Chicken is one of the most versatile ingredients in the world. What can’t you do with chicken? This protein-rich meat is ideal for any home chef who loves to prepare quick, nutritious meals.
It may be prepared in various delicious styles, which is why many people buy in bulk. But what if you’ve made too much chicken and don’t know what to do with the leftovers? You could always freeze it.
In general, freezing cooked chicken is a safe process that will maintain the quality of the meat. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you pop those leftovers in the freezer. We will go over them in this article.
Can You Freeze Fried Chicken?
There are several methods to fry chicken. You usually season it, cover it in breading, and then deep-fry it in boiling oil. This method of frying chicken prevents moisture from escaping and destroys germs, making it ideal for long-term storage. When you freeze fried chicken, you can retain its taste and nutrients by freezing individually wrapped pieces or placing the entire dish in an airtight container.
To prevent freezer burn, make sure there is no air exposure before you seal and freeze the chicken. When done correctly, frozen fried chicken can last up to 4 months without any significant loss of quality.
When thawing frozen fried chicken, do not leave it at room temperature for too long. Thawing chicken at room temperature can cause bacteria to form and make the meat unsafe to eat. Instead, thaw the chicken in the fridge or using the microwave.
If you have any leftovers after thawing, make sure to cook them within 2 hours.
It’s best to defrost frozen fried chicken in the refrigerator overnight or cold water. Thawing fried chicken at room temperature is not a good idea since it might take long, and bacteria may develop. If you’re in a rush, use the defrost setting on your microwave. Allow it to defrost only halfway before using it.
Related: Can You Freeze Chicken Noodle Soup?
How to Freeze Fried Chicken?
Simply follow the steps and hints for freezing fried chicken:
- Cook the chicken according to your chosen recipe.
- Let it cool completely before freezing.
- Place the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours or until solid.
- Transfer the frozen chicken to a labeled, airtight container or freezer bag for long-term storage.
- Ensure no air exposure before you seal and freeze the chicken.
- When done correctly, frozen fried chicken can last up to 4 months without any significant loss of quality.
- Thawing frozen fried chicken is best done overnight or in cold water in the refrigerator.
- If you have any leftovers after thawing, make sure to cook them within 2 hours.
- Enjoy your delicious frozen fried chicken!
Fried chicken is a versatile dish that can be used in various recipes. Here are a few of our favorites:
Buffalo Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Combine flour, milk, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika in a shallow bowl.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture until coated and set aside.
- Bring hot sauce and butter to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chicken to the saucepan and cook for about 5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Related: Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey-Dijon Glaze Recipe
Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Combine flour, milk, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika in a shallow bowl.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture until coated and set aside.
- Bring hot sauce and butter to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chicken to the saucepan and cook for about 5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- Slice chicken breasts into thin strips and assemble sandwiches with ranch dressing, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.
Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Combine flour, milk, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika in a shallow bowl.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture until coated and set aside.
- Bring hot sauce and butter to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chicken to the saucepan and cook for about 5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to cool slightly before chopping it into small pieces.
- In a large wok or skillet over medium heat, heat oil and add garlic, onions, and rice.
- Stir fry for about 5 minutes or until rice is evenly coated with oil.
- Add chicken and vegetables of your choice and continue to stir fry until everything is cooked through.
- Serve with soy sauce, and enjoy!
Conclusion
Yes, fried chicken can be frozen! You don’t have to be concerned about the flavor or texture because it will taste and feel the same after reheating. Just make sure to use an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
When thawing, do not leave it at room temperature for too long as bacteria may develop. Fried chicken is a versatile dish, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and sauces. Enjoy!
