Freezing cooked chicken?

[bamamom]

My DH left the freezer door ajar and now I have lots of boneless chicken that is thawed If I cook it all and then divide into bags for casseroles, pot pies and things like that will that work you think? Has anyone every cooked chicken then froze it. What would be the best way to cook it (boil, george forman, slow cooker etc..)I really don't want all this chicken to go to waste...have some on grill for dinner but still lots left. Thanks!!!

 

[Taja]

If you're planning to reheat the cooked chicken after freezing it, I would suggest slow-cooking or other method that would keep it moist. Otherwise, it can be rather dry.

You can sear or brown it on the barbecue or other grill--or range top--and finish it in a slow cooker or some large pans with moisture in your oven at low temperature (start about 325, then turn down to 275).

It's actually helpful to have cooked chicken in the freezer--just be sure to portion it so you can pull out what you need the night before. I tend to do one or two serving portions, since I'm solo. Base your packaging on your family size.

I usually wrap each portion in plastic wrap, then store it in Lock & Lock containers. Any containers that are freezer safe--or the food storage bags for freezer use--are fine.

Edited to add:

Be sure to keep seasoning minimal and DO NOT use salt. The seasoning tends to intensify in favour after freezing. Salt will dry out the chicken. It's better to add seasoning when you thaw and reheat the chicken.

 

[chris31997]

I boiled a whole chicken, picked it clean and than added a little of the broth after it had cooled to the bag. Like the PP said portion it into the containers that way you only pull out what you need.

 

[Shanna-like-Banana]

Are you asking more like.. do you think it's safe to cook chicken that accidently thawed and then re-freeze it so you don't have to throw it out ?

Personally, I would NOT. This is eaactly how food born illnesses start, in perticuliar Listeria. Heating freezing, freezing cooking freezing heating, etc.

I am really sorry that it happened to thaw out, but if it were me I'd through it out

 

[university]

It's perfectly safe to reheat frozen cooked chicken. The freezer section of your grocery store is packed with meat meals.

Personally, I would poach it (boil it). Freeze it into amounts that you would typically use so you're not going to have to use a ton all at once.

 

[sheldonsmom]

I made chicken and noodles tonight with chicken I cooked and froze a few weeks ago, turned out great!

 

[Styx Fan]

When ever I buy chicken in bulk I try to pre-cook and freeze some. I will usually boil a bunch, then dice it and package it in 2 cup portions. I have several things use 2 cups of cooked, cut-up chicken. It really speeds up the time of making a casserole.

 

[lizabu]

It's completely safe as long as the chicken was still cold and didn't sit so long it felt warm. I would grill it and then freeze it.

 

[luckey-lasvegas]

I do it all the time. I would poach it also, then dice it . It's great to have around for chicken salad , tacos, quesadillas etc.