Save Time and Money Freezing Chicken

Have you faced sticker shock at the grocery store lately?

When you're looking to cut down on your grocery bill, taking advantage of sales can be a great way to save money, especially on meats. One of the most versatile and popular meats is chicken, and boneless chicken breasts and bone-in chicken thighs often go on sale.

How to Freeze Chicken and Save Money at the Grocery Store

When you buy chicken on sale, it is easy to freeze boneless chicken breasts and bone-in chicken thighs to maximize their shelf life and help lower food costs.

Why It Makes Sense to Buy Chicken on Sale

First and foremost, buying chicken on sale can save you money. Yay!

When chicken is a frequent main dish for your family, it can be expensive to purchase at regular prices. By taking advantage of sales, you can stock up on chicken and save money in the long run.

You'll love having chicken on hand in the freezer for your favorite recipes.

Additionally, buying chicken on sale can also allow you to try new recipes or cooking methods that you might not have otherwise considered.

What Supplies Are Necessary?

To freeze chicken, you'll need a few common supplies:

A sharp Santoku knife or boning knife is essential for trimming fat and cutting the chicken into portions. The Santoku knife is a favorite of mine for slicing chicken breasts in half for cutlets.

A boning knife can also be helpful for trimming fat and skin or removing bones from chicken thighs.

Kitchen shears can be useful for trimming and cutting chicken as well. Purchase kitchen shears that come apart for easy cleaning.

Keeping a handheld knife sharpener in a kitchen drawer can make it easy for you to sharpen a knife quickly. I like this sharpener because it is simple to use and has five sharpening angles.

Additionally, you'll need freezer-safe bags and a marker to label the bags with the date and contents.

How to Freeze Boneless Chicken Breasts

Freezing boneless chicken breasts is an easy process.

First, make sure the chicken is fresh and has not been previously frozen.

Remove the chicken from its store packaging.

Next, use a sharp boning knife or kitchen shears to trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the chicken.

Then, cut the chicken into portions of your desired size. I usually cut boneless chicken breasts into cutlets by slicing them in half.

If you have bone-in chicken breasts that you would like to turn into boneless chicken breasts you can do that easily, too. I will show you how in the video below.

Place each portion into a freezer-safe bag, and squeeze out any excess air before sealing. Label the bag with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

How to Freeze Bone-in Chicken Thighs

Freezing bone-in chicken thighs is similar to the process for boneless chicken breasts. Begin by trimming excess fat or connective tissue from the chicken using a sharp boning knife or kitchen shears.

Wrap the number of pieces you desire in plastic wrap and place each portion into a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out any excess air before sealing.

Label the bag with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

How to Care for Your Knives

Keeping your knives sharp and maintaining them is important. Sharp knives are essential for cutting chicken safely and effectively. To maintain sharpness, be sure to use a honing steel or an electric knife sharpener like mine.

Wash your knives by hand. They can be dulled in the dishwasher. Many knives have wooden handles that will be damaged by the dishwasher.

Store your knives carefully. I like to store mine in a drawer to protect the blades and prevent injury but a knife block or a magnetic strip are good choices, too.

Here's a quick look at how I take care of knives in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long can frozen chicken last in the freezer?

A: Frozen chicken can last up to 6 months in the freezer.

Q: Can I refreeze chicken that has been thawed?

A: It is not recommended to refreeze chicken that has been thawed, as this can lead to food safety concerns.

Q: How can I safely thaw frozen chicken?

A: The safest way to thaw frozen chicken is in the refrigerator, allowing it to thaw slowly. Alternatively, you can thaw chicken in a sealed plastic bag in cold water or in the microwave on the defrost setting.

Recipes to Make with Chicken

Freezer Chicken Parmesan

Mediterranean Chicken Skillet Dinner

Weeknight Chicken Piccata

Happy Shopping!

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