The best dinner timesaver is a rotisserie chicken. It’s simple, versatile, and cheap — especially if you buy one from Costco. Most of the time we grab one for the night’s dinner but it can be so much more than that.
A great cooking hack is to freeze a rotisserie chicken. It’s a simple process that yields excellent results.
Want to learn how to freeze rotisserie chicken?
Let’s go to The Chalkboard.
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Benefits of Freezing A Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chickens are a great dinner shortcut. They are an easy way to get dinner on the table in no time and aren’t too expensive. They also freeze well.
There are several ways to freeze a rotisserie chicken that all work well. The method you choose will depend on how long you intend to store it.
How To Freeze A Rotisserie Chicken
If you plan to use the chicken in the next few weeks, simply cut it off the bone and place it in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove the air from the bag before storing it.
Since air degrades the meat and causes freezer burn, a Vacuum Sealer is your best bet for longer-term storage. If you are doing any sort of Costco or bulk food shopping, it’s worth every penny.
This version from Food Saver is small enough to fit in a cabinet but still powerful. It will pay for itself at less than $100 after a trip or two to your favorite warehouse.
If you have no plans to use the frozen rotisserie chicken, it’s best to wrap bundles of meat in plastic and place them in a giant freezer bag.
No matter which method you use, place the chicken in the refrigerator for a bit to firm it up.
When Is The Best Time To Freeze Rotisserie Chicken?
For peak freshness, it’s best to freeze a rotisserie chicken the day you buy it. That may not always be feasible, though.
Rotisserie Chicken is good for up to four days according to the USDA. You can freeze the chicken for four days after purchase and it will still be good. But always trust your senses. If it doesn’t look, smell, or taste good, it’s best to toss.
How Long Can You Freeze Rotisserie Chicken?
It depends on how it’s stored. Vacuum sealed, it will last a long time. According to Food Saver, the vacuum-sealed chicken will last 2-3 years. In my experience, most meat lasts about 18 months.
Chicken stored in regular freezer bags should last about four months without a problem.
How To Defrost Frozen Rotissieire Chicken
Place the chicken in the refrigerator for about 24 hours to properly defrost. If you need to use it sooner, submerge it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. A pound of meat should take less than an hour, while a 3-4 pound chicken may take 2-3 hours.
Can You Freeze Rotisserie Chicken On The Bone?
Yes! You can freeze a rotisserie chicken on the bone.
Can I Freeze A Whole Costco Rotisserie Chicken?
Long known as a cult classic, the Costco rotisserie chicken at $4.99 is a downright steal. You can’t purchase the uncooked version for that price.
You should freeze a whole Costco rotisserie chicken; it’s well worth it.
Here’s how. Place the chicken in the refrigerator to seal and coagulate any liquids. For long-term storage, vacuum seal the whole bird. It will last 1-2 years.
For the short term, cut the meat off of the bone, wrap it in plastic wrap and then put them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove excess air and label before freezing.
What Do You Think?
Have you ever tried to freeze rotisserie chicken? How did it turn out? Let me know in the comments below; I’d love to know.
Happy freezing!
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