try to find one that says “freeze-proof” on the label.
The best way to ensure that your homemade chicken broth freezes well is to follow these steps:
1. Make sure that the chicken broth is already cooked before putting it into the freezer.
2. Use a large bowl or pan with a lid to store the broth. The larger the surface area, the less likely the contents will leak out.
3. Fill the bowl with ice packs or dry ice to help keep the broth cold during storage.
4. Store the broth in the refrigerator until you need it.
5. When you are ready to thaw the broth, place it in a pot over medium heat.
6. Stir frequently while heating the broth to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
7. Once the broth begins to boil, remove the pot from the stove and let it sit for five minutes.
8. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer.
9. Pour the strained broth back into a clean container and return it to the fridge.
How to Freeze Chicken Broth?
In the old days, the broth was a staple in every home. It was a rich source of protein and minerals. However, the process of making broth wasn’t always easy. There were two main methods:
The first method involved simmering meat in water, then straining it to remove the solids.
The second method required boiling the meat and straining the broth through a colander.
In either case, you had to wait for the broth to cool down before using it.
Traditional Method:
- To freeze the broth, start by combining a half-gallon of chicken stock with a cup of white vinegar. The acidity in the vinegar will help the broth keep longer. Put the mixture into a freezer bags.
- After the mixture freezes, transfer the freezer bags to the refrigerator. It should stay there for at least 2 weeks.
To use the frozen broth, add it to your favorite recipes.
Individual Containers
You can freeze chicken broth in individual freezer containers for future use, but it’s also a great way to save money. If you have leftover chicken broth, you can freeze it for later use.
Chicken broth freezes well because it doesn’t contain much water. The liquid portion of the soup freezes solid, while the bones and vegetables remain relatively intact.
Process:
- Pour the broth into freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze the broth.
- Transfer the frozen broth to a freezer container with a lid.
- Place the container in the refrigerator.
Use the broth when needed.
Ice Cube Trays
If you love chicken broth but don’t have a larger freezer to store it, try freezing leftover broth in ice cube trays.
This method works well if you freeze chicken broth at home and plan to use it for other recipes that call for chicken broth.
If you make large batches of broth and freeze it in trays, you can easily thaw just the amount you need for a recipe, saving on storage space.
Process:
- Thaw your chicken broth by placing the frozen trays into a pan of warm water.
- Transfer the cup of broth from the trays into a stock pot or saucepan.
- Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until it’s the consistency you like.
- Let the broth cool completely after removing it from the heat.
Store the cooled broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can use the broth within three months in the freezer.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Broth
Homemade chicken broth is a delicious alternative to traditional store-bought broths. Making your own broth is simple and inexpensive.
It takes about 4-6 hours to prepare the homemade chicken broth. But once you get started, you can enjoy a flavorful and healthy batch of chicken broth all week long!
Start by purchasing organic, free-range 3-4 pounds chicken.
Gather the following simple ingredients:
- A gallon of filtered cold water
- One onion
- Two carrots
- Four pieces of celery stalks
- One head of garlic
- Three bay leaves
- Five black peppercorns
- One teaspoon kosher salt
- One tablespoon whole coriander seeds
- Six sprigs of fresh thyme
- Six sprigs of fresh rosemary
- Six sprigs of fresh sage
- Handful of parsley
- One-quart canning jars (or two-pint jars)
Directions:
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, coriander seeds, thyme, rosemary, fresh parsley, and sage. Reduce to medium-low heat and let simmer for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the herbs and spices from the stockpot and discard them. Strain the stock through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer. Discard the solids.
- Return the strained stock into the stockpot and bring it back to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat and cover the pot. Let the stock sit for 40-45 minutes before using.
Store the broth in glass bottles or mason jars. Label the jars with the date they were made. Keep the jars out of direct sunlight and refrigerate after opening. The refrigerated cooked chicken broth will last one month.
Last Words
Making homemade chicken broth is easy and affordable. It’s also a great way to add flavor to soups, sauces, gravies, and more. Try making some today!
