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How Long Does Homemade Chicken Stock Last In The Fridge
Homemade chicken stock lasts for about 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator if stored properly. You should store the chicken stock in an airtight container to maximize its shelf life. You should also refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking. You can also extend its shelf life by putting it in the freezer.
If stored correctly and kept refrigerated consistently, the chicken broth you make can last for indefinite amounts of time. In the fridge, the fat in homemade chicken broth solidifies and forms a condensation coating on top of the stock, which will keep and preserve it fresh for up to 6 days.
Whether you have Homemade Chicken Broth or Store-bought canned Chicken Broth, it will last 4-5 days in your fridge. If you keep the opened broth in your refrigerator correctly, the best time to use or cook your opened chicken stock before it spoils is 3-5 days.
Storage and Shelf Life Guidelines for Chicken Stock
If you know that your stock has been sitting in the refrigerator longer than 3-4 days, you are advised to avoid using your stock. Of course, you should always check for signs of spoilage before using a stock that has been stored longer than a few days.
Your stock should last for around 5-6 days in the fridge (just checking for spoilage) or for 6 months when stored in the freezer.
After you have pulled out enough from your container for use, transfer the leftover broth into another sealed container, and keep the entire thing in the fridge for use the next time.
If you thoroughly strain out my broth to remove any solids, then the stock should stay good in the fridge for about a week, though I tend to use mine in 4 days.
If your broth has been left outside at temperatures of 40-140F for longer than 2 hours, it is prone to spoilage and should be discarded, as recommended by the USDA.
| Conditions | Shelf Life |
| Homemade Chicken Broth or Store-bought canned Chicken Broth | It will last 4-5 days in your fridge. |
| If you keep the opened broth in your refrigerator correctly. | Best time to use or cook your opened chicken stock before it spoils is 3-5 days. |
Storing Homemade Broth: Tips for Fat Layer and Freezing Techniques
Once you make a batch of broth, in order to store it without having to can it or freeze it, all you need to do is ensure a good 1/2 to 1 1/2 pound of that rendered fat is sitting on top of every can or container that you strain the broth into.
Speaking from experience, I recommend freezing your broth in two-cup containers, considering this is the standard measurement in most recipes. The homemade stock must cool thoroughly before moving into a sealed container, then stored in the refrigerator.
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You can actually heat homemade broth one time, but it should cool completely before pouring into an airtight container and keeping it in the refrigerator.
Because the chicken stock is made at home, you should never immediately store hot chicken stock in an airtight container because moisture may build up within the container and may provide the proper setting for the development of bacteria, which may end up spoiling your chicken stock.
The reason for this is that when you heat a chicken broth that has been previously refrigerated or frozen, it will increase in temperature from 40 degrees F., which is the proper temperature for the growth of bacteria; therefore, the bacteria may grow in a rapid rate inside it, and you should never refrigerate that chicken broth again.
Thawing and Using Chicken Broth Cubes
When you want to thaw and use chicken broth cubes, remove them from the freezer and leave them in the fridge overnight, or you can immediately use them by melting them in the cooker at medium temperature till they become completely liquid.
I prefer freezing my broth in trays and then popping out the cubes, keeping them in gallon-sized freezer bags. I simply leave one-quart frozen stock in the kitchen sink overnight and then re-freeze in the morning.
What I do sometimes is put ice packs under bowls (carefully) on the countertop to chill the stock quickly, so you can quickly put it into a fridge/freezer.
If you do not have this type of time, you can put frozen containers into a bowl or another container of cold water until your frozen stock has thawed enough to transfer it out of the container to the pot to melt.
Measure out 1 cup stock and pour it into the ice cube molds (you can use a funnel to help minimize spilling) and put the ice cube molds into the freezer for 4-6 hours or until fully frozen solid.
To thaw, either let the container sit overnight in the fridge or just transfer frozen chunks of broth out of the container into a pot and warm it up over a burner.
Removing Fat Layer and Convenient Storage Options for Chicken Stock
- Use a spoon to scrape off the thin layer of chicken fat accumulating on the chicken stock.
- The stock is protected and kept cool for up to ten days by the congealing fat in the refrigerator, which forms a seal on top of the liquid.
- Smaller portions of broth can be easily frozen in ice cube trays for quick thawing and use in sauces or other recipes.
- Store prepared vegetable or chicken stock in quart-sized glass jars, such as repurposed veganaise or yogurt jars, or canned containers if you intend to use it within a few days.
Storage Recommendations for Vegetable Stock and Signs of Spoilage in Chicken Stock
To extend the shelf-life even more for cooked vegetable stock, freeze it; store it in covered airtight containers or in a heavy-duty freezer bag.
To maximize the shelf life of canned or packaged vegetable broth once opened, store it in covered glass or plastic containers.
If the chicken stock turns horribly, the container that stores chicken stock may have a little sediment on the bottom, making your chicken stock liquid appear muddy, while the homemade stock may still appear mild with just a bit of muddy sediment.
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Can I use chicken stock after seven days?
The best time to consume or prepare the opened chicken broth before it spoils is three to five days if you store it correctly in the refrigerator. You should discard the remaining broth after five days. The chicken broth you make can last for indefinite amounts of time if you freeze it properly.
How long does homemade chicken stock stay good in the fridge?
Stock can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days if you preserve it properly. It is advised that you let it cool first. It is not a good idea to put a large container of hot stock liquid straight into your refrigerator as the container will not cool through quickly enough.
How do I know if my homemade chicken stock is bad?
You can tell if your homemade chicken stock has gone bad if it becomes cloudy, or if bits of sediment settle down at the bottom of the stock liquid. Other signs of spoilage include a changed smell. If the stock begins to smell sour and unpleasant, you should refrain from consuming it and discard it immediately.